Guillain-Barre syndrome after antithymocyte globulin administration in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and literature review

This report describes a rare case of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) following receiving rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) after kidney transplantation to prevent acute allograft rejection in a 34-year-old man. The patient presented severe pain in the right temporomandibular joint, fever, chills, myalgia, polyarthralgia, and bone pain. Twelve hours later, he developed quadriplegia, paresthesia, and a limited range of active motions in all extremities. No antecedent viral or bacterial infection was identified. The EMG/NCV evaluation displayed acute inflammatory sensory-motor polyneuropathy. After the administration of GBS treatment, the neurologic symptoms started to improve. Over a few days, the reflexes came back completely, and the patient was able to walk. To our knowledge, this is the second case report of ATG-related GBS after kidney transplantation.

Worldwide Knowledge About Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students: Findings of a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE

The objective of this comprehensive review is to investigate the studies assessing the interventional radiology knowledge among medical students worldwide and inspect the feasible solutions for improving their perspective on this specialty.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was accomplished on PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Embase databases. The quality of eligible articles was assessed with the QATSDD assessment tool.

RESULTS

After screening of articles, 29 studies were included. All the included articles were published between 2009 and 2021, with 20 studies performed in 2017 and thereafter. Interventional radiologists' duties, procedures, and training pathways were the main subjects investigated in surveys. The interest and exposure to interventional radiology were also assessed. All the studies indicated that the knowledge about interventional radiology compared with other specialties is weak. In 14 studies, over 50% of participants reported their interventional radiology knowledge as either poor or none. The most reason for not considering interventional radiology residency was lack of awareness during medical schools. Studies which held a tutorial course reported the students' awareness and interest improved significantly after the course.

CONCLUSION

The present evidence indicates that although the current awareness of interventional radiology is low, timely didactic courses in medical schools can improve this condition significantly, lead to graduation of more oriented referring physicians, and also attract more fit applicants to interventional radiology residency programs.

Relapsing anemia associated with parvovirus B19 infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and review of the literature

Key clinical message

PB19 infection should be considered an uncommon cause of posttransplant anemia in renal transplant recipients, particularly those whose anemia is not associated with common etiologies. IVIG treatment and reduced immunosuppression could be beneficial.

Abstract

Parvovirus B19-associated relapsing anemia is rare in kidney transplant recipients. Herein, we report a case of relapsed anemia due to parvovirus B19 infection in a 53-year-old woman 18 months after kidney transplantation. The patient presented with palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and lethargy. Early laboratory findings showed a WBC count of 6.000/μL, RBC count of 1.89/μL, hemoglobin (Hb) 3.5 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) 15%, platelet count 266.000/μL, MCV 89, reticulocyte count 0.8%, and serum iron 221 μg/dL. Upon further evaluation, the RT-PCR test for BK polyomavirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT-PCR was positive. The patient was treated with blood transfusion and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days. Two months after discharge, the patient presented, complaining of palpitation, shortness of breath, and dizziness, with RBC 2.7/μL, Hb 6.5 g/dL, Hct 25%, and MCV 85. Again, the CMV RT-PCR was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT-PCR was positive. Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid were stopped, and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days was administered. Consequently, her Hb level increased to 9 g/dL, and the patient was discharged with prednisolone 5 mg daily and cyclosporine 50 mg daily instead of tacrolimus. Viral infection, particularly PB19 infection, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posttransplantation anemia in KTRs. IVIG treatment and modification of immunosuppressive medications are suggested standard therapies for such patients. The function of transplanted kidneys should be carefully monitored during treatment.

Evaluation of Phobia, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about SARS-CoV-2 Infection, a Study on Healthcare Workers and Their 1st Degree Relatives

BACKGROUND

Phobia as a psychological disorder seems to be aggravated during health crises like the current COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, people's knowledge about a situation can help decrease the resulting fear.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional analytical study to evaluate the COVID-19 related phobia and to measure knowledge, attitude, and practice of our target Iranian population about COVID-19.

METHODS

In this study, DSM-5 specific phobia questionnaire, adapted to SARS-CoV2-19 infection, was used to evaluate the COVID-19 related phobia. Moreover, the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire, specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection, was applied.

RESULTS

Phobia score was significantly higher in 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff (20.38±5.82) than healthcare staff (18.36±5.68) (p=0.021). Females showed a significantly more severe phobia (20.27±5.41) than males (17.72±5.35, p=0.001). COVID-19 phobia was significantly more severe in those with past psy-chiatric conditions than in those without psychiatric history (p<0.05). The 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff had a significantly lower level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection (8.19±1.65) than healthcare staff (9.08±1.28, p=0.001). Additionally, age had a positive significant correlation with knowledge and practice towards SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSION

Both Iranian healthcare staff and 1st-degree relatives of healthcare workers are suffering from moderate COVID-19 phobia. Females are more concerned than males about COVID-19. Phobia is more severe in people with underlying psychiatric conditions than other people. The knowledge level of Iranian healthcare workers and 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff about COVID-19 is acceptable but it needs improvement in certain areas.

Assessment of Field-in-Field, 3-Field, and 4-Field Treatment Planning Methods for Radiotherapy of Gastro-Esophageal Junction Cancer

Background

Gastro-esophageal (GE) junction cancer is the fastest-growing tumor, particularly in the United States (US).

Objective

This study aimed to compare dosimetric and radiobiological factors among field-in-field (FIF), three-field (3F), and four-field box (4FB) radiotherapy planning techniques for gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

Material and Methods

In this experimental study, thirty patients with GE junction cancer were evaluated, and three planning techniques (field-in-field (FIF), three-field (3F), and four-field box (4FB)) were performed for each patient for a 6-MV photon beam. Dose distribution in the target volume, the monitor units (MUs) required, and the dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) were compared for these techniques using the paired-sample t-test.

Results

A significant difference was measured between the FIF and 3F techniques with respect to conformity index (CI), dose homogeneity index (HI), and tumor control probability (TCP) for the target organ, as well as the D_mean for the heart, kidneys, and liver. For the spinal cord, the FIF technique showed a slight reduction in the maximum dose compared to the other two techniques. In addition, the V_{20 Gy} of the lungs and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of all OARs were reduced with FIF method.

Conclusion

The FIF technique showed better performance for treating patients with gastro-esophageal junction tumors, in terms of dose homogeneity in the target, conformity of the radiation field with the target volume, TCP, less dose to healthy organs, and fewer MU.

Recovery of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the association of some demographic and clinical factors with recovery from olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in Iran.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was performed on 242 coronavirus disease 2019 patients with olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The time from onset to recovery for olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier estimator.

RESULTS

After six months, 239 patients (98.8 per cent) had completely recovered from olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction symptoms resolved in 80.99 per cent and 83.56 per cent of the patients, respectively, within the first 30 days of symptom onset. Mean recovery time for olfactory dysfunction (35.07 ± 4.25 days) was significantly longer in those infected during the first epidemic wave compared with those infected during the second wave (21.65 ± 2.05 days) (p = 0.004). A similar pattern in recovery time was observed for cases of gustatory dysfunction (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The recovery rate for coronavirus disease 2019 related olfactory and gustatory dysfunction is high within the first month of symptom onset.

Grading of meningioma tumors based on analyzing tumor volumetric histograms obtained from conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient images

Background

Our purpose was to evaluate the application of volumetric histogram parameters obtained from conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images for grading the meningioma tumors.

Results

Tumor volumetric histograms of preoperative MRI images from 45 patients with the diagnosis of meningioma at different grades were analyzed to find the histogram parameters. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was used for comparison between the parameters obtained from different grades. Multi-parametric regression analysis was used to find the model and parameters with high predictive value for the classification of meningioma. Mode; standard deviation on post-contrast T1WI, T2-FLAIR, and ADC images; kurtosis on post-contrast T1WI and T2-FLAIR images; mean and several percentile values on ADC; and post-contrast T1WI images showed significant differences among different tumor grades (P < 0.05). The multi-parametric linear regression showed that the ADC histogram parameters model had a higher predictive value, with cutoff values of 0.212 (sensitivity = 79.6%, specificity = 84.3%) and 0.180 (sensitivity = 70.9%, specificity = 80.8%) for differentiating the grade I from II, and grade II from III, respectively.

Conclusions

The multi-parametric model of volumetric histogram parameters in some of the conventional MRI series (i.e., post-contrast T1WI and T2-FLAIR images) along with the ADC images are appropriate for predicting the meningioma tumors’ grade.

The radioprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid on radiotherapy-induced toxicities: A systematic review

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy is one of the main cancer treatment modalities applied in 50-70% of cancer patients. Despite the many advantages of this treatment, such as non-invasiveness, organ-preservation, and spatiotemporal flexibility in tumor targeting, it can lead to complications in irradiated healthy cells/tissues. In this regard, the use of radio-protective agents can alleviate radiation-induced complications. This study aimed to review the potential role of alpha-lipoic acid in the prevention/reduction of radiation-induced toxicities on healthy cells/tissues.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed following PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature on the "role of alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of radiotherapy-induced toxicity" in the electronic databases of Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus up to January 2021. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present study, 278 articles were screened. Finally, 29 articles were included in this systematic review.

RESULTS

The obtained results showed that in experimental in vivo models, the radiation-treated groups had decreased survival rate and body weight compared to the control groups. It was also found that radiation can induce mild to severe toxicities on gastrointestinal, circulatory, reproductive, central nervous, respiratory, endocrine, exocrine systems, etc. However, the use of alpha-lipoic acid could alleviate the radiation-induced toxicities in most cases. This radio-protective agent exerts its effects through mechanisms of anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, and so on.

CONCLUSION

According to the obtained results, it can be mentioned that co-treatment of alpha-lipoic acid with radiotherapy ameliorates the radiation-induced toxicities in healthy cells/tissues.

Comparative trachea transcriptome analysis between avian infectious bronchitis virus and avian pathogenic E. coli individual infection and co-infection in SPF chickens

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are two important respiratory pathogens in the chicken. The co-infection can lead to chronic complications and considerable economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. In the present study, we compared differential transcriptional profiles in the trachea tissue of three infected groups (IBV, APEC, and co-infection) with the control group to investigate transcriptome profile changes at the early stage of the infection. After the challenge of SPF chickens with IBV IS-1494 like (GI-23) and APEC, serotype O78: K80, or co-infection, the trachea tissue was used for RNA extraction, and changes in the transcriptome were investigated by Illumina RNA-seq technique. Up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the transcriptome of each group's trachea were identified. Gene ontology category, KEGG pathway, and gene interaction networks (STRING analysis) were analyzed to identify relationships among differentially expressed genes. In general, the numbers of up-regulated genes were higher than of down-regulated genes. In the co-infection group, a more severe immune response and macrophage infiltration occurred; an important cluster of pathway signaling in this group's up-regulated genes was an apoptotic cluster, cytokine-mediated signaling cluster, and the PAMPs recognizing cluster. This is the first study to provide a general overview of transcriptome changes in the trachea at the early stage of infection with these pathogens. Keywords: avian infectious bronchitis virus; avian pathogenic E. coli; transcriptome; RNA-Seq.

[Hepatitis B Virus (Hepadnaviridae: Orthohepadnavirus: Hepatitis B virus) among Hospitalized Mentally Disabled Patients is not transmitted by their nurses or family members]

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been reported to be higher in the institutionalized mentally disabled patients than that of the general population previously reported in Iran. This study aims to investigate HBV infection among nurses and families of the hospitalized mentally disabled patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 110 nurses and family members of the mentally disabled patients who were hospitalized in five residential care centers of Tehran. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) was examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Afterwards, HBV DNA was extracted, and then propagated via a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method to compare virus genomes in the nurses' serum with other isolated HBVs worldwide.

RESULTS

Out of 102 studied nurses, three (3%) were positive for HBsAg (100% female). Also, no patient was positive for the HBV genome, while eight (7.3%) nurses were positive for HBcAb including two (25%) males and six (75%) females. Genome sequencing of one DNA positive sample showed that the isolated virus from this patient contained sub genotype D1 and subtype ayw2. The results of none of the family members were positive for HBsAg, HBcAb, or HBV DNA.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a higher prevalence of HBsAg among nurses (3%) compared to the Iranian general population (1.7-2.1%). The virus isolated from the nurses belonged to subgenotype D1 and subtype ayw2 in accordance with previous Iranian reports. Also, there was no drug-resistant or vaccine-escape mutations in the obtained viral genome. Moreover, low immune pressure on the virus in the asymptomatic chronic HBV patients might be responsible for low nucleotide divergence among the derived HBV genome.

Clostridium difficile infection in cancer patients with hospital acquired diarrhea at the teaching hospitals in Iran: Multilocus sequence typing analysis (MLST) and Antimicrobial resistance pattern

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the phenotype and genotype characterization of Clostridium difficile isolates among cancer patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea in 4 teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross sectional study conducted on adult (>18 years old) between April 2015 and May 2017.

METHODS

Over two years, 67 diarrheic fecal samples were collected. C. difficile isolates were characterized according to the presence of toxin genes and antibiotic resistance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to evaluate the genetic relationships between different lineages of toxigenic strains.

RESULTS

Seven toxigenic and 12 non- toxigenic strains were detected among stool samples. Patients with a history of previous surgery during hospitalization were more than 7 times likely to develop Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). All isolates were susceptible to metronidazole, vancomycin and fusidic acid. Toxigenic C. difficile strains were divided into 3 different sequence types. The detected types were ST-54, ST-2 and ST-37, while none of the isolates was identified as ST-1 or ST-11.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of the MLST analysis of C. difficile strains isolated from cancer patients in Iran. All of the studied population were exposed to multiple antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. Further research and clinical studies are recommended in the treatment through good antimicrobial stewardship and prevention of C. difficile infection in all healthcare settings.

Pregnancy and Calving Rates of Cloned Dromedary Camels Produced by Conventional and Handmade Cloning Techniques and In Vitro and In Vivo Matured Oocytes

Despite practical implication of cloning in camelids, its broad application has been hampered by technical and biological problems. Method of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and oocyte competence are the principal technical and biological factors, respectively, that determine the cloning efficiency. This study, therefore, investigated differential contributions of two SCNT methods [modified handmade cloning (mHMC) vs. conventional (cNT)] and two recipient oocyte sources [abattoir-derived (Vitro) vs. FSH-stimulated (Vivo)] on the efficiency of dromedary camel cloning. The mHMC method supported similar rates of fusion, cleavage, and total blastocyst development, compared to conventional NT (cNT) (94, 89.1, and 68.5% vs. 78.9, 92, and 73.5%, respectively) when Vivo oocytes are used. However, using Vitro oocytes, mHMC supported significantly higher rates for these criteria, except for the cleavage, compared to cNT (95.5, 76.2, 25.2% vs. 75.3, 76.7, and 13.9%, respectively). A total of seven clones were born from mHMC/Vitro (four calves), mHMC/Vivo (one calf), cNT/Vitro (one calf), and mHMC/Vivo&Vivo (one calf)-derived embryos with overall efficiencies of 31.9, 26.6, 20, and 30% for initial pregnancy, 10.6, 6.6, 7.5, and 5% for development to term, and 8.5, 6.6, 2.5, 5% for development to weaving, respectively. To conclude, the quality of recipient oocyte greatly impacts cloning efficiency in vitro with no apparent carrying over effect on cloning efficiency in vivo, but the efficiency of SCNT method may compensate for the initial poor oocyte competence during in vitro and in vivo development of cloned embryos. The introduced mHMC could be a superior alternative to conventional method for simple, fast, and efficient production of cloned offspring in camelids.

Platelet rich plasma efficiently substitutes the beneficial effects of serum during in vitro oocyte maturation and helps maintain the mitochondrial activity of maturing oocytes

Platelets contain most of the potent mitogenic factors present in serum and follicular fluid and intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) was shown to improve ovarian function and development of preantral follicles. This study evaluated the effect of PRP on caprine oocyte maturation in vitro and subsequent fertilization and embryonic development. Cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in a maturation medium supplemented with (1) fetal bovine serum (FBS, control), (2) PRP, extracted from healthy female goats, (3) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and (4) PVA plus PRP (PVA-PRP). The degree of cumulus expansion was scored, and denuded oocytes were used for assessment of nuclear maturation, mitochondrial activity, lipid content, redox status, yield and quality of in vitro embryo development, and cryosurvival of the resulting blastocysts. PRP supported the same beneficial effects of FBS on cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation, in vitro developmental competence of oocytes, and survival of vitrified-warmed blastocysts. Moreover, PRP protected oocytes from undesirable effects FBS exerted on the mitochondrial activity and intracytoplasmic lipid content of maturing oocyte. Although PVA could support the same beneficial effects of neither FBS nor PRP on oocyte maturation, its combined addition with PRP improved the yield and quality of oocyte maturation at rates closely similar to PRP. PRP efficiently substitutes beneficial effects of serum during in vitro oocyte maturation and helps maintain the mitochondrial activity of maturing oocytes.

A novel layer-by-layer heterogeneous cation exchange membrane for heavy metal ions removal from water

A novel layer-by-layer (LbL) cation exchange membrane was prepared for heavy metal ions removal from water via electrodialysis. LBL membranes fabricated by coating of [chitosan-co-activated carbon nanoparticles] layer on polyvinyl chloride-based heterogeneous cation exchange membrane. Betterment in adherence of layers was achieved through glutaraldehyde cross linking. FTIR, FESEM, 3D-surface images and BET analysis were used for LBL membrane characterization. Membrane surface hydrophilicity, flux, membrane potential, transport number, and their permselectivity were studied. FTIR spectra confirm LbL formation decisively. FESEM images and BET analysis demonstrated that coating of second layer on PVC membrane led to a compact structure. LbL membrane showed smoother and more hydrophilic surface compared to pristine membrane. The transport number and permselectivity increased by deposition of second layer whereas sodium flux showed up-down trend. ED experiment showed good ability in heavy metal ions removal for LBL membrane that follows (Cu²⁺> Ni²⁺> Pb²⁺) sequence. EDX analysis showed a competitive adsorption for heavy metal ions on LBL membrane as (Pb²⁺> Cu²⁺≥Ni²⁺). The effect of ultrasonic waves on regeneration of fouled membranes by heavy metals was investigated. The results showed improved performance for the regenerated membrane. Mechanical resistance also improved by utilizing of ACNs in chitosan layer.

Effect of macromolecule supplement on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, cryosurvival and in vitro embryo development of dromedary camel oocytes

The current evaluation of oocyte vitro maturation (IVM) media has progressed toward more defined conditions in human and livestock. In this study, the replacement of fetal calf serum (FCS) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was evaluated during IVM in dromedary camel. Nuclear maturation rates in presence of FCS and PVA were comparable (81.6 ± 1 and 75.5 ± 5%, respectively). BSA, whether used alone or in combination with FCS, significantly reduced nuclear maturation (51.6 ± 3.9 and 54.6 ± 1.1%, respectively), compared to FCS and PVA. BSA also increased the rates of chromosome aberrations compared to FCS and PVA (25.7 ± 7.4, 8.8 ± 2.3 and 6.0 ± 2.0%, respectively). IVM macromolecule differentially affected morphological aspects of cumulus expansion and FCS promoted the highest dissociation of cumulus cells, compared to all the other groups. FCS significantly increased mean lipid intensity of oocytes compared to BSA, FCS-BSA and PVA which could explain the lower cryo-survival of oocytes matured in presence of FCS compared to BSA and PVA (56.1 ± 5.2, 91.0 ± 19.5, and 87.8 ± 6.7%, respectively). Mitochondrial activity was not affected by macromolecules, but oocytes cultured with PVA had the best redox status, compared to other IVM groups. Cleavage was not affected by IVM macromolecule, but FCS promoted significantly higher rate of morula development (51.6 ± 5.2 vs. 33.6 ± 2.9% for PVA) and blastocyst development (36.8 ± 1.4 vs. 20.5 ± 2.0% for BSA). Although adding FCS during IVM supported highest hatching rate of the resulting blastocysts, differential cell number showed no long lasting effect of IVM macromolecules on blastocyst quality. Obtained results suggest the possibility to switch from undefined to more defined IVM systems for efficient in vitro maturation and subsequent vitrification of dromedary camel oocytes. Keywords: camel, oocyte maturation, protein supplement, cryosurvival.

Establishment of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for simultaneous detection of human parainfluenza virus types 1 to 4 in children with influenza like illnesses

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop an in-house multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR), which can recognize HPIV1-4 in clinical samples.

BACKGROUND

Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) is one of the major causes of viral respiratory infections and can affect people at any age, especially infants and young children.

METHODS

Four sets of specific primers targeting conserved areas of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes of HPIV1-4, were designed and tested with type-related plasmid controls. Specificity and sensitivity of mPCR were tested. One-step mRT-PCR was set up using a viral panel containing 10 respiratory viruses, including HPIVs. One hundred nasopharyngeal samples of respiratory infection patients were tested using the set One-step mRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The specificity of set mPCR for HPIV1-4 using plasmid positive controls was proved and reaction sensitivity was measured. The specificity of set mRT-PCR was confirmed and 4 and 5 out of 100 clinical samples were HPIV1 and HPIV2 positive, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The developed one-step mRT-PCR in this study is an effective and specific assay for clinical diagnosis of HPIV1 to 4 (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 28).

Effects of a blend of essential oils and overcrowding stress on the growth performance, meat quality and heat shock protein gene expression of broilers

Overcrowding stress is common in the poultry industry. Chickens exposed to long-term stressful situations are characterised by welfare impairment and immunosuppression. 1. The present study evaluated the effects of a blend of essential oils (EOB; cinnamaldehyde and thymol) and stocking density on the performance, gut microflora, meat quality and physiological stress markers of broilers. 2. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 360) were allocated to 4 experimental groups from d 22 to 42. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 15 chicks. Two groups were subjected to a high stocking density (HSD) of 20 birds/m² and the other two groups were kept at a low stocking density (LSD) of 10 birds/m². 3. The results of this study indicate that overcrowding stress decreased growth performance parameters, blood immunoglobulin (Ig)G and heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio but increased IgA and IgM levels. HSD reduced water-loss rate and pH decline at 45 min post mortem in the breast muscle. 4. Essential oils supplementation elevated H:L ratio but decreased breast meat redness and pH₂₄. 5. Significant interactions between EOB and stocking density were observed for corticosterone (CS) level and mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in brain and heart. Although HSD increased CS and HSP70 when compared to LSD, the effects of the former were inconsistent with EOB supplemented diets. 6. In conclusion, dietary EOB supplementation could improve some of the biomarkers associated with overcrowding stress in broiler chickens.

Novel electrodialysis cation exchange membrane prepared by 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid; heavy metal ions removal

In the present work a novel heterogeneous cation exchange membrane (CEM) composed of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid based hydrogel (AMAH) was prepared. The membranes were fabricated with different fractions of AMAH to optimize the performance in desalination. The hydrogel was characterized by FT-IR to prove the successful synthesis. The membrane properties such as permselectivity, ionic permeability, flux, water content, electrical resistance, morphology, contact angle and dimensional stability were evaluated. Modified membranes showed acceptable dimensional stabilities, more hydrophilic surface, higher water content and porosity. SEM images revealed the formation of a more porous membrane structure. Membrane permselectivity and transport number showed a relatively constant then decreasing trend in Na⁺ and Ba²⁺ solutions. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of AMAH into the PVC matrix obviously improved ionic permeability and flux of Na (∼9%) and Ba (∼23%). Membrane electrical resistance was declined about 36% by adding AMAH in the membrane structure. Membranes' performance in potassium and heavy metal ions removal showed a remarkable separation capacity of K⁺ (99.9%), Pb²⁺ (99.9%) and Ni²⁺ (96.9%). Membranes showed desirable potential for scaling removal.

Differential expression of innate immune response genes in clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection

We investigated innate immune gene expression in clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection, including immune tolerant (IT), immune active (IA), inactive carrier (IC) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative phases, as well as healthy controls. Expression levels of interferon types I, II and III, their receptor subunits, IRFs, TLRs and other IFN-induced genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared. Forty HBsAg-positive treatment-naïve subjects without co-infection with HIV, HCV or HDV were enrolled. To complement the viral load, the expression levels of 37 innate immune genes were measured by qPCR. The highest response of the innate immune system was observed in the IT and HBeAg-negative phases, and the IC phase had the lowest response; 31 of the 37 studied genes reached their maximum mRNA expression levels in the IT and HBeAg-negative phases, and the minimum expression levels of 23 genes were found in the IC phase. The highest mRNA expression levels of IFNs, IFN receptor subunits, IRFs and TLRs genes in all clinical phases were IFN-λ2 and 3, IFN-γR2, IRF7 and TLR7, and the lowest levels of mRNA expression were observed for IFN-α, IFN-λR1, IRF8 and TLR2. We conclude that innate immune response genes are expressed differentially among chronic HBV phases, and this difference may help to develop new precise and noninvasive methods to determine the progression of disease in chronic HBV patients.

Cathepsin B inhibitor improves developmental competency and cryo-tolerance of in vitro ovine embryos

Background

Cathepsin B is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in apoptosis and oocytes which have lower developmental competence show higher expression of Cathepsin B. Furthermore, expression of Cathepsin B show a decreasing trend from oocyte toward blastocyst stage.

Results

Present study assessed the effect of cathepsin B inhibitor, E-64, on developmental competency and cryo-survival of pre-implantation ovine IVF derived embryos. Cathepsin B inhibitor was added during day 3 to 8 of development. One μM E-64 was defined as the optimal concentration required for improving blastocyst rate. This concentration also reduced DNA fragmentation and BAX as apoptotic markers while increasing total cell number per blastocyst and improving anti-apoptotic marker, the BCL2. We further showed that addition of 1.0 μM of E-64 during day 3 to 8 of development improved re-expansion and hatching rates of blastocysts post vitrification. E-64 also reduced rate of DNA fragmentation and BAX expression and increased total cell number per blastocyst and BCL2 expression post vitrification. However, addition of E-64 post vitrification reduced the hatching rate.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that inhibition of cathepsin B in IVC, not only improves quality and quantity of blastocysts but also improves the cryo-survival of in vitro derived blastocysts.

Predicting saltwater intrusion into aquifers in vicinity of deserts using spatio-temporal kriging

The primary objective of this study was to provide a detailed framework to use the spatio-temporal kriging to model the spatio-temporal variations of salinity data and predict saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers in the vicinity of deserts. EC data, measured in extraction wells in the Mahvelat plain located in the Northeastern part of Iran, available from 2007 to 2013, were used to demonstrate the developed framework. The source of data was not a well-designed measurement network. Therefore, to homogenize the data, spatial analysis was used to find EC distribution in the area in each year of study. To conduct the spatial analysis, a guideline and a systematic process were developed to select an appropriate kriging method and optimize its parameters. This process can be applied to different variables. After spatial analysis of EC data for all the years of the analysis period using empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) method with manually optimized parameters, spatio-temporal and corresponding variogram analysis was conducted using R software. This process was based on a separable product-sum model applied to the data from 2007 to 2012. The data of 2013 and the data available for the years 1999 and 2006 were used for evaluating the performance of the spatio-temporal model. The EC distribution maps, developed for different years until 2021, show a high level of EC in the north, south, and west of the study area and growing saltwater intrusion into the central freshwater aquifer. This result can be attributed to the over-exploitation of the aquifer and hydraulic head and gradient distribution in the area. The framework provided in this study for spatio-temporal analysis of unstructured EC data is useful for groundwater managers in making proper decisions.

Comparative dynamics of 5-methylcytosine reprogramming and TET family expression during preimplantation mammalian development in mouse and sheep

Despite previous assumption that paternal active DNA demethylation is an evolutionary conserved phenomenon in mammals, emerging studies in other species, particularly sheep, do not support this issue. Recently, ten eleven translocation (TET) enzymes have been suggested as intermediates in genome-wide DNA demethylation through the iterative conversion of five methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)/5-formylcytosine/5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) derivatives. This study investigated whether TET enzymes and 5mC derivatives are also involved in dynamic reprogramming of early sheep embryos derived by fertilization. Mouse zygotes and developing embryos were considered as control. Obtained results reported substantial differences in dynamics of parent-of-origin-specific patterns of 5mC reprogramming and generation/dilution of 5mC derivatives (5hmC and 5caC) between mouse and sheep early zygotes. Sheep zygotes reported a gradual and insignificant decrease pattern of parental pronucleus 5mC, which was notably replication independent, coincided with gradual generation of 5hmC and 5caC. Although the expression profiles of TET family of enzymes (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3), with the main exception being Tet2 at later developmental stages, were similar between mouse and sheep developing embryos. In addition, although the expression level of Tet3 was higher than Tet1 and Tet2 in MII oocytes and zygotes in both mouse and sheep, the expression of Tet3 in mouse was higher than sheep in both MII oocytes and zygotes. The contrasting dynamics of 5mC reprogramming between these two species may be associated with the particular evolutionary differences that exist between developmental program of rodents and ruminants, particularly during peri-implantation stages.

Electrodialysis heterogeneous ion exchange membranes modified by SiO2 nanoparticles: fabrication and electrochemical characterization

In the current study mixed matrix heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. The effect of SiO(2) nanoparticles in the polymeric solution on the physicochemical properties of prepared membranes was studied. Scanning optical microscope images showed uniform particle distribution and relatively uniform surfaces for the prepared membranes. The membrane water content was reduced by silica nanoparticles in the membranes' matrix. The membrane ion exchange capacity, membrane potential, transport number and selectivity were improved initially by an increase of SiO(2) nanoparticles concentration up to 1%wt in prepared membranes and then showed a decreasing trend with a further increase in additive ratio from 1 to 4%wt. The ionic permeability and flux were also decreased initially by an increase of silica nanoparticles concentration up to 0.5%wt in the membrane matrix and then increased again with a further increase in nanoparticles concentration from 0.5 to 4%wt. Moreover, the results exhibited that using silica nanoparticles in the membrane matrix caused an obvious decrease in areal electrical resistance. The opposite trend was found for membrane mechanical strength using SiO(2) nanoparticles.

Transcriptome profiling of bovine inner cell mass and trophectoderm derived from in vivo generated blastocysts

Background

This study describes the generation and analysis of the transcriptional profile of bovine inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), obtained from in vivo developed embryos by using a bovine-embryo specific array (EmbryoGENE) containing 37,238 probes.

Results

A total of 4,689 probes were differentially expressed between ICM and TE, among these, 2,380 and 2,309 probes were upregulated in ICM and TE tissues, respectively (P ≤ 0.01, FC ≥ 2.0, FDR: 2.0). Ontological classification of the genes predominantly expressed in ICM emerged a range of functional categories with a preponderance of genes involved in basal and developmental signaling pathways including P53, TGFβ, IL8, mTOR, integrin, ILK, and ELF2 signalings. Cross-referencing of microarray data with two available in vitro studies indicated a marked reduction in ICM vs. TE transcriptional difference following in vitro culture of bovine embryos. Moreover, a great majority of genes that were found to be misregulated following in vitro culture of bovine embryos were known genes involved in epigenetic regulation of pluripotency and cell differentiation including DNMT1, GADD45, CARM1, ELF5 HDAC8, CCNB1, KDM6A, PRDM9, CDX2, ARID3A, IL6, GADD45A, FGFR2, PPP2R2B, and SMARCA2. Cross-species referencing of microarray data revealed substantial divergence between bovine and mouse and human in signaling pathways involved in early lineage specification.

Conclusions

The transcriptional changes occur during ICM and TE lineages specification in bovine is greater than previously understood. Therefore, this array data establishes a standard to evaluate the in vitro imprint on the transcriptome and to hypothesize the cross-species differences that allow in vitro acquisition of pluripotent ICM in human and mice but hinder that process in bovine.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-015-0096-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chemically assisted somatic cell nuclear transfer without micromanipulator in the goat: effects of demecolcine, cytochalasin-B, and MG-132 on the efficiency of a manual method of oocyte enucleation using a pulled Pasteur pipette

The present study aimed to facilitate widespread application of a previously described manual method of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) by investigating the effects of demecolcine (a microtubule-depolymerizing chemical), cytochalasin-B (a microfilament-depolymerizing chemical: 2.5μg/ml for 15min) and MG-132 (a proteasome inhibitor chemical) on the (i) incidence of cytoplasmic protrusion of MII chromosomes, (ii) improvement of manual oocyte enucleation, and (iii) in vitro and in vivo developmental competence of SCNT embryos in the goat. Following in vitro maturation, around 65% of goat oocytes contained a characteristic cytoplasmic protrusion of MII-chromosomes. Treatment with demecolcine (0.4μg/ml for 30min) significantly increased this rate to 92.2±4.5%. Treatment with MG-132 (2μM for 30min) could not improve this rate when used alone (61.4±11.5%), but when combined with demecolcine (86.4±8.1%). Treatment with cytochalasin-B completely suppressed this rate whenever used, either alone (7.7±5.1%) or in combination with demecolcine (3.9±1.3%). In a direct comparison, there was no significant difference in quantity and quality of embryos propagated by the manual vs. micromanipulation-based methods of SCNT (cleavage: 85.3±4.5 vs. 89.5±8.9%, blastocyst: 19.5±4.3 vs. 24.3±4.4%, grade 1 and 2 blastocyst: 33.8±7.1 vs. 29.5±6.3%, total cell count: 125±11.1 vs. 122±10.5, respectively). Furthermore, development to live kids at term was not significant between the two SCNT methods. From both technical and economical points of view, the overall in vitro and in vivo efficiency of this manual method of SCNT proved it a simple, fast and efficient alternative for large scale production of cloned goats.

A physiological, rather than a superovulated, post-implantation environment can attenuate the compromising effect of assisted reproductive techniques on gene expression in developing mice embryos

Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) may perturb the pre-/peri-conception microenvironments, which subsequently threaten the health of offspring. This study aimed to investigate the effects of superovulation, vitrification, in vitro culture, and embryo transfer on the expression of epigenetic modulators, imprinted genes, and pluripotency markers in expanded blastocysts and Day-9.5 (D9.5) concepti. Results revealed that 53.4% (8/15) and 86.7% (13/15) of genes in the fetus and placenta, respectively, have similar patterns of transcription in all D9.5 concepti, despite the perturbed mRNA expression observed at the blastocyst stage for each embryo-production technique. These observations indicate a counterbalancing of the abnormal expression pattern analyzed at the blastocyst stage during post-implantation development, particularly when the uterus of a naturally synchronized foster mother is employed. Superovulation resulted in the most abnormal expression patterns compared to other treatment groups, although these same blastocysts were able to develop in a synchronized uterus. Thus, superovulation creates a hormonal environment that negatively affected gene expression and impairs fetal growth more adversely during post-implantation development than other ART protocols, such as in vitro culture, vitrification, or embryo transfer-although each did contribute negatively to the implantation and development process. Together, these results may have implications for treating infertility in humans.

A Novel Method of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer with Minimum Equipment

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an exceptional experimental biology technique with an arguably great contribution to our current understanding of developmental plasticity. Many students and young researchers are interested in taking advantage of SCNT virtues in their experiments but the cost of micromanipulation microscopes, intensive training programs, and also the sophisticated process of SCNT may dissuade them from entering this amazing field of science. Here, we describe the details of a streamlined manual method of SCNT that can be performed using very basic equipment found in every embryology laboratory: the Pasteur pipette and stereomicroscope. The overall method introduced is very simple and a person with no previous experience in cloning can learn and adopt the basic routines of this technique independently.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in combination with insulin-like growth factor 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor promote in vitro culture of goat spermatogonial stem cells

Growth factors are increasingly considered as important regulators of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). This study investigated the effects of various growth factors (GDNF, IGF1, bFGF, EGF and GFRalpha-1) on purification and colonization of undifferentiated goat SSCs under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Irrespective of the culture condition used, the first signs of developing colonies were observed from day 4 of culture onwards. The number of colonies developed in GDNF + IGF1 + bFGF culture condition was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, the size of colonies developed in GDNF + EGF + LIF culture condition was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Immunocytochemical stationing for specific biomarkers of somatic cells (vimentin, alpha-inhibin and α-SMA) and spermatogonial cells (PLZF, THY 1, VASA, alpha-1 integrin, bet-1 integrin and DBA) revealed that both cell types existed in developing colonies, irrespective of the culture condition used. Even though, the relative abundance of VASA, FGFR3, OCT4, PLZF, BCL6B and THY1 transcription factors in GDNF + IGF1 + bFGF treatment group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, goat SSCs developed in the latter culture condition could colonize within the seminiferous tubules of the germ-cell depleted recipient mice following xenotransplantation. Obtained results demonstrated that combination of GDNF with IGF1 and bFGF promote in vitro culture of goat SSCs while precludes uncontrolled proliferation of somatic cells.

Protective effect of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment

Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy in testis has been the subjects of many studies. In this study, the protective effects of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis were investigated after chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide. Histological and biochemical parameters were compared in cyclophosphamide-treated rats with or without ginger extract intake. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups each 10. The control group received a single injection of 1 ml isotonic saline intraperitoneally. The Cyclophosphamide (CP) group received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg kg(-1) BW) intraperitoneally. CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups received orally 300 or 600 mg of ginger extract, respectively, for a period of 6 weeks after cyclophosphamide injection. The morphologic and histological structure of the testis was compared in different groups of the rats. Also, factors like malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone level were assessed in blood serum as well. Our results showed that although ginger extract could not change testis weight, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS, but antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were increased significantly. Also, an obvious improved histological change was seen in CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups in comparison with CP group. These protective effects of ginger on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment could be attributed to the higher serum level of antioxidants.

A numerical model to study mechanically induced initiation and progression of damage in articular cartilage

OBJECTIVE

Proteoglycan (PG) loss and surface roughening, early signs of osteoarthritis (OA), are likely preceded by softening of the ground substance and the collagen network. Insight in their relative importance to progression of OA may assist the development of treatment strategies for early OA. To support interpretation of experimental data, a numerical model is proposed that can predict damage progression in cartilage over time, as a consequence of excessive mechanical loading. The objective is to assess the interaction between ground substance softening and collagen fiber damage using this model.

DESIGN

An established cartilage mechanics model is extended with the assumption that excessive strains may damage the ground substance or the collagen network, resulting in softening of the overstrained constituent. During subsequent loading cycles the strain may or may not cross a threshold, resulting in damage to stabilize or to progress. To evaluate how softening of the ground substance and collagen may interact, damage progression is computed when either one of them, or both together are allowed to occur during stepwise increased loading.

RESULTS

Softening in the ground substance was predicted to localize in the superficial and transitional zone and resulted in cartilage softening. Collagen damage was most prominent in the superficial zone, with more diffuse damage penetrating deeper into the tissue, resulting in adverse strain gradients. Effects were more pronounced if both constituents developed damage in parallel.

CONCLUSION

Ground substance softening and collagen damage have distinct effects on cartilage mechanopathology, and damage in either one of them may promote each other.

Comparison of gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia in women with high hemoglobin in the first trimester of pregnancy: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between high hemoglobin with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia in pregnant women in the first trimester.

METHODS

This cohort study was conducted among 973 pregnant women who started their antenatal booking in the first trimester (first 14 weeks of gestation). Women with first-visit high Hb levels (> 12.5 g/L) on first visit of the pregnancy period were selected as the study group and were compared with those who had normal Hb value (< 12.5 g/L) as controls. Adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and GDM were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Complete obstetric records of 448 women with high Hb levels and 486 women with normal Hb levels were studied. The follow up showed that the women with high Hb levels had significantly higher rates of preeclampsia and GDM than those with normal Hb levels; the risks were 5.4 (95% cl; 2.8 to 10.5) and 3.7 (95%cl; 2.2 to 6.4), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study found that high Hb in the first trimester is associated with higher risk of subsequent preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Cryosurvival of in vitro produced embryos as affected by health status effect of oocyte donor cow

In vitro embryo production and embryo vitrification of genetically superior cows that culled inevitably due to health problems can accelerate genetic progress. This study was carried out to investigate whether maternal age and health status effects of high genetic merit cows affect cryosurvival and developmental competence of IVP embryos. In this sense, the effects of ageing and four common culling causes of dairy cows [repeat breeding (RPB), udder problems (UPM), chronic endometritis (CRE), and lameness (LAM)] on in vitro embryo development, and in vivo developmental competence after embryo vitrification were evaluated. The mean number of oocytes obtained per cow did not vary significantly between donors indifferent groups. Cleavage rates in RPB (86.0+/-4.2%), SEN (81.3+/-2.5%) and CRE (77.6+/-6.3%) cows which were comparable to control (95.9+/-1.5%) but were significantly higher than the related rate of UPM donors (50.6+/-2.6%). Importantly, there was no significant difference between the blastocyst rates of different groups. Mean overall survival rate was not different between the groups and was not affected by the blastocyst production rate. There was no significant difference between pregnancy rates of different groups. The results of the present study indicated that in cattle, neither ageing, nor these four diseases affect ovarian potential in terms of the yield and quality of in vitro embryo development.

Metal content in caviar of wild Persian sturgeon from the southern Caspian Sea

Caviar (fish roe of sturgeon) may contain high levels of contaminants. An inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer and a direct mercury analyzer were used to assess the contents of four heavy metals (Hg, Se, Sn, and Ba) in caviar of wild Persian sturgeon sea foods. The levels of Hg ranged from 1.39 to 1.50 μg g(-1), Se from 0.90 to 1.10 μg g(-1), Sn from 0.23 to 0.33, and Ba from 0.71 to 1.17 µg g(-1). Evaluation of these levels showed that except for Hg, the average concentrations of other metals are significantly lower than adverse level for the human consumption when compared with Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization permissible limits. Therefore, their contribution to the total body burden of these heavy metals can be considered as negligibly small given that caviar is a luxury product.

Cloned sheep blastocysts derived from oocytes enucleated manually using a pulled pasteur pipette

The potential applications of a simplified method of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) that is improved in both efficiency and throughput is considerable. Technically, a major step of SCNT is to produce large pools of enucleated oocytes (cytoplasts) efficiently, a process that requires considerable micromanipulation skill and expensive equipment. Here, we have developed an efficient and high-throughput method of manual oocyte enucleation using a simple device, a pulled Pasteur pipette, that can be connected to standard zona-free method of embryo reconstitution. Common Pasteur pipettes were pulled on a flame to produce finely drawn pipettes with inner diameters approximately less than half the oocyte diameter (∼50-60 μm), and slightly larger than cytoplasmic protrusion (∼20-30 μm) that was induced after demecolcine treatment of MII-stage oocytes. Oocyte manipulation was performed under a stereomicroscope by either bisecting the oocyte into two approximately equal demioocytes (blind manual enucleation), or by positioning the oocytes so that the cytoplasmic extrusion that contains the MII chromosome mass is removed with the minimum amount of cytoplasm (oriented manual enucleation). The survival rate of the manually enucleated oocytes was 81.4-91.5%, comparable to standard zona-free method of oocyte enucleation (>95%). A total of 80-120 oocytes could be enucleated in 10 min, which was considerably higher than standard zona-free enucleation method. In vitro development rates of cloned embryos derived from manually enucleated cytoplasts with varying cytoplasmic volumes (50%, 95%, and 100%) was comparable, and embryonic developmental rates of the two latter groups were at least as good as standard zona-free method. The manual method of oocyte enucleation described here can be learned and mastered for simple, fast, and cheap production of cloned embryos with comparable efficiency to other available methods.

Nuclear transfer technique affects mRNA abundance, developmental competence and cell fate of the reconstituted sheep oocytes

The effect of technical steps of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on different aspects of cloned embryo development was investigated in sheep.In vitro-matured oocytes were enucleated in the presence or absence of zona and reconstituted by three different SCNT techniques: conventional zona-intact (ZI-NT), standard zona-free (ZF-NT) and intracytoplasmic nuclear injection (ICI-NT). Stepwise alterations in nuclear remodeling events and in mRNA abundances, throughput and efficiency of cloned embryo development and cell allocation of the resulted blastocysts were assessed. Early signs of nuclear remodeling were observed as soon as 2 h post-reconstitution (hpr) for fusion-based methods of nuclear transfer (ZI-NT and ZF-NT) but were not observable until 4 hpr with the ICI-NT method. The relative mRNA abundances ofHSP90AA1(HSP90),NPM2andATPasegenes were not affected by i) presence or absence of zona, ii) oocyte enucleation method and iii) nuclear transfer method. After reconstitution, however, the relative mRNA contents ofPOU5F1(OCT4) with the ZI-NT and ZF-NT methods and ofPAPOLA(PAP) with ZF-NT were significantly lower than those for the ICI-NT method. Zona removal doubled the throughput of cloned blastocyst development for the ZF-NT technique compared with ZI-NT and ICI-NT. Cleavage rate was not affected by the SCNT protocol, whereas blastocyst yield rate in ICI-NT technique (17.0±1.0%) was significantly (P<0.05; ANOVA) higher than in ZF-NT (7.1±1.5%) but not in the ZI-NT group (11.2±3.3%). Despite the similarities in total cell number, SCNT protocol changed the distribution of cells in the blastocysts, as ZF-NT-cloned blastocysts had significantly smaller inner cell mass than ZI-NT. These results indicate that technical aspects of cloning may result in the variety of cloning phenotypes.

Methylene blue based device for pathogen reduction in human plasma

BACKGROUND

Despite improvement in safety of plasma transfusion some virus transmission still remains a problem. So as World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, many countries developed Pathogen Reduction Technologies (PRT) to inactivate pathogens, in plasma components. The Methylene Blue (MB) based methods is one of the most universal one. The purpose of this research was, produce a device that can inactivate viruses in MB environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this interventional study, each Plasma Sample was illuminated by 70Pieces (PCs) of 1 w red Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) from one side. These LEDs emit light at central wavelength of 627 nm with 20 nm Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM). Two model viruses Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) were used and Tissue Culture 50% Infection Dose (TCID50) was used to calculate virus Log reduction. Two concentration of MB and 5 different illumination times were used.

RESULTS

In 10 µm concentration of MB, HSV had 6.00±0.2 maximum log reduction that obtain after 60 minutes illumination and VSV had 5.50± 0.3 maximum log reduction after 75 minutes illumination. In 1 µM concentration of MB, HSV had 5.20±0.3 maximum log reduction that obtain after 60 minutes illumination and VSV had 4.90± 0.2 maximum log reduction after 75 minutes illumination.

CONCLUSION

Results of virus inactivation in this method were similar to other methods (P-value<0.05 in comparison with Spring method, and P-value>0.05 in comparison with Theraflex), and it showed this device could inactivate viruses according to WHO recommendation.

Is collagen fiber damage the cause of early softening in articular cartilage?

OBJECTIVE

Because collagen damage and cartilage softening have not yet been determined simultaneously in one study for the very early onset of osteoarthritis (OA), it remains questionable whether they are associated. The aim of the present study is therefore to evaluate whether indeed, initial collagen damage can be found when tissue softening occurs as a result of excessive mechanical loading.

METHODS

To investigate this aim, a series of specific indentation loading protocols were designed to induce and monitor cartilage softening in osteochondral explants of bovine carpometacarpal joints. The experiment contained one control group (n = 6) in which no damage was induced and four experimental groups in which samples received either a constant load of 3 (n = 5), 6 (n = 5) or 15 N (n = 6), or an increasing load (n = 7) from 2 to 13 N in 11 steps. Moreover, to determine mechanically induced collagen damage, Col2-3/4M (cumulative collagen damage) and Col2-3/4C(short) (only enzymatic damage) staining were compared.

RESULTS

The normalized peak and equilibrium reaction forces decreased in the groups that received increasing and 15 N peak loading. However, Col2-3/4M staining was negative in all samples, while enzymatic damage (Col2-3/4C(short)) appeared similar in experiments and in unloaded control groups.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that a loading magnitude threshold exists above which softening occurs in cartilage. However, in samples that did show softening, we were unable to detect collagen damage. Thus, our results demonstrate that cartilage softening most likely precedes collagen damage.

Kit ligand and glial-derived neurotrophic factor as alternative supplements for activation and development of ovine preantral follicles in vitro

In vitro growth of preantral follicles has the potential to produce considerable numbers of competent oocytes for use in medicine, agriculture, and even wildlife conservation. The critical regulatory role of growth factors and hormones in the development of preantral follicles has been established. This study investigated the effect of glial-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) and kit ligand (KL) on the in vitro development of ovine preantral follicles. Results indicated that both GDNF and KL significantly improved activation of primordial follicles, similar to co-addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which are commonly used for in vitro follicular development. Importantly, GDNF had a more profound effect on follicle health, development, and differentiation compared with KL alone. Furthermore, the combination of GDNF and KL in the presence of EGF and bFGF had a positive, synergic effect on health, development, and differentiation of preantral follicles, as determined by histological and hormonal assessments. The results of this study may provide a foundation for further studies that will unravel the molecular mechanisms of follicular development to further improve the current status of in vitro preantral follicle culture.

Suicide and associated risk factors in Hamadan province, west of Iran, in 2008 and 2009

BACKGROUND

Hamadan is a province with high incidence rate of suicide. The present study was conducted to assess suicide and its associated risk factors in this province.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, all cases of suicide occurred in the province, were investigated from April 2008 to March 2010. The data were collected from Provincial Health Center and Forensic Medicine's databases using a checklist developed according to the available records.

RESULTS

A number of 5414 suicide attempts had occurred (with 8.4% deaths) including 2753 women (with 3.4% death) and 2660 men (with 13.7% death). Majority of the suicide attempts and completed suicides occurred among adults aged 20-29 years. About 6.7% of the cases who attempted for suicide and 14.2% of the cases who died from suicide had a previous history of suicide attempt (P<0.001). Familial problems (49.7%) and psychiatric disorders (31.6%) were among the most common reasons of suicide attempt. Using drugs (74.0%) were the most common method of attempting suicide while hanging (83.6%), burning (74.2%), and gunshot (52.4%) were the most common leading causes of completed suicide (P<0.001). Adjusted odds ratio estimate of completed suicide in males against females was 2.27 (95% CI: 1.63, 3.14). The odds of completed suicide increased 1.43 (95% CI: 1.30, 1.57) fold per 10 years of age.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified and highlighted the most common and important potential risk factors for suicide. In addition, the effects of various demographic risk factors on suicide attempt and completed suicide were examined. These evidences may be useful for future research, policy, and treatment efforts aimed at understanding and preventing suicide.

Vitrification of in vitro produced bovine embryos: effect of embryonic block and developmental kinetics

In order to investigate whether the kinetics and stage of embryo development affect cryosurvival of in vitro produced bovine embryos, cleaved embryos were categorized in six groups based on their developmental kinetics regarding the stage of embryonic block in bovine (8-16 cell stage): I and II--early (day 2) and late (day 3) 5-8 cell, III and IV--early (day 3) and late (day 4) 8-16 cell, and V and VI--early (day 4) and late (day 5) morula. The cryosurvival and developmental competence of these embryos were compared with each other and also with the corresponding control groups. The potential of 5-8 cell stage embryos to survive vitrification and further develop towards blastocyst stage was significantly lower than vitrified and un-vitrified 8-16 cell and morula stage embryos. These results suggest that, the survival rate and potential of embryos to develop towards blastocyst stage might be affected by the kinetic of the embryo development. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that the optimal stages of early embryo vitrification are post-embryonic block.

Relationship between serum level of high-sensitive C-reactive protein and extension of myocardial involvement in patients with acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

The high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) assay is being increasingly used as a marker for cardiac risk assessment and as a prognostic tool in heart disease. In current study, we assessed the relationship between serum level of HS-CRP and extension of myocardial involvement in acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 50 patients with the final diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and admitted for the first time in CCU wards of the Kerman University in 2010 were studied. Serum HS-CRP and Troponin I level was measured using commercial ELISA kits, 24 hours after the appearance of first manifestations. All patients underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography for assessing the number and severity of involved segments as well as wall motion abnormality.

RESULTS

There was a strong positive correlation between the serum level of HS-CRP and serum Troponin I level (beta = 0.509, p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression showed that the level of HS-CRP could strongly predict serum level of Troponin I within the first 24 hours of MI appearance (Beta = 0.308, Standard Error = 0.080, p < 0.001). But, no significant relationships were revealed between the mean serum HS-CRP level and the location of myocardial infarction, the number of involved segments, left ventricular ejection fraction, and ST-segment elevation score.

CONCLUSION

For a strong correlation between HS-CRP and Troponin I, HS-CRP can be a useful biomarker for predicting extended myocardial involvement in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Replication analysis for severe diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to attempt to replicate the top single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations from a previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the sight-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy in an independent cohort of diabetic subjects from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR).

METHODS

This study included 469 type 1 diabetic, Caucasian subjects from WESDR. Cases (n = 208) were defined by prior laser treatment for either proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema. Controls (n = 261) were all other subjects in the cohort. Three hundred eighty-nine SNPs were tested for association using the Illumina GoldenGate custom array. A retinopathy-only subanalysis was conducted in 437 subjects by removing those with end-stage renal disease. Evaluation for association between cases and controls was conducted by using chi-square tests. A combined analysis incorporated the results from WESDR with the prior GWAS.

RESULTS

No associations were significant at a genome-wide level. The analysis did identify SNPs that can be pursued in future replication studies. The top association was at rs4865047, an intronic SNP, in the gene CEP135 (P value 2.06 × 10(-5)). The top association from the subanalysis was at rs1902491 (P value 2.81 × 10(-5)), a SNP that sits upstream of the gene NPY2R.

CONCLUSIONS

This study nominates several novel genetic loci that may be associated with severe diabetic retinopathy. In order to confirm these findings, replication and extension in additional cohorts will be necessary as susceptibility alleles for diabetic retinopathy appear to be of modest effect.

Isolated microorganisms from Iranian grapes and its derivatives

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to monitor the microorganisms isolated from grapes and its derivative traditional products produced in Iran.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four kinds of grapes cultivated summer of 2010 in vineyard of Takestan and also grape derived products from Shahrod, Hamedan and Takestan were used for this study. The samples were cultured in specific media to isolate the microorganisms that might grow on or pollute the products.

RESULTS

Species of bacteria and fungi isolated from 4 kinds of grapes cultivated in Takestan graveyards and also from 2 kinds of derived traditional products; grape sap and sour grape (abe-ghure locally named), were taken from Takestan, Shahrod and Hamedan cities. Also, bacteria Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., Clostridium spp., and fungus of Penicillium spp., and Aspergillus spp. were isolated.

CONCLUSION

The isolated bacteria were common microorganisms that grow in soil or in the organic fertilizer and may appear from the environments that samples were collected. These bacteria were not pathogenic to human. The fungus isolated from the grapes may harm humans as they produce toxin. The results suggested that bacterial diversity on grapes and its derived traditional products are expected to be monitored and described in all Iranian graveyards as Iran has been known as one of the world's biggest grape producers.