Comparison of histologic and radiographic changes of sockets grafted with LPRF and sockets without intervention after tooth extraction

OBJECTIVES

After tooth extraction, marked resorption occurs in extraction socket walls, leading to functional and esthetic problems in that area. One of the methods introduced to reduce this resorption is the use of platelet derivatives. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the changes following tooth extraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The participants were 24 patients who needed to replace at least one single-rooted tooth with an implant. They were randomly divided into test and control groups. After the tooth extraction, the sockets in the test group received LPRF clots, while in the control group, the sockets were left free of any interventions. CBCT scans were obtained from the extraction site both immediately after the tooth extraction and 8 weeks later. The histologic biopsy was also obtained while the implant site was being prepared 8 weeks after the extraction.

RESULTS

The average vertical bone loss in the buccal crest was not significantly different between the two groups (1.67 ± 1.67 in the test group and 2.3 ± 1.36 in the control group; mean difference =  - 0.36, 95% CI: - 1.65-0.93, p-value = 0.57). Nor was the difference in resorption of the palatal wall (mean difference =  - 0.19, 95% CI: - 1.51.12, p-value = 0.76). The mean ridge width resorption in 25% of the coronal aspect of sockets was also measured in the test (1.30 ± 0.66) and control group (0.58 ± 0.95) (mean difference = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.03-1.42, p-value = 0.04). The new bone formation in histologic view was not statistically different between groups (p-value = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

The LPRF neither reduces the rate of ridge resorption in vertical or horizontal dimensions of extraction sockets nor induces more new bone formation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study helps dentists choose the appropriate material for ridge preservation.

The effect of fermented rapeseed meal on production performance, egg quality, and hatchability in broiler breeders after peak production

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of rapeseed meal (RSM) or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on performance, egg quality and hatchability in broiler breeders.2. RSM was fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger for 25 d. A total of 140 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (52 weeks old; 20 per treatment, four hens per cage replicate) were assigned to seven dietary treatments in a completely randomised design involving a control (maize-SBM diet) and a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two types of meal (RSM and FRSM) and three replacement levels (33%, 66% or 100%) for SBM, with one cockerel housed within each cage replicate for 12 weeks.3. Fermentation increased the population of lactic acid bacteria and crude protein and decreased pH, dry matter, crude fibre and anti-nutrients in FRSM meal compared to RSM (P < 0.05).4. Body weight gain and egg weight were not affected by RSM or FRSM. Feeding FRSM compared to RSM increased egg production and egg mass (P < 0.05). FRSM or RSM at the level of 100% significantly decreased egg production and egg mass compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Neither types of meal nor levels of replacing significantly affected egg quality variables except eggshell strength. Yolk colour in all experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). By increasing the level of RSM or FRSM in the diet, hatching rate and chicken weight decreased (P < 0.05).5. Microbial fermentation improved the nutritional value of RSM which could be used to replace SBM with RSM or FRSM at levels lesser than 66% as a suitable protein alternative for broiler breeders.

The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on selected physical, physiological parameters, exercise and nutritional behaviors in diabetic persons

OBJECTIVE

Due to the high prevalence of diabetes in the world, it seems that one of the most important strategies to prevent and treat this disease are lifestyle changes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on selected physical and psychological parameters, exercise, and nutritional behaviors in diabetic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of volunteers with type 2 diabetes. Patients were randomized into two groups: an intervention (n=32) and a control group (n=31). The Beck Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity in combination with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the levels of depression and the quality of sleep. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) training consisted of six sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. The intervention consisted of a face-to-face individual counseling session. The patients received a special diet according to their basal metabolic rate (BMR). At all sessions, dietary advice was reviewed, and during the treatment period, they were asked to record their diet and physical activity. Body composition and blood samples were measured before and after three months of the experiment for both groups.

RESULTS

Blood glucose, blood lipid profiles (except high-density lipoprotein), lifestyle, behavior patterns and body composition were significantly improved following CBT intervention (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CBT can play a key role in improving physiological and psychological parameters in diabetic patients.

Responses of some matrix metalloproteinases activities to an acute session of endurance exercise and electrical stimulation in induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial infarction is the irreversible cell death of cardiac muscle that takes place after the blood flow is cut off to a specific region of the heart muscle. The molecular angiogenesis process that may follow after the incidence, due to any activity or its intensity, is unknown. The purpose of this research was to examine some of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) responses to an acute course of endurance exercise and electrical stimulation in induced myocardial infarcted Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental case-control study, 40 induced myocardial infarcted Wistar rats (8-week-old, mean weight 130±30 g) were randomly assigned into 4 conditions: endurance exercise, exercise + electrical stimulation, only electrical stimulation, and control group. The infarction was induced 24 hours after the subcutaneous injection of 150 mg/kg of Isoproterenol. The exercise and exercise plus electrical stimulation groups performed a session of endurance exercise on an animal treadmill, at 20 m/min for one hour. The electrical stimulation was delivered by foot shock, set with the intensities of 0.5 mA for 20 minutes. Immediately after the cessation of the treatment protocol, MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9 were measured by the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed by using Two-way ANOVA and significance was set at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

One session of endurance exercise or electric stimulation, or their combination, had no significant effect on the level of MMPs.

CONCLUSIONS

One session of acute endurance exercise, stimulation, or their combination, elicited no significant effect on the level of MMPs of artificially induced myocardial infarcted Wistar rats.

Artemisia absinthium improves spatial performance and neuronal injury induced by amyloid- beta in the CA1 hippocampal area of male Wistar rats

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the presence of two aberrant structures in the brain, those are, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, along with neuronal death. Amyloid-beta further exacerbates the metabolic decline and results in cognitive impairments. Because of the favorable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant on spatial memory performance, neuronal injury, and apoptosis induced by amyloid-beta. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were divided into the following groups: 1) control; 2) sham (solvent; ICV); 3) amyloid-beta 1-40 (ICV); and 4) amyloid-beta plus A. absinthium (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day; gavage). Congo red and TUNEL staining were performed to investigate the neuronal injury. Also, the Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate the spatial memory of the experimental groups. The results showed that spatial memory for finding the hidden platform in the MWM task decreased significantly in the amyloid-beta group, compared to the control and sham groups. In contrast, treatment with A. absinthium improved spatial memory dose-dependently and reduced tissue degeneration, amyloid plaques, and apoptosis. It seems that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. absinthium, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, can effectively reverse spatial memory deficits and reduce amyloid-beta plaques.

Spatial sensitivity analysis of COVID-19 infections concerning the satellite-based four air pollutants levels

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), first reported in late December 2019, has affected the lives of many people throughout the world. Significant studies have been conducted on this pandemic, some of which have addressed understanding the relationship between different air pollutants and confirmed cases. In this study, the effects of four air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide) were assessed from February 19 to March 22, 2020 to explore how they can affect COVID-19 contagion in Iran. The mean concentrations of air pollutants were extracted from Sentinel 5P data. The COVID-19 confirmed case densities of two provinces, Semnan and Qom, were more than all other provinces. The effect of pollutants on the confirmed case densities was analyzed using multiple linear regression in order to estimate the impact coefficients for individual provinces. The impact coefficients determine the level of each pollutant's contribution to the density of total confirmed cases. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone had both considerable negative and positive correlations with the density of confirmed COVID-19 cases, although sulfur dioxide was correlated more negatively than positively. In Semnan, a high hot spot province, nitrogen dioxide had the most significant effect on the density of confirmed cases among all pollutants, while the effect of carbon monoxide was greater in Qom. The results indicated that even short-term exposure to higher concentrations of the pollutants could lead to an increased risk of COVID-19 outbreaks, which should be considered in adopting adequate and appropriate control policies to manage the disease.

Expression Analysis of the Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01433 in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal human cancers both in males and females. This type of cancer is categorized to different subtypes among them is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 80% of all cases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to influence the pathogenic course of lung cancer. However, the contribution of LINC01433 lncRNA in this type of cancer in Iranian patients is not clear.

PURPOSE

In the current project, we evaluated expression of LINC01433 in 42 NSCLC samples and their paired non-tumoral tissues using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction method. Samples were collected from patients admitted to Labbafinejad Hospital during 2016-2017.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the expression of LINC01433 between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues (expression ratio 0.67, p = 0.42). Expression of this lncRNA was not associated with any of clinical and demographic data including age, gender, smoking history, stage or cancer subtype.

CONCLUSION

Based on the similar expression levels of this lncRNA between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues and lack of association between expression levels and clinical data, this lncRNA is not a possible contributor to lung cancer in Iranian patients. However, expression analysis of this lncRNA in larger sample sizes is needed to verify our results.

Unexpected Presentation of COVID-19 in a 38-Year-Old Male Patient: A Case Report

We presently report the case of COVID-19 in a 38-year-old male who had come to the primary health care clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, which specializes in the COVID-19 epidemic. He reported having fatigue, myalgia, fever, rash, and loss of taste and smell. The physical findings were maculopapular rash over his trunk, inguinal regions, and left arm, erythema of larynx with an aphthous lesion on left tonsil, he did not have a fever, and respiratory distress symptoms. There were no changes regarding COVID-19 in the spiral lung CT scan. However, the result of PCR for COVID-19 RNA was positive.

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.

Association between XPO5 rs11077 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis of 7284 cases and 8511 controls

AIM

Several studies evaluated the association between rs11077 polymorphism located in the 3'UTR of the XPO5 gene and cancer susceptibility. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the impact of XPO5 rs11077 polymorphism on cancer risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The online databases were searched for relevant case-control studies published up to July 2018. 15 articles of 16 studies, with totally 7284 cancer cases and 8511 healthy controls, were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The data were extracted from the eligible studies and were processed using Stata 14.1 and Revman 5.3 software. Pooled estimates of odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the strength of association between XPO5 rs11077 and cancer risk.

RESULTS

Overall, our finding showed no significant association between XPO5 rs11077 variant and overall cancer risk, either performed subgroup analysis by cancer types and ethnic groups in all genetic model.

CONCLUSION

The findings did not support an association between rs11077 variant and cancer risk. Due to small sample sizes particularly in stratified analysis, further large-scale well designed studies between this polymorphism and cancer risk are warranted.

Antibacterial Susceptibility Pattern of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus after Exposure to Electromagnetic Waves Emitted from Mobile Phone Simulator

Background:

The increasing use of telecommunication devices such as Wi-Fi modems and mobile phones in the recent years can change the cellular structure of microorganisms so the generation of electromagnetic waves has led to concern in the community whenever be exposed to these fields and may have harmful effects on human health.

Material and Methods:

In this experimental study, standard strains of bacteria were prepared on Mueller-Hinton agar for bacterial growth to obtain 0.5 McFarland turbidity (1.5 × 10⁸ CFU) of bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility test using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was done. For Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibiotics susceptibility test was conducted. The test group was exposed to electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phone simulator with a frequency of 900 MHz and the control group were not exposed.

Results:

The results revealed that increasing duration of exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by the mobile simulators with a frequency of 900 MHz especially after 24 h of exposure, can increase bacterial resistance in S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion:

Several factors can cause bacterial resistance against antibiotics. One of these factors is the electromagnetic waves emitted from mobile simulator with a frequency of 900 MHz, which can increase the permeability of the cell wall of bacteria.

Socioeconomic inequalities in metastasis, recurrence, stage and grade of breast cancer: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study

Introduction

This study aims to estimate the Socio-Economic Status (SES) inequality on the metastasis, recurrence, stage and grade in Breast Cancer (BC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study conducted on 411 BC patients in Arak, Iran. Asset-based questionnaire used to estimate the household SES. For calculate of SES inequality was used from Concentration Index (C). Moreover for investigate the association between recurrence and metastasis with other variables were used from multilevel logistic regression and analysis of variance were used to investigate the relationship between SES and other variables. The data were analyzed with Stata (v.13) software.

Results

Results of analysis of variance showed statistical significant relationship between SES with, insurance, surgery, grade, stage, recurrence and metastasis (p-value < 0.05). Moreover the Odds Ratio (OR) were significant of recurrence with age, academic level of education, supplementary insurance history of BC in first-degree relatives, stage and grade, also, metastasis with age of > 80 years, insurance, supplementary insurance, history of BC in first-degree relatives, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stage and grade four. The total C index obtained 0.015 (0.002, 0.026), 0.011 (0.003, 0.031), – 0.014 (– 0.034, – 0.001) and – 0.042 (– 0.061, – 0.002) for metastasis, recurrence, stage and grade of BC respectively.

Conclusions

Our results showed evidence of inequality in the metastasis, recurrence, stage and grade in BC patients.

Long Non-Cod-ing RNA Signature in Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer as a common urogenital cancer among women has caused significant health problems. Efforts have been made to identify its pathogenic process in order to find targeted ther-apies. Long non-cod-ing ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have been shown to regulate several cancer-related pathways and genes that contribute to pathogenesis of human malignancies, includ-ing cervical cancer. In the present review, we searched PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases for key words "cervical cancer" or "cervical neoplasm" and "long non-cod-ing RNA" or "lncRNA" (up to December 2017).

AIM

To elaborate the role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNAs affect cervical cancer pathogenesis through numerous mechanisms, such as mak-ing scaffolds for assembly of protein complexes, serv-ing as directors to recruit proteins, function-ing as transcriptional enhancers through chromatin remodeling, serv-ing as decoys to free up proteins from chromatin, or revers-ing the effects of other regulatory non-cod-ing RNAs, such as microRNAs. Pathway-based analysis showed that several lncRNAs modulate PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR, Wnt-β catenin and Notch pathways in the process of cervical cancer pathogenesis. In addition, expression of a handful of lncRNAs has been associated with human papilloma virus infection. Identification of lncRNAs that alter cancer-related signal-ing pathways and subsequent expression analysis of these lncRNAs in patients samples would help to design effective targeted ther-apies. Key words: lncRNA -  cervical cancer - oncogene - tumor suppressor gene.

The Effects of Acupuncture on Hemodynamic Changes During Endotracheal Intubation for General Anesthesia

Objective: The goal of this research was to investigate the efficacy of perioperative manual acupuncture in the LV 3 and LI 4 points for lessening hemodynamic changes during endotracheal intubation in patients who were receiving anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded randomized controlled study enrolled patients who were undergoing endotracheal intubation, in 2015-2016, during general anesthesia in the general surgery department of the Imam Khomeini Hospital complex, in the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups with 30 patients in each group. In the treatment group, acupuncture needles were placed at LV 3 and LI 4, whereas, in the control group, the needles were placed 1 cm lateral to these points. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) before and after placing the acupuncture needles, after induction, immediately, 1 minute, and 3 minutes after intubation were measured and recorded prospectively. Results: The patients had a mean age of 44.45 ± 12.72 years and included 35 (58.3%) males. Before acupuncture, demographic data, mean blood pressure (BP), and mean HR of the patients were not significantly different in the treatment and control groups. The mean SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR of all patients changed over time significantly (P < 0.001 for all). In the treatment group, mean SBP, DBP, and MAP changes immediately after the needles were placed were significantly less than those in the control group (P = 0.033, 0.024, and 0.024, respectively). Conclusions: Although acupuncture could have a very-short-term effect that reduces BP during endotracheal intubation, hemodynamic changes might not be prevented during endotracheal intubation.

Effect of protected-glutamine supplementation on performance, milk composition and some blood metabolites in fresh Holstein cows

The present study was conducted to study the effect of protected-glutamine (Gln) supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY) and composition, somatic cell counts (SCC) and blood parameters in fresh cows. Forty Holstein cows at zero day of parturition (calving day = day 0) were divided into four groups (n=10), and fed (ad libitum) with one of the diets including: basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 150 (low Gln, LG), 250 (medium Gln, MG) or 350 (high Gln, HG) g of Gln protected with formaldehyde/cow per day. The DMI and MY were recorded from 0 to 21 days post-calving. Milk fat and protein were assessed on days 7, 14 and 21, and blood was collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 after parturition. The DMI and MY at 21 days in milk (DIM) in HG group were compared with control (P<0.05). The DMI at 14 and 21 DIM and the MY at 21 DIM were higher in MG group compared with control group (P>0.05). Glucose concentration at 7, 14 and 21 DIM increased in both HG and MG groups compared with control group (P>0.05). The milk SCC of Gln groups was lower (P<0.05) compared with control, at 14 and 21 DIM. Glutamine supplementation increased the blood concentrations of total protein and albumin, but lowered the β-hydoxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) concentrations (P<0.05). These results indicate that rumen protected Gln supplementation at 250 g/heat/day to fresh Holstein cows improved the SCC in milk and health status.

Long Non-Cod-ing RNA Signature in Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer as a common urogenital cancer among women has caused significant health problems. Efforts have been made to identify its pathogenic process in order to find targeted ther-apies. Long non-cod-ing ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have been shown to regulate several cancer-related pathways and genes that contribute to pathogenesis of human malignancies, includ-ing cervical cancer. In the present review, we searched PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases for key words "cervical cancer" or "cervical neoplasm" and "long non-cod-ing RNA" or "lncRNA" (up to December 2017).

AIM

To elaborate the role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNAs affect cervical cancer pathogenesis through numerous mechanisms, such as mak-ing scaffolds for assembly of protein complexes, serv-ing as directors to recruit proteins, function-ing as transcriptional enhancers through chromatin remodeling, serv-ing as decoys to free up proteins from chromatin, or revers-ing the effects of other regulatory non-cod-ing RNAs, such as microRNAs. Pathway-based analysis showed that several lncRNAs modulate PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR, Wnt-β catenin and Notch pathways in the process of cervical cancer pathogenesis. In addition, expression of a handful of lncRNAs has been associated with human papilloma virus infection. Identification of lncRNAs that alter cancer-related signal-ing pathways and subsequent expression analysis of these lncRNAs in patients samples would help to design effective targeted ther-apies. Key words: lncRNA -  cervical cancer - oncogene - tumor suppressor gene.

Exposure to Visible Light Emitted from Smartphones and Tablets Increases the Proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus: Can this be Linked to Acne?

BACKGROUND

Due to rapid advances in modern technologies such as telecommunication technology, the world has witnessed an exponential growth in the use of digital handheld devices (e.g. smartphones and tablets). This drastic growth has resulted in increased global concerns about the safety of these devices. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other digital screens emit high levels of short-wavelength visible light (i.e. blue color region in the visible light spectrum).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At a dark environment, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were exposed to the light emitted from common tablets/smartphones. The control samples were exposed to the same intensity of light generated by a conventional incandescent light bulb. The growth rate of bacteria was examined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 625 nm by using a spectrophotometer before the light exposure and after 30 to 330 minutes of light exposure.

RESULTS

The growth rates of bacteria in both smartphone and tablet groups were higher than that of the control group and the maximum smartphone/control and tablet/control growth ratios were observed in samples exposed to digital screens' light for 300 min (ratios of 3.71 and 3.95, respectively).

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the effect of exposure to light emitted from digital screens on the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and its association with acne pathogenesis. Our findings show that exposure to short-wavelength visible light emitted from smartphones and tablets can increase the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli

Mobile phones and Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation are among the main sources of the exposure of the general population to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Previous studies have shown that exposure of microorganisms to RF-EMFs can be associated with a wide spectrum of changes ranged from the modified bacterial growth to the alterations of the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Our laboratory at the nonionizing department of the Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center has performed experiments on the health effects of exposure to animal models and humans to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons, magnetic resonance imaging, and Helmholtz coils. On the other hand, we have previously studied different aspects of the challenging issue of the ionizing or nonionizing radiation-induced alterations in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics. In this study, we assessed if the exposure to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from common Wi-Fi routers alters the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs generated either by a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a common 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router. It is also shown that exposure to RF-EMFs within a narrow level of irradiation (an exposure window) makes microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. This adaptive phenomenon and its potential threats to human health should be further investigated in future experiments. Altogether, the findings of this study showed that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter the inhibition zone diameters and growth rate for L monocytogenes and E coli. These findings may have implications for the management of serious infectious diseases.

Lateral Ridge Augmentation with Autogenous Bone Harvested Using Trephine Drills: A Noninvasive Technique

Purpose:

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the success rate of a chairside ridge augmentation procedure using bone autografts harvested with trephine drills and placed without the use of screws.

Methods:

Thirty patients were recruited for the study. After the surgical site was anesthetized and a crestal incision was made, an envelope flap was retracted using blunt dissection limited to the graft site, and the periosteum was raised intact and undamaged from the bone. The flap was extended laterally to obtain sufficient space for the bone graft. At the donor site, bone was obtained from the external oblique ridge area. A #5 or #6 trephine drill was used to harvest one or two pieces of bone. The bone blocks were placed inside the envelope flap at the recipient site, which was then sutured and covered with periodontal dressing. Antibiotics, analgesics, and mouthwash were prescribed. Measurements of ridge width were performed using CBCT before and 3 months after surgery. The pre- and post operative results were compared using paired t test.

Results:

Pre- and post-operative mean ridge widths were 2.23 ± 0.79 and 5.16 ± 0.68 mm, respectively. The mean increase in width was 2.92 ± 0.89 mm(P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This non-invasive and simple technique provided an acceptable increase in ridge width. As the sample was small, we recommend further clinical investigation with larger samples to confirm that this technique may be used successfully as an alternative to current invasive augmentation methods.

miR-608 rs4919510 C>G polymorphism decreased the risk of breast cancer in an Iranian subpopulation

AIM

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as oncogene or tumor suppressors. The single nucleotide polymorphisms in miRNAs potentially can alter miRNA-binding sites on target genes as well as affecting miRNAs expression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of miR-608 rs4919510 C>G variant on breast cancer (BC) risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control study conducted on 160 women with BC and 192 age-matched healthy women. Genotyping of miR-608 rs4919510 was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that GC genotype significantly decreased the risk of BC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.88, p = 0.018) compared to CC genotype. Furthermore the G allele decreased the risk of BC (OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.30-0.92, p = 0.024). No significant association was found between miR-609 genotypes and clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that miR-608 polymorphism might be associated with decreased risk of BC in an Iranian subpopulation. Further large-scale studies with different ethnicities are needed to verify our findings.

Association of SHMT1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a sample of Iranian population

The enzymes serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) regulate key reaction in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. In the current study we aimed to examine the possible association between SHMT1 gene polymorphisms and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a sample of Iranian population. The rs9901160, rs2273027, rs9909104, rs1979277, and rs11868708 gene polymorphisms of SHMT1 were genotyped in 120 children diagnosed with ALL and 120 healthy children by the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that rs9901160, rs2273027 as well as rs1979277 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of childhood ALL (P<0.05). While, rs9909104 polymorphism significantly decreased the ALL risk (P<0.05). The rs11868708 variant was not associated with risk/protection of childhood ALL (P>0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that the polymorphisms of SHMT1 gene are associated with childhood ALL risk in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are necessary to verify our findings.

Association study of hsa-mir-603 rs11014002 polymorphism and risk of breast cancer in a sample of Iranian population

Accumulated evidence have proposed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNAs) are connected to breast cancer (BC) risk. We have done a case-control study with 258 BC patients and 209 control women to examine the potential association of Hsa-mir-603 rs11014002 C>T polymorphisms with BC susceptibility. The polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our findings showed that the rs11014002 C>T variant was not associated with an increased risk of BC in codominant (OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.42-1.08, P=0.121, CT vs CC; and OR=0.18, 95%CI=0.02-1.67, P=0.170, TT vs CC), dominant (OR=0.64, 95%CI=0.41-1.01, P=0.062, CT+TT vs CC), and recessive (OR=0.20, 95%CI=0.02-1.81, P=0.178, TT vs CC+CT) inheritance models tested. While, the T allele significantly decreased the risk of BC (OR= 0.63; 95% CI =0.41-0.95; P=0.032) compared to C allele. In conclusion, the findings indicated that Mir603 rs11014002 T allele might contribute to decrease the risk of BC in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are warranted to confirm our findings.

Lack of Association between Interleukin-18 –607 C/A Gene Polymorphism and Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a critical role in immune response, contributing to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of infectious diseases. Polymorphisms in the IL-18 genes are known to influence expression levels and may be associated with outcome of infections. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of IL-18 polymorphisms –607 A/C (rs1946518) was associated with tuberculosis disease. We investigated the functional polymorphism of IL-18 (rs1946518) in 174 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 177 healthy subjects. Genotype analysis was done using tetra amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (T-ARMS-PCR). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the IL-18 polymorphism did not differ significantly between PTB and the controls. Our finding suggests that IL-18 polymorphism (rs1946518) may not be a risk factor for susceptibility to tuberculosis in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies are required to validate our findings.

Evaluation of migraine in patients with ischaemic stroke

An association between migraine and ischaemic stroke has been observed for many years, but the exact mechanisms by which migraine can lead to stroke are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of migraine headaches in patients with ischaemic stroke. In this prospective cohort study, we assessed 323 patients with ischaemic stroke; these diagnoses were assigned based on the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with or without aura. Patients were recruited without major risk factors such as stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, taking oral contraceptive pills, history of drug abuse and trauma in issue of their Stroke. Data were collected via a written questionnaire upon admission and were analysed with SPSS version 16 software. Comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney's U test and chi-square and t-test. Migraine headache was present in 11.2% (36 of 323) of patients, 8.1% of women and 3.1% of men. Migraine prevalence was highest in the age over 60  years. There was a history of migraine without aura for over 2  years in 6.2% of patients with ischaemic stroke. Also, we found no significant correlation between migraine headache and location of the lesion in patients with ischaemic stroke.

Association of polymorphisms in PRKCI gene and risk of prostate cancer in a sample of Iranian Population

The atypical protein kinase C iota (aPKCι) is an oncoprotein encoded by the PRKCI gene. It has been reported to play multifunctional roles in cellular maintenance, cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and apoptosis. In the present study we aimed to assess the impact of PRKCI rs546950 C>T and rs4955720 C>A polymorphisms on prostate cancer (PCa) risk in a sample of Iranian population. This case-control study was done on 169 patients with pathologically confirmed PCa and 182 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The PCR-RFLP method was used for detection rs546950 C>T and rs4955720 C>A polymorphisms. Our findings showed that rs546950 polymorphism of PRKCI decreased the risk of PCa in codominant (OR=0.35, 95%CI=0.19-0.64, P<0.001, CT vs CC) and dominant (OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.22-0.69, P=0.001, CT+TT vs CC) inheritance model tested. No significant association was found between rs4955720 C>A polymorphism and PCa. In the combined analysis of these two variants subjects carrying CT/CC, CT/CA, TT/AA and CT/AA significantly decreased the risk of PCa in comparison with rs546950 CC/rs4955720 CC genotype. Haplotype analysis indicated that rs546950T/rs4955720A decreased the risk of PCa compared to CC. In conclusion, the results revealed that PRKCI rs546950 variant decreased the risk of PCa in an Iranian population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are required to confirm our findings.

Association of –607 C/A Polymorphism of IL-18 Gene (rs1946518) with Breast Cancer Risk in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

It is known that interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine with dual effects on tumor development and progression. It can increase the immune defense against tumor cells. Polymorphisms in the IL-18 genes are known to influence both expression levels and may be associated with outcome of cancers. This study was aimed to find out the possible association of IL-18 polymorphism at position –607 C/A (rs1946518) with breast cancer in a sample of Iranian population. We investigated IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism on 72 breast cancer patients and 93 cancer free women. Genotyping was done using amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR). We found no significant differences between breast cancer patients and control subjects regarding IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism (χ2=1.78, p=0.411). In conclusion, our finding showed that IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism was not associated with breast cancer in a sample of Iranian population.

Klebsiella pneumonia, a Microorganism that Approves the Non-linear Responses to Antibiotics and Window Theory after Exposure to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Electromagnetic Radiofrequency Radiation

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance is widely believed to be an increasingly serious threat to global public health. We have previously reported that short term exposure of microorganisms to diagnostic ultrasound waves could significantly alter their sensitivity to antibiotics. In our previous studies, Klebsiella pneumoniae showed major differences in the sensitivity to antibiotics in exposed and non-exposed samples. This study was aimed at investigating the alteration of antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumonia, after exposure to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro study, three replicate agar plates were used for each test. The antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out using disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar plates and the inhibition zones in both control and exposed groups were measured. A common Wi-Fi router was used in this study as the radiofrequency exposure source. Irradiated samples were exposed to Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation for 3, 4.5 and 8 hours.

RESULTS

Statistically significant variations of sensitivity to antibiotics were found for all studied antibiotics after 4.5 hours of RF exposure, compared to non-exposed bacteria. Interestingly, the mean diameters of the inhibition zones after 3 hours of exposure were less than those exposed for 4.5 hours. Following this rise in the sensitivity to antibiotics, a fall was observed in the bacteria exposed for 8 hours for all studied antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show a statistically significant rise in the sensitivity of Klebsiella pneumoniae to different antibiotics after 4.5 hours of exposure to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation, followed by a fall after 8 hours of exposure. These observations can be interpreted by the concept of non-linearity in the responses of Klebsiella pneumoniae to different antibiotics after exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation. As in this study a minimum level of effect was needed for the induction of adaptive response, these results also confirm the validity of the so-called "window theory".

Solution of coupled partial differential equations of a packed bed reactor for SO2 removal by lime using the finite element method

In the present work, the reaction of SO₂ with a single pellet and also a packed bed reactor of conventional and macropore lime was simulated by applying the random pore model.

Investigation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in canine sera with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is accompanied by myocytes and connective tissue changes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in cardiac remodeling. It seems that the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are effective enzymes in cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed in 22 dogs (patient group) including 11 female and 11 male by clinical examination, auscultation, thoracic radiography and echocardiography. 17 healthy dogs (control group) with similar weight and breed to patients were also selected from referred cases to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University and the same diagnostic procedures were performed on them. After that, serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 of control and patient groups were measured by semi-quantitative zymography. Semiquantitative analysis of zymograms from canine serums with DCM showed that total MMP-9 in patients is more than control group, while there was no significant difference in total MMP-2 between the two groups. Pro-MMP-2 was not detected in patient group but its active form was present in both groups, of course MMP-2 activity in patients was significantly more than control. Active form of MMP-9 was detected only in patients. Although pro-MMP-9 was present in both groups, its level in control group was significantly higher than patients. The heart enlargement was observed in the left, right or both parts. Statistically significant differences in active form of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were observed between different groups of heart enlargement (right, left and both parts) compared to control but this difference was not significant considering chambers affected and VHS (vertebral heart score) groups. In conclusion, although there are some changes in serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in canine DCM, it seems that increase of MMP-9 is more prominent than MMP-2 and neither of them were affected by heart enlargement or VHS grade.

Population attributable danger of hereditary heart breaks. Risk factors among newborns in Yazd, Iran

Background: hereditary heart problem are cardiac problems that develop prior to birth and influence the newborns' basic performance of heart. Different kinds of deficiency can range from mild (e.g. a small hole between the heart chambers) to severe (like a flaw or weakness into a heart part). Material & Method: This case-control research performed to evaluate PAR congenital heart defects danger parameters between newborns from 2012 to 2013 in Yazd hospitals. The defects were identified through echocardiography and recorded based on the 10th Revision of Diseases International Classification (DIC10). The total amount of cases were 96, of whom 14 were excluded regarding that the shortage of cooperation or insufficient data. One hundred and sixty five sex and region matched controls selected through random sampling involved in the research. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) utilized to evaluate and measure the priorities of the danger parameters. Finally, the Levin formula utilized to evaluate the regulate community ascribable portion. Result: Regulated odds rates evaluated for the danger parameters. The outcomes revealed that the greatest odds ratio belonged to the maternal history of stillbirth, lack of multivitamin use before pregnancy, maternal obesity, and overweight. The calculation of the adjusted Population Attributable Fraction in risk factors indicated that the highest fraction of the causes of natural heart malformations was associated with overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The current research showed that several factors that can impact the congenital heart defects. It concluded that although overweight and obesity had a weaker association than the other 2 parameters, they have a higher prevalence and a greater attributable risk.

189 THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION ON ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE LEVELS IN REPRODUCTIVE-AGE WOMEN

Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with the infertility and lower clinical pregnancy following IVF. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) plays a key role during follicle development; it has been recognised as a predictor of regular ovulation and probably IVF success. Considering the critical need for experimental human study to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on ovulatory function, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the vitamin D supplementation on AMH serum levels among reproductive-age women with vitamin D deficiency. 195 reproductive women (18–35 year-old) with confirmed vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D <75 nmol L–1] and without diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were enrolled to this controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 96) or an intervention group (n = 99). Women in the intervention group used 2000 IU day–1 vitamin D drops for 15 weeks. 19 participants were missed during the follow-up; finally the numbers of women in the intervention and control groups were 91 and 85, respectively. At the beginning of the study and after the intervention, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and AMH serum levels were quantified using enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Immunodiagnostic Systems, Boldon, UK) and ELISA (Beckman-Coulter Inc., Fullerton, CA, USA) methods respectively. The post-intervention AMH measurement was performed after 2–5 weeks in the same day-of-cycle on which basal AMH measurement was done. Paired t-test, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation were used as appropriate and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Significantly low AMH levels were seen in the vitamin D deficient women of this study (14.46 ± 11.92 pmol L–1 in control group and 14.09 ± 11.52 pmol L–1 in intervention group). After the intake of vitamin D supplementation in intervention group, AMH levels were increased to 24.89 ± 12.47 pmol L–1, which were significantly different from the 15.43 ± 13.03 pmol L–1 in control group (P < 0.001). Correlation coefficients for AMH with pre-intervention and post-intervention vitamin D were r = 0.489 and r = 0.599 respectively (P < 0.001). Treatment of vitamin D deficiency increases AMH to the optimum levels. Vitamin D deficient women had low levels of AMH. These findings support other studies which found a correlation of poor IVF outcomes with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplementation could be useful in the improvement of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation/IVF outcomes in case of vitamin D deficiency.

Essential oil composition of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra growing wild in Iran

The chemical composition of the volatile oil from aerial parts of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra was studied by GC-MS. Fifty components (97.1% of the total composition) were detected in the volatile oil. Germacrene-D (21.7%), β-caryophyllene (18.3%), δ-cadinene (6.4%), trans-β-farnesene (4.3%), α-humulene (3.8%), β-selinene (3.7%), γ-cadinene (3.3%) and trans-phytol (3.2%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. The oil of H. triquetrifolium consisted of five monoterpene hydrocarbons (3.4%), two oxygenated monoterpenes (0.4%), twenty-two sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (77.1%), eight oxygenated sesquiterpenes (7.9%) and one oxygenated diterpene (3.2%). Twelve nonterpenic compounds were also consisted 5.1% of the oil. In conclusion, the oil of H. triquetrifolium was characterized by a high content of sesquiterpenes (85.0%), whereas monoterpenes contained only 3.8% of the essential oil.

Study of vitellogenin in Boophilus annulatus tick larvae and its immunological aspects

Boophilus annulatus is an important one-host tick in the Mediterranean regions and Iran. It can transmit the Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale to cattle. Nowadays, immunization programs by tick proteins is one of the potential methods for the control and prevention of tick infestations. Therefore, the characterization and identification of various tick proteins are necessary. Vitellogenin is a precursor of vitellin that is produced in mid gut cells and fat bodies in ticks. In this study, we characterized vitellogenin protein of B. annulatus unfed larvae using one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting. In one-dimensional immunoblotting, 48, 70, 100, 130 and >250 kDa protein bands positively reacted with immune sera. In two-dimensional immunoblotting many protein spots positively reacted with immune sera. Six of them were analyzed by MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF- TOF mass spectrometry. The results showed that amino acid sequences of four immunogenic proteins with molecular weights of 38, 43, 85 and 97 kDa had identity to tick vitellogenin and its homologues (GP80), based on the Mascot search results. It seems that more knowledge on tick proteins including vitellogenin and their characterization could be useful for the development of anti-tick vaccines.

Techno-economical optimization of Reactive Blue 19 removal by combined electrocoagulation/coagulation process through MOPSO using RSM and ANFIS models

In this research, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) models were applied for optimization of Reactive Blue 19 removal using combined electrocoagulation/coagulation process through Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO). By applying RSM, the effects of five independent parameters including applied current, reaction time, initial dye concentration, initial pH and dosage of Poly Aluminum Chloride were studied. According to the RSM results, all the independent parameters are equally important in dye removal efficiency. In addition, ANFIS was applied for dye removal efficiency and operating costs modeling. High R(2) values (≥85%) indicate that the predictions of RSM and ANFIS models are acceptable for both responses. ANFIS was also used in MOPSO for finding the best techno-economical Reactive Blue 19 elimination conditions according to RSM design. Through MOPSO and the selected ANFIS model, Minimum and maximum values of 58.27% and 99.67% dye removal efficiencies were obtained, respectively.

The relationship between nut consumption and blood pressure in an Iranian adult population: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Few studies outside of Western countries have evaluated the relationship between consumption of nuts and blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nut consumption and blood pressure in an Iranian adult population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a cross-sectional investigation among 9660 randomly selected Iranian adults, sampled to represent three large Iranian regions, using data collected in the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program in 2007. The frequency of nut consumption was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Systolic and diastolic BPs (SBP and DBP) were measured in duplicate by trained personnel using a standard protocol. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were applied to assess the relationship between nut intake and BP levels and the presence of hypertension as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or a DBP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or current use of at least one type of anti-hypertensive medication. Those with nut consumption ≥4 times/week showed less mean of BPs and hypertension prevalence, compared to those who consumed nuts <1 times/week (p < 0.001). Compared to no consumption, consuming nuts ≥4 times/week was associated with a 34% lower prevalence of hypertension (multivariate odds ratio (OR) = 0.66; confidence interval (CI) = 0.51-0.87; p for trend = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

More frequent nut consumption is associated with lower BP and lower risk of hypertension among Iranian adults.

The production of monovalent and anti-idiotype antivenom against Mesobuthus eupeus (Scorpionida: Buthidae) venom in rabbits

The antivenom production against poisonous creatures encounters a number of difficulties. Interestingly, according to the network theory the conventional antigens are not necessarily needed for producing antibodies against the venoms. In this investigation, the antivenom against Mesobuthus eupeus venom was produced based on the aforementioned theory. Polyclonal antibodies against M. eupeus venom were obtained from the immunized rabbits and the specific antibodies were isolated. After separation of Fab2, immunization process and production of the monovalent and anti-idiotype, these antivenoms were analyzed for the determination of their neutralizing power. The level of the produced antibodies in different stages of this study was also measured by ELISA assay. Four hundred and fifty micrograms of the venom can be neutralized by 4.2, 18 and 291 mg of monovalent, polyvalent and anti-idiotype antivenom, respectively. The ELISA results revealed that idiotypic antigens were six times more immunogenic than anti-idiotypes. The anti-idiotype antivenom can be produced on a large scale with minimum venom consumption. In addition, they are non-toxicant in immunized animals and can be used as a vaccine in people at the risk of scorpion stings.

Influence of IL-1RN intron 2 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism on bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Several lines of evidence point to the role of neurobiological mechanisms and genetic background in bipolar disorder (BD). The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is the principal regulator of IL-1α and IL-1β bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms of the IL-1Ra gene (IL1RN) in conferring susceptibility to BD.

METHODS

In total, 217 patients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for BD and 212 controls were recruited for the study. Genotyping of IL1RN was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of VNTR of 86 base pairs in intron 2 of IL1RN.

RESULTS

The genotype distribution of IL1RN polymorphism was significantly different between BD patients and controls. The IL1RN*1/2 genotype was more prevalent in BD patients than in controls (44.2 vs. 30.2%, p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that IL1RN*1/2 heterozygotes had a significantly higher risk for BD (OR 1.83 and 95% CI 1.22-2.74, p = 0.003). Further stratification of the BD patients into IL1RN*2 allele carrier and noncarrier subgroups revealed a strong association between IL1RN*2 carriage and prolongation of the disease (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a positive association between VNTR polymorphism in IL1RN and BD. Additional studies, particularly with a prospective approach, are necessary to clarify the precise role of the VNTR polymorphism on the disease in different ethnic populations.

Non-linear adaptive phenomena which decrease the risk of infection after pre-exposure to radiofrequency radiation

Substantial evidence indicates that adaptive response induced by low doses of ionizing radiation can result in resistance to the damage caused by a subsequently high-dose radiation or cause cross-resistance to other non-radiation stressors. Adaptive response contradicts the linear-non-threshold (LNT) dose-response model for ionizing radiation. We have previously reported that exposure of laboratory animals to radiofrequency radiation can induce a survival adaptive response. Furthermore, we have indicated that pre-exposure of mice to radiofrequency radiation emitted by a GSM mobile phone increased their resistance to a subsequent Escherichia coli infection. In this study, the survival rates in animals receiving both adapting (radiofrequency) and challenge dose (bacteria) and the animals receiving only the challenge dose (bacteria) were 56% and 20%, respectively. In this light, our findings contribute to the assumption that radiofrequency-induced adaptive response can be used as an efficient method for decreasing the risk of infection in immunosuppressed irradiated individuals. The implication of this phenomenon in human's long term stay in the space is also discussed.

Association of CTSZ rs34069356 and MC3R rs6127698 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible association between cathepsin Z (CTSZ) rs34069356 C/T (Ala286Thr) and melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) rs6127698 G>T (-484 G/T) gene polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in an Iranian sample population.

DESIGN

This case-control study included 150 PTB patients and 177 healthy subjects. Tetra amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that the MC3R rs6127698 TT genotype increased the risk of PTB compared with GG (additive model: OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.13-4.64, P = 0.021) as well as GG+GT (recessive model: OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.13-3.18, P = 0.016). The rs6127698 T allele increased the risk of PTB (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.14-2.13, P = 0.005) compared to the G allele. The CTSZ rs34069356 polymorphism was not associated with PTB in additive-, dominant- and recessive-tested inheritance models (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that MC3R rs6127698, but not CTSZ rs34069356 polymorphism, is associated with PTB in a sample Iranian population.