Search

Introduction The role of some biomarkers such as S100 beta (S100B) has been somewhat known in determining the severity of primary acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and today, it has been the basis of various relevant studies. Therefore, this study estimates the S100B level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with spinal injuries. Methods This was a descriptive-analytic study. In this study, 31 patients with acute SCI referred to Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran, were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups of complete and incomplete SCI according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). The S100B concentrations in serum and CSF levels were compared between the two groups. Result There was only significant positive correlation between S100B CSF concentration and complete SCI based on the ASIA criterion, meaning that in cases of complete SCI the S100B CSF concentration was significantly increased correlation coefficient (CC) (cc ¼ 0.529 and p ¼ 0.002). Based on the results of serum S100B protein concentration, 14.70 ng/dL with a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 55% was determined as cutoff for complete SCI. Also, about the CSF S100B protein level variable, concentration of 342.18 ng/dL with 100% sensitivity and 64% specificity was determined as cutoff for complete injury. Conclusion The results of this unique study have shown that S100B were useful markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with acute SCI and cutoff points determined for serum and especially CSF concentrations can differentiate complete and incomplete SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Iranian commercial multi-strain probiotic (IMSP) or different levels of Pediococcus acidilactici (PA), isolated from Iranian camel milk, on some biological parameters in male Ross broilers. A total of 240 1-d-old chicks were divided into four groups as follows: (1) Control-Unsupplemented, (2) supplemented with MSP, (3)106 CFU PA g−1diet, (4)108 CFU PA g−1diet (4). Groups 2 and 3 exhibited a higher total growth rate and feed conversion ratio, compared to the control and group 4 (p <.05). Group 3 showed a larger villus length/crypt-depth compared to the control (p <.05). Groups 2 and 4 displayed lower and larger count of jejunal Gram (−) bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. compared to the control, respectively (p <.05). The control group showed the lowest levels of total serum protein (p <.05). Group 3 had lower blood triglycerides compared to the control and group 2 (p <.05). These results indicated that the IMSP and 106 CFU PA g−1diet can improve growth and FCR and can be used in the poultry industry of Iran. Supplementation diet with native multi-strain probiotic is useful. Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from Iranian camel milk can improve broilers performance and reduce blood triglycerides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. ITP is the most prevalent autoimmune blood disorder. The lack of predictive biomarkers for therapeutic response is a major challenge for physicians caring of chronic ITP patients. This study is aimed at identifying predictive biomarkers for drug therapy responses. Methods. 2D gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed to find differentially expressed proteins. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis was performed to identify protein spots. The Cytoscape software was employed to visualize and analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to confirm the results of the proteins detected in the blood. The DAVID online software was used to explore the Gene Ontology and pathways involved in the disease. Results. Three proteins, including APOA1, GC, and TF, were identified as hub-bottlenecks and confirmed by ELISA. Enrichment analysis results showed the importance of several biological processes and pathway, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades, platelet activation, vitamin digestion and absorption, fat digestion and absorption, cell adhesion molecule binding, and receptor binding. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance. Our results indicate that plasma proteins (APOA1, GC, and TF) can be suitable biomarkers for the prognosis of the response to drug therapy in ITP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high impact of vitamin D on brain development and its relationship with inflammatory markers in the clinical course of psychiatric disorders have compelled researchers to investigate the potential association between vitamin D levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the incidence of mental disorders. In the present study, we aimed to compare the serum levels of vitamin D and its related markers, including calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), along with CRP, in 3 groups of patients with acute psychotic episodes, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis, with a standard control group of the Iranian population. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in Tehran, Iran, and involved a total of 185 subjects. The subjects included four groups: acute phase of schizophrenia (n = 49), acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder (n = 43), methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder (n = 46), and control group (n = 47). Among 138 patients in acute psychotic episodes, 33 patients were in their first episode of psychosis, while 105 patients were in acute exacerbation of their chronic psychotic disorders. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was measured by an expert attending psychiatrist for all patients. Then, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, vitamin D, and CRP were assessed in all study groups. Results: Among our 185 study subjects, it was observed that individuals with higher education levels and those who were married had a lower prevalence of mental disorders. In all patient groups, the serum levels of CRP were significantly higher, and PTH levels were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D were not statistically significantly different between the patient and control groups of the study. In chronic psychotic patients, CRP levels were significantly higher (p < 0.031), and vitamin D levels were significantly lower (p < 0.044) compared to first-episode psychotic patients. Conclusion: This study suggests that CRP levels are significantly higher and PHT level is significantly lower in acute psychotic patients. Moreover, vitamin D levels were significantly lower in chronic psychotic patients compared to first-episode psychotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma species cause animal trypanosomiasis that infects many animals. Trypanosoma evansi is an organism that infects camels. There are many economic problems associated with this disease, including lower milk and meat yields and abortions. The purpose of the current survey was molecular study of the presence of Trypanosoma in dromedary camel blood in the south of Iran, and its effects on the hematologic, and some acute-phase protein changes. Blood samples were aseptically collected from the jugular vein of dromedary camels (n = 100; aged from 1 to 6 years) originating from Fars Province in EDTA-coated vacutainers. Genomic DNA from 100 µL of the whole blood was extracted and amplified using a PCR assay based on ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 ribosomal regions. Also, the PCR products obtained were sequenced. Moreover, the changes in hematological parameters and serum acute-phase proteins (serum amyloid A, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, and haptoglobin) were measured. Among 100 tested blood, nine samples (9%, 95% CI: 4.2–16.4%) were found positive by the PCR assay. The phylogenetic tree and blast analysis showed four different genotypes closely related to the strains (accession numbers: JN896754 and JN896755) previously reported from dromedary camels in Yazd Province, center Iran. Based on hematological analysis, normocytic and normochromic anemia and lymphocytosis were detected in the PCR-positive cases compared with the negative group. Furthermore, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein was significantly increased in the positive cases. There was a substantial and positive relation between the number of lymphocytes, and the levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and serum amyloid A in the blood (p = 0.045, r = 0.223 and p = 0.036, r = 0.234, respectively). A noticeable frequency of T. evansi infection was reported in dromedary camels in south Iran. This is the first report on the genetic diversity of T. evansi in this region. There was a significant association among Trypanosoma infection, lymphocytosis, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. Trypanosoma-positive camels had a significant decrease in hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) values compared to the non-infected group. Further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the hematological and acute-phase protein alteration during a different phase of Trypanosoma spp. infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the serum proteome of women with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)/bipolar disorder (BP) compared to pure OCD subjects and healthy controls. Materials & Methods Serum proteome of women with OCD/BP, pure OCD individuals, and healthy controls were subjected to 2DE-based proteomics accompanied with MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry. Further evaluation of the identified protein spots with the significance of p<0.05 and fold≥1.5 was done by applying protein interaction mapping via Cytoscape v. 5.3.1 and its plugins. Results The results indicate that vitamin D binding protein (GC) and haptoglobin spots (HP) significantly changed expression in OCD and OCD/BP with different expression patterns. These identified spots may contribute to OCD/BP and act as differentially recognized biomarkers comparing pure OCD and OCD/BP. Conclusion The Findings imply that these proteins in the serum of the patients could be potential distinguishable biomarkers in clinical usage after related validation experiments. Therefore, this study provides a preliminary evaluation to understand OCD/BP proteome behavior better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to computational modeling of biophysical processes with factors of heterogeneous adaptation. Plasticity and variability is the basis of evolution in natural biophysical systems. The complex of behavioral and biochemical adaptations allows the ancient populations of the Caspian Sea to efficiently use the limited resources and withstand the competition. During long-term simultaneous evolution in populations of Caspian organisms, a specific adaptation has appeared that is the strategy of survival optimal for physical conditions of the Caspian Sea. Interference in the existing hydrological systems of the region instantaneously deteriorated the advantages of the evolution strategy. An important form of adaptation for the Caspian Sea is the formation of subpopulation reproductively isolated groups that become units of species formation, accumulating the differences because of the reproductive isolation. In the paper we describe the method for analyzing the intrapopulation structure, where the groups with different reproductive behavior arose in the population. This is an aspect of the technical problem of the method for their introduction. A modified method of antigen differentiation developed by Yu.N. Perevaryukha (patent for invention RU 2253970) allowed determining the belonging of animal units to one of the reproductive groups of marine sturgeons by the differences in their antigens in the blood serum. It was shown that biophysical adaptation to long-term life in sweet water reflects in the presence in blood of specific proteins called the antigen markers. Immunochemical technologies immunodiffusion and electrophoresis are applied to study the markers of reproductive groups of Caspian sturgeons. The knowledge about the character of life cycle of groups isolated by their reproductive behavior and optimal temperature is necessary for artificial recovery of the populations. The data on the presence of two reproductive groups in starry sturgeon Acipencer stellatus are used to model the reproductive activity of the population. The information about the degree of intrapopulation differentiation allows improving the hybrid computational structure for the model of biophysical processes requiring the animal unit introduction technology; this structure was earlier proposed by us in Technical Physics. The model scenario explains the low efficiency of artificial release of sturgeon fish in the Caspian Sea. The procedure for reintroduction of sturgeons into the Caspian Sea must take into account the reproductive peculiarities of groups with different behavior. The considered problem is topical not only for populations of the Volga basin, but also for local populations in southern waters of the Caspian Sea of Iran and Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trisomy 13 (T13) and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are the vital causes of congenital malformations. This study was performed to identify the T13 and SCA with screening tests in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, first-trimester combined screening was conducted on 2100 pregnant women referred to Narges Genetics Laboratory, Ahvaz, Iran. Evaluating the first trimester screening tests, including nuchal translucency (NT), crown--rump length (CRL) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP- A), and free beta of human chorionic gonadotropin (fβhCG) was performed. For a definitive diagnosis of T13 and SCA syndrome, fetal karyotype was evaluated. Results: The average NT and CRL in high-risk group for T13 were 5.96 mm and 61.7 mm respectively and in high- risk groups for SCA were 3.7 mm and 75.9 mm, respectively. Significant correlation was observed among NT, CRL and T13, SCA (P<0.05). The average serum fβhCG and PAAP-A levels in high-risk group for T13 were 0.42 and 0.31, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between decrease fβhCG, PAPP-A and T13 levels and increase fβhCG levels and SCA levels (P<0.05). No Significant correlation was observed between PAPP-A levels and SCA levels (P>0.05). Conclusion: Using special software and karyotype testing, the prenatal screening tests based on the maternal age and gestational age in the first trimester of pregnancy may determine the major risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: One of the major challenges in feeding intensive care patients is the appropriate time to start gastrointestinal nutrition. This study aimed to compare the consequences of early and late gastric nutrition in trauma patients under mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Zanjan in 2020-2021. In this research, 78 mechanically ventilated trauma patients were selected by convenience sampling. Patients were divided into early and late gastrointestinal nutrition groups according to their feeding time. In these patients, outcome variables, residual gastric volume (within five days), aspiration pneumonia (first, third, and fifth days), and laboratory nutritional indices (first, third, fifth, and tenth) were assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS v.22 software at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that the gastric residual volume in the early gastrointestinal nutrition group (0) was significantly lower than in the late gastrointestinal nutrition group (11.42 ± 32.28; P<0.001). The pneumonia aspiration with Cochran's Q test did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, comparing the laboratory indicators with repeated measures ANOVA showed that total protein and calcium in the late gastrointestinal nutrition group showed a statistically significant increase. As well, phosphorus, magnesium, and lymphocyte showed a statistically significant increase in the early gastrointestinal nutrition group (P<0.05). However, these indicators did not show clinically significant differences between the two groups. The stepwise multiple regression model results showed the role of disease severity in predicting the laboratory indicators of total protein, calcium, lymphocyte, and phosphorus. Furthermore, consciousness level played a role in predicting the magnesium index. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of early feeding on the remaining volume of the stomach, it is recommended to start early feeding in trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum protein profile could be considered as a useful indicator of physiological and pathological conditions, but several factors may interfere with the interpretation. This study was conducted to evaluate serum protein fractions in association with age, body weight, birth type and birth season in a meat-type sheep. Blood samples were randomly taken from 96 healthy Lori-Bakhtiari ewes in the Shooli breeding station in Iran. The sampled animals randomly belonged to different age, birth type, birth season and body weight groups. Total protein and other fractions were determined by Biuret and electrophoresis methods, respectively. IgG levels were measured by ELISA method. Total protein, albumin, total globulins, albumin/globulins ratio, a1, a2, ß and γ globulins and IgG levels averages were 5.82, 2.35, 3.47, 0.69, 0.06, 0.42, 0.15, 2.82 and 1.56 g/dL, respectively. Total protein had high correlations with total and γ globulins, while albumin and IgG were almost independent from other fractions. Levels of serum protein fractions in adults were also independent from body weights at different ages. Serum protein profile was significantly affected by age and birth season (P<0.05), where by older ewes had lower levels of a2, γ and total globulins and higher albumin/globulin ratios. The winter-born ewes significantly had higher γ globulins levels and probably more immune system activities, compared to the spring-born ewes. Body weight and birth type did not have any significant effect on the studied serum protein fractions. This study suggested that the age and birth season should be considered for interpretation of the serum protein profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) is one of the most important conditions, which is associated with the risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and β-human-derived chorionic gonadotrophic (β-hCG) in the first trimester can predict this adverse outcome, considering the controversial nature of studies in this area, this cohort study was conducted to investigate the role of PAPP-A and freeβ-hCG levels for predicting SGA. Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, from 16 randomly selected health centers in Isfahan, Iran, 4605 volunteer pregnant women who had performed first-trimester fetal anomalies screening tests were chosen based on the census, from July 2016 to June 2018. The multiples of the median (MoM) PAPP-A <0.4 and MoM β-hCG >3 were considered as abnormal; the samples were followed up after childbirth. The biomarkers' serum levels, relative risk, and odds ratio (OR) of SGA were compared in both SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) groups. Results: In the SGA group, the mean of MOM PAPP-A was significantly lower (0.96 vs. 1.1 with P = 0.001) and MoM βhCG was significantly higher (1.24 vs. 1.15 with P = 0.01) than the AGA group. Odds for SGA in subjects with MoM PAPP-A <0.4 were 3.213; P = 0.001 and for subjects with MoM βhCG >3 reported as 0.683; P = 0.111. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the low levels of PAPP-A would cause 3.213 times increase in the chance of developing SGA and no association between high level of βhCG >3 with SGA. Therefore, low level of the PAPP-A is a warning indicator for SGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Activated protein C resistance (APCR) due to factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation (R506Q) is a major risk factor in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study investigated the clinical manifestations and the risk of venous thromboembolism regarding multiple clinical, laboratory, and demographic properties in FVL patients. Material and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a total of 288 FVL patients with VTE according to APCR. In addition, 288 VET control samples, without FVL mutation, were also randomly selected. Demographic information, clinical manifestations, family and treatment history were recorded, and specific tests including t-test, chi-square and uni- and multi-variable regression tests applied. Results: APCR was found to be 2.3 times significantly more likely in men (OR: 2.1, p < 0.05) than women. The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in APCR patients was 4.5 and 3.2 times more than the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). However, APCR could not be an independent risk factor for arterial thrombosis (AT) and pregnancy complications. Moreover, patients were evaluated for thrombophilia panel tests and showed significantly lower protein C and S than the control group and patients without DVT (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: FVL mutation and APCR abnormality are noticeable risk factors for VTE. Screening strategies for FVL mutation in patients undergoing surgery, oral contraceptive medication, and pregnancy cannot be recommended, but a phenotypic test for activated protein C resistance should be endorsed in patients with VTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, humans have used plants as a source of medicine since ancient times. But the use of transgenic plants in molecular farming is a major source of molecular drugs. The use of molecular farming offers a promising prospect for producing of large- scale, low-cost pharmaceutical and industrial compounds. The results of this research include the production of plasma proteins, enzymes, growth factors, vaccines and antibodies. As plants can offer an inexpensive and convenient platform for the large- scale production of recombinant proteins with various functions, the driven force from the giant market for recombinant protein pharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes makes this subject grow and advance very quickly. With an increased demand for biopharmaceuticals, high costs, and inefficiency of current production systems, transgenic plants have received more attention as a new generation of bioreactors; but determining the best plant platform for the expression of recombinant proteins is one of the critical issues in molecular farming. So far, several expression platforms on this basis for the production of foreign proteins have been evaluated. Among these, the use of dry cereal seeds is one of the most efficient methods used to accumulate recombinant proteins. On the other hand, barley is a right candidate for recombinant protein expression platforms due to its easy cultivation management, high protein content, and low protein diversity, high adaptability to climatic conditions and low production costs. Besides, the highly self-pollinating nature of barley, along with its inability to produce fertile hybrids with related crops or wild species, creates a genetic mechanism, which practically prevents the unwanted dispersion of genetically modified germplasm under field conditions. Iran is also one of the centers of barley diversity in the Middle East, and the vast genetic variety, and nativeness of barley in this region is of particular importance to breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pleural effusion is a common clinical problem which can be exudative or transudative in nature due to variety of causes. Measurement of biochemical markers in the pleural fluid is an important measure to distinguish exudative from transudative effusion. Aim of the Study: Is to determine the value of pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio to differentiate between transudative and exudative pleural effusion. Patients and Method: Thirty-five patients enrolled in this study, they admitted to medical ward in Baghdad teaching hospital and submitted to clinical, radiological, ultrasonographic examination proved to have pleural effusion from December 2018 to July 2019. Samples of blood and pleural fluid aspirated in the medical ward, analyzed after 30-60 minute of aspiration. The sample of some cases were analyzed in private laboratories. Serum protein, total serum bilirubin and other investigation according to the condition of the patient like blood urea, serum creatinine, liver function test, sputum of AFB. Pleural fluid analyzed from protein, total bilirubin, cell count, differential and cytology. Pleural biopsy was done to patients suspected to have malignant or tuberculous effusion and grouped at the end of their hospitalization into exudative and transudative effusion according to specific etiology, clinical examination, radiological finding, and then measure the pleural fluid to serum protein ratio, pleural fluid to serum bilirubin for each patient. We depended on pleural fluid to serum protein ratio to compare with pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio for differentiation between exudative and transudative pleural fluid. Results: Twenty two patients with exudative effusion and thirteen patients were having transudate according to pleural fluid to serum protein (Light's criteria). P-value= 0.002, Fisher. Exact test= 0.001. Twenty three patients with exudative effusion and twelve patients with transudative effusion according to pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio. P value= 0.37, Fisher. Exact test = 0.45. Pf/s ratio can increase the sensitivity and specificity of Light's criteria. Conclusions: Pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio can't replace Light's criteria in differentiation between exudates and transudate pleural effusion. Pf/s bilirubin ratio is a reliable test can easily perform but not common use in our hospital because of its costy and not familial use in our laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Electromembrane extraction is a new membrane-based extraction method in which charged compounds are extracted by an electric field. So far, this method has been used to extract and isolate a variety of acidic and basic drugs from various samples, including blood and plasma. However, in this procedure, it is not yet clear whether only unbound fraction of a drug is extracted or the total drug. The aim of this study is to reveal the nature of drug extraction in the presence of plasma proteins. Methods: To determine the nature of the extraction, the electromembrane extraction was performed from plasma solutions of phenytoin with concentrations 0.03 and 1.0 μg/mL, then the result was compared with the values obtained from the electromembrane extraction of ultrafiltrate of the same solutions (free concentration) and protein-free ultrafiltrate of plasma with final concentration of 0.03 and 1.0 μg/mL (total concentration). For this purpose, EME followed by capillary electrophoresis coupled with diode array detection was optimized and validated. Results: The results showed that the electromembrane extraction method was only able to extract the unbound fraction of phenytoin from plasma samples. The method was validated over a concentration range of 0.03–4 μg/mL. The inter and intra-assay precisions were less than 6.7%. The phenytoin protein binding was also determined to be in agreement with the literature data and confirms the validity of this method. Conclusion: This sensitive and quick EME approach for determining the free concentration of a phenytoin, can be a good alternative to classic methods for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cystatin C is early predictor for evaluation the kidney functions. The Serum Cystatin C is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, that the nucleated cells produce it at stable rate. It is filtered through the glomerular filtration membranes of kidneys, and the filtration rate will be unaffected by external factors. A group of recessively inherited hemoglobin disorders called Major Beta-thalassemia and considered the most common genetic disorder all over the world, which could be noticed by the reduction in of β-globin chain synthesis. Objective: To study Serum Cystatin-C estimation as early marker of renal function in relation with other parameters in beta thalassemia patients. Materials and Method: A case-control study was executed on thalassemia patients between February and April 2019 at Al-Zahra'a Teaching Hospital in Najaf/Iraq. Results: the results in this study showed there are significant differences (p≤ 0.05) between major beta thalassemia patients and control group in regarding to hematological parameters. The result of biochemical parameters showed there are variations between patients and control where there were significant statistical increases in our thalassemic patients comparing to the control about Cystatin-C (1.27±0.33and 0.7±0.24 ng\ ml respectively). Conclusion: the cystatin -C is useful marker at major beta thalassemia patients that suffering from renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of peritonitis as a complication of cirrhosis is an important clinical problem. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum C-reactive protein levels as a diagnostic factor for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in child patients with liver disease. Methods: In this study, 150 children diagnosed with liver disease and ascites upon admission to Nemazee Teaching Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) were examined. Patients were divided into spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and sterile ascetic fluid groups according to the PMN count ≥ 250/mm³ in the ascetic fluids. Routine laboratory tests were conducted and quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured for all of the patients. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CRP was evaluated for diagnosis of SBP. Results: Of 150 cirrhotic patients, 109 patients presented without SBP (52.29% male, mean age: 5.02 ± 4.49 years) and 41 patients presented with SBP (51.21% male, mean age: 4.71 years). Cell counts, protein levels, albumin levels, and lactate dehydrogenize (LDH) levels of the ascetic fluid and serum samples in the SBP group were higher than the rates for those without SBP (P < 0.05). The mean ± SD of CRP in the SBP group (36.89 ± 23.43) increased significantly compared to the rate among those without SBP (21.59 ± 15.43, P = 0.001). The percentages for sensitivity and specificity of CRP, the diagnosis of SBP based on the PMN count ≥ 250/mm³, and cultured ascites were 69.23%, 90.25%, 88.43%, and 84.32%, respectively. The areas under the curve of CRP for SBP based on the PMN count ≥ 250/mm³ and cultured ascites was 0.94 (CI 95%: 0.90 to 0.96) and 0.85 (CI 95%: 0.84 to 0.92), respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study showed that CRP is a marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The important polymorphisms leading to inherited thrombophilia are Factor V Leiden (FVL), Prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T and A1298C. The frequencies also the correlation among these polymorphisms and RPL have been reported controversially in various populations. Our clinic is one of the referral centers in reproductive biomedicine in which patients in all over Iran refer to; thus the results of this study could be considered clinically beneficial. Besides, in the present study, not only the frequency of specific but also multiple thrombophilic gene alterations were compared in Iranian women with RPL and a control group.Methods: The patients group comprised 330 women with three or more consecutive RPLs. The control population included 350 women with at least one child and no history of pregnancy loss. FVL, Prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were analyzed by Strip assay kit. MTHFR A1298C was genotyped by PCR-RFLP.Results: The frequencies of FVL, Prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C mutations in patients were 8.48, 4.24, 45.45 and 59.39%, and in controls were 2.86, 2.86, 34.28 and 6%, respectively.Conclusions: The present data showed that FVL, MTHFR polymorphisms also combined with thrombophilic gene mutations have a strong association with RPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]