Search

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. is a serious threat to wheat production worldwide. Exploiting wild relatives can effectively help to improve the genetic resistance of wheat against rust. This study aimed to evaluate the responses of 34 Aegilops triuncialis accessions to seven Pt pathotypes and to analyse expression of genes associated with resistance at the seedling stage. Following multipathotype testing, two accessions with contrasting resistance were analysed at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h post‐inoculation for the expression profile of genes related to PR1, PR2, PR4, PR9, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and ATP‐binding cassette transporter. Of the accessions tested, eight showed high infection types of "3" to at least one Pt pathotype, while the remaining accessions had low ITs ("0;=" to "2+") against all pathotypes. The relative expressions of all candidate genes increased at all‐time points, but the expression level in the incompatible interaction was significantly higher than that of the compatible. The close relationship between PR proteins, PAL, salicylic acid‐ and jasmonic acid‐responsive proteins, as well as the proteins involved in the production of reactive oxygen species and lignin, could point to the specific recognition of the pathogen followed by the timely and intense induction of the expression of PR genes as the main reasons for resistance in incompatible interaction. In conclusion, the present study identified potentially new sources of resistance in this Ae. triuncialis population, which can be exploited in wheat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-industrial waste Biotransformation Experimental design Plackett–Burman screening method Process variables Response surface methodology Saccharomyces cerevisiBackground: Ultrasonication was used to stimulate the growth and selenium (Se) biotransformation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An optimization study for maximal Se accumulation in S. cerevisiae was conducted using the Plackett–Burman screening method and response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of conditions. The variables influencing Se biotransformation by yeast, including duration and power of ultrasound, inoculum treatment with ultrasound, duty cycle, growth phase, time, shaking rate, inorganic salt concentration (Se, Zn, Mg, and K), and nitrogen and carbon sources as well as their concentrations were screened using the Plackett–Burman design. Results: The main variables were carbon and Se concentration as well as ultrasound power and duty cycle. The lack of fit was insignificant (P > 0.01). The optimum condition for Se accumulation was obtained at Se concentration of 60 lg/ml, carbon source brix of 15, ultrasound of 90 W/L, and duty cycle of 40%. Conclusions: The results showed that optimization of parameters and application of ultrasonication lead to a successful enhancement (2.78-fold) in the accumulation of selenium by S. cerevisiae. Such enriched yeast can be utilized in bread for increasing consumption of Se in the diet of patients with Se deficiency.ae Selenium enrichment Selenium Selenium-enriched yeast Ultrasound [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the integration of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) with a moisture controller for the microwave drying of polymer foam. The proportional–integral (PI) control and the linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control are employed in designing the controller. The control objective in this process is that the moisture of polymer foam after the drying process reaches the desired set point. The permittivity distribution of polymer foam after the drying process is estimated in real-time using a designed ECT sensor and transferred as feedback to the controller. Since the permittivity and the moisture are strongly correlated, the material moisture can be controlled by controlling the permittivity. A state-space model is derived for the microwave drying process based on a system identification approach using the experimental data from the process. The derived model is employed in designing the LQG controller and adjusting the parameters of the PI controller. The designed controllers are implemented on a testbed microwave oven, and the experimental results show that the designed controllers are able to follow the desired set point moisture. The performance of the system with both controllers is compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Moreover, the benefits of having a moisture controller for the microwave drying process are shown in simulation studies compared to an uncontrolled system. • Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) to estimate the moisture distribution • Modeling the microwave drying process using the system identification approach • Combining the process tomography and control to achieve the desired moisture • Implementing a proportional–integral (PI) controller to track the set point moisture • Designing a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller using a black-box model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous observational studies have highlighted the negative effects of serum hormone levels at the minimum threshold during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. However, still the questions regarding the maximum threshold level, and the highest allowed dosage of hormonal medications remain unresolved. The present study was conducted to determine whether there is any relationship between the serum progesterone and estradiol levels on the day of ET, and live birth rate (LBR) in patients receiving HRT in FET cycles. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, eligible women who were undergoing their first or second FET cycles with the top graded blastocyst stage embryos were included. All patients received the same HRT regimen. FET was scheduled 5 days after administration of the first dosage of progesterone. On the morning of ET, 4–6 h after the last dose of progesterone supplementation, the serum progesterone (P4, ng/ml) and estradiol (E2, pg/ml) levels were measured. Results: Amongst the 258 eligible women that were evaluated, the overall LBR was 34.1 % (88/258). The serum P4 and E2 values were divided into four quartiles. The means of women's age and BMI were similar between the four quartiles groups. Regarding both P4 and E2 values, it was found that the LBR was significantly lower in the highest quartile group (Q4) compared with the others, (P = 0.002 and P = 0.042, respectively). The analysis of the multivariable logistic regression showed that the serum level of P4 on ET day, was the only significant predictive variable for LBR. The ROC curve revealed a significant predictive value of serum P4 levels on the day of ET for LBR, with an AUC = 0.61 (95 % CI: 0.54–0.68, P = 0.002). The optimum level of serum P4, with 70 % sensitivity and 50 %specificity for LBR, was 32.5 ng/ml. Conclusions: The present study suggests that a serum P4 value at the maximum threshold on the day of FET is associated with reduced LBR following blastocyst transfer. Therefore, measuring and monitoring of P4 levels during FET cycles might be necessary. However, the results regarding the necessity for the screening of serum E2 levels before ET, are still controversial, and further prospective studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of recently collected specimens in various regions of Iran, new data on jumping spiders (Salticidae) of this country are provided. One species, Salticus lucasi sp. nov. (), Isfahan Province, central Iran) is described as new to science, and three species (Chalcoscirtus platnicki Marusik, 1995, Mogrus larisae Logunov, 1995 and Phlegra yaelae Prószyński, 1998) are recorded in Iran for the first time. A further 21 species represent new provincial records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular loss and tissue degeneration are great challenges in ovarian tissue culture systems. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete a cocktail of growth factors and cytokines which supports adjacent cells and tissues. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of human bone marrow (hBM)-MSC, as co-culture cells, on human follicular development in ovarian cortical tissue (OCT) culture. For this purpose, warmed OCT fragments were co-cultured with hBM-MSC for 8 days and compared to monocultured OCT. During the culture period, ovarian follicle survival and development in the OCT were evaluated using histological observation, follicular developmental-related genes expression, and estradiol production. Furthermore, cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in conserved ovarian follicles with a normal morphology between the two groups. However, the percentage of developing follicles, as well as follicular developmental gene expression, significantly increased in the co-culture group compared to the monoculture group. On the other hand, compared with the monoculture group, the co-culture group demonstrated a significant increase in cell proliferation, indicated by Ki67 gene expression, as well as a dramatic decrease in apoptotic cell percentage, revealed by TUNEL assay. These findings indicated that co-culturing of hBM-MSC with OCT could improve follicular activation and early follicular development in human ovarian tissue culture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in the metal oxide nanoparticles and nanotechnology field is growing. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in the various products and industries. Regarding the probable toxicity of ZnO NPs on central nervous system (neurotoxicity), the current study was designed to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to ZnO NPs during pregnancy on depressive-like behaviors in mice offspring, using two validated animal models of depression. Thirty pregnant female mice were distributed into three groups (n = 10 for each group). The two experimental groups were injected subcutaneously at gestation day 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 with 100 µl of ZnO NPs solution at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. The control group was treated with a similar subcutaneous injection of saline containing 0.05% Tween-80 as vehicle. Neurobehavioral tests including forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used to evaluate depressive-like behaviors in 3-week-old and 6-week-old male and female offspring (n = 10/group). The results of this study indicated that subcutaneous injection of ZnO NPs at 0.5 and 1 mg/ml dose dependently increased the immobility time in 3-week-old and 6-week-old mice in both the FST and TST (P < 0.05). Moreover, increasing age also significantly increased the duration of immobility in both the FST and TST (P < 0.05). In addition, sex differences were observed in behavioral responses, such as female mice were more immobile than male mice in both the FST and TST (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that the depressive-like effects of ZnO NPs may be due to its neurotoxic influences during neuronal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, synthesized SiO2/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles were used to change the wettability of carbonate rock from highly oil-wet to strongly water-wet state. The SiO2/ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by modified sol-gel method. In this method, TEOS was used to increase the functional groups on the surface of the ZnO nanoparticles to produce highly hydrophilic nanoparticles. The contact angle measurements were conducted on the rock surface before and after nano-treatment. The contact angle of oil droplet with the rock changed from 0° to 150°, 161°, 164° and 170° after impregnation the rock with 0.01, 0.033, 0.07 and 0.33 wt.% nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a simple and facile strategy for dispersing of nanoparticles within a p-type conducting polymer matrix by in situ electropolymerization using oxalic acid as the supporting electrolyte. Coatings prepared from polypyrrole–nano-metal oxide particles synthesized by in situ polymerization were found to exhibit excellent corrosion resistance much superior to polypyrrole (Ppy) in aggressive environments. The anti-corrosion behavior of polypyrrole films in different states and the presence of TiO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 and ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by electropolymerization on Al electrodes have been investigated in corrosive solutions using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical response of the coated electrodes in polymer and nanocomposite state was compared with bare electrodes. The use of TiO 2 nanoparticles has proved to be a great improvement in the performances of polypyrrole films for corrosion protection of Al samples. The polypyrrole synthesized in the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles coated electrodes offered a noticeable enhancement of protection against corrosion processes. The exceptional improvement of performance of these coatings has been associated with the increase in barrier to diffusion, prevention of charge transport by the nanosize TiO 2 , redox properties of polypyrrole as well as very large surface area available for the liberation of dopant due to nano-size additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, synthesized TiO 2 /SiO 2 hybrid nanoparticles were used to fabrication of hydrophilic coating with high stability on superhydrophobic surface of carbonate rock. For this purpose, n-heptane droplet contact angle in water medium was measured on the rock surface before and after treatment. The TiO 2 /SiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized by modified sol-gel method. This method is based on increasing functional groups on the surface of the TiO 2 nanoparticles to produce high hydrophilic nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The chemical composition and morphology of untreated and treated rock surface were determined using XRD and SEM analyses. It was observed that the n-heptane droplet was instantly spread on the untreated rock and its contact angle in water medium was 0°, in the other hand the water contact angle in n-heptane medium was 168°, so the un-coated rock was superhydrophobic. After adsorption of nanoparticles on the rock surface, the n-heptane droplet contact angle changed to 165° and the water contact angle changed to 0° so the coated rocks were superhydrophilic. The fabricated nano-coatings exhibited high thermal stability and moderate mechanical stability; also the coated surfaces had high stability in contact with salt solution, the results were encouraging. Applications of these nano-coatings include surfaces where cleanliness is paramount such as in hospitals as well as the maintenance of building facades and protection of public monuments from weathering. Novel industrial application includes wettability alteration of oil wet carbonate rock for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of ovarian stem cells in postnatal mammalian ovaries, also referred to as putative stem cells (PSCs), and their roles in mammalian fertility has challenged the long-existing theory that women are endowed with a certain number of germ cells. The rare amount of PSCs is the major limitation for utilizing them through different applications. Therefore, this study was conducted in six phases to find a way to increase the number of Fragilis- and mouse vasa homolog (MVH)-positive sorted cells from 14-day-old NMRI strain mice. Results showed that there is a population of Fragilis- and MVH-positive cells with pluripotent stem cell characteristics, which can be isolated and expanded for months in vitro. PSCs increase their proliferation capacity under the influence of some mitogenic agents, and our results showed that different doses of stem cell factor (SCF) induce PSC proliferation with the maximum increase observed at 50 ng/mL. SCF was also able to increase the number of Fragilis- and MVH-positive cells after sorting by magnetic-activated cell sorting and enhance colony formation efficiency in sorted cells. Differentiation capacity assay indicated that there is a basic level of spontaneous differentiation toward oocyte-like cells during 3 days of culture. However, relative gene expression was significantly higher in the follicle-stimulating hormone-treated groups, especially in the Fragilis- sorted PSCs. We suggest that higher number of PSCs provides us either a greater source of energy that can be injected into energy-impaired oocytes in women with a history of repeat IVF failure or a good source for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Repeated implantation failure ( RIF) is still a problem for many patients and their physicians. Some interventions have been practiced to overcome the problem; one is uterine cavity assessment before assisted reproductive technology ( ART) cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hysteroscopy in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure with apparently normal uterine cavity before assisted reproductive techniques. Material and Methods This was a cohort study with historical controls conducted in a university hospital. A total of 353 women with RIF undergoing ART with normal hysterosalpingography and transvaginal ultrasound were evaluated. The intervention group underwent hysteroscopy with a rigid, 30°, 4-mm hysteroscope in the menstrual cycle just before ART; in the control group hysteroscopy was not performed. Basal characteristics, stimulation parameters and pregnancy rates were compared between the two groups. Results Chemical pregnancy occurred in 58.5% of women in the hysteroscopy group versus 34.1% of control women (odds ratio [ OR]: 2.7; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.7-4.2; P < 0.001). Clinical pregnancy occurred in 50.7% and 30.3% of women in the hysteroscopy and control groups, respectively ( OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5-3.7; P < 0.001). Delivery rate was 35.5% in hysteroscopy women and 21.1% in control women ( OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.1; P = 0.008). The results of hysteroscopy were normal in 103 women (72.5%), and they revealed inflammation in 22 (15.5%), polyp in 16 (11.3%) and Asherman syndrome in one patient (0.7%). Conclusions Hysteroscopy in the menstrual cycle before ovarian stimulation in fresh cycles and before endometrial preparation in frozen thawed cycles in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure with apparently normal uterine cavity significantly increases the pregnancy rates in fresh and frozen cycles, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Metformin on ovulation and eventual clinical pregnancy in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: A total of 359 subjects who had proven PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were prospectively selected. Patients' PCOS phenotypes were determined and recorded. All patients were younger than 35 years. Clinical and biochemical assays in all patients were initially obtained. Then patients were divided into two separate groups. One group received both 1,500 mg of Metformin and 1 mg of folic acid per day and the other group received only 1 mg of folic acid for a total of 2 months. Subsequently, all patients underwent ovulation stimulation with 5 mg of Letrozole per day for 5 days followed by an intra-uterine insemination. Finally, ovulation and pregnancy rates were evaluated for all four PCOS phenotypes. Effect of Metformin therapy was evaluated for each group and each phenotype. Results: The pregnancy rate in Metformin and non-Metformin groups were, respectively, as follows: in phenotype A (39.2 vs. 33.7 %, p = 0.270), phenotype B (43.8 vs. 20 %, p = 0.210), phenotype C (44 vs. 20 %, p = 0.064), and phenotype D (36.5 vs. 28.6 %, p = 0.279). Conclusion: Although there was a little improvement in ovulation and pregnancy rates among patients with B and C phenotypes, there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Based on our study, Metformin therapy does not change the ovulation and pregnancy rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave drying process has a wide application in industry, including drying polymer foams after the impregnation process for sealings in the construction industry. The objective of the drying process is to reach a certain moisture in the foam by adjusting the power levels of the microwave sources. A moisture controller can be designed to achieve this goal; however, a process model is required to design model-based controllers. Since complex physics governs the microwave drying process, system identification tools are employed in this paper to exploit the process input and output information and find a simplified yet accurate model of the process. The moisture content of the foam that is the process output is measured using a designed electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor. The ECT sensor estimates the 2D permittivity distribution of moving foams, which correlates with the foam moisture. Experiments are conducted to collect the ECT measurements while giving different inputs to the microwave sources. A state-space model is estimated using one of the collected datasets and is validated using the other datasets. The comparison between the model response and the actual measurements shows that the model is accurate enough to design a controller for the microwave drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support on pregnancy rates in controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination cycles in couples with unexplained or mild male factor infertility. Study design: 290 Patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in a prospective randomized controlled trial. All patients underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination: 148 patients were randomized to start with a supported cycle and 142 patients with an unsupported cycle. In supported cycles, patients received vaginal progesterone once daily from the day after insemination until 12 weeks of pregnancy or, in non-pregnant women, for 14 days. No progesterone was given during unsupported cycles. The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rates per cycle. Results: In total, 148 cycles with luteal phase support and 142 cycles without luteal phase support were performed. The clinical pregnancy rates per cycle were higher for cycles with luteal phase support than for the unsupported cycles (24.3% vs. 14.1% respectively, p =0.027). Conclusion: The use of vaginal suppositories as luteal phase support significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates in controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination in patients with unexplained or mild male factor infertility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To assess the correlation between the levels of vitamin D in follicular fluid and serum, and to determine whether the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) in follicular fluid of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with the outcome. Study design: Eighty-two infertile women undergoing ART at an academic tertiary care centre were recruited for a prospective cohort study. Levels of 25OH-D in follicular fluid and serum were measured. Standardized regimens for pituitary downregulation and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were employed. Patient and cycle parameters, and clinical pregnancy (defined as evidence of intra-uterine gestation sac plus heart rate on ultrasound) were determined. Results: A significant correlation was found between the levels of vitamin D in follicular fluid and serum (r =0.767, p =0.001). The overall rates of chemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy were 35.5% (n =29), 29.3% (n =24) and 23.2% (n =19), respectively. No significant difference was found in these pregnancy rates between the tertiles of 25OH-D level in follicular fluid (p =0.959, 0.995 and 0.604, respectively). The median serum level of vitamin D was 8.13 (range 5.37–13.62)ng/ml in the clinically pregnant group and 8.29 (range 5.93–21.23)ng/ml in the non-pregnant group (p =0.235). Interestingly, the median level of vitamin D in follicular fluid was 9.19 (range 5.25–19.51)ng/ml in the clinically pregnant group and 10.34 (range 5.89–29.69)ng/ml in the non-pregnant group (p =0.433). The fertilization rate decreased significantly and the implantation rate increased (not significantly) with increasing tertiles of 25OH-D level in follicular fluid. Conclusions: The level of 25OH-D in follicular fluid is reflective of body stores of vitamin D. Most subjects in this study were deficient in vitamin D, but this study found that vitamin D deficiency does not play a pivotal role in the outcome of ART. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels may represent the ovarian follicular pool and could be a useful marker of ovarian reserve. The clinical application of AMH measurement has been proposed in the prediction of quantitative and qualitative aspects in assisted reproductive technologies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the serum levels of AMH and results of assisted reproductive technique (ART) outcome in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients versus control group. Materials and Methods: This cohort study was conducted on 61 (PCOS) patients and 28 patients without PCOS (controls) candidates for assisted reproductive technique. Serum levels of AMH were measured on the 3rd day of menstrual cycle and all the patients underwent controlled ovarian hyper stimulation and ART. The relationship between AMH serum level with retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes and pregnancy rate were assessed. Results: There was significant correlation between the AMH level with number of total retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes in patients with PCOS and controls (p=0.001). In PCOS and control groups AMH level in pregnant patients was higher, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.65, p=0.46, respectively). The major outcome of the study (pregnancy) did not differ significantly between two groups. Conclusion: This study revealed that AMH level was higher in pregnant patients undergoing ART; but AMH may not be an accurate predictor for pregnancy in PCOS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists have reduced the incidence of severe ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and rate of hospitalization due to severe OHSS, especially in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist protocols for assisted reproduction cycles. Methods: The present clinical trial compared GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix) and GnRH agonist (buserelin) protocols during COH of 112 infertile PCOS patients entering assisted reproduction cycles. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy occurrence. Basal characteristics of the participants, stimulation cycle responses, pregnancy outcomes, incidence of OHSS and types of OHSS were considered in both groups. Results: Regarding chemical and clinical pregnancy rates, the number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher and OHSS was significantly lower in the antagonist group. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, number of follicles, number of follicles >18 mm, relative frequency of mature oocytes, number and days of gonadotropin injections, day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, estradiol level and abortion were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: GnRH antagonists are more effective, safe and a well tolerated alternative to agonists for assisted reproduction cycles in PCOS patients. GnRH antagonists are associated with a reduction in the incidence of OHSS in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is an estogen dependent disease. Levels of Cancer antigen-125 are significantly higher in women with moderate to severe endometriosis. However, patients with unruptured endometriosis rarely have serum CA-125 levels more the 1000 U/mL. This case report presents a diffuse, unruptured overian endometrioma an a 29-year-old-woman, leading to an extraordinary high serum CA-125 and CA19-9 levels; usually typical of advaned ovarian carcinoma. Our experience emphasizes on benign gynecologic conditions such us endometrioma, which should be taken into account as a possible differential diagnosis in women with exaggerated elevation of the serum CA-125 level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis is caused by abnormalities in the composition of the blood, the quality of the vessel wall, and the nature of the blood flow. Herein, we present four cases of fatal thrombus formation after a trauma, which were missed at clinical diagnosis as the symptoms were misinterpreted. We stress that a blunt trauma can be fatal because of its direct and indirect kinetic energy effects at the subacute phase. This report highlights the importance of considering thrombosis in the diagnosis of closed trauma, which is usually missed because of lack of awareness for early diagnosis and treatment or is detected too late for any therapeutic intervention, which can result in avoidable morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For the past three years, the pandemic has had a major effect on global public health, mainly on those with underlying medical conditions, such as people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Vaccination among this group is of great importance, and the long-term impacts of vaccination and its safety on the health of these patients will continue to be revealed. Therefore, risks related to vaccination and immune response need to be assessed. The objective here was to characterize the immune response, short-term safety, and the effects of multiple variables on these factors after COVID-19 vaccination (mainly Sinopharm) among people with Multiple Sclerosis. We assessed the short-term safety and humoral SARS-COV-2 anti-RBD IgG response using a data collection form and Immunoassay, respectively. Results: No severe adverse events or MS relapse was observed. Myalgia/body pain (26.7%), low-grade fever (22.2%), and mild headache (15.6%) were the most common adverse events. The use and type of vaccine influenced the frequency of side effects with a p-value < 0.0001. Regarding immune response, patients on rituximab and fingolimod had a lower antibody titer compared to other medications. With a significant difference, hybrid immunity (p-value: 0.047) and type of DMTs (p-value: 0.017) affected the humoral response. Conclusion: There is a low incidence of serious adverse effects, MS worsening or relapse after COVID-19 vaccination, and mainly, side effects are similar to that of the general population. It appears that treatment with various disease-modifying therapies does not induce or worsen the post-vaccination side effects, although some, including Rituximab and fingolimod, may affect the immunity induced after vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This novel study describes an effective outpatient treatment for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) that results in rapid normalization of symptoms. Study design: A total of twenty-seven infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technique with early-onset OHSS were enrolled in this non-randomized clinical trial in an academic infertility center. In all patients, after complete desensitization with long-term protocol ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins was commenced. Final oocyte maturation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Oocytes were collected 36-38 h later using transvaginal-guided follicle aspiration under general anaesthesia. All embryos were frozen and study group patients received two consecutive doses of GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide) and the control group received daily dose of cabergoline for a week. Results: The research revealed that moderate and severe OHSS, hospitalization or acute care for OHSS and ascites tap were significantly lower in the antagonist (Cetrotide) group. The Patients' satisfaction with Cetrotide was noticeable. No side effect was reported in either group. Conclusion: GnRH antagonists seem to be an effective outpatient treatment with rapid onset activity and minimal side effects for the management of early OHSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim was to establish a 10-year dyslipidemia incidence model, investigating novel anthropometric indices using exploratory regression and data mining. Methods: This data mining study was conducted on people who were diagnosed with dyslipidemia in phase 2 (n = 1097) of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study, who were compared with healthy people in this phase (n = 679). The association of dyslipidemia with several novel anthropometric indices including Conicity Index (C-Index), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) was evaluated. Logistic Regression (LR) and Decision Tree (DT) analysis were utilized to evaluate the association. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of DT were assessed through the performance of a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve using R software. Results: A total of 1776 subjects without dyslipidemia during phase 1 were followed up in phase 2 and enrolled into the current study. The AUC of models A and B were 0.69 and 0.63 among subjects with dyslipidemia, respectively. VAI has been identified as a significant predictor of dyslipidemias (OR: 2.81, (95% CI: 2.07, 3.81)) in all models. Moreover, the DT showed that VAI followed by BMI and LAP were the most critical variables in predicting dyslipidemia incidence. Conclusions: Based on the results, model A had an acceptable performance for predicting 10 years of dyslipidemia incidence. Furthermore, the VAI, BMI, and LAP were the principal anthropometric factors for predicting dyslipidemia incidence by LR and DT models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a medical emergency with potentially fatal complications. APL primarily results from a chromosomal translocation (t(15;17)(q22;q21)), leading to the formation of the PMLRARA fusion gene with three possible isoforms. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of Iranian APL patients, the distribution of PML-RARA isoforms, and survival analysis. Methods: We included 145 consecutive eligible patients in this study. Data were collected through archived documents and phone inquiries, following consent. Subsequently, we analyzed the data using SPSS software version 26.0. Results: We examined 75 men and 70 women, with a mean age of 34 years (range: 2- 78 years). Besides t(15;17) (q22;q21), 45.6% had other chromosomal abnormalities. The prevalence of bcr1 and bcr3 isoforms was 73% and 27%, respectively. bcr3 correlated with higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, additional chromosomal abnormalities, and faster Complete Hematologic Response (CHR). Early death occurred in approximately 36% of all patients. The mean overall survival time was 73.5 months, with 120-month survival rates of 53.8% for all patients and 83.9% for those who achieved CHR. Univariate analysis identified old age, relapse, lower platelet (PLT) counts, higher WBC counts, and leukocytosis as survival risk factors. However, in multivariate analysis, only old age and higher WBC counts were identified as adverse prognostic factors. Conclusion: In Iranian APL patients, bcr1 predominates, while bcr3 correlates with higher WBC counts, high-risk categorization, additional chromosomal abnormalities, and faster CHR. Survival is negatively impacted by old age, relapse, lower PLT counts, higher WBC counts, and leukocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients are known to have an increased tendency for developing opportunistic infections. However, there are no reports of simultaneous lymph node involvement of cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avium complex in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient. We report a 31-year-old man who presented with acute abdominal pain and tenderness and weight loss. He died a few hours after admission. Autopsy studies showed coinfection of cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium avium complex and human immunodeficiency virus. Our case emphasizes the need to be careful in evaluating opportunistic infections in severely immunodepressed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. This case report is the first manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in this patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Some of the patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are categorized as good prognosis based on the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). However, these patients may have poor clinical outcomes. It seems that the current diagnostic tools and IPSS-R cannot consider genetic factors for determining the prognosis of MDS patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all adult MDS patients of both genders who were admitted from March 2015 to March 2020 to the Hematology wards of two educational tertiary hospitals in Iran (Namazi and Faghihi, affiliated with Shiraz University of medical sciences). Study data included relevant retrospective data from medical records and the results of immunohistochemical p53 staining on bone marrow biopsies. Results: Of the 84 patients, 65 (77.4%) showed p53 expression in bone marrow. They had shorter median survival than those without p53 expression. Considering both variables of P53 IHC results and IPSS-R score, the patients who died with low-risk IPSS-R score presented high p53 expression. Conclusion: This study shows that the investigation of p53 expression by IHC at the time of diagnosis is a valuable indicator of survival rate in MDS patients. These data suggest that the immunohistochemical analysis of p53 can be a prognostic tool for MDS and should be used as an adjunct test to make decisions on the best therapeutic choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: To assess uterine cavity with office hysteroscopy in order to diagnose and treat pathologies in patients who have started their first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and evaluate its impact on pregnancy rate.Methods: A number of 220 infertile women scheduled for ICSI participated in this prospective randomized study. They were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group I (intervention) underwent office hysteroscopy before starting assisted reproductive techniques (ART) cycle. Group II (control) started ART cycles without office hysteroscopy. All women had normal transvaginal ultrasonography and hysterosalpingography. The detected intrauterine abnormalities were treated during hysteroscopy. Four weeks after embryo transfer, ultrasonography was done for detecting clinical pregnancy.Results: Abnormal findings were seen in hysteroscopy in 22.7% of the intervention group. The pregnancy rate in the intervention group (48.20%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (38.60%; p = 0.004).Conclusion: Routine office hysteroscopy before ICSI cycles provides direct evaluation of uterine cavity. Also, pregnancy rate improves after correction of endometrial cavity abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and its consequences, especially thromboembolic events, are of the most dangerous complications of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It is unclear whether a thrombophilic predisposition or changes in blood components during clinical presentation of OHSS increase thrombotic risks. Testing for certain thrombophilias in selected high risk patients may help risk assessment and decision-making about prophylactic measures. Methods: In this study carried out in April 2010 to March 2011, 108 in vitro fertilization candidates with ≥20 follicles following ovarian stimulation were recruited. Protein S, protein C, antithrombin, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies were measured. Blood tests were compared between severe and non-severe OHSS groups and their changes were traced after onset of clinical OHSS in 43 patients presenting with severe symptoms by repeating the tests at hospital admission. Results: Mean protein S activity was lower in severe OHSS group (101.7±16.3 vs. 118.4±17.0; P<0.001). After clinical presentation of severe OHSS, this level decreased to 91.6±20.1 (P<0.001). Antithrombin levels decreased 2.09% after the onset of symptoms in the group with severe OHSS, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.051). Protein C, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies were not correlated to severe OHSS development. Conclusion: Patients with relatively lower protein S activity were at higher risk for the development of severe OHSS, and its dangerous consequences. During clinical OHSS presentation, protein S decreased even more, and patients were more vulnerable to hypercoagulability states. These points should be kept in mind in risk assessment and adoption of prophylactic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the prognostic importance of cytogenetic aberrations in plasma cell neoplasms, the present retrospective study was conducted to analyze cytogenetic abnormalities in plasma cell myeloma cases in a single center in the Middle East. Method: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we selected 42 patients referred to the molecular and cytogenetic department from 2013 to 2016 for initial assessment by immunohistochemical, flow cytometric, and cytogenetic studies. Chromosomal analysis was performed after a 72-hour unsynchronized culture and Giemsa banding; the result was reported according to ISCN 2016. Results: 32.5% of the patients showed an abnormal karyotype, of whom 53.8% were hyperdiploid and the rest were assigned to the non-hyperdiploid group. The gain of 1q and monosomy 13/ deletion 13q were the most common structural abnormalities accounting for 38.4% and 30.7%, respectively. t(11;14) was the only detected 14q32 rearrangement observed in 15.4% of the cases. The mean survival time in normal, hyperdiploid, and non-hyperdiploid groups was 29.5±1.7, 16.6±2.9 and 6.1±2.1 months, respectively. Conclusion: Cytogenetic abnormalities of plasma cell myeloma in this center were relatively similar to previous reports in the literature; moreover, hyperdiploidy was the most common cytogenetic aberration. As no cryptic aberration could be identified, we recommend the use of more precise techniques such as FISH in addition to conventional G banding to detect cryptic aberrations. Survival of the non-hyperdiploid group was the worst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated efficacy and side effects of Morphine suppository for pain management after the first elective caesarean delivery in comparison to Diclofenac suppository. One hundred women aged 18-40 with term pregnancies undergoing elective caesarean section for the first time participated in this prospective project. Exclusion criteria included drug sensitivity, fetal malformations or defects, and complications during the cesarean operation. After same spinal anesthesia and same surgical techniques and in the recovery room patients consecutively received 100 mg diclofenac suppository or 10 mg morphine suppository. The pain severity was rated by "Numerical Rating Scale." There was not the difference between two groups in terms of basal information. Pain score was significantly different between two groups in the first 12 hours (5.66 ±1.36 in morphine group and 3.63±0.96 in diclofenac group) but not in the second 12 hour period. Considering pain scores every two hours in first 12 hours and every 4 hours in second 12 hours, morphine group had higher scores in comparison to diclofenac group. Also, the morphine group required pethidine injection sooner than the other group. The time giving first pethidine injection was 3.28±2.16 hours after operation in morphine group and 5.24±4.07 hours after operation (P<0.05). This study demonstrated that diclofenac suppository in comparison to morphine suppository decreased subjective pain scores in the first twenty-four hours after elective caesarean section which reached statistical significance in the first twelve hours. Although in diclofenac group, pethidine injection was prescribed significantly later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: In recent decades there has been a growing increase in the consumption of fast-foods. As a result of over-consumption of these high-calorie and fatty foods and the unbalance between the received and consumed energy, the chance of affliction with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in individuals has rised. The present research sought to determine the effective factors related to the consumption of fast-foods in Bandar Abbas in 2013. Methods: The present research was descriptive/analytic and of a cross-sectional type. Research population was comprised of 600 fast-food consumers. The samples were selected using a combination of cluster sampling and convenient sampling. The instrument used for gathering data was a researcher-made questionnaire (RMQ) to measure the reasons for people's tendency toward consuming fast-foods. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts and its reliability was established in the pilot study. SPSS16 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency and percentage) as well as analytical statistics (ANOVA and Chi-squared test) were used. Significance level was set at <0.05. Results: 52% of subjects were male and 303 (50.5%) of them preferred pizza among fast-foods. Fast-food consumption was most prevalent among individuals below 25 years of age. Subjects with university degrees consumed fast-food more than others. Conclusion: Consuming fast-foods was more prevalent among youngster and those with academic degrees. Place of residence, education and employment could be involved in the recurrent consumption of fast foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the sixth most common malignancy in Iran. Cytogenetic analysis of leukemic blasts plays an important role in classification and prognosis in ALL patients. The purpose of this study was to define the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities of ALL patients in adults and children in Fars province, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated karyotype results of bone marrow specimens in 168 Iranian patients with ALL (154 B-ALL and 14 T-ALL) in Fars Province using the conventional cytogenetic G-banding method. Results: The frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities, including numerical and/or structural changes, was 61.7% and 53.8% in the B-ALL and T-ALL patients, respectively. Hyperdiploidy was the most common (32%) cytogenetic abnormality. Among structural abnormalities, the most common was t(9;22) in 11% of the patients. The children showed a higher incidence of hyperdiploidy and lower incidence of t(9;22) than adults (P<0.05). We found a lower incidence of recurrent abnormalities such as 11q23, t(1;19), and t(12;21) than those reported in previous studies. Conclusion: Normal karyotype was more frequent in our study. The frequencies of some cytogenetic abnormalities such as hyperdiploidy and t(9;22) in our study were comparable to those reported in the literature. The results of this study in Fars Province can be used as baseline information for treatment decision and research purposes in ALL patients. We recommend the use of advanced molecular techniques in the future to better elucidate cryptic cytogenetic abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a formative evaluation, we were supposed to find whether an innovative program has some merits to be continued or not. We also determined the critical points of the program. The evaluated program was a clinical pre-clerkship curriculum launched for departing to a less stressful medical clerkship. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the information contained in the students' logbooks. Using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure standardized questionnaire, we also assessed the students' perception of learning environment within six clinical departments. Results: Totally, 64% of expected patient contacts, and teaching of more than 71% of required skills at 4 departments were carried out and students had more positive than negative perspective of their learning environments. Conclusion: The evaluand is a worthwhile program to be continued, though it needs some considerations for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 131 traditional food product samples (57 cheese, 11 kashk, and 63 salted fish) were examined using a bioassay method for detection of Clostridium botulinum toxin. Standard monovalent antitoxins were used to determine the toxin types. C. botulinum toxins were detected in 4.58% of examined samples (3.51% of cheese samples and 6.36% of salted fish samples). Contamination with this toxin was not observed in kashk samples. C. botulinum types A & E were dominant in cheese and salted fish samples, respectively. The results indicate that some Iranian traditional foods (cheese and salted fish) are contaminated by different types of C. botulinum. Consumption of these traditional foods either raw or cooked may contribute to food-borne toxicity in Iranian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]