The Impact of Inoculation of Two Strains of Rhizobacteria on Radionuclide Transfer in Sesbania Grandiflora.

Transfer factors of some naturally-occurring and artificial radionuclides from an agricultural soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora, a small leguminous tree, were studied. Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (SCR17 and PCE2) were used to carry out an agricultural experiment in pots in semi-arid region (Syria). The results showed the bacterial strain (SCR17) increased the transfer and accumulation of 238U and 40K in Sesbania grandiflora, while both bacterial strains showed no effect on the accumulation of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb in the treated plants. The transfer factor of 137Cs from soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora was negligible. The values of the transfer factors of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 40K were found to be within the global values, while the values of the transfer factors of 238U and 210Pb were found to be relatively higher. This study highlights the importance of using Phytoremediation by PGPR strains for radionuclides-contaminated soils. Therefore, this method is a promising technique for the restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated sites with radionuclides, as it is low cost, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Species composition and abundance of mosquito larvae in relation with their habitat characteristics in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

Mosquitoes transmit a variety of diseases to humans. Their abundance and distribution are related to the characteristics of larval habitats. Mosquito larvae were collected from 120 natural and artificial habitats in 30 villages of 16 counties using standard 350 ml dippers and pipette, on a monthly basis from May-December 2014 in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Larval habitat characteristics were recorded separately, based on the conditions of the habitats (permanent or temporary, stagnant or running), type of habitats (natural or artificial), vegetation, exposure to sun, type of bed, water condition (clear or turbid), expanse (m), depth (cm, m) and temperature (°C) of habitats. The relationship between larval density and environmental variables was assessed by Chi-square tests. Totally, 19,840 larvae from three genera and 16 species were collected and identified. Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and Culex pipiens were the dominant species and collected with the highest density in plain areas. The highest number of larvae were collected from natural habitats (60.34%), including; river edge, marsh, pit and wetlands; with temporary and stagnant water, expanse of 0-5 m, depth of 1-25 cm, without plant, shadow-sun, muddy floor, turbid water, temperature 20-25°C and in sunny conditions. River edge and rice fields for An. maculipennis s.l and, wetlands and discarded tires for Cx. pipiens were the main larval habitats in the province. Statistical analysis revealed significant relation between occurrence of An. maculipennis s.l., Cx. pipiens, Culex torrentium, Culex mimeticus and Cs. annulata with each of the environmental variables (P < 0.001). These findings are essential in expanding our knowledge of the vectors ecology specially the type of habitat preference and will be beneficial in larval control programs.

Gene susceptibility in Iranian asthmatic patients: a narrative review.

As environmental factors are important in the development of asthma, genetic factors could have a critical role in the expression of the disease. Hence, we carried out a systematic review to assess the susceptible genes for asthma in Iranian population. We conducted a literature search by using the electronic database PubMed, Biological Abstracts Web of Science, Current Contents Connect, Cinahl, ScienceDirect, Scopus, IranMedex, and Scientific Information Database to identify articles that evaluated the association between genetic variants and the risk of asthma in Iranian population (until April 30, 2012). The search terms were used include: Asthma and gene in combination with Iran for international database. The following criteria were used for selecting literatures in this review: The study should evaluate the association between gene polymorphism and risk of asthma in Iranian population, and the study should be a case-control design with normal subject as ac control group that published in a journal. Finally, 14 case-control studies were extracted from local and international database. In this study, we reviewed 38 polymorphisms in 19 genes. Polymorphism in interleukin-13 (IL-13), IL-10, IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, E-Selectin, S128R and Exon 9 Vitamin D Receptor were susceptible for asthma and polymorphism in chemokine receptor 5, transforming growth factor-a (TGF-a), Intron 8 of the Vitamin D Receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, IL-6 and interferon-c were not susceptible for asthma in Iranian population. Polymorphism in IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-α and TGF-b had inconsistent findings. This systematic review indicated that three polymorphisms (IL-13, IL-10, and IL-1) are associated with risk of asthma in Iranian population.

Primary carnitine deficiency: novel mutations and insights into the cardiac phenotype.

Solute carrier family 22 member 5 (SLC22A5) encodes a sodium-dependent ion transporter responsible for shuffling carnitine across the plasma membrane. This process provides energy for the heart, among other organs allowing beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Mutations in SLC22A5 result in primary carnitine deficiency (PCD), a disorder that manifests with cardiac, skeletal, or metabolic symptoms. We hereby describe two novel mutations in SLC22A5 in two Lebanese families associated exclusively with a cardiac phenotype. The frequency of the cardiac, metabolic and skeletal symptoms in PCD patients remains undefined. All the reported eight PCD patients belonging to five different Lebanese families have an exclusive cardiac phenotype. Carnitine levels appear to be directly linked to the type and position of the mutation and the severity of the phenotypic presentation does not seem to be associated with serum carnitine levels. A comprehensive review of 61 literature-reported PCD cases revealed an exclusive cardiac manifestation frequency at 62.3% with a very low likelihood of simultaneous occurrence of cardiac and metabolic manifestation.

Complete heart block in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: teicoplanin as a possible cause and review of literature.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used against documented or presumed methicillin-resistant infections. We report a 31-month-old boy with acute lymphocytic leukaemia who developed permanent complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) necessitating pacemaker insertion after receiving teicoplanin for Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia. CASE SUMMARY: Clinical assessment of the child revealed febrile neutropenia. After thorough assessment and work-up, the patient was started on teicoplanin intravenously after which he had sudden onset of bradycardia. Electrocardiography showed CAVB that eventually required permanent pacemaker insertion. Twenty-nine months from the incident, the patient is doing well. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We report on a case of teicoplanin-associated CAVB in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This is one of only two similar cases reported in the literature. Teicoplanin remains the most probable cause. The use of teicoplanin should be approached cautiously in the setting of immunosuppression. Whether VZV contributed and teicoplanin triggered remains speculative. Physicians should be aware of this possible complication.

Evaluation of ubiquitin and annexin V in sperm population selected based on density gradient centrifugation and zeta potential (DGC-Zeta).

PURPOSE: Sperm that bypass natural apoptosis and the ubiquitin-proteasome system may find their way into semen. In order to avoid the insemination of such sperm during an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, novel sperm selection procedures such as the Zeta procedure have been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate extent of ubiquitination and external phosphatidylserine (EPS) in sperm populations selected by combines density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and Zeta electric potential in comparison to DGC and neat semen samples. METHODS: Semen samples were collected from 51 infertile men and divided into control, DGC and DGC-Zeta groups. Semen analysis was carried out according to World Health Organization criteria. The percentages of protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation, EPS and ubiquitinated sperm were assessed by chromomycin A3 (CMA3), TUNEL, Annexin V, and immunostaining, respectively. RESULTS: Sperm selected by the DGC-Zeta procedure presented a lower percentage of sperm with protamine deficiency, abnormal morphology and DNA fragmentation while the percentage of annexin V and ubiquitin-positive sperm increased. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal that, DGC-Zeta improves the quality of the selected spermatozoa for ICSI and increases ubiquitination and EPS rates. We propose these alterations are part of the normal physiological process of capacitation.

Heterogeneity in the ITS of the ribosomal DNA of Pyrenophora graminea isolates differing in xylanase and amylase production.

Xylanase and amylase have gained increasing interest because of their various biotechnology applications. In this research, the restriction of PCR-amplified internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was used to confirm the genetic variation among 22 isolates of Pyrenophora graminea differing in their xylanase and amylase production. The fingerprints generated from the six restriction digestions of the rDNA ITS region showed high levels ofintraspecific variation within the P. graminea population. Neighbour-Joining diagram, based on Nei's genetic distances, showed that isolates formed two phylogenetic groups. No apparent association could be observed between xylanase and amylase production and genetic diversity among the twenty-two isolates.

Transcriptional interactions during barley susceptible genotype infection with Cochliobolus sativus.

A systematic sequencing of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was used to obtain a global picture of the assembly of barley genes differentially expressed during the hypersensitive reaction of a susceptible genotype in response to an incompatible Cochliobolus sativus pathovar. To identify a large number of plant ESTs, which are induced at different time points, an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) display of complementary DNA (cDNA) was ulilized. Significant transcriptional changes in the host plant occurred already 4 h post inoculation. Four hundred and fifty six ESTs have been generated, of which 17 (c. 53% up-regulated, 47% down-regulated) have no previously described function. On one hand, the majority of EST-annotations showed protein synthesis, but genes related to signal transduction pathway were also identified. This study provides novel global catalogue ofgene regulations involved in C. sativus-barley interaction not currently represented in EST databases.

Molecular and xylanolytic variation identified among strains of Pyrenophora graminea.

The inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) was used to confirm the genetic variation among 22 strains of Pyrenophora graminea differing in their xylanase production. A total of 162 bands were scored of which 151 (93.21%) were polymorphic. The molecular parameter used showed that P. graminea strains reside in four phylogenetic groups. There was observed the resolution between clustering strains and their xylanase production. Hence, the described approach presented here constitutes no prior assumption about the characterization of P. graminea strains differing in xylanase production.

Effect of additional carbon source and moisture level on xylanase production by Cochliobolus sativus in solid fermentation.

The fungus Cochliobolus sativus has been shown to be an efficient producer ofxylanase from an industrial point ofview. The addition of extra carbon sources and the initial moisture content of the solid-state fermentation were found to have a marked influence on the xylanase production by C. sativus Cs6 strain. Xylan and starch resulted in an increased xylanase production (1469.4 and 1396.56 U/g, respectively) after 8 days of incubation. Optimal initial moisture content for xylanase production was 80%. The cultivation systems can easily be modified to enhance the productivity of the enzyme formation by C. sativus Cs6, which will facilitate the scale up processes for mass production.

Hypoxia PET/CT imaging: implications for radiation oncology.

Hypoxia, a condition of reduced partial pressure of oxygen in tissue, is an important determinant of poor tumor response to radiation treatment. Many invasive and non-invasive methods and approaches have been investigated to detect tumor hypoxia for response prediction and to facilitate modulation of radiation treatment. In this review we discuss the biological consequences of tumor hypoxia, methods of measuring regional tumor hypoxia with positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and applications for radiation oncology.

Identification of antibiotic-resistance-gene molecular signatures suitable as tracers of pristine river, urban, and agricultural sources.

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in rivers and/or antibiotics that may select for ARGs in native river bacteria. This study aimed to identify ARG distribution patterns that unambiguously distinguish putative sources of ARG from a native river environment. Such molecular signatures may then be used as tracers of specific anthropogenic sources. Three WWTPs, six AFO lagoons, and three sites along a pristine region of the Cache la Poudre (Poudre) River were compared with respect to the frequency of detection (FOD) of 11 sulfonamide and tetracycline ARGs. Principle-component and correspondence analyses aided in identifying the association of tet(H), tet(Q), tet(S), and tet(T) (tet group HQST) with AFO environments and tet(C), tet(E), and tet(O) (tet group CEO) with WWTPs. Discriminant analysis indicated that both tet group HQST and tet group CEO correctly classified the environments, but only the tet group HQST provided a significant difference in FOD among the environments (p < 0.05). Sul(I) was detected in 100% of the source environments but just once in the pristine Poudre River, which was dominated by tet(M) and tet(W). Tet(W) libraries generated from the pristine Poudre River, WWTPs, and AFO lagoons were also discernible based on restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis. Thus, a novel approach was developed and demonstrated to be effective for the model river system, taking an important step in advancing the fundamental understanding of ARG transport in the environment.

Thinness, overweight and obesity in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents: CASPIAN Study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the national prevalence of different grades of nutritional status (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity) among Iranian school-students and to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity using three different sets of criteria. METHODS: This cross-sectional national survey was conducted on a representative sample of 21 111 school students including 10 253 boys (48.6%) and 10 858 girls (51.4%) aged 6-18 years, selected by multistage random cluster sampling from urban (84.6%) and rural (15.4%) areas of 23 provinces in Iran The percentage of subjects in the corresponding body mass index (BMI) categories of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the obtained national percentiles were assessed and compared. RESULTS: There was no gender differences in BMI, but was higher in boys living in urban than in rural areas (18.4 +/- 3.88 vs. 17.86 +/- 3.66 kg/m(2) respectively, P < 0.05). The prevalence of underweight was 13.9% (8.1% of boys and 5.7% of girls) according to the CDC percentiles, and 5% (2.6% of boys and 2.4% of girls) according to the obtained percentiles. According to the CDC, IOTF and national cut-offs, the prevalence of overweight was 8.82%, 11.3% and 10.1% respectively; and the prevalence of obesity was 4.5%, 2.9% and 4.79% respectively. The prevalence of overweight was highest (10.98%) in the 12-year-old group and that of obesity (7.81%) in the 6-year-old group. The kappa correlation coefficient was 0.71 between the CDC and IOTF criteria, 0.64 between IOTF and national cut-offs, and 0.77 between CDC and national cut-offs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study warrant the necessity of paying special attention to monitoring of the time trends in child obesity based on uniform definitions, as well as to design programmes to prevent and control associated factors.

Acute childhood leukemias and exposure to magnetic fields generated by high voltage overhead power lines - a risk factor in Iran.

Many investigators have studied the effects of Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Fields generated by ordinary and domestic power lines, as a risk factor in acute leukaemias of children, but there are limited information available regarding very high voltage overhead power lines. Children in developing countries sometimes live very close to such structures and we have registered several patients with acute leukaemias appearing in clusters. In the present study we have analyzed 60 consecutively diagnosed patients with acute leukaemias, and 59 matched controls in a provincial capital city in North-Western Iran. After provision of consent, a detailed form was filled in, and a visit to the present (or previous) residential areas of both groups was arranged. The locations of the very high voltage power lines (123, 230, 400 kilo volts), were noted in each area, if present, and their distances from the houses under study were detected. The expected intensities of the Magnetic Fields (B) were calculated having the mean intensity of the electrical current and other line characteristics, by means of relevant equations. Fourteen patients in the case group (23.5%) were living near the high voltage power lines in distances < or = 500 meters. (Mean B = 0.6 microTeslas, microT). In the control group at the same distance, the figure was 2 children (3.3%) (Mean B = 0.35 microT). Statistically, the likelihood of leukaemia was increased considerably in this distance (Odds ratio (OR) = 8.67, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.74- 58.4, P value= 0.001). On the other hand 15 pts (25 %) in the leukaemia group were experiencing Magnetic fields above 0.45 microT in comparison to 5 in the control group ( 8.5% )(OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.11-12.39, P = 0.01). More children in developing countries like Iran live close to very high voltage lines, and they experience relatively more harmful effects from the Magnetic Fields, in comparison with children in developed countries. Residence near very high voltage overhead power lines, in distances < or = 500 meters, and Magnetic Fields >0.45 microT, should be considered a risk factor for the pathogenesis of acute leukaemias in children.

Increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha in type I and type II endometrial carcinomas.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a nuclear protein that is upregulated in many tumors and triggers biologic events intimately associated with aggressive tumor behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of HIF-1alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki-67 and p53 in type I and type II endometrial adenocarcinoma. In total, 149 patients diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma in our institute from 1995 to 2001 were included in this study, of which 108 were type I and 41 were type II endometrial adenocarcinoma. Patient demographics, clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Tissue microarrays were prepared from the paraffin blocks and immunohistochemistry was performed for antibodies against HIF-1alpha, VEGF, Ki-67 and p53. High expression of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, Ki-67 and p53 were significantly more frequent in type II than type I endometrial adenocarcinoma (P<0.001). HIF-1alpha expression was highly correlated with VEGF expression in the tumor cells (P=0.001). In type I endometrial adenocarcinoma, high expression of HIF-1alpha showed a significant correlation with higher grade of the tumor, depth of myometrial invasion, adnexal invasion and clinical stage. A similar correlation was not observed in type II endometrial adenocarcinoma. Surgical stage was the only independent prognostic marker for survival. In conclusion, high expression of HIF-1alpha is more frequent in type II than in type I endometrial adenocarcinoma. In type I endometrial adenocarcinoma, HIF-1alpha expression correlates with morphologic features of aggressiveness. In type II endometrial adenocarcinoma, there is no correlation between HIF-1alpha expression and these features. Thus, HIF-1alpha may play an important role in endometrial adenocarcinoma progression, particularly in type I endometrial adenocarcinoma. Additional investigations of HIF-1alpha as a biomarker of aggressive potential and as a novel target for therapeutics in endometrial adenocarcinoma are warranted.

In vitro mercury exposure on spermatozoa from normospermic individuals.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to industrial metal aerosols is detrimental to the male reproductive system. Oxidative stress has been identified as a crucial factor leading to male factor infertility largely due to peroxidative damage to the sperm cell membrane. The objectives of the present study were to test the effect of mercury in the concentration range from 50 to 800 micromol(-1), in vitro, on the sperm membrane and DNA integrity, motility and acrosomal status of human spermatozoa. We found a significant increase in the Lipo Per Oxidation (LPO) indicating the deleterious effect of mercury on the sperm membrane integrity. This effect was prominent at the concentration of 800 microM mercury. There was also a strong negative correlation between LPO rate and percentage of viable spermatozoa (r = -0.941, p<0.001). Data obtained from SCGE assay technique revealed that mercury is capable of inducing DNA breaks in the sperm nuclei. Almost, 88% of DNA breaks were of double-stranded. The correlation between LPO rate and percentage of DNA breaks was found to be 0.918 (p<0.001). Performing the gelatin digestion test indicates that mercury was able to alter the integrity of acrosomal membranes showing an abnormal acrosome reaction. In this regard, a strong correlation was found between LPO rate and percentage of halos (r = -0.893, p<0.001). Taken together, mercury induced membrane impairments, lowered sperm viability, DNA breaks and a decreased rate in the acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa leading to sperm dysfunction. Entering mercury in the male gonads and seminal plasma may exert deleterious effects on the human spermatozoa. Hence, considering the wide spread use of mercury and its compounds, these metals should regarded with more concern.

Denaturation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase with urea.

The urea induced denaturation of the Bacillus amyoliqefaciens alpha-amylase (E.C. 3.2.1.1) was studied by absorption measurements in the near ultra-violet region and specific activity measurements. Spectral measurements were made at pH 6.9 and over the temperature range 20-80 degrees C. It has been observed that urea induced a cooperative transition. In the absence of denaturant, the Gibs energy changes were in the range of 8-15 kcal mol(-1). alpha-amylase lost 80% of its activity in the concentrated solution of urea. alpha-amylase was more thermostable than other mesophilic enzymes.

Adverse effects of cadmium on bull spermatozoa.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant. Because of its long biological half-life (10-30 years in humans), Cd accumulates in the biological systems such as gonads. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Cd in the concentration range 50-750 micromol/L, in vitro, on the membrane integrity, motility and acrosomal status of bull spermatozoa. The samples were processed for sperm analyses using semen-diluting fluid (phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.2). A significant elevation in the malondialdehyde level/lipid peroxidation (LPO) rate and a decrease in the spermatocrit values, particularly at a concentration of 750 micromol/L Cd, indicated the deleterious effect of Cd on sperm membrane integrity. There was also a negative correlation between LPO rate and percentage of motile spermatozoa (r = 0.992). The gelatin test indicates that Cd may alter the integrity of acrosomal membranes and shows an abnormal acrosome reaction. In this regard, a strong negative correlation was found between LPO rate and % halos (bright clear zone around sperm heads after gelatin digestion) (r = 0.990). Taking the results together, Cd proved to be a potential toxicant in the category of environmental factors that induce membrane impairment, lower motility, and decrease the rate of acrosome reactions, leading to male infertility. Apparently, the presence of Cd in the environment and seminal plasma exerts a toxic effect on sperm cells.

Maspin expression and localization impact on angiogenesis and prognosis in ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study is to evaluate the relation of maspin expression and its cellular localization to markers of angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 118 patients with high-grade advanced stage OSC who were treated at our institution. Clinical data were collected, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with antibodies to VEGF, CD34, COX-2, and maspin was performed on paraffin-embedded tumor blocks. CD34 immunostaining was used to determine microvessel density. The correlation between the various molecular markers was assessed using the Chi-square test. Survival analysis was computed using the Kaplan-Meier model, and various prognostic variables were compared using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Maspin expression was noted in 81.4% (96/118) of tumors. Expression was localized to the nuclear compartment in 21.2% of cases, whereas 60.2% of cases showed evidence of cytoplasmic +/- nuclear expression. Tumors that exhibited nuclear maspin expression had lower VEGF and COX-2 expression than tumors with negative or cytoplasmic expression. Tumors with high nuclear maspin expression had lower mean MVD than those with low or negative expression. The median survival based on localization of maspin was 1146 days for those with negative tumors, 1803 days for those with nuclear maspin, and 637 days for those with cytoplasmic maspin (P < 0.001). In a Cox regression analysis, maspin localization was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Maspin expression and localization seem to play a role in ovarian cancer angiogenesis and progression. High nuclear expression was associated with reduced markers of angiogenesis and prolonged survival.