Contact allergens responsible for eyelid dermatitis in adults.

Allergic contact dermatitis has been established as the most frequent cause of eyelid dermatitis, but it is often misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with eyelid dermatitis who were referred for patch testing. The patients were divided into three subgroups in this retrospective study: patients with only eyelid involvement, patients with involvement of eyelids and other areas, and patients without eyelid involvement. Data was collected on diagnoses, medical history, personal care products and make-up use, occupational dermatitis, and positive allergens. An independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-squared test were used to analyze the data. A total of 427 patients who referred for patch tests were included in the study. Of these, 139 patients had eyelid dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was the most common diagnosis in all three groups referred for patch tests. Use of shaving cream and hair conditioner was significantly higher in patients with only eyelid involvement and nickel sulfate was the most common allergen among them. Patch testing is the gold standard tool in the evaluation of eyelid contact dermatitis, and it is a necessity in the treatment of eyelid dermatitis, for the accurate identification of responsible allergens.

Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia spp. in peripheral blood of dromedary camels in Fars, Iran: molecular characterization, hematological parameters, and acute-phase protein alterations.

Background: Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are raised in extremely strict ecological conditions of deserts. Camels are vulnerable to many zoonotic infections. There are limited data on the occurrence of Q fever and borreliosis in camels, in Iran. Aims: The current study was focused on the occurrence of Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia spp. infection in the blood samples of Iranian camels using molecular assays. Effect of the presence of these infections on various hematological factors and some acute-phase proteins (Hp, a1AGP, SAA) were also investigated. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 113 clinically healthy camels to investigate the presence of the infections using nested PCR. Moreover, the sequence of positive samples was analyzed phylogenetically. Routine haematological tests were performed and the concentrations of acute-phase proteins were measured in serum using enzyme immunoassay. Results: PCR result showed that 6.19% (95% CI: 2.53-12.35%) (7/113) of camels were positive for C. burnetii. In addition, sequencing results of the corresponding gene of the outer membrane protein (com1) revealed two different genotypes of C. burnetii agent in camels from Southern Iran. In the PCR assay, Borrelia spp. DNA was not detected in the samples. No significant difference was observed in hematological parameters or acute-phase proteins between positive and negative Q fever camels except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and red cell distribution width (RDW). Conclusion: Clinically healthy camels might be very important reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Q fever is not considered a notifiable disease in camels of Iran, and clinical cases may scarcely be recognized by the healthcare system. Due to a lack of adequate information, additional studies on the molecular epidemiology and clinical pathology aspects of C. burnetii infection in Iran are needed.

The antibacterial activity of nasturtium officinale extract on common oral pathogenic bacteria.

Background: The oral cavity is colonized by a myriad of microorganisms, some of which are proven to be detrimental to human health. There have been numerous efforts to control the population of pathogenic agents in the oral cavity, including the usage of natural phytochemicals obtained from medicinal plants. Nasturtium officinale has long been used in traditional medicine for the management of hypertension, respiratory infections, and hyperglycemia, and its effectiveness against some microbes has been reported. Aims: To evaluate antimicrobial properties of a hydro-alcoholic extract of N. officinale against common oral pathogens namely Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Experimental laboratory study. Different dilutions of N. officinale hydro-alcoholic extract were the test solutions, the positive control was a bacterial suspension in sterile phosphate-buffered saline, whereas the negative control was the herbal extract only, without any bacterial inoculation. Hydro-alcoholic extract of N. officinale prepared in five different concentrations (105, 52.5, 26.25, 13.12, 6.56 mg.mL-1) was tested separately against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus in a test of microdilution assay. Spectrophotometry was used to assess bacterial growth after 24 and 48 h. Materials and Methods: The data of optical absorbance reads from spectrophotometry were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis followed by Least Significant Differences (LSD) post hoc. Results: The highest growth inhibitory effect against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and S. aureus was observed at a concentration of 13.12 mg.mL-1; for L. acidophilus and P. aeruginosa, the most significant inhibition was observed at a concentration of 105 mg.mL-1. Conclusion: N. officinale extract effectively inhibited the growth of the tested oral bacteria at different concentrations but was more effective against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and S. aureus and so may be effective in managing some oral microbial infections.

Novel modification of infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.

This study was intended to describe the technique used and the results obtained with the modification of the infrahyoid flap (IHF) for the reconstruction of oral tongue defects following resection for advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients with oral tongue defects following ablation for T2 to T4a SCC had reconstructions using a modified infrahyoid flap. Demographic data, tumour characteristics, and the complications were evaluated for each patient. We observed no complications regarding the healing process of the donor site or success of the flap in 49 (of 55) patients. None of the flaps had massive oedema or venous congestion in the postoperative period. Six patients experienced flap-related complications of which five had partial skin paddle necrosis, but eventually their flaps recovered and re-epithelialised without any further intervention. However, total flap necrosis was seen in one patient in whom a pectoralis major flap was used for the defect reconstruction following revision surgery. History of previous radiotherapy to the neck (p = 0.003), tumour stage (p = 0.017), and metastasis to cervical lymph nodes (p = 0.004) were associated with higher prevalence of partial or total flap necrosis. The modified infrahyoid flap is a reliable, quick, and simple procedure with a reasonable cost that makes it a valuable option for the reconstruction of the oropharynx and oral cavity with minimal donor site morbidity and good outcomes. It seems the modified IHF is a valid surgical procedure that may be considered in selected patients undergoing reconstruction of oncological oral tongue defects with fewer complications.

The effects of embryo splitting on Cdx2, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog gene expression in mouse blastocysts.

Background: Embryo splitting is utilized in reproduction biotechnology. The blastomeres resulting from the splitting of an embryo in two-, four- or eight-cell stages can develop into separate embryos that are genetically similar to the other blastomeres. Aims: The present work studied the effects of splitting on embryo pluripotent gene expression (Cdx2, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog) in mice. Methods: Two-cell embryos were isolated from stimulated mice. The embryos were grouped into "split" and "non-split" groups. The zona pellucida was removed from the split group and the blastomeres were distributed before being co-cultured with mouse embryo fibroblasts to the blastocyst stage. Normal (non-split) blastocysts were co-cultured in the same way. The 3.5-day-old blastomeres were collected as the control group. For molecular evaluation, real-time PCR was conducted to analyze changes in Cdx2, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog gene expression. Moreover, the blastocyst formation rate, overall blastocyst rate, and the number of newborns were statistically analyzed. Results: The findings showed that embryo splitting increased blastocyst formation, overall blastocysts, developmental potential embryos, and the number of infants. Furthermore, the split and non-split (control) groups showed equal expression of pluripotent genes (Cdx2, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog) in the molecular analysis. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the growth and developmental potency of sister blastocysts derived from split two-cell stage mouse embryos are the same as those of normal blastocysts. So, there are no significant differences in gene expression between the split and non-split groups.

Anosmia as a prominent symptom of COVID-19 infection.

According to WHO recommendations, everyone must protect themselves against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which will also protect others. Due to the lack of current effective treatment and vaccine for COVID-19, screening, rapid diagnosis and isolation of the patients are essential (1, 2). Therefore, identifying the early symptoms of COVID-19 is of particular importance and is a health system priority. Early studies from COVID-19 outbreak in China have illustrated several non-specific signs and symptoms in infected patients, including fever, dry cough, dyspnea, myalgia, fatigue, lymphopenia, and radiographic evidence of pneumonia (3, 4). Recently, a probability of association between COVID-19 and altered olfactory function has been reported in South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, UK and the United States (5-8). However, to our knowledge, the definite association between COVID-19 and anosmia has not been published.

Modifications of the G6G timed-AI protocol improved pregnancy per AI and reduced pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows.

In dairy cows, subjected to a G6G protocol, objectives were to determine effects of (1) extending the interval from prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during presynchronization; and (2) adding a second PGF2α treatment before artificial insemination (AI), on ovarian response, plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations and pregnancy per AI (P/AI). In a 2×2 factorial design, lactating cows were randomly assigned to one of four timed AI (TAI) protocols: (1) G6G (n=149), one injection of PGF2α, GnRH 2 days later and a 7-day Ovsynch (GnRH, 7 days, PGF2α, 56 h, GnRH, 16 h, TAI) was initiated 6 days later; (2) G6GP (n=144), an additional PGF2α treatment (24 h after the first) during Ovsynch of the G6G protocol; (3) MG6G, one injection of PGF2α, GnRH 4 days later before initiation of the G6G protocol; and (4) MG6GP, an additional PGF2α treatment (24 h after the first) during Ovsynch of the MG6G protocol. Blood samples were collected (subset of 200 cows) at first GnRH and PGF2α of the Ovsynch, and at TAI to measure P4. Ultrasound examinations were performed in a subset of 406 cows to evaluate ovarian response at various times of Ovsynch, and in all cattle to determine pregnancy status at 32 and 60 days after TAI. Extending the interval by 2 days between PGF2α and GnRH during presynchronization increased (P<0.01) ovulatory response to first GnRH of Ovsynch, circulating P4 during Ovsynch, and P/AI at 32 and 60 days after TAI. Adding a second PGF2α treatment before AI increased the proportion of cows with luteal regression (P=0.04), improved P/AI at 60 days after TAI (P=0.05), and reduced pregnancy loss between 30 and 60 days after TAI (P=0.04). In summary, extending the interval from PGF2α to GnRH during presynchronization increased response to first GnRH of Ovsynch and P4 concentrations during Ovsynch, whereas adding a second PGF2α treatment before AI enhanced luteal regression. Both modifications of the G6G protocol improved fertility in lactating dairy cows.

Simultaneous removing of Pb2+ ions and alizarin red S dye after their complexation by ultrasonic waves coupled adsorption process: Spectrophotometry detection and optimization study.

Funthenalized chitosan (CS) was composited with mesoprous SBA-15 and characterized via. different techniques such as FT-IR and FE-SEM. Subsequently, this new material was applied for simulations ultrasound-assisted adsorption of Pb2+ ion and alizarin red S (ARS) dye after their complexation. Efficient conventional variables in adsorption process such as initial ARS and Pb2+ concentration, adsorbent mass and sonication time were studied by small central composite design (CCD) and optimized with desirability function approach. Lack of fit testes and model summary statistics for linear, 2FI, quadratic and cubic models were investigated and according to the insignificant lack of fit and maximizing the R-squared (R2), adjusted R-squared and the predicted R-squared quadratic model was selected for other step analysis for removal of ARS dye, while, for Pb2+ ions 2FI model was selected as best model. Quadratic model ANOVA for ARS dye removal shows the F-value parameter (683.91), very low p-value model (<0.0001) and p-value lack of fit (0.0568) that implied this model was highly significant. Also, 2FI model ANOVA for Pb2+ ions removal shows the F-value parameter (282.51), very low p-value model (<0.0001) and p-value lack of fit (2.05). According to desirability function approach maximum removal percentage of ARS (87.61%) and Pb2+ ions (83.54%) was shown at optimum of condition that were set as at: 25 and 25mgL-1, 0.028g and 11.8min for initial ARS and Pb2+ ions concentration, adsorbent mass and sonication time, respectively. Finally, it was found that the equilibrium and kinetic of adsorption process follow the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. From the Langmuir isotherm, maximum monolayer capacity (qmax) was obtained 50.25 and 57.14mgg-1 for ARS and Pb2+ ions removal, respectively.

Association of TNF-α G308A gene polymorphism in essential hypertensive patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study aims to investigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) G308A gene polymorphism on essential hypertension (EHT) with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The project was conducted on buccal epithelial and blood cells for case and control patients, respectively. Epithelial cells were obtained from the inner part of the cheeks. Techniques including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were utilized to assess biomarkers of DNA damage. Our results demonstrated significant differences between wild and mutated genotypes among EHT patients without T2DM. We also found a significant association between wild and mutated allele frequencies in EHT patients (P < 0.05). Clinical characteristics between the groups (EHT with or without T2DM and controls) showed statistically significant association (P < 0.05). Overall, we show that G308A polymorphism of the TNF-αgene may be a significant genetic risk factor for EHT without T2DM patients in Malaysia.

Association of beta 2 adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms in Malaysian hypertensive subjects.

The sympathetic nervous system plays a major role in blood pressure regulation. Beta 2 (ß2) adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms have been associated with hypertension in different populations with conflicting results. We examined the association of three common polymorphisms, Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu, and Thr164Ile, of the ß2 adrenoceptor gene in Malaysian hypertensive subjects. A total of 160 hypertensive and control subjects were recruited. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and anthropometric measurements were obtained from each subject. Biochemical analyses of lipid profiles were conducted with an autoanalyzer. DNA samples were extracted from blood and buccal cells. Genotyping was accomplished with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. SBP, DBP, body mass index, and biochemical factors all differed significantly between case and control subjects (P < 0.05). The genotype frequencies of Arg16Arg, Arg16Gly, and Gly16Gly were 22.5, 70, and 7.5% among cases and 33.1, 63.1, and 3.8% among controls, respectively. The genotype frequencies of Gln27Gln, Gln27Glu, and Glu27Glu among cases were 41.1, 50, and 1.9% compared to 77.5, 20.6, and 1.9% among controls, respectively. In this study, the Gln27Glu polymorphism was significantly associated with Malaysian hypertensive subjects (P < 0.05). Therefore, the Gln27Glu polymorphism of the ß2 adrenoceptor could be a risk factor associated with hypertension among Malaysians.

A comparison of tissue-engineered bone from adipose-derived stem cell with autogenous bone repair in maxillary alveolar cleft model in dogs.

This study was designed to compare bone regeneration of tissue-engineered bone from adipose-derived stem cell and autogenous bone graft in a canine maxillary alveolar cleft model. In this prospective clinical trial, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from subcutaneous canine adipose tissue. Undifferentiated cells were incubated with a 3mm×3mm×3mm hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold, in specific osteogenic medium for 21 days. Four mongrel dogs were prepared by removal of two of the three incisors bilaterally and a 15mm defect in bone was created from crest to nasal floor. After healing, repair was followed by a tissue engineered bone graft from adipose-derived stem cells on one side and corticocancellous tibial auto graft on the other side. Bone regeneration was evaluated by histomorphometry on days 15 and 60 after implantation. The data were analysed with descriptive and t test methods (α=0.05). Bone formation on the autograft sides was higher than on the stem cell sides at 15 and 60 days, 45% and 96% versus 5% and 70%, respectively. Differences between the two groups at 15 and 60 days were significant (p=0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Although autograft is still the gold standard for bone regeneration, tissue engineered bone may provide an acceptable alternative.

Study the Expression of ompf Gene in Esherichia coli Mutants.

The outer membrane porin proteins are the major factors in controlling the permeability of cell membrane. OmpF is an example of porin proteins in Esherichia coli. In normal growth condition a large amount of this protein is synthesised, but under stress condition, such as the presence of antibiotics in environment its expression is decreased inhibiting the entrance of antibiotics into cell. The expression of ompF is inhibited by antisense RNA transcribed from micF. In normal condition the expression of micF is low, but in the presence of antibiotics its expression is increased and causes multiple resistances to irrelevant antibiotics. The aims of this research were to study first, the intactness of micF and then quantify the expression of ompF in ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistant mutants of E. coli. For this purpose the 5' end of micF was amplified and then sequenced. None of these mutants except one and its clone has a mutation in this gene. Then the relative expression of ompF in these mutants was quantified by real time PCR. There was no significant difference between ompF transcription of mutants and wild type strain. Based on this study and previous study it is concluded that low to intermediate levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline does not decrease ompF transcription.

Should post kidney transplantation hyperlipidemia considered a risk factor for graft function?

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia is a common problem after kidney transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To uncover the real impact of post kidney transplantation hyperlipidemia on graft function and survival, and to determine whether it is just a biochemical phenomenon after using immunosuppressant or a part of disease pathology. METHODS: 330 kidney transplants were managed in Sina Hospital Kidney Transplantation Unit affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from September 1994 till February 2010. The demographic characteristics of the patients, causes of chronic kidney diseases, history of pretransplantation dialysis, pretransplantation comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus [DM], hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease), rejection episodes, status of infection with cytomegalous virus [CMV], post-transplantation DM, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease [IHD], and graft and patient survival were recorded. A serum creatinine level >2 mg/dL was considered as "graft deterioration," and return to dialysis as "graft loss." According to the presence or absence of post kidney transplantation hypercholesterolemia (>200 mg/dL) or hypertriglyceridemia (>200 mg/dL), the patients were classified into "hyperlipidemic" or "non-hyperlipidemic." The presence of clinical or paraclinical coronary artery disease was also determined in both groups. RESULTS: The incidence of hyperlipidemia elevated from 8% to 50% before and after transplantation. 2.7% developed clinical IHD. 13% of hyperlipidemics and 22% of non-hyperlipidemics developed graft deterioration. Among hyperlipidemics with deteriorated grafts 40% had premorbid diseases, 68% had CMV infection and 82% had hypertension. Only 22% had previous acute rejection and 27% received deceased kidney transplant. CONCLUSIONS: post kidney transplantation hyperlipidemia is just an associated phenomenon secondary to the use of immunosuppressant medications, which have no obvious impact on renal graft function and can be easily controlled by instituting dietary modifications and use of modern antilipid medications. Post kidney transplantation CMV infection and hypertension are considered as the main threatening risk for renal graft-even more dangerous than acute or chronic rejections.

A comparative study on the effect of lidocaine and furosemide on urinary output and graft function after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: Renal transplantation is an ideal treatment for patients with chronic renal failure. It was demonstrated that despite the adhesion to surgical and anesthetic principles, urinary output is not satisfactory after transplantation. It seems that microvascular spasm of renal vasculature is responsible for this phenomenon. We designed a study to investigate whether lidocaine injection into renal artery can relieve vasospasm and subsequently improve output and graft function better than furosemide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, from July 2002 to November 2003, 100 consecutive patients who were referred to our center for kidney transplantation were recruited in this study. After obtaining written informed consent, they were divided blindly into two groups. In group 1, lidocaine was injected into renal artery, before arterial anastomosis, and group 2 received furosemide as the conventional intervention. Urine volume within 1, 4, and 24 postoperative hours and serum creatinine levels in the first three weeks were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Urine volumes at 1, 4, and 24 hours after transplantation were higher significantly in lidocaine group (P <0.001). Serum creatinine levels were lower significantly in the first postoperative day and also 21 days after transplantation in group 1 (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Comparing to furosemide, it seems that lidocaine can cause a more effective vasodilation in renal arteries of kidney allograft, resulting in a better diuresis. This may have a role in the betterment of graft function.

Brain injury: the uncertainties of using complementary therapies.

The use of complementary therapies is fast growing in the UK, but their place within health care is still unclear. This study explored the views of families using a specific complementary therapy in the care of their brain-injured children, and of professionals involved in the care of the children. The findings revealed an interesting comparison of views about the use of complementary therapies and attitudes towards their use.