Can SCSA and TUNEL forecast apoptosis-related motility depletion in Asthenozoospermia?

This study is an attempt to determine the power of SCSA and TUNEL for the evaluation of apoptosis status and apoptosis-related motility depletion in Asthenozoospermia. Fifty-one semen samples from Asthenozoospermic and 20 samples from fertile men participated in this study. SCSA and TUNEL were applied for the assessment of DNA integrity by flow cytometry. Annexin V conjugated with FITC labelling and FLICA method were used for the assessment of externalisation of phosphatidylserine and spermatozoon with active Caspase 3 respectively. SCSA results were shown to have a significant correlation with EPS in live spermatozoon (r = .85, p value = .00) and spermatozoon with active Caspase 3 (r = .633, p value = .00). TUNEL result was revealed to have a nonsignificant positive correlation with them. Then, Asthenozoospermic individuals were divided into two groups, SCSA higher and SCSA lower than 27%. Results interestingly indicated that the two groups significantly differed from each other in terms of TUNEL, EPS in live spermatozoon, spermatozoon with active Caspase 3 and sperm vitality (p value = .00). Both SCSA and TUNEL were correlated with apoptosis-related motility depletion in Asthenozoospermia. However, SCSA might be more powerful than TUNEL and could provide reliable information about DNA, chromatin integrity and apoptosis status in Asthenozoospermia.

Frequencies and phenotypic consequences of association of α- and ß-thalassemia alleles with sickle-cell disease in Bahrain.

INTRODUCTION: Bahrain has high prevalence rates of sickle cell and thalassemia in the population. This study reports the frequencies and phenotypic characteristics of α- and/or ß-thalassemia associated with sickle-cell disease (SCD) in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Adult SCD patients (n = 200) were screened for the common α- and ß-thalassemia alleles prevalent in the region using molecular techniques. Results of CBC, hemoglobin analysis, and average annual frequencies of severe pain episodes and numbers of transfused red cell units were documented. RESULTS: Patients were grouped on the basis of molecular studies as sickle-cell anemia (SS, n = 131), SS/α-thalassemia with three normal genes (n = 27), SS/α-thalassemia with two normal genes (n = 11), sickle-ß-thalassemia (Sß, n = 23), and Sß with co-inherited α-thalassemia (n = 8). Identified α-thalassemia determinants were -α3.7 (n = 52), -α4.2 (n = 4), αT-Saudi α (n = 1), and αHph α (n = 1). All ß-thalassemia alleles were ß0 defects. Sickle-thalassemia association resulted in higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte counts with reduced MCV and reticulocytes. Significant clinical associations were as follows: increased severe pain frequency with α-thalassemia (three-gene group); red cell transfusion with ß-thalassemia alleles and female gender. CONCLUSION: One-third of patients with SCD co-inherited α- and/or ß-thalassemia alleles and these associations explained some of the observed phenotypic variability. A low prevalence of nondeletion α-thalassemia alleles was observed in these patients. The most significant disease amelioration occurred in SCD associated with two α-thalassemia alleles.

Dynamic polarization flip in nanoripples on photoexcited Ti surface near its surface plasmon resonance.

Both normal and abnormal sub-100-nanometer ripples (wavenumber ∼10 µm(-1)) were separately observed on Ti surfaces excited by linearly polarized IR femtosecond laser pulses at lower and higher fluences. Numerical modeling of dispersion curves for surface plasmon-polaritons on the photoexcited Ti surfaces demonstrates its surface plasmon resonance with the peak wavenumber ∼8 µm(-1) spectrally tuned by prompt surface optical response, prompt surface charging, and pre-oxidation, with normal/abnormal nanoripples appearing at its red/blue shoulders, respectively.

Changes in serum levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor-beta in schizophrenic patients before and after treatment.

Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating diseases among psychiatric disorders. Recent studies suggest the existence of effective immunological changes in the pathophysiology of this disease. The purpose of the current study was to determine the changes in serum levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor-beta (NGF) in schizophrenic patients before treatment and 40 days after treatment. In this case-control study, serum levels of BDNF and NGF were measured by ELISA in 26 patients with schizophrenia and 26 healthy controls. All patients were treated with clozapine or risperidone for 40 days. A positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) questionnaire has been used to recognize the severity of the disease and to assess the response to treatment. Neurotrophin concentrations were compared before and after the treatment and with control groups using paired t-test and ANOVA test. BDNF and NGF levels in the case group were more than levels after treatment, but these differences were significant only for NGF. Concentrations in both neurotrophins were higher than the control group. The statistically significant difference was observed between changes in the NGF levels in the case and the control group, while no significant difference was seen in changes of BDNF. The main conclusion to be drawn from this study was that the increase in BDNF and particularly NGF may have an important role in causing schizophrenia. And possibly drugs clozapine and risperidone help to treat the disease by reducing the concentration of Neurotrophins.

Effect of composite resin contamination with powdered and unpowdered latex gloves on its shear bond strength to bovine dentin.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of composite resin contamination with powdered and unpowdered latex gloves on the shear bond strength of etch-and-rinse and two-step self-etch adhesive systems. Standard flat dentin surfaces were prepared on the facial aspect of 120 bovine incisors and randomly assigned into two (n=60) groups: group 1: Single Bond (SB), group 2: Clearfil SE Bond (CSE). Furthermore, each group was randomly subdivided into three (n=20) based on the type of composite contamination (without contamination, contamination with powdered latex gloves, and contamination with unpowdered latex gloves). The adhesives were applied and resin composite bonded to the dentin. After thermocycling, the specimens were subjected to a shear bond strength test. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to compare shear bond strength values in each group. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.02. Two-way ANOVA showed that the shear bond strength was significantly influenced by the type of composite surface contamination (p=0.001). In the SB group there were no significant differences between different surface treatments (p=0.08). In the CSE group a significant difference was observed between the subgroup without contamination and the subgroup with powdered latex glove contamination (p=0.01); however, no significant differences were observed between the other subgroups.

Age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A in Sari, northern Islamic Republic of Iran.

The declining incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the Islamic Republic of Iran may be reducing the population's natural immunity. This was the first systemized, population-based survey of the seroprevalence of HAV antibodies in urban and rural inhabitants of Sari, Mazandaran province. Serum from 1034 individuals aged 1-25 years in 2007 were tested for anti-HAV lgG antibody using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. The overall seroprevalence was 38.9%. The lowest prevalence (5.2%) was among the younger age group (1-5 years) from urban areas and the highest prevalence (82.0%) in the older age group (15-25 years) from rural areas. Seropositivity was significantly higher at higher age, among females and in rural areas. Sari is no longer classified as an area of high endemicity, and immunization against HAV may be needed in our population in the future.

Age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A in Sari, northern Islamic Republic of Iran

The declining incidence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] infection in the Islamic Republic of Iran may be reducing the population's natural immunity. This was the first systemized, population-based survey of the seroprevalence of HAV antibodies in urban and rural inhabitants of Sari, Mazandaran province. Serum from 1034 individuals aged 1-25 years in 2007 were tested for anti-HAV IgG antibody using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. The overall seroprevalence was 38.9%. The lowest prevalence [5.2%] was among the younger age group [1-5 years] from urban areas and the highest prevalence [82.0%] in the older age group [15-25 years] from rural areas. Seropositivity was significantly higher at higher age, among females and in rural areas. Sari is no longer classified as an area of high endemicity, and immunization against HAV may be needed in our population in the future

Comparison of the effectiveness of weekly and daily iron supplementation in 6- to 24-months-old babies in urban health centers of Sari, Iran.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of weekly and daily iron supplementation in 6 to 24 months infants. One-hundred Infants enrolled into this randomized controlled field trail. Fifteen drops was prescribed for the group who received daily supplementation of iron and 30 drops was prescribed for the group who was set up to receive weekly supplementation of iron. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin was measured after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks results showed that both weekly and daily supplementation significantly increased hemoglobin but for serum ferritin daily supplementation was only significant. However, there was no significant difference between two groups, so the weekly supplementation is recommended. According to the results and more tendencies to the weekly regimen, we recommended weekly regimen versus daily Iron supplementation.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in 2-25-year-olds in Sari district, Islamic Republic of Iran.

The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection (HEV) in children and young adults was determined in a community-based survey in an area of northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Serum samples were taken from 1080 randomly selected apparently healthy 2-25-year-olds from urban and rural regions of Sari district. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 25 individuals (2.3%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age from 3/255 (1.2%) in children < 10 years to 8/110 (7.3%) in those aged 20-25 years. No differences in HEV status were noted between the sexes. Earlier age at exposure to infection and a higher infection rate were found in people residing in rural areas than in urban areas.

The impact of maternal measles-rubella immunization on the 12-month-old infant's immune response to measles-mumps-rubella vaccine immunogenicity.

This study was conducted to assess the roles of maternal measles-rubella (MR) vaccination before pregnancy on the persistence of passive immunity against MR in their infant before measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization and the effects on the immunogenicity of MMR vaccine. Before and 4-8 weeks after MMR immunization of all healthy 12-month-old infants, sera samples were prepared. According to their mother's history of MR vaccination, infants were divided into two groups. Anti-MR antibodies were measured by the quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The difference in seroconversion rates and the mean concentration of antibodies (MCA) between the two groups of infants were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods. In total, 7 and 12 sera, all from infants born from MR-vaccinated mothers, were positive against measles and rubella, respectively. The seroconversion rates were 90.5 and 53% in seronegative infants against measles and rubella, respectively, without statistically significant differences between the two groups of infants. However, the MCA differences were significant; measles P = 0.000, rubella P = 0.019. The MR vaccination of mothers may cause the prolongation of passive immunity in their infants, and may influence the immunogenicity of MMR vaccination. This finding should be considered for the optimal scheduling of the first dose of MMR vaccine. Also, the results showed that the immunogenicity of the rubella component of the MMR vaccine was lower than that reported.

Th-1/Th-2 cytokine pattern in human amoebic colitis.

Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is still considered a major health problem in developing countries. Since the immune response during human amoebiasis has not been clearly defined, we chose to evaluate cytokine production in patients suffering from amoebic colitis. A case-control association study was carried out on 62 subjects, including 31 patients with amoebic colitis and 31 healthy controls (age, sex and geographic region-matched). Serum levels of IL-12, IFN-gamma, IL-13 and IL-5 were measured by solid-phase sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-5 were higher in the patients with amoebic colitis than in healthy controls, but were only statistically increased for IL-5 (p = 0.04) and IL-13 (p = 0.014). Stratification of patients according to gender revealed that IL-13 was significantly elevated in men as compared to levels measured in women (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that E. histolytica induce a mixed Th-1/Th-2 response with a polarization toward Th-2 during the early stage of amoebiasis, which may aide in developing a clinical illness.

Association of human leukocyte antigen and esophageal cancer in North of Iran.

Several risk factors including environmental factor, Genetic and nutritional deficiencies have been associated with Esophageal Cancer (EC) in high risk areas. In a case-control association study, the association of HLA class I and esophageal carcinoma has been investigated. A total number of 30 patients and 30 clinical healthy individuals matched for sex and age with the same ethnicity and residence status were enrolled. Five milliliter defibrinated blood taken from each individual and diluted 1:1 with Hanks balanced salt solution buffer. The diluted blood added to 3.0 mL separating medium (ficol hypaqe). Lymphocyte separated and HLA, A, B and C molecules were determined by using the Terrasaki Mirocytotoxicity test. Data were analyzed by Chi square and Fisher exact tests. Thirty patients (20 females and 10 males) with age 61 +/- 2.4 enrolled in this study. Only patients with definite diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) included and Patients with other esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma) excluded. The frequency of many HLA molecules were different in comparison of patients and control groups, but statistical analysis of the data revealed that only difference between frequency of HLA A11, B41 and Cw3 are significant (p<0.05). We concluded that HLA-A11, -B41 and -Cw3 molecules may be risk factors for esophageal cancer in northern part of Iran.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in 2-25-year-olds in Sari district, Islamic Republic of Iran

The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection [HEV] in children and young adults was determined in a community-based survey in an area of northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Serum samples were taken from 1080 randomly selected apparently healthy 2-25-year-olds from urban and rural regions of Sari district. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 25 individuals [2.3%]. Seroprevalence increased significantly with age from 3/255 [1.2%] in children < 10 years to 8/110 [7.3%] in those aged 20-25 years. No differences in HEV status were noted between the sexes. Earlier age at exposure to infection and a higher infection rate were found in people residing in rural areas than in urban areas

Combination of phenotype assessments and CYP2C9-VKORC1 polymorphisms in the determination of warfarin dose requirements in heavily medicated patients.

The relative contribution of phenotypic measures and CYP2C9-vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) polymorphisms to warfarin dose requirements at day 14 was determined in 132 hospitalized, heavily medicated patients. Phenotypic measures were (1) the urinary losartan metabolic ratio before the first dose of warfarin, (2) the S:R-warfarin ratio at day 1, and (3) a dose-adjusted international normalized ratio (INR) at day 4. CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes were determined by gene chip analysis. In multivariate analyses, the dose-adjusted INR at day 4 explained 31% of variability observed in warfarin doses at day 14, whereas genotypic measures (CYP2C9-VKORC1) contributed 6.5%. When S:R-warfarin ratio was used, genotypes contributed more significantly (23.5%). Finally, urinary losartan metabolic ratio was of low predictive value. The best models obtained explained 51% of intersubject variability in warfarin dose requirements. Thus, combination of a phenotypic measure to CYP2C9-VKORC1 genotypes represents a useful strategy to predict warfarin doses in patients receiving multiple drugs (11+/-4 drugs/day).

Seroepidemiological study of toxoplasmosis in intellectual disability children in rehabilitation centers of northern Iran.

Serological studies revealed that toxoplasmosis has world wide distribution. Although the infection by Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in humans and animals, the disease is uncommon and most of the acquired infections are asymptomatic. The important aspect of this parasitic infection is the probable danger of congenital transmission and its severe effects on the fetus. There have been many reports about the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody among different groups of people in Iran; however the epidemiological data in intellectual disability (ID) persons are rare. This study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the inhabitants of rehabilitation centers of northern Iran. A total of 336 serum samples (161 males, 175 females) were examined for the IgG antibodies by indirect immunofluorescense technique. First of all, 1:50 titer dilution was tested, in the cases of positive result, further dilutions (1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:800, 1:1600, and 1:3200) were prepared and the last dilution was recorded. Among 336 sera, 77.4% showed seropositivity by IFAT. The positive rates of males and females were 77.6% (125/161) and 80% (140/175), respectively. However, there were no significant differences between sexes. Comparing the age groups, the highest seropositive rate showed in 19 or higher, and their rates had a tendency to increase with age. Prevalence of the infection in 10 rehabilitation centers was not significant either. Nevertheless, our data (77.4%) in rehabilitation centers in northern Iran suggest that infection is the same as in many other reports in normal population in this area, therefore toxoplasmosis is not a major problem in rehabilitation centers of this geographical area.

Pertussis seroimmunity among mother-infant pairs and infant immune response to pertussis vaccination.

This study was designed to evaluate seroprevalence rates of antibodies to pertussis in mothers and their infants, and the immunogenicity of pertussis vaccine in the presence or absence of pertussis antibodies in infants. Blood samples were collected from 110 mother-infants pairs before the first dose of pertussis vaccination and from 69 infants 4-8 weeks after administration of the third dose of DTwP vaccine. Pertussis antibodies were >25 U/mL in 88(78.9%) mothers and 50(45.3%) infants with a mean titer of 67(SD 48.1) and 33.5 (34.7) U/mL, respectively. After administration of three doses of DTwP vaccine, 53(76.8%) infants were seroconverted (MCA titer 87.4 (51.3)U/mL. Immunologic response to vaccination was similar between the two groups of infants; 30/37 (81.1%) of seronegative infants and 23/32 (71.9%) of seropositive infants at pre-vaccination, showed seroconversion after the vaccination (P = 0.36). The results of this study demonstrated that most of the studied mothers were serologically immune to pertussis, and this immunity was transferred to their infants. Pre-vaccination antibody did not affect infants immune response to vaccination.

Sickle cell disease and pregnancy in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morbidity and outcome of pregnancies complicated by homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) in Bahrain. METHODS: A controlled study was conducted of all the pregnancies of women with SCD who were delivered at Salmaniya Medical Complex and affiliate hospitals in Bahrain between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2002. RESULTS: There were 351 pregnancies with SCD, giving an incidence of 0.67%. The mean+/-S.D. age of women with SCD was 28.8+/-5.7 years. These women, who were mostly from Shia villages, had more spontaneous abortions than the 351 controls (32% and 12%, respectively). Compared with the control group, the mean+/-S.D. number of pregnancies among women with SCD was 5.0+/-1.9 vs. 5.7+/-3.1; birth weight, 2,965+/-540 g vs. 3,457+/-497 g; rate of preterm deliveries, 25.9% vs. 12%; incidence of intrauterine growth restriction, 10% to 13% vs. 4% to 7%; Apgar scores at 1 and 10 min, 8.1+/-0.8 and 8.8+/-0.8; and cesarean section rate, 19.0% vs. 12.7%. There were no differences in the rates of pre-eclampsia, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, or stillbirth. There were 4 maternal deaths directly related to SCD complications. Hemoglobin analysis was performed in 86% of the women with SCD. Of these women, 60.6% had homozygous SCD with raised levels of fetal hemoglobin (more than 5% HbF); 9.6% had sickle cell hemoglobin with beta-thalassemia disease; and 1.4% had sickle cell hemoglobin only. Vaso-occlusive crises were the most common cause of hospital admissions during pregnancy (42.2%), while hemolytic and sequestration crises accounted for 28.0% and 0.6% of admissions. CONCLUSION: Mortality, morbidity, and perinatal loss are still considerable among women with SCD in Bahrain. To reduce mortality and morbidity, there is a need for a multidisciplinary team able to deal with pregnancy complications due to SCD.

Measles seroepidemiology among adolescents and young adults: response to revaccination.

We evaluated the seroprevalence of measles antibody and response to measles reimmunization in 590 previously vaccinated adolescents and young adults; 263 were seronegative. To differentiate between primary and secondary vaccine failure, anti-measles IgM and IgG titres were assessed again 2-4 weeks after revaccination in 144 (105 seronegative, 39 seropositive) individuals: 75 seronegative participants responded to revaccination anamnestically (P < 0.001) and developed immunity, 11 also showed IgM response (probably primary vaccine failure); 38 seropositive participants remained seroprotected without significant increase in antibody titre (P = 0.577). Primary vaccine failure was 4.7%; secondary vaccine failure was 27.1%. After revaccination, 87.3% were seroprotected.

Measles seroepidemiology among adolescents and young adults: response to revaccination

We evaluated the seroprevalence of measles antibody and response to measles re-immunization in 590 previously vaccinated adolescents and young adults; 263 were seronegative. To differentiate between primary and secondary vaccine failure, anti- measles IgM and IgG titres were assessed again 2- 4 weeks after revaccination in 144 [105 seronegative, 39 seropositive] individuals: 75 seronegative participants responded to revaccination anamnestically [P < 0.001] and developed immunity 11 also showed IgM response [probably primary vaccine failure immunity]; 38 seropositive participants, remained seroprotected without significant increase in antibody titre [P = 0.577]. Primary vaccine failure was 4.7%; secondary vaccine failure was 27.1%. After revaccination, 87.3% were seroprotected

High-dose leptin activates human leukocytes via receptor expression on monocytes.

Leptin is capable of modulating the immune response. Proinflammatory cytokines induce leptin production, and we now demonstrate that leptin can directly activate the inflammatory response. RNA expression for the leptin receptor (Ob-R) was detectable in human PBMCs. Ob-R expression was examined at the protein level by whole blood flow cytometry using an anti-human Ob-R mAb 9F8. The percentage of cells expressing leptin receptor was 25 +/- 5% for monocytes, 12 +/- 4% for neutrophils, and 5 +/- 1% for lymphocytes (only B lymphocytes). Incubation of resting PBMCs with leptin induced rapid expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA and a dose-dependent production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 by monocytes. Incubation of resting PBMCs with high-dose leptin (250 ng/ml, 3-5 days) induced proliferation of resting cultured PBMCs and their secretion of TNF-alpha (5-fold), IL-6 (19-fold), and IFN-gamma (2.5-fold), but had no effect on IL-4 secretion. The effect of leptin was distinct from, and additive to, that seen after exposure to endotoxin or activation by the mixed lymphocyte reaction. In conclusion, Ob-R is expressed on human circulating leukocytes, predominantly on monocytes. At high doses, leptin induces proinflammatory cytokine production by resting human PBMCs and augments the release of these cytokines from activated PBMCs in a pattern compatible with the induction of Th1 cytokines. These results demonstrate that leptin has a direct effect on the generation of an inflammatory response. This is of relevance when considering leptin therapy and may partly explain the relationship among leptin, proinflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, and obesity.