Bioinformatics analysis and machine learning approach applied to the identification of novel key genes involved in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a range of chronic liver diseases that result from the accumulation of excess triglycerides in the liver, and which, in its early phases, is categorized NAFLD, or hepato-steatosis with pure fatty liver. The mortality rate of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is more than NAFLD; therefore, diagnosing the disease in its early stages may decrease liver damage and increase the survival rate. In the current study, we screened the gene expression data of NAFLD patients and control samples from the public dataset GEO to detect DEGs. Then, the correlation betweenbetween the top selected DEGs and clinical data was evaluated. In the present study, two GEO datasets (GSE48452, GSE126848) were downloaded. The dysregulated expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by machine learning methods (Penalize regression models). Then, the shared DEGs between the two training datasets were validated using validation datasets. ROC-curve analysis was used to identify diagnostic markers. R software analyzed the interactions between DEGs, clinical data, and fatty liver. Ten novel genes, including ABCF1, SART3, APC5, NONO, KAT7, ZPR1, RABGAP1, SLC7A8, SPAG9, and KAT6A were found to have a differential expression between NAFLD and healthy individuals. Based on validation results and ROC analysis, NR4A2 and IGFBP1b were identified as diagnostic markers. These key genes may be predictive markers for the development of fatty liver. It is recommended that these key genes are assessed further as possible predictive markers during the development of fatty liver.

Natriuretic Peptides in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are an important health problem globally. Natriuretic peptides are hormones that have a crucial role in human physiology. There are a variety of treatments for GI cancer, but conventional therapies have side effects and low efficacy. Studies have demonstrated that natriuretic peptides are therapeutic in different cancer types. Natriuretic peptides are best known for their involvement in regulating blood pressure and blood volume. The anti-tumor effect exerted by natriuretic peptides is via their inhibitory effects on DNA synthesis and by their effects on apoptosis. The anti-proliferative role of natriuretic peptides has been shown in human breast cancer, prostate, colon, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and other tumors. The roles of natriuretic peptides in these cancers are diverse and not well understood. Therefore, we have reviewed the recent literature on natriuretic peptides in GI cancers as a common malignancy in adults to assess the pathways that NPs are involved in the progression of GI cancers and its effect on the prevention or treatment of GI cancers.

Smart Wearable Nanopaper Patch for Continuous Multiplexed Optical Monitoring of Sweat Parameters.

Notwithstanding the substantial progress in optical wearable sensing devices, developing wearable optical sensors for simultaneous, real-time, and continuous monitoring of multiple biomarkers is still an important, yet unmet, demand. Aiming to address this need, we introduced for the first time a smart wearable optical sensor (SWOS) platform combining a multiplexed sweat sensor sticker with its IoT-enabled readout module. We employed our SWOS system for on-body continuous, real-time, and simultaneous fluorimetric monitoring of sweat volume (physical parameter) and pH (chemical marker). Herein, a variation in moisture (5-45 µL) or pH (4.0-7.0) causes a color/fluorescence change in the copper chloride/fluorescein immobilized within a transparent chitin nanopaper (ChNP) in a selective and reversible manner. Human experiments conducted on athletic volunteers during exercise confirm that our developed SWOS platform can be efficiently exploited for smart perspiration analysis toward personalized health monitoring. Moreover, our system can be further extended for the continuous and real-time multiplexed monitoring of various biomarkers (metabolites, proteins, or drugs) of sweat or other biofluids (for example, analyzing exhaled breath by integrating onto a facemask).

The Prognostic Value of ASPHD1 and ZBTB12 in Colorectal Cancer: A Machine Learning-Based Integrated Bioinformatics Approach.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer associated with poor outcomes, underscoring a need for the identification of novel prognostic and therapeutic targets to improve outcomes. This study aimed to identify genetic variants and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using genome-wide DNA and RNA sequencing followed by validation in a large cohort of patients with CRC. Methods: Whole genome and gene expression profiling were used to identify DEGs and genetic alterations in 146 patients with CRC. Gene Ontology, Reactom, GSEA, and Human Disease Ontology were employed to study the biological process and pathways involved in CRC. Survival analysis on dysregulated genes in patients with CRC was conducted using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Moreover, candidate genes were subjected to ML-based analysis and the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Subsequently, the expression of the identified genes was evaluated by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) in another cohort of 64 patients with CRC. Gene variants affecting the regulation of candidate gene expressions were further validated followed by Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) in 15 patients with CRC. Results: A total of 3576 DEGs in the early stages of CRC and 2985 DEGs in the advanced stages of CRC were identified. ASPHD1 and ZBTB12 genes were identified as potential prognostic markers. Moreover, the combination of ASPHD and ZBTB12 genes was sensitive, and the two were considered specific markers, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.934, 1.00, and 0.986, respectively. The expression levels of these two genes were higher in patients with CRC. Moreover, our data identified two novel genetic variants-the rs925939730 variant in ASPHD1 and the rs1428982750 variant in ZBTB1-as being potentially involved in the regulation of gene expression. Conclusions: Our findings provide a proof of concept for the prognostic values of two novel genes-ASPHD1 and ZBTB12-and their associated variants (rs925939730 and rs1428982750) in CRC, supporting further functional analyses to evaluate the value of emerging biomarkers in colorectal cancer.

Identification of ZMYND19 as a novel biomarker of colorectal cancer: RNA-sequencing and machine learning analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. The five-year relative survival rate for CRC is estimated to be approximately 90% for patients diagnosed with early stages and 14% for those diagnosed at an advanced stages of disease, respectively. Hence, the development of accurate prognostic markers is required. Bioinformatics enables the identification of dysregulated pathways and novel biomarkers. RNA expression profiling was performed in CRC patients from the TCGA database using a Machine Learning approach to identify differential expression genes (DEGs). Survival curves were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis to identify prognostic biomarkers. Furthermore, the molecular pathways, protein-protein interaction, the co-expression of DEGs, and the correlation between DEGs and clinical data have been evaluated. The diagnostic markers were then determined based on machine learning analysis. The results indicated that key upregulated genes are associated with the RNA processing and heterocycle metabolic process, including C10orf2, NOP2, DKC1, BYSL, RRP12, PUS7, MTHFD1L, and PPAT. Furthermore, the survival analysis identified NOP58, OSBPL3, DNAJC2, and ZMYND19 as prognostic markers. The combineROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of C10orf2 -PPAT- ZMYND19 can be considered as diagnostic markers with sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values of 0.98, 1.00, and 0.99, respectively. Eventually, ZMYND19 gene was validated in CRC patients. In conclusion, novel biomarkers of CRC have been identified that may be a promising strategy for early diagnosis, potential treatment, and better prognosis.

Role of gut bacterial and non-bacterial microbiota in alcohol-associated liver disease: Molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic prospective.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that include: steatosis to alcohol-associated hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathophysiology and potential underlying mechanisms for alcohol-associated liver disease are unclear. Moreover, the treatment of ALD remains a challenge. Intestinal microbiota include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that are now known to be important in the development of ALD. Alcohol consumption can change the gut microbiota and function leading to liver disease. Given the importance of interactions between intestinal microbiota, alcohol, and liver injury, the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of ALD and explains how this can be translated into clinical management. We discuss the potential of utilizing the gut microbiota signature as a biomarker in ALD patients. Additionally, we present an overview of the prospect of modulating the intestinal microbiota for the management of ALD.

Nonenzymatic glucose sensor design based on carbon fiber ultra-microelectrode: Controlled with a manual micro adjuster.

Interest in designing and manufacturing glucose sensors based on metal oxide-modified microelectrodes is growing and leading to the increased research efforts to develop continuous glucose measurements. A non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on an ultra-microelectrode is presented. A carbon fiber microelectrode electrodeposited by nickel nanoparticles (NiCFME) and activated as a nonenzymatic glucose sensor. The modified carbon microfiber was attached to a micro adjuster to adjust the height of the electrode inside the solution, which improved the accuracy of the microelectrode performance. The microstructure and morphology of the electrodes and nanoparticles investigated using SEM, EDX and XRD. The electrocatalytic glucose oxidation behavior of the sensing NiCFME got analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurements in alkaline medium. Achieved results demonstrated that the fabricated sensor displays the sensitivity up to 8.5 µA µM-1 cm-2 with a low detection limit of 3.0 µM, LOQ of 10.0 µM, with a linearity range of 10.0 µM-150.0 µM and response time about 0.4 s for glucose detection. Designed sensor had an appropriate good stability and significant selectivity towards glucose. Finally, the proposed sensor was successfully applied in determination of glucose in human blood plasma samples. The results illustrated; the proposed design is a promising candidate for the development of nonenzymatic glucose sensors.

A proposed implantable voltammetric carbon fiber-based microsensor for corticosteroid monitoring by cochlear implants.

A novel carbon fiber microsensor (CFMS) with the capability of being inserted in the cochlear implant structure is introduced for in situ measurement of corticosteroid concentration. The microsensor structure is composed of a carbon microfiber, an Ag wire, and a Pt wire acting respectively as a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. In addition, a silicone septum is used for isolation purposes in place of the epoxy resin. The septum-insulated microsensor is capable of monitoring the concentration of the corticosteroids in the perilymph fluid without a need for sampling from the inner ear fluid and the consequent ex vivo analysis. The electrochemical determination of the corticosteroids was investigated on the carbon fiber electrode surface by differential pulse voltammetry. During the reduction of dexamethasone (DEX), a cathodic peak with a peak potential of -1.3 V appeared at the CFMS. Using the CFMS under optimized conditions, a calibration plot of the dexamethasone (DEX) in the artificial perilymph solution exhibited two linear ranges from 10 nM to 2 µM and 2 to 40 µM (sensitivity equal to 16.55 µA µM-1 cm-2; LOD = 4 nM) conforming with the DEX concentration range inside the inner ear after the insertion of a drug-eluting cochlear implant electrode (CIE). Furthermore, the interferences occurring in the hearing functions of the CIE after the presence and function of the CFMS were simulated numerically using the finite element method. According to our results, decreasing the size of the microsensor introduces lower interferences with the auditory function of the cochlear implant electrode.

Nanopaper-based screen-printed electrodes: a hybrid sensing bioplatform for dual opto-electrochemical sensing applications.

Given the importance of developing easy-to-use, disposable, affordable, and portable hybrid opto-electrochemical sensing devices, for the first time, we have developed a nanopaper-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) by taking advantage of the high optical transparency, affordability, biocompatibility, printability, flexibility, and other unrivaled physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanopaper in screen printing technology. To fabricate the BC-SPE platform, a screen-printed three-electrode system was transferred onto the dried film of a pre-printed BC nanopaper-based substrate. Because of the optical transparency of the BC nanopaper, the fabricated BC-SPE platform can be used as a hybrid sensing platform for simultaneous optical and electrochemical (bio)sensing applications. A portable photometer was also assembled to measure the optical signals of the fabricated BC-SPE. The opto-electrochemical tunable properties of Prussian blue and their application in the dual optical and electrochemical sensing of acetaminophen as a model analyte were investigated using the fabricated BC-SPE to demonstrate the sensing applicability of the developed hybrid bioplatform. Moreover, we prove that our fabricated BC-SPE can be potentially exploited as a smartphone-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform. We envisage that our developed BC-SPE platform will find promising practical application in the detection of a wide range of (bio)chemicals, and also would be inspirational for the development of novel hybrid opto-electrochemical (bio)sensing devices.

Electrochemical Determination of Dexamethasone by Graphene Modified Electrode: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations.

We report on a combined experimental and theoretical study concerning the electrochemical behavior of the dexamethasone (DEX) on a graphene modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). A good agreement between experiments and density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations is observed for the DEX reduction. The electrochemical behavior of the DEX was investigated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with different type of graphenes, including graphene quantum dot (GQD), graphene oxide (GO), electrochemically synthesized graphene (EG), graphene synthesized by the Hummer method (HG) and graphene nanoplate (GNP) using voltammetric techniques (CV, DPV and SWV). The results exhibited a significant increase in the reduction of the peak current of the DEX in  the GNP modified GCE (GNP/GCE) in comparison to other modified electrodes and bare GCE. The unique morphology, size and electro catalytic properties of the GNP cause a sensitive response of the DEX in a novel sensor. Under the optimized experimental condition, the GNP/ GCE showed two linear dynamic ranges of 0.1-50 µM and 50-5000 µM with a low detection limit of 15 nM for determination of the DEX. The novel sensor is successfully applied to the sensitive determination of the DEX in human plasma samples with satisfactory recoveries. Energy of the LUMO and HUMO orbitals and energy calculations for the DEX molecule interacting with graphene were performed using the density functional B3LYP/6-31G. The theoretical results allied to significant charge transfer took place due to the interaction of the DEX with the applied graphene.

Facile Synthesis of Mixed Metal-Organic Frameworks: Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors with Excellent Areal Capacitance and Operational Stability.

Electrode materials with high surface area, tailored pore size, and efficient capability for ion insertion and enhanced transport of electrons and ions are needed for advanced supercapacitors. In the present study, a mixed metal-organic framework (MOF) (cobalt- and manganese-based MOF) was synthesized through a simple one-pot solvothermal method and employed as the electrode material for the supercapacitor. Notably, a Co-Mn MOF electrode displayed a large surface area and excellent cycling stability (over 95% capacitance retention after 1500 cycles). Also, superior pseudocapacitive behavior was observed for the Co-Mn MOF electrode in the KOH electrolyte with an exceptional areal capacitance of 1.318 F cm-2. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled using Co-Mn MOF and activated carbon electrode as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The fabricated supercapacitor showed a specific capacitance of 106.7 F g-1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1 and delivered a maximum energy density of 30 W h kg-1 at 2285.7 W kg-1. Our studies suggest the Co-Mn MOF as promising electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.

The relationship between emotional intelligence with administrators' performance at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

BACKGROUND: The leadership of an organization requires specific features to adapt to changes and to survive and grow in new environments, and emotional intelligence is one of the most important attributes that can help leaders and managers respond to these changes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence with administrators' performance at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 basic and middle managers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran who were selected by census method in 2016. The instrument of data collecting was the "Inventory Shrinkage", and the "Organizational performance evaluation forms". The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: The results showed there was a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and organizational performance in administrators (r=-0.214, p=0.032). The findings also showed that among the components of emotional intelligence and administrators' performance, only components of empathy, was there a significant negative correlation (r=-0.199, p=0.047). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between emotional intelligence and demographic variables such as work experience, age, marital status and education level (p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between organizational performance and demographic variables, either (p>0.05). But between the components of emotional intelligence, only for social skills and work place of administrators, a significant positive correlation was confirmed (r=0.203, p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that there was a negative and significant correlation between the components of emotional intelligence and administrators' performance of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences administrators, only in the empathy component.

Etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding in children referred to pediatric wards of Mashhad hospitals, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which has several clinical manifestation and origins, is known as one of the most life-threatening events in children. Several etiologies have been suggested for GI bleeding. OBJECTIVE: To determine the most important causes of GI bleeding in children referred to Ghaem Hospital and Dr. Sheikh Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, after obtaining written informed consent of their parents, 113 patients aging from newborn infants to 18-year-old children with GI bleeding admitted to Ghaem Hospital and Dr. Sheikh hospital were enrolled in this study from June 2012 to June 2014. After performing routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a checklist containing all necessary information including demographic data, clinical history of patients, endoscopy and pathology findings, clinical and preclinical information were collected. The data were then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. RESULTS: Of a total 113 study children, 61 (54%) were male and 52 (46%) were female. The results of this study showed that the most important causes of bleeding in upper GI among all admitted patients were prolapse gastropathy (18.6%), esophagitis (15.9%) and esophageal varices, gastritis, and coagulopathy (7.1% for each). The main causes of lower GI bleeding were polyp (32.5%), chronic nonspecific colitis (20.7%), and proctitis (18.2%). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicated that prolapse gastropathy and esophagitis are more prevalent causes of upper GI bleeding. Furthermore, esophageal varices were more common in children older than 13 years. Polyp, chronic nonspecific colitis and proctitis are the most prevalent causes of lower GI bleeding.

Serum Transaminase Concentrations and the Presence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Are Associated with Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Concentrations in Adolescent Girls Who Are Overweight and Obese.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency has become endemic globally and its etiology is complex. Few studies have investigated the determinants of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH D). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifestyle patterns, liver functional tests (LFTs), and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with serum 25-OH D in apparently healthy girls. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 965 adolescent girls aged 12-18 years. IBS was diagnosed using the Rome III questionnaire. An electrochemiluminescence method was used to measure serum 25-OH D. LFTs were measured using commercial kits and an auto analyzer. Linear regression and univariate analyses were performed to determine the association between continuous and categorical variables with serum 25-OH D respectively. RESULTS: Serum 25-OH D was significantly higher in normal weight subjects compared to either overweight or obese subjects (9.5 ± 7.02 vs. 7.9 ± 5.7 ng/mL, p = 0.03). Physical activity level was positively associated with serum 25-OH D in overweight and obese subjects (ß = 0.15, p < 0.05). An inverse relationship was found between the presence of IBS and 25-OH D in both normal (ß = -1.95, p < 0.05), overweight and obese subjects (ß = -1.83, p < 0.05). Serum alanine transaminase (ALT; ß = -0.19, p < 0.05) and aspartate transaminase (ß = -0.17, p < 0.05) were inversely associated with serum 25-OH in overweight and obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with IBS had significantly lower serum 25-OH D concentrations. In addition, there was an inverse association between serum ALT and 25-OH D. Prospective studies, and perhaps interventional trials, will be required to clarify these associations.

The effect of music on pain and vital signs of children before and after endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gentle music has relaxing and pain reducing effects. In this study, the effect of music on patients' vital signs and pain was investigated before and after endoscopy. METHODS: This clinical trial study was conducted on 100 children from seven to fourteen years of age in Gha'em Hospital, Mashhad in 2015. Children were divided into two equal groups (case group=50 and control group=50). The control group received endoscopy according to the standards, without any other procedure. For the case group, a classic musical piece by Clayderman was played during endoscopy (from the time of entering the endoscopy room to the end of the process). After conducting endoscopy, FALCC scale and Baker-Wong pain scale were filled for both groups. In addition, children's vital signs including: heart rate (pulse), diastolic and systolic blood pressure were measured before and after endoscopy for both groups. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS16 with the help of Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in age, gender distribution of case or control groups (p>0.05). Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the music (case) group compared to the control group before endoscopy (p=0.012). In addition, pain score in patients of the music group was lower than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Playing music for children during endoscopy can reduce pain and anxiety in patients before and after endoscopy.

Clinical and endoscopic findings of children hospitalized in Qa'em Hospital of Mashhad due to caustic ingestion (2011-2013).

INTRODUCTION: One of the leading causes of damage to the gastrointestinal tract in children is caustic ingestion which is sometimes life-threatening. The most reliable way to study the severity and extent of damage is endoscopy, which can be harmless in terms of time and technique. The aim of this study was to investigate, evaluate and compare clinical findings and endoscopic results of caustic ingestion. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the records of children diagnosed with caustic ingestion, and hospitalized in Qa'em Hospital of Mashhad from March 2011 to December 2013. Intended data were extracted from patients' records and in case of any ambiguity, it was removed by phone call. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 and chi-square test. RESULTS: Of 54 patients, there were 36 cases of burn with acidic substance and 16 cases of burn with alkaline. The highest value was related to caustics related to acid batteries (31.5%) and in 77.5% of cases the container of caustic agent was not standard. In endoscopic results, 50 patients out of 54, had esophagus burn such that in 6 cases it was grade I burn, in 15 cases grade IIa, 27 cases with grade IIb and 2 cases with Grade IIIa burn. In addition, mild erythema of stomach in 6 cases, average erythema in 5 cases, mild ulcer in 15 cases, average ulcer in 5 cases and 3 cases with severe ulcer were reported. There was no significant relation between clinical findings and endoscopic results (p=0.68). CONCLUSION: Since caustic ingestion can be regarded as a life-threatening factor for children, the importance of observing precautions in the storage of caustics and the role of training and adequate attention of parents to this issue to prevent such accidents is clear.

Evaluation of Patients' Rights Observance According to Patients' Rights Charter in Educational Hospitals Affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences: Medical Staffs' Views.

INTRODUCTION: To supply quality services and healthcare, it is evident that medical ethics and patients' rights, while providing medical and healthcare services need to be observed. This study was conducted to evaluate observance of the Patients' Rights Charter among medical staff of educational hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four educational hospitals in Mashhad on eighty physicians, nurses, nurse aids and medical students. Data were collected using a two-part inventory of patients' rights, including demographic data and inventory of patients' rights observance. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-16 as well as descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square, Spearman correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 36.3±8.3. Observance of human rights was perfect by 84.4 percent of subjects. The highest amount of observance of patients' rights was related to the area of respecting patients' privacy and observing the principle of confidentiality, which was evaluated to be perfect by all subjects (100%). The lowest value of patients' rights observance was related to presenting appropriate and adequate information for patients, which was perfect among 48.1% of subjects. There was no significant relation between personal details (age, gender, education and career) and observance of patients' rights (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although in this study, the observance of patients' rights by medical staff is optimal in most areas, the area of providing appropriate and adequate information needs to be promoted. Therefore, it is suggested that more stringent regulatory policies be compiled and implemented to the items of Patients' Rights Charter along with training courses, to strengthen medical staff's awareness in this regard.

A multi-strain Synbiotic may reduce viral respiratory infections in asthmatic children: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a growing problem worldwide. Acute exacerbations impose considerable morbidity, mortality, and increased cost. Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause (80-85%) of pediatric asthma exacerbations and admissions to the hospital. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a new synbiotic Lactocare® on viral respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children. METHODS: In this double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 72 children with mild persistent asthma, aged between 6 and 12 years, were randomized to receive either Lactocare®, a Synbiotic containing 1 billion CFU/Capsule of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Fructooligosacharide (Zist Takhmir, Tehran, Iran) or placebo daily for 60 days. The primary outcome was the number of viral respiratory infections, and secondary outcomes were school absence, salbutamol and prednisolone usage, outpatient visits, and hospital admission for asthma. The outcomes were compared among study groups using the SPSS 11.5 program and the Mann Whitney and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Of the 72 children who were enrolled with mild persistent asthma, 36 were assigned randomly to be treated with synbiotic and 36 with placebo. The number of viral respiratory infections was significantly higher in placebo group than the synbiotic group during the first month of intervention (0.74 ± 0.12 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1, p < 0.007) but not during the second month (0.5 ± 0.8 vs. 0.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.641). Considering the total duration of the study (two months), infection episodes also were significantly lower in the synbiotic group (0.92 ± 0.15 vs. 0.69 ± 0.11, p < 0.046). Salbutamol consumption was significantly lower in the synbiotic group, but there were no significant differences in school absenteeism, oral prednisolone use, outpatient visits, or hospital admissions. CONCLUSION: This new synbiotic (a mixture of seven probiotic strains plus fructooligosacharide may reduce episodes of viral infection in asthmatic children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with registration number of IRCT201509234976N3. FUNDING: This research was supported financially by the Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Grant Number: 911048).

Synthesis of NiMnO3/C nano-composite electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors.

Demand for high-performance energy storage materials has motivated research activities to develop nano-engineered composites that benefit from both high-rate and high-capacitance materials. Herein, NiMnO3 (NMO) nanoparticles have been synthesized through a facile co-precipitation method. As-prepared NMO samples are then employed for the synthesis of nano-composites with graphite (Gr) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Various samples, including pure NMO, NMO-graphite blend, as well as NMO/Gr and NMO/RGO nano-composites have been electrochemically investigated as active materials in supercapacitors. The NMO/RGO sample exhibited a high specific capacitance of 285 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1), much higher than the other samples (237 F g(-1) for NMO/Gr, 170 F g(-1) for NMO-Gr and 70 F g(-1) for NMO). Moreover, the NMO/RGO nano-composite has shown excellent cycle stability with a 93.5% capacitance retention over 1000 cycles at 2 A g(-1) and still delivered around 87% of its initial capacitance after cycling for 4000 cycles. An NMO/RGO composite was assessed in practical applications by assembling NMO/RGO//NMO/RGO symmetric devices, exhibiting high specific energy (27.3 Wh kg(-1)), high specific power (7.5 kW kg(-1)), and good cycle stability over a broad working voltage of 1.5 V. All the obtained results demonstrate the promise of NMO/RGO nano-composite as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors.

Epidemiological survey of pediatric food allergy in Mashhad in Northeast Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide, but the foods responsible for food allergy are not the same in different countries, probably because of the role of genetic, cultural, and nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to determine the common food allergens in pediatric patients with different presentation of food allergy. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all of the patients were referred to pediatric allergy clinics affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from September 2012 to August 2014. For patients with IgE-mediated food allergy that was diagnosed with clinical manifestations, the skin prick test was done. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 17 and statistical analysis was done with the chi-squared test and the t-test. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-one patients (53.9% male, 46.1% female) with ages in the range of three months to 18 years were studied. The most frequent food allergen in all patients with decreasing prevalence were egg white (17.8%), pepper (15.8%), curry (14.3%), egg yolk (14%), cow's milk (10%), and tomato (7.8%). The most common presenting symptoms were respiratory (allergic rhinitis 45%, asthma 32%), dermatologic (atopic dermatitis 30%, urticaria 8.3%), colitis (17.5%), and gasteroesophagial reflux disease (GERD) (2%). According to the prevalence of food allergens in different age groups, we realized that, after the age of three years, the frequency of sensitization to egg white, egg yolk, cow's milk, wheat and cereals was decreased and allergy to pepper and curry was increased. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of culprit foods that produce food allergies depends on several factors, including age, presenting manifestation, and where the patient lives. As many food allergies are outgrown, patients should be reevaluated regularly to determine whether they have lost their reactivity or not.