Parental Psychological Model for Children With Asthma and Its Mediating Role for Child Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common respiratory disease in children. Family factors play a role in its incidence and severity. This study investigated the effect of parental psychological flexibility, parental psychological adjustment to the child's illness, and parental psychological distress on the severity of asthma symptoms of children through mediating child anxiety. METHODS: A total of 216 parents of children with asthma were asked to complete the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Parent Experience of Child Illness, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items, and the parent-report Spence Children's Anxiety Scale. Severity of asthma symptoms was assessed by spirometry. RESULTS: The highest path coefficient was between parental psychological flexibility and the severity of paediatric asthma symptoms (ß = 0.34). Parental psychological distress was found to affect the severity of asthma symptoms of children (ß = -0.21) and also mediate child anxiety and then affect the severity of asthma symptoms of children (ß = -0.25). CONCLUSION: Parental psychological flexibility, parental psychological adjustment to the child's illness, and parental psychological distress had significant effects on the severity of asthma symptoms of children through mediating child anxiety.

The effect of carboxymethyl cellulose coating incorporated with clove oil nanoemulsion on quality of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage.

BACKGROUND: The quality of shrimp, as high perishable seafood, can readily be effected by microbial, chemical, and physical alterations during storage. AIMS: In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating either alone or incorporated with variable levels of clove oil nanoemulsion (CNE) (10, 20, and 30 mg/ml) was developed to sustain the quality of shrimp during refrigerated storage. METHODS: Changes in microbial, chemical, textural, color (L*, a*, b*), and sensory parameters of the studied groups evaluated through distinct experimental approaches. RESULTS: Based on our results, the pattern of increase in the aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophic bacterial count (PBC) in different groups were reported as the following order: CMC + CNE < CMC < control. Also, CMC and CNE integration decreased the upward trend of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) compared to that of the control group during storage at 4°C for 10 days (P<0.05). During the storage period, the decrease of the L* value in the control group was greater than the others; whereas, the lowest a* and b* values were observed in this group (P<0.05). Besides, the textural and sensory properties of coated shrimp were significantly more acceptable (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Integration of CNE in CMC coating promisingly improves the quality of shrimp during refrigerated storage.

Immunocytochemical analysis of valproic acid induced histone H3 and H4 acetylation during differentiation of rat adipose derived stem cells into neuron-like cells.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that can regulate differentiation and proliferation of stem cells by epigenetic mechanisms. We investigated VPA induced histone H3 and H4 acetylation in adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) transdifferentiated into neuron-like cells (NLCs). Rat ADSCs were transdifferentiated into neural stem cells (NSCs) that had been generated from neurospheres. The NSCs were differentiated into NLCs by induction with different concentrations of VPA at 24, 48 and 72 h. The NLCs were evaluated using anti-H3 and -H4 antibodies, and ADSCs, NSCs and NLCs were evaluated using immunofluorescence. The ADSCs were immunoreactive to CD90 and CD49d, but not to CD45 and CD31. Both the neurospheres and NSCs were immunostained with nestin and neurofilament 68. The neurospheres expressed Musashi1, Sox2 and Neu N genes as determined by RT-PCR. Our dose-response study indicated that the optimal concentration of VPA was 1 mM at 72 h. Histone acetylation levels of H3 and H4 immunostaining intensities in NLCs were significantly greater than for ADSCs and NSCs. VPA alters H4 and H3 acetylation immunoreactivities of ADSCs transdifferentiated into NLCs.

Berberine inhibits experimental varicocele-induced cell cycle arrest via regulating cyclin D1, cdk4 and p21 proteins expression in rat testicles.

The aim of this study was to uncover the protective effect of berberine (BBR), an antioxidant chemical, on experimental varicocele (VCL)-induced adverse effects on cell cycle machinery during early germ cells mitosis. To follow-up this study, 30 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control-sham, nontreated VCL, 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 BBR-treated VCL groups. Following 60 days, histological alterations were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining, and expressions of cyclin-D1, cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (cdk4) and p21 were investigated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining technique. Finally, DNA ladder test was carried out to examine the testicular DNA fragmentation. Administration of BBR remarkably diminished the percentage of seminiferous tubules with deformed shape, depleted germ cells and germ cells dissociation compared to VCL-sole group. The IHC observations showed that BBR significantly (p < .05) reduced VCL-induced p21 expression increase and up-regulated cyclin-D1 and cdk4 expressions. Moreover, BBR decreased VCL-induced DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, BBR can promote cell cycle through cellular DNA content protection, p21 expression down-regulation and maintaining cyclin-D1 and cdk4 expressions. Thus, BBR could be considered as a novel protective biochemical agent against experimental VCL-induced derangements. However, more studies are needed to uncover BBR-induced effects on cells cycle process and germ cells development.

Advanced buffer materials for indoor air CO2 control in commercial buildings.

In this study, we evaluated solid sorbents for their ability to passively control indoor CO2 concentration in buildings or rooms with cyclic occupancy (eg, offices, bedrooms). Silica supported amines were identified as suitable candidates and systematically evaluated in the removal of CO2 from indoor air by equilibrium and dynamic techniques. In particular, sorbents with various amine loadings were synthesized using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and a silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS). TGA analysis indicates that TEPA impregnated silica not only displays a relatively high adsorption capacity when exposed to ppm level CO2 concentrations, but also is capable of desorbing the majority of CO2 by air flow (eg, by concentration gradient). In 10 L flow-through chamber experiments, TEPA-based sorbents reduced outlet CO2 by up to 5% at 50% RH and up to 93% of CO2 adsorbed over 8 hours was desorbed within 16 hours. In 8 m3 flow-through chamber experiments, 18 g of the sorbent powder spread over a 2 m2 area removed approximately 8% of CO2 injected. By extrapolating these results to real buildings, we estimate that meaningful reductions in the CO2 can be achieved, which may help reduce energy requirements for ventilation and/or improve air quality.

Estimation of influenza and severe acute respiratory illness incidence (burden) in three provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012 and 2013.

There are few estimates of influenza burden in the WHO Region for the Eastern Mediterranean. In this study we estimated the burden of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza-associated SARI (F-SARI) in selected provinces of Islamic Republic of Iran, the trends of SARI and confirmed cases of influenza (F-SARI) over 12 months (seasonality), and the age groups most at risk. Using the electronic Iranian influenza surveillance system and data of cases in sentinel hospitals of 3 selected provinces, we estimated the monthly trend (seasonality) of incidence for SARI and F-SARI, overall incidence of SARI and F-SARI and their disaggregation by age with the aid using the Monte Carlo technique. The age groups most at-risk were children aged under 2 years and adults older than 50 years.

Estimation of influenza and severe acute respiratory illness incidence [burden] in three provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012 and 2013

There are few estimates of influenza burden in the WHO Region for the Eastern Mediterranean. In this study we estimated the burden of severe acute respiratory infection [SARI] and influenza-associated SARI [F-SARI] in selected provinces of Islamic Republic of Iran, the trends of SARI and confirmed cases of influenza [F-SARI] over 12 months [seasonality], and the age groups most at risk. Using the electronic Iranian influenza surveillance system and data of cases in sentinel hospitals of 3 selected provinces, we estimated the monthly trend [seasonality] of incidence for SARI and F-SARI, overall incidence of SARI and F-SARI and their disaggregation by age with the aid using the Monte Carlo technique. The age groups most at-risk were children aged under 2 years and adults older than 50 years

Peu d'estimations sont disponibles sur la charge de la grippe dans la Région OMS de la Méditerranée orientale. Dans la présente étude, nous avons estimé la charge de morbidité due aux infections respiratoires aiguës sévères [IRAS] et aux IRAS associés à la grippe dans certaines provinces de la République islamique d'Iran, ainsi que les tendances des IRAS et des cas de grippe confirmés sur 12 mois [saisonnalité], et les groupes d'âge les plus exposés. En utilisant le système électronique iranien de surveillance de la grippe et les données relatives aux cas des hôpitaux sentinelles de trois provinces sélectionnées, nous avons estimé la tendance mensuelle [saisonnalité] de l'incidence des IRAS et des IRAS dus à la grippe, l'incidence globale des IRAS et des IRAS dues à la grippe et leur ventilation par âge grâce à la méthode de Monte Carlo. Les groupes d'âge les plus exposés au risque étaient les enfants de moins de 2 ans et les adultes de plus de 50 ans

Duloxetine Add-On to Risperidone for Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Patients with Stable Schizophrenia: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the pathogenesis of symptoms of schizophrenia is largely unknown, a variety of neurotransmitters are implicated, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Here we investigate the effectiveness of duloxetine as a serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitor in the treatment of negative symptoms. METHODS: We performed a double-blind clinical trial on 64 patients with stable schizophrenia and no prominent symptoms of depression. Patients received risperidone (up to 6 mg/day) plus either duloxetine (60 mg/day) or placebo. Psychotic symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at the onset of the trial, and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the duloxetine group showed significantly higher improvement in negative symptoms (p<0.001), PANSS total (p<0.001), and the general psychopathology subscale scores (p=0.001), but no significant difference in positive symptoms (p=0.13). The side effect profiles of the 2 treatment regimens were not significantly different. DISCUSSION: Duloxetine adjuvant to risperidone seems to be a tolerable and efficacious treatment for primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Family process and content: comparing families of suicide attempters, human immunodeficiency virus positive patients and general population in southern iran, 2012.

BACKGROUND: Family is considered as the smallest social unit, which is the basis of forming a society and one of the effective factors for individual behaviors. When family pattern is useful, the family will be productive and otherwise it becomes nonproductive. AIM: This study aimed to investigate family process and content among families of suicide attempters, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, and general population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a causal-comparative study. Our study population included three groups of single men, including suicide attempters, HIV positive patients and general population in Southern Iran. Our sample size was 180 male individuals including 60 suicide attempters referring to one of hospitals in Shiraz, 60 HIV positive patients referring to Behavioral Health Consultation Center, and 60 individuals from the general population who were selected using simple sampling method and were being investigated by Samani's family process and family content questionnaires. Data were being analyzed by ANCOVA and MANCOVA. RESULTS: The two clinical groups had a poorer situation than the general population (P < 0.001) in some dimensions of family process including decision-making and coping (P < 0.001), mutual respect, and communication (P = 0.02) when compared with the general population. HIV positive patients had significantly lower scores than suicide attempters in some dimensions of family content including financial resources, social position (P < 0.001), and place of residence (P = 0.04). The two clinical groups had a poor situation in most of the dimensions when compared with the general population (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the importance of education in the field of communication, decision-making and coping skills.

Human parvovirus B19: a review.

UNLABELLED: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a small non-enveloped single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus of the family Parvoviridae, the subfamily Parvovirinae, the genus Erythrovirus and Human parvovirus B19 type species. It is a common community-acquired respiratory pathogen without ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, age or geographic boundaries. Moreover, the epidemiological and ecological relationships between human parvovirus B19, man and environment have aroused increasing interest in this virus. B19V infection is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, some of which were well established and some are still controversial, however, it is also underestimated from a clinical perspective. B19V targets the erythroid progenitors in the bone marrow by binding to the glycosphingolipid globoside (Gb4), leading to large receptor-induced structural changes triggering cell death either by lysis or by apoptosis mediated by the nonstructural (NS)1 protein. The pattern of genetic evolution, its peculiar properties and functional profile, the characteristics of its narrow tropism and restricted replication, its complex relationship with the host and its ample pathogenetic potential are all topics that are far from a comprehensive understanding. The lack of efficient adaptation to in vitro cellular cultures and the absence of animal models have limited classical virological studies and made studies on B19V dependent on molecular biology. The present review looks at the nature of this virus with the view to provide more information about its biology, which may be useful to the present and future researchers. KEYWORDS: human parvovirus B19; respiratory pathogen; biology; genome; fifth disease; transient aplastic crisis; anemia.

Estimation of self-absorption effect on aluminum emission in the presence of different noble gases: comparison between thin and thick plasma emission.

Aluminum spectra in the noble gases of helium and argon at initial delay times after plasma formation are numerically calculated. Temporal behavior of plasma emissions up to 200 ns after laser irradiation is investigated. Plasma parameters are computed by coupling the thermal model of laser ablation, hydrodynamic of plasma expansion, and Saha-Eggert equations. A spectrum is constructed from the superposition of 13 strong lines of aluminum and several strong lines of ambient gases. Spectral radiations are superimposed on a continuous emission composed of bremsstrahlung and recombination radiation. The self-absorption effect on plasma radiation at 1 atm gas pressure is studied. In this paper, a comparison between thin and thick aluminum radiation is done. Furthermore, the self-absorption coefficient of each strong line at laser energies of 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 GW/cm(2) is estimated. Results show that at specific laser energy, the self-absorption effect in argon is more significant than in helium. For most of the spectral lines in both noble gases, the self-absorption coefficient will diminish with the delay time. As indicated with passing time, the line widths of the self-absorbed lines will rise. More intense continuous emissions are observed at higher wavelengths, and these radiations will be increased with laser energy.

Hair Contamination of Sheepdog and Pet Dogs with Toxocara canis Eggs.

BACKGROUND: We tried to investigate the hair contamination of pet dogs and farm sheepdog with Toxocara eggs in terms of the different sex and age groups in north-west of Iran (Urmia and its suburbs). METHODS: Hair samples were collected from a total of 138 pet and farm sheepdogs from November 2008 to June 2009 in Urmia City and the suburb (West Azerbaijan-Iran) and examined for the presence of T. canis eggs. RESULTS: T. canis eggs found in 60 samples altogether (pet and shepherd dogs) showed a contamination rate of 36.2%. The number of observed T. canis eggs in each microscope field was varied from 1 to > 400. The age of the dog was found a significant factor to influence the prevalence and intensity of contamination, with 82% of all the eggs recovered from puppies (six months and younger). Additionally, the numbers of eggs in farm sheepdogs were significantly higher than pet dogs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This report shows that direct contact with T. canis infected dogs, particularly puppies from shepherd dogs, may pose a serious hazard to human. Besides, as they may harbor a considerable number of eggs on their hair, they can contaminate the soil and the environment.

Molecular Epidemiology of Measles Virus before and after the 2003 Mass Vaccination Campaign for Measles/Rubella in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Molecular epidemiology of measles virus (MV) is important, not only to measure the success of measles vaccination programs but also to monitor the circulation and elimination of the virus worldwide. In this study, we compared MV obtained from patients before the 2003 mass vaccination MR campaign and viruses detected after 2003 until 2008 in Iran. METHODS: The nucleoprotein (N) gene of 29 MV strains circulating in Iran between 2002 and 2008 were amplified by RT-PCR and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Molecular characterization of MV studied here revealed that although the outbreaks in Iran were associated with MV genotype D4, the isolated viruses clearly belonged to several different lineages. Maximum and minimum homology within the 29 Iranian strains in our study was100% and 94.9% within the carboxyl terminus of the N gene, respectively. Using ClustalX program, the alignment of Iranian MV sequences showed nine lineages. CONCLUSION: This study provides the usefulness of MV sequence analysis for the demonstration of local interruption of indigenous strain transmission as well as providing a valuable means for monitoring the elimination processes of MV control.

First report of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus co-infection in a 2-year-old kawasaki patient in iran.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory virus infections in children are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. METHODS: A total of 897 clinical specimens were collected from February 2007 to January 2008 and transported to the National Influenza Center. Two hundred and two samples belonged to children under the age of six from 897 specimens, described above, were selected. Then they were tested for influenza virus types and subtypes by real time PCR assay subsequently, the specimens were tested for RSV and hMPV by hemi-nested multiplex PCR and parainfluenza viruses type 1-4 by hemi-nested multiplex PCR and adenovirus by hemi-nested PCR. RESULTS: The throat swab was taken from the Kawasaki case with the history of chicken's contact. The specimen was tested for all influenza subtypes especially H5N1 and the results were negative. Meanwhile PCR was done for screening of other respiratory viruses that results came out positive for RSV and hMPV. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we demonstrated the possibility to detect dual infection caused by RSV and hMPV, but because of the extravagant pattern of this case, more investigation is suggested specially on Kawasaki patients.

First report of vaginal prolapse in a bitch treated with oestrogen.

Vaginal prolapse is the protrusion of edematous vaginal tissue into and through the opening of the vulva occurring during the pro-oestrus and oestrus stages of the sexual cycle. True vaginal prolapse may occur near parturition, as the concentration of serum progesterone declines and the concentration of serum oestrogen increases. In a bitch, true vaginal prolapse is a very rare condition. This case report describes an 18-month-old crossbreed bitch, weighing 40 kg presented with type III vaginal prolapse. The patient had developed vaginal prolapse after receiving oestrogen in order to oestrus induction. Subsequent to unsuccessful attempts for repositioning, ovariohysterectomy (OHE), circumferential excision of the prolapsed tissue and finally vulvoplasty were performed. There was no evidence of recurrence of the prolapse during 30 days after surgery. This case report describes type III vaginal prolapse as an unusual side effect of oestrus induction hormonal therapy in the bitch.

Congenital ocular dermoid cyst in a river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf.

Clinical and histopathological findings of a congenital ocular dermoid cyst, located at the lower eyelid of a river female buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf were presented. A soft, fluctuant, non-tender, hyperaemic cystic mass was detected overlaying the left eye. Fine needle aspirate revealed filamentous debris with no malignant cells. The cyst was treated surgically by orbital exenteration and subsequently subjected to histopathological examination. The histopathological study disclosed a conjunctival dermoid cyst. This report is novel, in that; such ocular cyst has not previously been described in river buffalo calves.

Prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides forsythus in chronic periodontitis by multiplex PCR.

The present research decided to study prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides forsythus in chronic periodontitis patient by use of Multiplex PCR. The subgingival plaque samples from 61 patients suffering from chronic periodontitis with probing depth PD > or = 6 and 40 healthy controls were collected by sterile curette. In this study we used two species-specific Forward primers in combination with a single Reverse primer. These primers target variable and conserved region of 16S rRNA gene, respectively. The study included 61 patients (34 women, 27 men; 24-69 years of age; mean 43) and 40 periodontally healthy controls (22 Women, 18 men, 21-69 years in age; mean 41.35%). Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in 51 samples (83.61%) and 16 samples (40%) of chronic periodontitis patients and healthy subjects, respectively and Bacteroides forsythus was detected in 32 samples (52.50%) of chronic periodontitis patients and was not detected in any sample from healthy persons. We set up Multiplex PCR in order to detect P. gingivalis and B. forsythus simultaneously. The present data suggest that P. gingivalis is a more important cofactor in etiology of chronic periodontitis. Further studies are needed to determine spectrum of pathogenicity of the disease and effective management of diagnosis and treatment in order to decrease the risk of periodontic complicates such as systemic infection.

Prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus type 1 in patients with chronic periodontitis by nested-PCR.

The present study evaluated the subgingival presence of Epstein-Barr virus type 1 (EBV-1) in patients with chronic periodontitis with nested-PCR. Subgingival plaque samples from 61 patients with chronic periodontitis with Probing Depth (PD) > or = 6 and 40 healthy controls were collected by sterile curette. DNA was extracted. A nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method determined presence of EBV-1. The study included 61 patients (34 women, 27 men; 24-69 years of age; mean 43) and 40 periodontally health controls (22 Women, 18 men, 21-69 years in age; mean 41.35%). EBV type 1 was detected in 37 samples (60.7%) and 1 samples (2.5%) of chronic periodontitis patients and healthy subjects, respectively. This study demonstrated that EBV-1 infection is associated with the activity of chronic periodontitis.