Conjugates of B cells and platelet microparticles in the human peripheral blood

Background: Activated platelets shed microparticles (MPs) in vivo and certainly in vitro under storage. Like platelets, platelet-derived MPs contribute to hemostatic and inflammatory responses. We sought to determine the interactions between platelet MPs and peripheral B lymphocytes in the healthy blood circulation to propose a possible role for platelet MPs in the functioning of B cells. Materials and Methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established to determine the normal interactions between human peripheral blood B lymphocytes and platelet MPs. B cells were isolated and bound to the wells of microtiter plates using coated anti-CD19. Then the presence of attached MPs was surveyed. Also, platelet MPs were separated from human platelet concentrates and applied to confirm the new binding capacities of B cells for these microvesicles. Results: Platelet MPs were recognized in the wells of ELISA in which only B cells were isolated. So MPs were bound with peripheral blood B cells. Furthermore, using this method, the role of CD40/ CD40L interaction was displayed for the binding. Conclusion: It seemed that the binding of platelet MPs to B cells normally took place in vivo and a percent of B cells circulate in blood in connection with platelet MPs

Agricultural life cycle assessment (LCA) as a routine exercise in Iran: Opportunities and challenges

To direct sustainability in agricultural sector via Life Cycle Management (LCM), an easy access to high quality environmental, social and economical data is important. In this study, we explored the possibility of performing environmental life cycle assessment in Iranian dairy sector. Main life cycle stages were examined for availability and quality of needed data. At each stage, applicable databases are introduced. To spur life cycle studies, we need legislation to encourage all parties by incentives for more sustainable products. Next step may be to review & restructure already existed databases, articles and grey publications to extract suitable data for LCI stage. However, it is now possible to assess some impact categories in dairy industry

Chapter A Clinical Application of Fuzzy Logic

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A report of 102 patients with leptospirosis in Mazandaran province between 2003 and 2008

(Received 15 August, 2009 ; Accepted 7 October, 2009)AbstractBackground and purpose: Leptospirosis is an infrequent zoometric bacterial disease which is caused by pathogenic bacteria called Leptospira. The risk factors of the disease include living in tropical and rural areas, contact with contaminated water, living near sewers and sanitation work. The disease may cause symptoms such as chills and fever, severe headache and myalgia. Costal region of Caspian Lake has desirable conditions for occurrence of this disease. The aim of this research is to study this disease in the North of Iran, by using and analyzing a 6-year set of recorded cases in Mazandaran province between 2003 and 2008, that provides more completed information.Materials and methods: This study is a descriptive, retrospective (case series) study. All of the recorded information concerning to patients with leptospirosis in Mazandaran Health centre from 2003 to 2008 were collected and checklist forms were completed, followed by data related to three characteristics including patients, living conditions and then the disease was analyzed.Results: Of the 102 patients, 76.5% were males, 46.6% were farmers and the mean age was 48.8 + 15.5. The prevalence of the disease was at the highest in 2007 and in summer seasons. The most common symptoms were fever (74.5%), myalgia (68.6%) and icter (47.1%). The greatest number of the cases was from Ghaemshahr city (37.3%), the majority of the cases (88.2%) had history of working farm. Over-all, 97.1% of the patients were cured.Conclusion: According to the findings, leptospirsis affects farmers in their working season in Mazandaran province. It is necessary to provide information to the medical practitioners, especially general practitioners and also, to develop diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in the province.Key words: J Mazand Univ Med Sci 2009; 19(72): 72-75 (Persian)

Chapter A Clinical Application of Fuzzy Logic

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