Comparison of Nested-PCR technique and culture method in detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients suspected to genitourinary tuberculosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of nested PCR in genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) compared with acid fast staining and culture method. In total 200 urine samples from suspected cases of GUTB were collected during the period of study. Urine pellets were used for smear preparation, culture and DNA extraction by ether-chloroform method. Nested PCR was performed according to standard protocol using primers based on IS6110 gene fragment. The results obtained by PCR were compared with those obtained by standard acid-fast bacilli stain and culture method. Based on obtained results, the positivity rate of urine samples in this study was 5.0% by using culture and PCR methods and 2.5% for acid fast staining. Four out of total samples showed positive results in all three methods (2%). The sensitivity of PCR in this study was estimated as high as culture equal to 100%, while the sensitivity for direct smear staining was 41.6%. In conclusion, the obtained rate of GUTB in our study was 5.0%. Since the detection rate of culture and nested PCR was identical, we could suggest PCR as a rapid alternative to culture especially for confirmed cases of GUTB

Expandable DNA repeat and human hereditary disorders

Background & Aims: Nearly 30 hereditary disorders in humans result from an increase in the number of copies of simple repeats in genomic DNA, including fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia. One the most frequently occurring types of mutation is trinucleotide repeat expansion. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the cause and molecular mechanisms of repeat expansions DNA and their pathogenic mechanisms in diverse classes of genetic diseases. Methods: Scientific databases were searched using the keywords expandable DNA repeat fragile X, myotonic dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia. After primary screening, articles which were related to the studies topic were further considered and analyzed. Results: DNA repeats seem to be predisposed to such expansion due to their unusual structural features, which disrupt the cellular replication, repair, and recombination processes. The majority of these debilitating diseases are caused by repeat expansions in the noncoding regions of their resident genes. The pathogenic mechanism underling these disorders include loss of function in protein and gain of function in protein or ribonucleic acid (RNA). Conclusion: Although diseases caused by trinucleotide repeat expansion vary in their phenotypes, they are somewhat similar in their pathogenic mechanism and medical findings. It is likely that progress made in this field will be beneficial to patients who have other neurological diseases. © 2016, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

The application of specific point energy analysis to laser cutting with 1 μm laser radiation

Specific point energy (SPE) is a concept that has been successfully used in laser welding where SPE and power density determine penetration depth. This type of analysis allows the welding characteristics of different laser systems to be directly compared. This paper investigates if the SPE concept can usefully be applied to laser cutting. In order to provide data for the analysis laser cutting of various thicknesses of mild steel with a 2kW fibre laser was carried out over a wide range of parameter combinations. It was found that the SPE concept is applicable to laser cutting within the range of parameters investigated here

The application of specific point energy analysis to laser cutting with 1 μm laser radiation

Specific point energy (SPE) is a concept that has been successfully used in laser welding where SPE and power density determine penetration depth. This type of analysis allows the welding characteristics of different laser systems to be directly compared. This paper investigates if the SPE concept can usefully be applied to laser cutting. In order to provide data for the analysis laser cutting of various thicknesses of mild steel with a 2kW fibre laser was carried out over a wide range of parameter combinations. It was found that the SPE concept is applicable to laser cutting within the range of parameters investigated here

Progress of Education, Research and Services in Medical Genetics, in Some Institutions of Iran

The present paper is a review of progress and major activities in education, research, services and ethics in the field of medical genetics in some centers in Iran. National projects of population genetics, genetic epidemiology, like national human genome projects, Connexin 26 and Pejvakin, distribution of thalassemia, hemophilia, etc in different ethnic groups, and religious minorities of Iran, are mentioned

The application of specific point energy analysis to laser cutting with 1 μm laser radiation

Specific point energy (SPE) is a concept that has been successfully used in laser welding where SPE and power density determine penetration depth. This type of analysis allows the welding characteristics of different laser systems to be directly compared. This paper investigates if the SPE concept can usefully be applied to laser cutting. In order to provide data for the analysis laser cutting of various thicknesses of mild steel with a 2kW fibre laser was carried out over a wide range of parameter combinations. It was found that the SPE concept is applicable to laser cutting within the range of parameters investigated here

Molecular characterization of Iranian patients with possible familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder of lipoprotein metabolism caused mainly by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B 100 (APOB) genes. Until now, the molecular basis of FH has been demonstrated in detail in many populations, but there is still very limited Molecular data concerning FH in Iran. The aim of this study was to characterize the LDLR and APOB gene mutations in an Iranian population. A total of 30 non-related Iranian possible FH subjects were studied. Diagnosis of FH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network diagnostic criteria. All samples were initially tested for three common APOB gene mutations including R3500Q, R3500 W and R3531C using PCR-RFLP assay. Subsequently, promoter and coding region of the LDLR gene was screened by PCR-SSCP analysis and positive results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Four previously reported polymorphisms 1413G > A, 1725C > T, 1773T > C and 2140 + 5G > A were found in ~17% (5/30) of population studied. Moreover, no variation was found in APOB gene. Our data indicated that LDLR and APOB gene mutations have not contribution to possible FH in Iranian population studied here. However, we examined three common APOB mutations and LDLR in only 30 patients, and to determine the role of these genes in developing FH in Iran, more FH samples and populations needed to be investigated for the mutations of the related genes

Identifying the constituent factors of open governance in public institutions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Open governance is considered an important tool to solve complicated issues in countries, increase efficiency, and build public trust based on indicators like information transparency and public participation using Information and Communication Technologies. Therefore, considering that no research with this title has been conducted in Iran, this research was studied in the municipalities of Tehran Province, Iran, with the aim of identifying the factors that constitute open governance in Iran's public institutions.METHODS: The present study is mixed-method research. In the qualitative part, interviews and theme analysis were used, while the quantitative part used a descriptive method. The study population in the qualitative section consisted of university experts and specialists who were knowledgeable about the subject of the study. Purposive sampling was used, and after conducting 20 interviews, theoretical saturation was achieved. This study was conducted in the first half of 2023. The study population in the quantitative section consisted of all senior managers of municipalities in Tehran Province, estimated to be around 440 individuals. Using the Cochran formula, 205 individuals were selected as the sample. Data was collected using both library and field methods. A 23-item questionnaire with a Likert scale was constructed, and validity and reliability were checked in all sections. SPSS-24 software was used for the descriptive part, and Smart PLS 3 software was used for analysis, including Pearson's correlation test, one-sample t-test, and structural equation modeling.FINDINGS: The findings indicated that the dimensions of open data, open service and open process were found for the establishment of open cooperation. By performing the first-order factor analysis, the factor loadings between the indicators and dimensions of the model were in a favorable condition. On the other hand, in the second-order factor analysis, the factors open data, open service, and open process were determined at 0.964, 0.968, and 0.955, respectively, which were considered significant according to Student’s t-test.CONCLUSION: Three key factors are needed to establish open governance. The open process includes policy changes, approval of necessary regulations, modification of organizational structures and activities. Providing open service, including systems and platforms that allow greater participation of civil society and other urban actors. Open data includes publishing public data, reporting on the performance of managers and public institutions in established platforms