E2A/PBX1, MLL/AF4, BCR/ABL (M-BCR), BCR/ABL(m-BCR) gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Iranian children

Objectives: The following observation was primarily based on the study of gene fusion in blood and bone marrow cells taken from 68 Iranian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), to compare with healthy population. Methods: Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples obtained from patients with ALL were immunophenotyped to determine the lineage and the level of differentiation. With reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the RNA molecules were analyzed according to Van Dongen et al. protocol to detect fused genes in cell population. Results: Leukemic cell type was identified by cytochemical stains and classified on the basis of FAB classification. Nonetheless the frequencies of E2A/PBX1, MLL/AF4, BCR/ABL (M-BCR) and BCR/ABL(m-BCR) gene transcripts were 1.5, 0, 0 and 4.4 respectively. The positive case of E2A/PBX1 fusion gene had an early pre B and 3 BCR/ABL (m-BCR). Positive cases had an early pre B and pre-B ALL immunophenotype. Conclusions: Early pre-B cells were the most common types in our patients. The RT-PCR was shown to be an ideal method for detecting hybrid transcripts and to estimate the prevalence of the fusion genes in ALL patients. The frequency of these fusion genes in Iranian pediatric ALL patients were found to be similar to some developed countries. Thus, their presence does not seem to be predictive of increasing malignancy, but rather it can challenge the prognostic significance of these rearrangements. © 2018, Holder Demo

Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Wild and Pet Birds in Iran

ABStRACt The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains and to identify the stx gene types in wild captive and companion birds. In total,657 E. coli isolates from 219 birds belonging to 38 different species were investigated for the presence of STEC and EPEC strains. It was shown that five birds (2.28%) carried strains positive for one or more of the virulence factors investigated. The results indicated that 1.8% (n=4) and 0.45% (n=1) of the birds carried STEC and EPEC strains, respectively. All STEC strains harbored the stx2f and eae genes and this finding reveals the role of other birds, in addition to pigeons, as reservoirs of STEC. The only EPEC strain in this study was isolated from a Myna. Based on our knowledge, this is the first report of Stx2f-producing STEC in Geese, Duck and Lesser kestrel. In conclusion, the results indicate a low frequency of STEC carriage in wild and companion birds, and point out the need of additionally screening for the presence of stx2f in all the eae-harboring strains from birds

Effect of Sugarcane Filter Muds, Chemical and Biological Fertilizers on Absorption of Some Macro- and Micro-Elementsand Heavy Metals by Canola (Brassica napus L.)

In order to evaluate the effect of sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum L.) filter muds and chemical and biological fertilizers application on macro- and micronutrient elements and some heavy metals (Pb and Cd) absorption by canola (Brassica napus L.) grains, a factorial experiment was conducted in 2012 in the Experimental Farm of Ramin (Mollasani) Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan, Iran. A complete blocks design was used for the experiment with three replications. Different integrated treatments of filter muds and chemical fertilizers (A1: 100% filter muds, A2: 75% filter muds + 25% chemical fertilizers, A3: 50% filter muds + 50% chemical fertilizers, A4: 25% filter muds + 75% chemical fertilizers and A5: 100% chemical fertilizers) along with two levels of biological fertilizers application (with and without biological fertilizers) were investigated. The biological fertilizers investigated in this study were Nitroxin and Barvar2. Application of filter muds led to decreases in nitrogen, phosphorus and Cd of canola seeds. On the other hand, increase of filter muds application led to increase of Zn, Cu, Fe and Pb content in canola seeds. Biological and chemical fertilizers application resulted in increases of nitrogen, phosphorus and cadmium contents in canola seeds. Biofertilizers also increased phosphorus and cadmium contents in canola seeds

Epidemiological aspect of retinoblastoma in the world: a review of recent advance studies

? AIM: To collect and present updated evidence about epidemiological aspects of retinoblastoma (Rb) in the world.? METHODS: A comprehensive search without the time and language restrictions was conducted in international databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The search keywords were "retinoblastoma" OR "retinal Neuroblastoma" OR "retinal glioma" OR "retinoblastoma eye cancer" OR "retinal glioblastoma".? RESULTS: The worldwide incidence of Rb is 1 in 16 000-28 000 live births, but was higher in developing compared to developed countries. Several attempts for improving early detection and treatment had increased the Rb survival rate from 5 to 90 in developed countries over the past decade, but its survival was lower in developing countries (about 40 in low-income countries) and the majority of mortalities occurred in developing countries. The etiology of Rb could be viewed as genetics in the heritable form and environmental and lifestyle factors in the sporadic form. Some environmental risk factors such as in vitro fertilization; insect sprays; father's occupational exposure to oil mists in metal working, and poor living conditions might play a role in the occurrence of the disease. Although ethnicity might affect Rb incidence, sex has no documented effect and the best treatment approaches were now ophthalmic artery chemosurgery and intravitreal chemotherapy.? CONCLUSION: Determining the role of genetics and environmental factors helps to accurately predict the prognosis and identify the mechanism of the disease, which can reduce the risk of tumor development

Stress perçu, régulation des émotions et qualité de vie pendant l’épidémie de Covid-19 : une enquête en ligne multiculturelle

The present COVID-19 epidemic is a threat to physical health and brings a drain to Quality of life and mental health in the general population. However, changes in Quality of life and mental health status due to pandemic-related is less known. This study was implemented to investigate and predict changes in the Quality of life and psychological changes in people worldwide due to the pandemic. 3002 individuals participated in an online survey. The result showed that Quality of life is significantly decreased over time, meanwhile perceived stress level is raised significantly, and an increased level of difficulty in emotion regulation has happened. Almost everyone faced with increased perceived stress and current quarantine experience were significant predictors of perceived stress escalation. Younger people and individuals who had a worsening quality of life response tended to show more stress and emotion regulation problems. Furthermore, prediction models show that by extending the time of quarantine, Quality of life will worsen, and therefore the rate of perceived stress will be higher, and the problem with emotion regulation will arise more. As the whole world faces the pandemic, this research provides several implications for public mental health intervention. © 2021 Elsevier Masson SA