The presence of autoantibodies to cytoplasmic rod and ring particles in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with extra hepatic autoimmune disorders, while peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy may exacerbate these conditions. Autoantibodies to cytoplasmic structures, called rod and ring particles (RR), have strong associations with these patients and are identified by HEp-2 cells. Objectives: Our purpose was to study the correlation of autoantibodies to cytoplasmic rod and ring particles in the serum of patients with chronic HCV infection with their response to standard therapy. Methods: Serum samples were gathered from 120 patients with HCV infection (40 naive treatments, 40 with sustained virological response (SVR), and 40 with relapse response) during peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy and analyzed for the presence of RR antibodies by IIF on commercially available HEp-2 cell substrate slides from Euroimmun (Lu beck, Germany). Results: Anti-rod and ring (anti-RR) autoantibodies were detected in only the serum of 1 out of 120 patients (0.8), which belonged to a patient (out of 40) with relapse response (2.5). No correlation was found between the types of response to peg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy and the presence of anti-RR autoantibodies. Conclusions: The only HCV patient with RR autoantibodies previously had received IFN/ribavirin antiviral therapy. The presence of these autoantibodies is extremely rare in Iranian HCV patients. Further studies are warranted to determine the role of genetic background and geographical pattern in the prevalence of these novel autoantibodies worldwide. � 2016, Kowsar Corp

An efficient method to induce regeneration and callogenesis in Crataegus microphylla L.

Background and objectives: Hawthorn as an ethno-pharmaceutical plant has been consumed for 2,500 years. Flowers, leaves and fruits of hawthorn are rich in antioxidant and polyphenols and are popular in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Methods: In the present study, by using various media and plant hormones the regeneration and callogenesis capacity of Crataegus microphylla L. was investigated. The one-year-old branches and lateral buds were selected for explant supply. Single nodes were sterilized in two different methods: either with ‘long-term sterilization’ (ethanol 60 s, NaClO 10%v/v 10 min) or with ‘shorter-term sterilization’ (ethanol 30 s, NaClO 10%v/v 15 min). Single nodes were then cultured in MS or DKW media with different concentrations of BA and 2,4-D. Results: After 10 days, cultured Hawthorn nodes regenerated up to 66% in DKW (supplemented with BA 9.06 μM) and to 50% in MS medium (supplemented with BA 13.32 μM and 2,4-D 2.26 μM). In shorter-term sterilization dark green leaves appeared on small sprouts. A callogenesis of 100% in MS (supplemented with 2,4-D 13.59 μM) was observed at the ends of all explants after one week when nodes were treated with long-term sterilization. Conclusion: This data suggests efficient and novel methods on induction of callogenesis and regeneration in Crataegus microphylla L. with the idea of supporting higher yields of therapeutically important secondary metabolites of hawthorn

Indigenous knowledge and utilization of arid and semi-arid rangelands by Iranian pastoralists

Abstract: This paper aims to study the indigenous systems of natural resource management, specifically utilization strategies of rangelands, among the Kalhor nomads in Kermānshāh province. In the last few decades, the natural resources in arid and semi-arid nomadic regions of the Kalhor have been seriously damaged by the negative impact of modernization, industrialization and destructive natural forces. The results are drought, flood and environmental pollution. This ongoing situation is threatening the survival of the nomads, forcing them to abandon their traditional way of life, and adding to the inhabitants of the slums around big cities. This article argues that in spite of the negative effects of artificial and natural factors on rangelands in the above area, the use of indigenous systems of natural resource management will inevitably improve the conditions of the rangelands, leading towards a sustainable development. It is believed that the combination of short term and a long term strategies that was initiated by the nomads will contribute to the improvement of the rangelands. The conclusions of this paper show that their survival depends upon systems of indigenous management. This type of management is locally initiated, flexible, and sustainable, which requires the full participation of the nomads in the utilization and preservation of their natural resources

The adult age theories and definitions

The adult age occurs when somebody reaches 65 years of age. It consists of gradually destruction of the structure and organism of the body during a long period. It leads to transformation of structure and process of different organs, such as: turning the hair white, hair falling, skin wrinkling, visual and hearing reducing, back curving, muscle power reducing, memory and perception disordering and reducing in capacity and function of pulmonary and cardiovascular systems."nTheories presented in the field of the adult age consisting of: A) biological theories classified by three groups: 1. Immunity theory 2. Cellular aging theory 3. Free radical theory B) psychological theories Qsociological theories that are classified by four groups: 1. Theory of non-commitment 2. Activity theory 3. Continuity theory 4. Interaction theory"nEach of the above theories provides justifications regarding the aging process and it is of importance to be aware of those theories in order to establish an information network for practically determinations regarding the adult age

Phytoplankton diversity assessment of Gandoman wetland, West of Iran

Cheraghpour J, Afsharzadeh S, Sharifi M, Ramezannejad Ghadi R, Masoudi M. Phytoplankton diversity assessment of Gandoman wetland, West of Iran. Iranian Journal of Botany. 2013;19:153-161

Supplementary Material for: Immunotherapy with a Recombinant Hybrid Molecule Alleviates Allergic Responses More Efficiently than an Allergenic Cocktail or Pollen Extract in a Model of <b><i>Chenopodium album</i></b> Allergy

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic potential of a recombinant hybrid molecule (rHM) alongside an allergenic cocktail from recombinant wild-type allergens as well as pollen extract on <i>Chenopodium album</i> allergy, using a BALB/c mouse model. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The BALB/c mice had already been sensitized to <i>C. album</i> via intraperitoneal injections of alum-adsorbed allergenic cocktail and immunotherapy procedure was followed by subcutaneous injections of the rHM, allergenic cocktail and pollen extract at weekly intervals. Humoral immune responses were determined via measurement of specific antibodies in serum. Splenocytes of immunized mice were stimulated in vitro and then proliferation responses, cytokine secretion and mRNA expression of genes involved in immunotherapy were examined by ELISA and real-time PCR. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sensitized mice were identified with high specific IgE against allergenic cocktail when compared with healthy mice. Immunotherapy with the rHM induced the highest ratio of the IgG2a/IgG1 levels compared to allergenic cocktail or <i>C. album</i> pollen extract. The rHM was able to induce proliferative responses as well as the allergenic cocktail in cultured splenocytes. Immunotherapy with the rHM significantly improved secretion of IFN-γ and IL-10, while secretion of IL-13 rapidly diminished. Interestingly, mRNA expression of GATA3 was strongly decreased in rHM-treated mice whereas mRNA expression of T-bet and Foxp3 was significantly increased. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results prove that immunotherapy with the rHM effectively controlled allergic responses by shifting from a Th2-like immune response to a Th1-dominated immune response