Ecological investigation of zooplankton abundance in the river Haraz, northeast Iran: Impact of environmental variables

The influence of physicochemical properties of Haraz river on its zooplankton composition and abundance were investigated at three sites for one year between August 2009 and July 2010. The present study records for the first time the aspects of zooplankton diversity and composition in relation to the physicochemical environment of the Haraz river. Only three groups of zooplankton were found: Rotifera with eighteen genera; Cladocera with nine and Copepoda with six genera. Rotifera was the predominant group (64.89%), followed by Cladocera (19.62%) and Copepoda (15.32%). Upstream, the abundance was 805 individuals/m3, while it varied from 922 to 1126 ind/m3 downstream. Alkaline pH and nutrients were the main environmental factors which affected zooplankton abundance in the river. Site variation in dominance, diversity, evenness and richness were calculated. The study revealed that the presence of certain species, such as Lepadella sp., Mesocyclops sp., Polyarthra sp. and Brachionus sp. is considered to be a biological indicator for eutrophication. The calculated Jack1 values of sites 1 to 3 were 7.624, 16.426 and 19.221, respectively. The Shannon-Wiever species diversity index (H’) values were also different for all the three sites viz., site 1 (1.992), site 2 (1.21) and site 3 (2.48). Simpson’s dominance index (H) value was highest at site 1 (0.692), indicating maximum dominance, whereas at site 3 dominance was the lowest (0.227) and diversity was the highest. Overall, our results showed that changes in the water quality of the river Haraz have considerable effects on the composition of zooplankton assemblages that can potentially affect the functioning of these ecosystems

Investigation of Cadmium Toxicity in Mice Spleen Cells

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal which is widely spread in our surroundings and has a very strong ability to accumulate in the body organs such as spleen. In this study we aimed to determine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects on mice spleen  treated with cadmium.Methods: Thirty male mice were enrolled in this study and kept in standard conditions. Mice were randomly divided into2  experimental groups (control and treatment). The treatment group was exposed to Cd intraperitoneally (i.p) (300µm/kg) at different time intervals (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hrs). Twenty four hours after the last exposer mice were killed and the spleen was  removed, then  for studying cytotoxicity, oxidative stress markers namely malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed on homogenized spleen, and comet assay was applied on isolated spleen cells  for genotoxicity & DNA damage studies. Statistical analyses (T-test and ANOVA) were performed using SPSS 15 software. Results: The concentration of MDA and GSH in control group spleen cells were 278.01±35.30 nmol/g.pr and 16.61±4.89 µmol/g.pr and for Cd- treated spleen cells were 612.24±32.87 nmol/g.pr and 32.52±4.22 µmol/g.pr, respectively which  were statistically significant (P<0.003). In addition, SOD activity in control and Cd exposed spleen cells were 69.75±3.12 and 226.91±3.40 U/mg.pr (P<0.001). The comet assay include content comet length, tail length and head diameter showed DNA breakage in treated group which was not observed in the control group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that Cd has the ability to induce genotoxicity in spleen cells. Moreover,  our results show that it is plausible to expect Cd induced -cytotoxicity in spleen cells

Investigation of Cadmium Toxicity in Mice Spleen Cells

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal which is widely spread in our surroundings and has a very strong ability to accumulate in the body organs such as spleen. In this study we aimed to determine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects on mice spleen  treated with cadmium.Methods: Thirty male mice were enrolled in this study and kept in standard conditions. Mice were randomly divided into2  experimental groups (control and treatment). The treatment group was exposed to Cd intraperitoneally (i.p) (300µm/kg) at different time intervals (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hrs). Twenty four hours after the last exposer mice were killed and the spleen was  removed, then  for studying cytotoxicity, oxidative stress markers namely malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed on homogenized spleen, and comet assay was applied on isolated spleen cells  for genotoxicity & DNA damage studies. Statistical analyses (T-test and ANOVA) were performed using SPSS 15 software. Results: The concentration of MDA and GSH in control group spleen cells were 278.01±35.30 nmol/g.pr and 16.61±4.89 µmol/g.pr and for Cd- treated spleen cells were 612.24±32.87 nmol/g.pr and 32.52±4.22 µmol/g.pr, respectively which  were statistically significant (P<0.003). In addition, SOD activity in control and Cd exposed spleen cells were 69.75±3.12 and 226.91±3.40 U/mg.pr (P<0.001). The comet assay include content comet length, tail length and head diameter showed DNA breakage in treated group which was not observed in the control group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that Cd has the ability to induce genotoxicity in spleen cells. Moreover,  our results show that it is plausible to expect Cd induced -cytotoxicity in spleen cells

Alterations in Plasma Proteome Pattern and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Free radical production, changes in the proteome, and lipid peroxidation are the consequences of hyperglycemia in diabetes. This study aimed to examine the changes in plasma proteome along with oxidative status in type 2 diabetes.  Methods: Thirty type 2 diabetic patients and 25 healthy subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. Fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile was measured in all subjects. To measure oxidative stress parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed. Plasma proteome pattern was determined using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Visual analysis of gels was performed using software (Image Master). Results: MDA level was higher in the diabetic group compared to the healthy group 4.10 (± 0.57) vs. 3.2 (± 0.10) nmol/ml, Pvalue<0.01). TAC reduced in diabetic patients 17.85 (± 1.2) vs. 38.60 (± 2.4) mmol/ml, Pvalue=0.01). Some changes were observed in the 2-D gel electrophoresis pattern in diabetic patients comparing to those of the healthy group. Conclusions: The results indicated the presence of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes patients. Also, different proteome patterns showed the presence of different or modified proteins in diabetic patients that can be due to changes in the glycation of proteins or may be induced as a response to oxidative stress.  Keywords: Diabetes, Plasma proteome, Malondialdehyde, Total antioxidant, Two-dimensional electrophoresis

Magnesium Sulfate Effect on the Clinical Course and GCS of Patients with a Severe Diffuse Axonal Injury

Based on a number of studies, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) given after a diffuse axonal injury has gained attention as a useful neuroprotective agent .The present study was conducted to examine if magnesium sulfate has a therapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with a severe diffuse axonal injury. Adult patients admitted within 1 hour of a closed Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a severe diffuse axonal injury that met eligibility criteria were randomized into two groups. Our treatment guidelines consisted of an initial loading dose of 50 mg/kg magnesium sulfate and then 50 mg/kg QID up to 24 hours after the trauma. The outcome measures were mortality, GCS, and motor function scores which were assessed up to 2 months after the trauma. Magnesium showed a significant positive effect on GCS 2 months (P=0.03).  Among those in MgSO4 group, motor functioning score improved more than control group but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.51). At the end, we have demonstrated that administration of magnesium sulfate can have neuroprotective role following severe DAI.

Study the Impacts of Temperature and Precipitation Variations on Drying Fig Orchards of Estahabn in Recent Years

In this study the climate data (mean annual rainfall and temperature) were examined to investigate possible causes of rain-fed fig orchards drying of Estehban. Precipitation and temperature data for 32-years period 1980-2012 were obtained. Trend test and Mann-Kendall method were used to study changes in precipitation and temperature time series during the statistical period. Drought severity and duration were obtained as well. Results of this study represent no significant trend in the study area average annual precipitation and temperature parameters. However for precipitation of May and temperatures in the months of March, June and July, a significant trend was seen. The results represent no significant trend for precipitation and temperature average in series, annual and monthly in most cases in the study area. Precipitation Changes in stations (Abadeh tashk, Fasa, Aliabad Khafr and Gozon) show decreasing trend in temperature changes at March in stations (Jahan Abade Bakhtegan, Roniz Olia and Do Boneh). Increasing trend and also of drought in the first six months years of With persistence 5 to 7 year was associated Considering to the impact of precipitation distribution on fig Orchards drying. The results of this study show that 36% of trees are affected by the drought. Although in recent years the frequency of mild drought has been more and persistence of drought, with severe and moderate drought years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and also an increase in temperature some months leads to drying are rain-fed fig trees

Phytochemical Attributes of Some Dried Fig (Ficus carica L.) Fruit Cultivars Grown in Iran

In the present study, total phenolic, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, total antioxidant capacity, total soluble solids, colour parameters (such as L*, a*, b*, C*, and H°) and phenolic compounds, including catechin, total catechin, quercetin-3- glucoside, total quercetin, and chlorogenic acid of nine dried fig fruit cultivars in Fars province, Iran, were studied since only limited information on that topic is available in the literature. Results showed that the total phenolic content in ‘Khafrak’ cultivar was significantly higher than other examined cultivars. Regarding to the values of total antioxidant capacity, there were no statistically significant differences among the majority of cultivars except between ‘Khafrak’ and ‘Rowno’. Except for ‘Khafrak’ and ‘Rowno’, TF content in ‘Sigoto’ was significantly higher than the other examined cultivars. Anthocyanin content in all cultivars was negligible and it was not detected in some cultivars. Based on colorimetric results, the lightest skin color was observed in ‘Shahanjir’, while the darker color was in ‘Seyah’. Significant differences were determined among the cultivars with respect to the distribution of phenolic compounds. Catechin and total quercetin contents in ‘Matti’ were significantly higher than the other examined cultivars. Results suggest that chlorogenic acid played a trifling role in determination of antioxidant capacity of the fruits. In addition, the cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance with Unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) method separated the cultivars into three main groups

Oleuropein as An Effective Suppressor of Inflammation and MicroRNA-146a Expression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common progressive autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammationof the joints and damage to other organs. Previous studies have reported the important role of miRNA-146a in thepathogenesis of RA. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and modulatory effects of oleuropein (OLEU) on the expressionpattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown in different diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate boththe sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-146a and determine the potential effects of OLEU on the expression levels ofmiRNA-146a and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in RA patients.Materials and Methods: The participants in this experimental study were divided into 2 groups: RA (n=45) and healthycontrols (n=30). The isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with different concentrationsof OLEU; and the level of TNF-α expression, anti-citrullinated protein, and miRNA-146a were determined usingenzyme-linked immunoassay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In addition, the receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-146a in RA patients.Results: Results revealed a positive correlation between the levels of miRNA-146a expression with the serum levels ofC-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in RA patients. In addition, OLEU treatment decreased the levelsof TNF-α and miRNA-146a expression in treated PBMCs samples compared with untreated cells. The ROC curveanalysis showed an 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity of miRNA-146a in RA patients.Conclusion: Therefore, miRNA-146a can be used as a useful biomarker for RA diagnosis, particularly for earlydetection. In addition, OLEU could suppress inflammation in RA patients through the regulation of miRNA-146a

Mapping 123 million neonatal, infant and child deaths between 2000 and 2017

Since 2000, many countries have achieved considerable success in improving child survival, but localized progress remains unclear. To inform efforts towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.2—to end preventable child deaths by 2030—we need consistently estimated data at the subnational level regarding child mortality rates and trends. Here we quantified, for the period 2000–2017, the subnational variation in mortality rates and number of deaths of neonates, infants and children under 5 years of age within 99 low- and middle-income countries using a geostatistical survival model. We estimated that 32% of children under 5 in these countries lived in districts that had attained rates of 25 or fewer child deaths per 1,000 live births by 2017, and that 58% of child deaths between 2000 and 2017 in these countries could have been averted in the absence of geographical inequality. This study enables the identification of high-mortality clusters, patterns of progress and geographical inequalities to inform appropriate investments and implementations that will help to improve the health of all populations

Global, regional, and national cancer incidence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-Adjusted life-years for 29 cancer groups, 1990 to 2017 : A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study

Importance: Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now widely recognized as a threat to global development. The latest United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs reaffirmed this observation and also highlighted the slow progress in meeting the 2011 Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the third Sustainable Development Goal. Lack of situational analyses, priority setting, and budgeting have been identified as major obstacles in achieving these goals. All of these have in common that they require information on the local cancer epidemiology. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is uniquely poised to provide these crucial data. Objective: To describe cancer burden for 29 cancer groups in 195 countries from 1990 through 2017 to provide data needed for cancer control planning. Evidence Review: We used the GBD study estimation methods to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-Adjusted life-years (DALYs). Results are presented at the national level as well as by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and total fertility rate. We also analyzed the influence of the epidemiological vs the demographic transition on cancer incidence. Findings: In 2017, there were 24.5 million incident cancer cases worldwide (16.8 million without nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) and 9.6 million cancer deaths. The majority of cancer DALYs came from years of life lost (97%), and only 3% came from years lived with disability. The odds of developing cancer were the lowest in the low SDI quintile (1 in 7) and the highest in the high SDI quintile (1 in 2) for both sexes. In 2017, the most common incident cancers in men were NMSC (4.3 million incident cases); tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer (1.5 million incident cases); and prostate cancer (1.3 million incident cases). The most common causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for men were TBL cancer (1.3 million deaths and 28.4 million DALYs), liver cancer (572000 deaths and 15.2 million DALYs), and stomach cancer (542000 deaths and 12.2 million DALYs). For women in 2017, the most common incident cancers were NMSC (3.3 million incident cases), breast cancer (1.9 million incident cases), and colorectal cancer (819000 incident cases). The leading causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for women were breast cancer (601000 deaths and 17.4 million DALYs), TBL cancer (596000 deaths and 12.6 million DALYs), and colorectal cancer (414000 deaths and 8.3 million DALYs). Conclusions and Relevance: The national epidemiological profiles of cancer burden in the GBD study show large heterogeneities, which are a reflection of different exposures to risk factors, economic settings, lifestyles, and access to care and screening. The GBD study can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to develop and improve national and local cancer control in order to achieve the global targets and improve equity in cancer care. © 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe