Hospitalization causes due to iron overload in beta-Thalassemia in Gorgan, Iran

Objective: To evaluate causes of hospitalization (due to complications of iron overload and other causes) in beta-Thalassemic patients. Methodology: This study was performed on 244 patients with major beta-Thalassemia admitted in Taleghani hospital of Gorgan between 2000 and 2007. Causes of hospitalization (due to complications of iron overload and other causes) were evaluated. Data were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The most common causes of hospitalization due to iron overload were diabetes mellitus (31.6%) and heart failure (16.4%). The most common clinical findings were weakness and fatigue. Conclusion: We perceive increased frequency of diabetes mellitus in this center compared to other studies in Iran and abroad. Therefore glucose tolerance test and genotypic research for IVS II nt 745 are recommended in Thalassemic patient in this area

Seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma infections of mentally retarded children

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection in the world. Although the infection by Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in humans and animals, the disease is uncommon and most of the acquired infections are asymptomatic. The important aspect of this parasitic infection is the probable danger of congenital transmission and its severe effects on the fetus. In the present descriptive study, a total of 353 samples from mentally retarded children and adolescents in rehabilitation centers in Tehran, were examined from 2001 to 2002. In order to determine the Toxoplasma antibodies, the samples were tested using an IFA technique and in some cases ELISA technique was applied as well. Fourteen percent of the examined samples were positive. In this research Toxoplasma antibody titer in 36 cases were reported as 1:100 and it was found to be 1:200, 1:400 and 1:800 in 9,1 and 3 cases, respectively. In three cases for which the titer was reported 1:800, samples were tested applying Ig-M, ELISA technique in order to determine if there was an acute infection but all tests were negative. In the current study, we did not find any significant differences in the prevalence rate between the genders, but the prevalence significantly increases with age. We used standard questionnaires for causative relation in congenital toxoplasmosis within sero-positive children and 3 cases of infection were documented during the mother's pregnancy period

Trace determination of bisphenol-A in landfill leachate samples by dispersive liquid- liquid microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography

A simple, rapid and efficient sample pretreatment technique, termed dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), was developed as an extraction methodology to determine bisphenol-A (BPA), in landfill leachate samples prior to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ultraviolet detection. Some effective parameters, such as pH, extraction and disperser solvent type and their volumes, time of extraction and salt effect have been optimized using the one-factor-at-a-time approach. Under the optimum conditions, the preconcentration factor 25 was obtained from only 5 mL of the sample. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 5-500 µg L-1 with the detection limit of 1.5 µg L-1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for ten replicate measurements of 20 µg L-1 of BPA was 2.5%. Finally, the method was successfully applied for the extraction and determination of BPA in some landfill leachate samples with a relative recovery of 98–109% and RSD less than 5%. KEY WORDS: Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, Bisphenol-A, Landfill leachate samples, High-performance liquid chromatography Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(3), 329-338.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i3.

The low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is not an evolutionarily signature of ZAP

The zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is known to restrict viral replication by binding to the CpG rich regions of viral RNA, and subsequently inducing viral RNA degradation. This enzyme has recently been shown to be capable of restricting SARS-CoV-2. These data have led to the hypothesis that the low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is due to an evolutionary pressure exerted by the host ZAP. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a detailed analysis of many coronavirus sequences and ZAP RNA binding preference data. Our analyses showed neither evidence for an evolutionary pressure acting specifically on CpG dinucleotides, nor a link between the activity of ZAP and the low CpG abundance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome

THE STIMULATORY EFFECTS OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF RADIOACTIVE LANTERN MANTLE POWDER ON WOUND HEALING

Some people in different parts of Iran use burned mantles as a wound healing medicine. To perform surface area measurement, twenty rats were divided randomly into two groups of 10 animals each. The 1st group received topical burned radioactive lantern mantle powder at 1st-3rd day after making excision wounds. The 2nd group received nonradioactive lantern mantle powder. For histological study, 36 male rats randomly divided into two groups of 18 animals each. Full thickness excision wound (314±31.4 mm2) was made on the dorsal neck in all animals after inducing general anesthesia. For the first 3 days, cases received topical application of the radioactive lantern mantle powder. Finally, to measure the tensile strength, an incision was made on the dorsal neck of the rats. Surface area measurement of the wounds showed a progressive surface reduction in both groups. Histological study showed a significant statistically difference between cases and controls with respect to fibrinoid necrosis and neutrophilic exudate at the days 3 and 14. Considering the existence of granulation tissue, a significant difference was observed between case and control groups at days 3 and 7. Tensile strength study showed no significant difference between the cases and controls until 30 days after excision

The Correlation between Craniovertebral Angle and Scapular Dyskinesis in Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Faulty neck posture causes many musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and shoulders. Considering the shared muscle attachments of the neck and the scapula, identifying the correlation between neck posture and scapular position can be effective in preventing shoulder pain. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between neck posture and static and dynamic scapular position. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 38 female students from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences without history of dysfunction in the shoulder and neck were selected and examined through nonprobability convenience sampling. Neck posture was examined by measuring the craniovertebral angle using diagnostic imaging techniques. The scapula – spine distance was measured using the ruler and the scapular winging was measured in hanging position of hand and during the flexion and scaption, and then the relationship between them and the craniovertebral angle was investigated. FINDINGS: Subjects with an average age of 24.71±3.02 participated in the study. There was a significant correlation between craniovertebral angle (51.09±5.73) and the scapular winging in flexion (r=0.38, p=0.01) and scaption (r=0.44, p=0.005). There was no significant relationship between the craniovertebral angle and the distance between the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4) and the inferior angle of the scapula (6.29±0.96) and the distance between inferior angle and the corresponding vertebral levels (7.80±0.93). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that neck posture is correlated with scapular dyskinesis in a dynamic scapular position

Traction forces generated during studded boot‐surface interactions on third‐generation artificial turf: A novel mechanistic perspective

The traction forces generated during studded boot–surface interactions affect player performance and injury risk. Over 20 years of empirical research into traction on third generation (3G) artificial turf has met with only limited success in supporting the development of safer surfaces and boots. Thus, the purpose of this perspective article is to present a conceptual framework for generating scientific understanding on 3G turf traction through a novel mechanistic approach. A three-stage framework is proposed. Firstly, the hypothesized traction mechanisms and related analytical equations are identified, namely: friction between the boot outsole and surface; shear resistance of the performance infill layer to the outsole; and compressive resistance of the performance infill layer to horizontal stud displacement. Secondly, a Concept Map is generated to visually represent the contribution of the thirtynine variables identified as directly affecting the traction response. Finally, a Research Roadmap is constructed to guide the direction of future traction studies towards the development of safer surfaces and boots as well as improved mechanical tests to assess surface safety. The proposed framework represents the first attempt to deconstruct bootsurface interactions and hypothesize the science behind the mobilization of traction forces

The Surgical Infection Society revised guidelines on the management of intra-abdominal infection

Background: Previous evidence-based guidelines on the management of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) were published by the Surgical Infection Society (SIS) in 1992, 2002, and 2010. At the time the most recent guideline was released, the plan was to update the guideline every five years to ensure the timeliness and appropriateness of the recommendations. Methods: Based on the previous guidelines, the task force outlined a number of topics related to the treatment of patients with IAI and then developed key questions on these various topics. All questions were approached using general and specific literature searches, focusing on articles and other information published since 2008. These publications and additional materials published before 2008 were reviewed by the task force as a whole or by individual subgroups as to relevance to individual questions. Recommendations were developed by a process of iterative consensus, with all task force members voting to accept or reject each recommendation. Grading was based on the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system; the quality of the evidence was graded as high, moderate, or weak, and the strength of the recommendation was graded as strong or weak. Review of the document was performed by members of the SIS who were not on the task force. After responses were made to all critiques, the document was approved as an official guideline of the SIS by the Executive Council. Results: This guideline summarizes the current recommendations developed by the task force on the treatment of patients who have IAI. Evidence-based recommendations have been made regarding risk assessment in individual patients; source control; the timing, selection, and duration of antimicrobial therapy; and suggested approaches to patients who fail initial therapy. Additional recommendations related to the treatment of pediatric patients with IAI have been included. Summary: The current recommendations of the SIS regarding the treatment of patients with IAI are provided in this guideline

Technical Performance Reduces during the Extra-Time Period of Professional Soccer Match-Play

Despite the importance of extra-time in determining progression in specific soccer tournament matches, few studies have profiled the demands of 120-minutes of soccer match-play. With a specific focus on the extra-time period, and using a within-match approach, we examined the influence of prolonged durations of professional soccer match-play on markers of technical (i.e., skilled) performance. In 18 matches involving professional European teams played between 2010 and 2014, this retrospective study quantified the technical actions observed during eight 15-minute epochs (E1: 00:00–14:59 min, E2: 15:00-29:59 min, E3: 30:00-44:59 min, E4: 45:00-59:59 min, E5: 60:00-74:59 min, E6: 75:00-89:59 min, E7: 90:00-104:59 min, E8: 105:00-119:59 min). Analysis of players who completed the demands of the full 120 min of match-play revealed that the cumulative number of successful passes observed during E8 (61±23) was lower than E1-4 (E1: 88±23, P=0.001; E2: 77±21, P=0.005; E3: 79±18, P=0.001; E4: 80±21, P=0.001) and E7 (73±20, P=0.002). Similarly, the total number of passes made in E8 (71±25) was reduced when compared to E1 (102±22, P=0.001), E3 (91±19, P=0.002), E4 (93±22, P≤0.0005) and E7 (84±20, P=0.001). The cumulative number of successful dribbles reduced in E8 (9±4) when compared to E1 (14±4, P=0.001) and E3 (12±4, P≤0.0005) and the total time the ball was in play was less in E8 (504±61 s) compared to E1 (598±70 s, P≤0.0005). These results demonstrate that match-specific factors reduced particular indices of technical performance in the second half of extra-time. Interventions that seek to maintain skilled performance throughout extra-time warrant further investigation