Sequencing and In Silico Multi-aspect Analysis of S1 Glycoprotein in 793/B Serotype of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Isolated From Iran in 2003 and 2011

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an acute, highly contagious, and economically important viral disease of chickens. The S1 subunit from Spike (S) protein plays the major role in protective immunity and is involved in the host-virus interactions, as well as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) serotyping. Aim of the present study was multi-aspect analysis of the molecular and immunological features of 5' part belonging to the S1 glycoprotein sequence of Iranian 793/B IBV strain isolates. This might ideally help in characterization, prevention, and vaccine development. The tissue samples were prepared, followed by virus isolation, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In addition, sequencing and registration of the sequences in the National Center for Biotechnology Information were performed. Moreover, 12 sequences were retrieved from Fars province, Iran. The next steps included evaluation of conservation/variability along the sequences, phylogenetic analysis, estimation of the average evolutionary divergence over all the sequence pairs, predicting the phosphorylation/N-glycosylation/palmitoylation sites, and the final analysis of antigenicity. The findings of alignment, entropy plot, and pairwise similarity analysis revealed 17 hypervariable regions. The isolates belonging to Tehran were clustered in phylogenetic tree, and the most similar isolates to them were ADW11182 and ADW11183. Location of some of the N-glycosylation/phosphorylation/palmitoylation points indicated that these sites were conserved among the isolates. Furthermore, the frequency of epitopes and their scores reflect the high immunogenicity of S1 protein in 793/B serotype. Analysis of the primary and secondary structures demonstrated that their parameters had variable values and were different regarding the number and location of α-helix, β-strand, and coils. According to our findings, the Iranian isolates of 793/B serotype change their molecular characteristics during time and in different geographical regions. These alterations might account for failure in prevention programs and differences in virulence and pathogenicity

Individual and social determinants of multiple chronic disease behavioral risk factors among youth

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Behavioral risk factors are known to co-occur among youth, and to increase risks of chronic diseases morbidity and mortality later in life. However, little is known about determinants of multiple chronic disease behavioral risk factors, particularly among youth. Previous studies have been cross-sectional and carried out without a sound theoretical framework.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using longitudinal data (n = 1135) from Cycle 4 (2000-2001), Cycle 5 (2002-2003) and Cycle 6 (2004-2005) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a nationally representative sample of Canadian children who are followed biennially, the present study examines the influence of a set of conceptually-related individual/social distal variables (variables situated at an intermediate distance from behaviors), and individual/social ultimate variables (variables situated at an utmost distance from behaviors) on the rate of occurrence of multiple behavioral risk factors (physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and high body mass index) in a sample of children aged 10-11 years at baseline. Multiple behavioral risk factors were assessed using a multiple risk factor score. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS, version 9.1, and SUDAAN, version 9.01.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Multivariate longitudinal Poisson models showed that social distal variables including parental/peer smoking and peer drinking (Log-likelihood ratio (LLR) = 187.86, degrees of freedom (DF) = 8, <it>p </it>< .001), as well as individual distal variables including low self-esteem (LLR = 76.94, DF = 4, <it>p </it>< .001) increased the rate of occurrence of multiple behavioral risk factors. Individual ultimate variables including age, sex, and anxiety (LLR = 9.34, DF = 3, <it>p </it>< .05), as well as social ultimate variables including family socioeconomic status, and family structure (LLR = 10.93, DF = 5, <it>p </it>= .05) contributed minimally to the rate of co-occurrence of behavioral risk factors.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results suggest targeting individual/social distal variables in prevention programs of multiple chronic disease behavioral risk factors among youth.</p

Co-variations and Clustering of Chronic Disease Behavioral Risk Factors in China: China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance, 2007

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases have become the leading causes of mortality in China and related behavioral risk factors (BRFs) changed dramatically in past decades. We aimed to examine the prevalence, co-variations, clustering and the independent correlates of five BRFs at the national level. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used data from the 2007 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance, in which multistage clustering sampling was adopted to collect a nationally representative sample of 49,247 Chinese aged 15 to 69 years. We estimated the prevalence and clustering (mean number of BRFs) of five BRFs: tobacco use, excessive alcohol drinking, insufficient intake of vegetable and fruit, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity. We conducted binary logistic regression models to examine the co-variations among five BRFs with adjustment of demographic and socioeconomic factors, chronic conditions and other BRFs. Ordinal logistic regression was constructed to investigate the independent associations between each covariate and the clustering of BRFs within individuals. Overall, 57.0% of Chinese population had at least two BRFs and the mean number of BRFs is 1.80 (95% confidence interval: 1.78-1.83). Eight of the ten pairs of bivariate associations between the five BRFs were found statistically significant. Chinese with older age, being a male, living in rural areas, having lower education level and lower yearly household income experienced increased likelihood of having more BRFs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Current BRFs place the majority of Chinese aged 15 to 69 years at risk for the future development of chronic disease, which calls for urgent public health programs to reduce these risk factors. Prominent correlations between BRFs imply that a combined package of interventions targeting multiple BRFs might be appropriate. These interventions should target elder population, men, and rural residents, especially those with lower SES

The different effects of neighbourhood and individual social capital on health-compromising behaviours in women during pregnancy: A multi-level analysis

Background: This study assessed clustering of three health-compromising behaviours and explored the association of neighbourhood and individual social capital with simultaneous health-compromising behaviours and patterns of those behaviours in women in the first trimester of pregnancy (baseline) and during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (follow-up). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on a representative sample of women recruited in antenatal care units grouped in 46 neighbourhoods from Brazil. Neighbourhood-level measures (social capital and socioeconomic status), individual social capital (social support and social networks) and socio-demographic variables were collected at baseline. Smoking, alcohol consumption and inadequate diet were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Clustering was assessed using an observed to expected ratio method. The association of contextual and individual social capital with the health-compromising behaviours outcomes was analyzed through multilevel multivariate regression models. Results: Clustering of the three health-compromising behaviours as well as of smoking and alcohol consumption were identified at both baseline and follow-up periods. Neighbourhood social capital did not influence the occurrence of simultaneous health-compromising behaviours. More health-compromising behaviours in both periods was inversely associated with low levels of individual social capital. Low individual social capital predicted smoking during whole pregnancy, while high individual social capital increased the likelihood of stopping smoking and improving diet during pregnancy. Maintaining an inadequate diet during pregnancy was influenced by low individual and neighbourhood social capital. Conclusions: Three health-compromising behaviours are relatively common and cluster in Brazilian women throughout pregnancy. Low individual social capital significantly predicted simultaneous health-compromising behaviours and patterns of smoking and inadequate diet during pregnancy while low neighbourhood social capital was only relevant for inadequate diet. These findings suggest that interventions focusing on reducing multiple behaviours should be part of antenatal care throughout pregnancy. Individual and contextual social resources should be considered when planning the interventions

Stability Study of Iriba Brucellosis Full-dose and Reduced-dose Vaccine Produced by Razi Institute in Iran

Stability study of biological products plays an important role for determination of product changes in maintenance period and ensuring of safety and efficacy of vaccines. In this research, accelerated and long-term stability study performed for six batches of full and reduced-dose cattle Iriba strain brucellosis vaccine that manufactured by Razi vaccine and serum research institute as a new vaccine. After sampling, the vaccines were tested for accelerated stability, after four days storage at 22 0C and tested intervals in three months until 24 months for long-term stability after storage at 2-8 0C. The result indicated all batches of vaccines in accelerated stability met the specification recommended by OIE 2012 and the mean loss of activity for full-dose was 16.68, 18.87 and 17.79 % and for reduced-dose was 38.85, 36.06 and 34.98 %. In long term stability, the quality control tests including colony forming unit, purity, dissociation and physicochemical tests in all samples until 24 months, met the specification recommended by OIE 2012. The full-dose vaccines showed a mean loss of activity of 30.73, 25.53 and 32.45 % and the reduced-dose vaccines showed 63.51, 58.60 and 60.83 %. The mean increasing of moisture content was, 187.85, 214.13 and 160.77 % for full-dose and 142.35, 110.23 and 164.47 % for reduced-dose. So, the results of this research indicated in spite of moisture content increasing in second year, the brucellosis vaccines with this strain are stable at least 24months if the cold chain considered properly but the best expiry date for the vaccine is one year

Relationship between Spiritual Health with Marital Satisfaction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Spiritual health is the basis of family and community health. In marital relationships, several factors led to the satisfaction of wives from each other. In the meantime, the role of spirituality is crucial from surrounded on all aspects of human life. This study was performed with aim of analyzing the relationship between spiritual health with marital satisfaction and Comparison of them between men and women. METHODS: The sectional study was conducted on 341 married students of Medical Sciences in Azad University, Sari branch.  Criterion variable (spiritual health) and predictor variable (marital satisfaction) were measured by standard questionnaires including Paloutzian & Ellison (1982) and Enrich(2000)  with 5-item Likert scale with a minimum score of 1 (very low) to maximum score of 5 (very high) and also two groups of men and women were compared. FINDINGS: Spiritual health had direct and meaningful relationship with marital satisfaction (CI-95% R= 0.009).There was no difference of marital satisfaction in men with average of 3.36±0.35 and women with average of 3.44±0.43 (p=0.342) but, the spiritual health in men with average of 2.7±0.25 was more than women with average of 2.6±0.14 (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: According the results, there was no difference of marital satisfaction in man and woman but, the spiritual health in men was more than women. Marital satisfaction had increased by increasing spiritual health in men and women students

Evaluation of Nitrate Accumulation and Nitrate Reductase Activity in Different Vegetative Growth of Selected Iranian Land Races of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

An outdoor pot experiment was carried out in sand+ coco-peat culture (80:20 ratio) to investigate the response of nitrate reductase activity and nitrate accumulation in roots and leaves of fifteen Iranian landraces of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) at different stages of plant development. Plants were tested during a three periods from 22, 30 and 38 days after emergence of first true leaves and before flowering. Results showed that the highest activity of nitrate reductase (51.29 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1) was found in the leaves of ‘Tabriz’ at the first vegetative stage and in roots of ‘Qazvin’, ‘Saleh Abad-e- Qom’ and ‘Qom’ plants at the third vegetative stage(20.71, 15.27, 15.34 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1, respectively). Lowest activity of nitrate reductase in leaves were found in plants of ‘shiraz’ in third vegetative stage(1.56 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1). Nitrate reductase activity were significantly lower in roots of ‘Birjand’ in first vegetative stage compared to other land races (3.85 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1). Leaves of ‘Qazvin’ have the highest nitrate content at the third vegetative stage(7122 µM NO-3. g-1 dry weight). Nitrate accumulation in leaves of ‘Arak-1’ were found lower than other land races in second vegetative stage (2961 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1). Nitrate content in roots of ‘Varamin-1’ were higher in 2 th vegetative stage(3741 µM NO-2. g-1.h-1). Significant differences in the nitrate reductase activity and nitrate accumulation were observed in selected Iranian land race of spinach. As, the nitrate levels in spinach should be kept as low as possible while near maximum yields are maintained, this can be accomplished by planting selected land races of spinach that are selected based on nitrate reductase activity and nitrate content analyses

Detection of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus strains using a single-stage PCR method

Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus are of the most important causes of brucellosis, an infectious disease which is transmitted either directly or indirectly including consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Both strains are considered endemic in Iran. Common diagnostic methods such as bacteriologic cultures are difficult and time consuming regarding the bacteria. The aim of this study was to suggest a single-stage PCR method using a pair of primers to detect both B. melitensis and B. abortus. The primers were named UF1 and UR1 and the results showed that the final size of PCR products were 84 bp and 99 bp for B. melitensis and B. abortus, respectively. Therefore the method could be useful for rapid detection of B. melitensis and B. abortus simultaneously

Epidemiological, molecular characterization and risk factors of human brucellosis in Iran

Objective: To determine epidemiological, molecular characterization, and potential risk factors of human brucellosis. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in the clinical setting in Iran between 2017 and 2018. A total of 297 participants enrolled in the study. The sample size was calculated based on the occurrence rate of brucellosis in different areas. Patients were assessed using serological tests and conventional culture methods. Phage and multiplex PCR methods typed all of Brucella isolates. Potential risk factors of disease were determined. Results: A total of 141 of 297 (47.5) Brucella strains were isolated and all of them were detected as Brucella melitensis biovar 1. Based on serologic titers, high culture positivity was recorded at 1/640 titer (P< 0.006). The risk factors for brucellosis were patients older than 40 years (OR=2.23, 95CI: 1.4-3.55, P=0.001), animal keeper (OR=7, 95CI: 1.51-32.41, P=0.005), housewife (OR=8.76, 95CI: 1.85-41.37, P=0.002), farmer (OR=6.42, 95CI: 1.21-33.97, P=0.019), and contact with animal (OR=1.31, 95CI: 0.60-2.85, P=0.005). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report from Iran presenting the detection of Brucella species by the multiplex PCR. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 is still the dominant causative agent in Iran. The consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, living in rural areas, and animal contact were risk factors of brucellosis. © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved

Symptoms and Functional Outcomes Among Traumatic Brain Injury Patients 3- to 12-Months Post-Injury

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience a variety of physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms. However, the evolution of symptoms, especially during the 3- to 12-month convalescence period (when recovery of function is still possible), is understudied. This study aims to identify symptoms and the relationships with functional outcomes that occur during the 3- to 12-month period after a TBI. Participants who were 3 to 12 months post-TBI were recruited from a South Florida TBI clinic from May 2022 to June 2023. Clinical data were obtained from the electronic health record. Participants completed the Brain Injury Association of Virginia Symptom Checklist, Neuro-Quality of Life Cognitive Function, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Disturbance assessments to report symptoms, and the Disability Rating Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographics and symptoms. Linear regression was performed to analyze the relationships between symptoms and outcomes. A total of N = 39 patients participated in the study. Memory problems and difficulty concentrating were the most common symptoms. Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, cognitive, and physical symptoms were significantly associated with the Disability Rating Scale score. Physical, cognitive, depressive, and anxiety symptoms had significant associations with the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Cognitive symptoms should be integrated into the clinical care of rehabilitating TBI patients. Nurses should monitor for physical, affective, and cognitive symptoms during the recovery phase of TBI