Cloning and characterisation of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad32 gene: A gene required for repair of double strand break and recombination

A new Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutant (rad32) which is sensitive to gamma and UV irradiation is described. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis of DNA from irradiated cells indicates that the rad32 mutant, in comparison to wild type cells, has decreased ability to repair DNA double strand breaks. The mutant also undergoes decreased meiotic recombination and displays reduced stability of minichromosomes. The rad32 gene has been cloned by complementation of the UV sensitive phenotype. The gene, which is not essential for cell viability and is expressed at a moderate level in mitotically dividing cells, has significant homology to the meiotic recombination gene MRE11 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Epistasis analysis indicates that rad32 functions in a pathway which includes the rhp51 gene (the S. pombe homologue to S. cerevisiae RAD51) and that cells deleted for the rad32 gene in conjunction with either the rad3 deletion (a G2 checkpoint mutation) or the rad2 deletion (a chromosome stability and potential nucleotide excision repair mutation) are not viable

Possibility of Thyroidism Diagnosis by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Human Fingernail

INTRODUCTION: A modern technique for elemental analysis of biological samples is laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). This technique is based on emission of excited atoms, ions, and molecules in plasma produced by focusing a high power laser pulses on sample surface. Because of several advantages of LIBS including little or no sample preparation; minimally invasive; fast analysis time and very easy to use, in this study, this method was used for investigating the mineral content of fingernails. As the trace element of nail can be changed by several pathological, physiological, and environmental factors, we analyze the human fingernails to evaluate the possibility of thyroidism diagnosis.METHODS: A Q-switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser operating at wavelength of 1064 nm, pulse energy of 50 mJ/pulse, repetition rate of 10 Hz and pulse duration of 6 ns was used in this analysis. Measurements were done on 28 fingernails belonging to 5 hypothyroid, 2 hyperthyroid and 21 normal subjects. For classification of samples into different groups based on thyroid status, a discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to discriminate among normal and thyroidism groups.RESULTS: The elements detected in fingernails with the present system were: Al, C, Ca, Fe, H, K, Mg, N, Na, O, Si, Sr, Ti as well as CN molecule. Classification in two groups of normal and patient subjects and also in three groups of normal, hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects shows that 100% of original grouped cases were correctly classified. So, efficient discrimination among these groups is demonstrated.CONCLUSION: It is shown that laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) could be a possible technique for the analysis of nail and therefore identification of health problems

Qualitative analysis of teeth and evaluation of amalgam elements penetration into dental matrix using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

In this study, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is used for qualitative analysis of healthy and carious teeth. The technique of laser ablation is receiving increasing attention for applications in dentistry, specifically for the treatment of teeth such as drilling of micro-holes and plaque removal. In the process of ablation a luminous micro-plasma is normally generated which may be exploited for on-line elemental analysis via laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technique. We propose laser induced breakdown spectroscopy as a rapid, in situ and easy method for monitoring drilling process. The results of elemental analysis show the presence of some trace elements in teeth including P, Ca, Mg, Zn, K, Sr, C, Na, H, O and the permeability of some amalgam (teeth filling materials) elements including Hg, Ag, Cu and  Sn into dental matrix. This study address the ability of LIBS in elemental analysis of teeth and its feasibility in acute identification of healthy and carious teeth during drilling process for future clinical applications

Feasibility Study on Discrimination of Neo-plastic and Non-Neoplastic Gastric Tissues Using Spark Discharge Assisted Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Introduction: The present work is a novel in vitro study that evaluated the possibility of diagnosing neoplastic from nonneoplastic gastric tissues using spark discharge assisted laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (SD-LIBS) method.Methods: In these experiments, the low energy laser pulses ablated a tiny amount of tissue surface leading to plasma formation. Then, a spark discharge was applied to plasma in order to intensify the plasma radiation. Light emission from plasma was recorded as spectra which were analyzed. Gastric tissues of 5 people were studied through this method.Results: The SD-LIBS technique had the potential to discriminate normal and cancerous tissues based on the significant differences in the intensities of some particular elements. The comparison of normalized calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) peaks of neoplastic and nonneoplastic gastric tissues could be viewed as a practical measure for tissue discrimination since Ca and Mg peaks in spectra of neoplastic were noticeably higher than nonneoplastic.Conclusion: Considering the identification of gastric cancer, the applied method in these experiments seems quite fast, noninvasive and cost-effective with respect to other conventional methods. The significant increment of specific Ca and Mg lines of neoplastic gastric tissues in comparison to the nonneoplastic ones can be considered as valuable information that might bring about tissue classification. The number of samples in this work, however, was not sufficient for a decisive conclusion and further researches is needed to generalize this idea

Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials

Interest in the development of smart and active biodegradable packaging materials is increasing as food manufacturers try to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of their products, while still maintaining their quality and safety. Active packaging materials contain components that enhance their functionality, such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, light blockers, or oxygen barriers. Smart packaging materials contain sensing components that provide an indication of changes in food attributes, such as alterations in their quality, maturity, or safety. For instance, a smart sensor may give a measurable color change in response to a deterioration in food quality. This article reviews recent advances in the development of active and smart biodegradable packaging materials in the food industry. Moreover, studies on the application of these packaging materials to monitor the freshness and safety of food products are reviewed, including dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the potential challenges associated with the application of these eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry are discussed, as well as potential future directions

The effect of the health belief model-based education & improvement of consumption of fruits and vegetables: An interventional study

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular diseases are noncontiguous diseases which are caused by various factors. Considering the importance of nutrition education especially consumption of fruits and vegetables; This study was performed to determine the effect of health education based on health belief model on the improvement of consumption of fruits and vegetables aiming at preventing cardiovascular disease among high school girls in Shahr-e-kord city.Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental intervention study. The research population was 120 students that were randomly divided into different groups, experimental (60 person) and controls (60 person). The tools for data collecting were questionnaire health belief model based and FFQ questionnaire. The HBM questionnaire was completed 3 times, (before, Immediately and 2 months after education) and FFQ questionnaire was completed 2 times, (before and 2 months after education) by students. After pre-test, 6 educational session classes in experimental group were performed. Finally data collected and analyzed by SPSS16 computer software (T- test, repeated measure ANOVA).Results: The two groups had no significant difference in terms of demographic variables. There was no significant differences observed in two groups before the intervention between the scores of different structures of this model (P>0/05). There was significant differences observed after the intervention between experimental and control groups in the levels of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived efficacy and performance (p<0.001).Conclusion: According to the results, intervention has positive impact on the improvement of consumption of fruits and vegetables among students.Key words: Education, Health belief model, Heart Diseases, Consumption of fruits, Vegetable

Stress Level and Smoking Status in Central Iran: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

<p class="abstract"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Individuals are faced with numerous stressful life events which can negatively influence mental health. Many individuals use smoking as a means of confronting stress. Given the relatively high prevalence of smoking in central Iran, the present study was conducted to compare stress levels in smokers, non-smokers and those who had quit smoking.</p> <p class="abstract"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS:</strong><strong> </strong>This study was conducted as part of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Program on 9752 individuals in the cities of Isfahan, Arak, and Najafabad in 2008. Sampling was performed using multi-stage cluster randomization method. Data on age, sex, demographic characteristics, and smoking status was collected through interviews. Stress level detected by General Health questionnaire.Logistic regression and chi- squere test was used for data analyzing<strong>.</strong></p> <p class="abstract"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS:</strong> In the present study, 30% of non-smokers, 32.1% ex- smoker and 36.9% of smokers had GHQ of 4 and higher (P = 0.01). In regression analysis, the final model which was controlled for age, sex, socioeconomic statues (including place of residence, marital status and education level) showed that the odds ratio of stress in smokers and ex- smoker was significantly higher than in non-smokers (OR = 1.66 and OR = 1.12, respectively).<strong></strong></p> <p class="abstract"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Since in conducted studies, mental problems and stresses have had an important role in people&rsquo;s smoking, it seems suitable to use the results of this study to present intervention for correct methods of coping with stress towards reducing the prevalence of smoking in the community.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Keywords:</strong> Cigarette, Stress, Community-based Program.</p

The insecticidal effect of diatomaceous earth against adults and nymphs of Blattella germanica

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the insecticidal effect of diatomaceous earth (DE) against adults and nymphs of Blattella germanica.MethodsThis cross sectional study has been done on the laboratory strain of German cockroaches. Two stages, nymph and adult, were exposed to six dose rates of the DE, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/m2, at 24, 48 and 72 h exposure period. Mortality (number of dead cockroaches) was assessed after 24 h. Other exposed specimens were transferred to the beakers contained food and water for counting the retard mortality rate after 1 week.ResultsIncreasing in dose rates of DE increased mortality rate, so that the lowest and highest mortality rates were observed in 2.5 and 25 g/m2, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the lethality of 50% of DE plus water on the German cockroach nymphs.ConclusionsDue to the resistance of German cockroach against organochloride, organophosphorus, carbamate and pyrethriodes insecticides, it is suggested to use DE for insect's control

A survey on men's awareness of premenstrual syndrome and marital satisfaction in married women in Tehran, Iran

Background: The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a major clinical disorder with a number of temporary behavioral changes that is greatly affecting female population. Available information about PMS and marital satisfaction remains unclear, especially among women suffering from symptoms of PMS. The link between spousal supports has also been found to be related to marital satisfaction while no literature exists scrutinizing the effect of men’s awareness of PMS on marital satisfaction. This study intended to examine men’s awareness of PMS as a predictive factor for marital satisfaction among married women affected by PMS. Aim: To scrutinize the effect of men’s awareness of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) on marital satisfaction among married PMS-affected women. Methods: The sample for this cross-sectional survey comprised of 277 married 19-49 years old women who registered at gynecological outpatient clinics in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected following a multistage random cluster sampling approach in 2015. Main research variables were demographic data, an adapted Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale as well as men’s awareness of the Premenstrual Syndrome. Results: This study found that the men’s awareness of PMS and having PMS symptoms were correlated to, and at times anticipated, the likelihood of marital satisfaction among PMS-affected women. Conclusions: The results can assist frontline health workers and health promotion strategists seeking to improve women’s health by providing visions into personal, relationship, and socio-cultural factors and offering consultation services for PMS issues in primary health care facilities in Iran