Effect of temperature and propylene glycol as a cosolvent on dissolution of clotrimazole

Herein, the solubility study of clotrimazole was performed in a propylene glycol+water system. The solubility values were fitted to various cosolvency equations. The model accuracies were studied with the computation of the mean relative deviations. The thermodynamic behavior was investigated according to the van't Hoff and Gibbs equations for clotrimazole in the propylene glycol+water system. Furthermore, the density data for clotrimazole were determined in mixtures of propylene glycol+water and fitted to the Jouyban-Acree equation.

Mesostigmata diversity by manure type: a reference study and new datasets from southwestern Iran

Manure-inhabiting Mesostigmata mites are important biological control agents of pest flies. However, the biodiversity of this mite community is mainly known from Europe and America, and especially from cattle manure. This study examined the diversity and abundance of Mesostigmata mites associated with various types of manure in an (intensive) agricultural region of the Middle East, i.e., the city Ahvaz and its suburbs, in southwest Iran. Mite samples were extracted from manure of cattle, buffalo, sheep, horse, poultry and quail in 30 livestock and poultry farms. In total, 40 species belonging to 24 genera and 16 families were identified. The most diverse families were Laelapidae with eight species, Macrochelidae with seven and Parasitidae with six. Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and Uroobovella marginata were the most widespread species, recorded in 28 and 27 out of 30 collection sites, respectively. Two species, M. sumbaensis and U. marginata, were found in all studied manures. Simpson's diversity index recorded the highest diversity in buffalo and sheep manure. Real and theoretical species richness (rarefaction curves) were congruent in number of individuals. The presence of seven species of Macrochelidae in the manure confirms that these are important predators of the house fly for the region of Ahvaz and its suburbs. Members of the Parasitidae were highly prevalent, with one species known as a specialized predator of house fly eggs. This work aims to encourage further studies on the diversity of Mesostigmata in these agricultural settings, and further continue assessing the feasibility of these mites as effective biocontrol agents of filth flies in different types of manure and from different corners of the world.

Clonal relatedness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella serovars isolated from humans and domestic animals in Iran: a one health perspective

Background

Salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in humans and animals worldwide.

Aims

The main objective of this study was to report serovars, clonal relatedness, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from human, different animal hosts including pigeons, broilers, cattle, camel, parrots, and hamsters in different regions of Iran.

Methods

Twenty-four Salmonella isolates were confirmed at the genus level by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by showing the presence of invA gene. Serovars were determined and their clonal relatedness was assessed by RAPD-PCR and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Results

Overall, Salmonella Typhimurium was the most prevalent serovar (45.8%, 11/24), which was recovered from humans, pigeons, and camels. Salmonella Enteritidis (29.2%, 7/24) was the second common serovar that was recovered from cattle, broilers, humans, and hamsters. Salmonella Infantis (12.5%, 3/24) belonged only to broiler sources, and Salmonella Seftenberg (12.5%, 3/24) was isolated from eggs and a parrot. The major RAPD pattern was VI (33.3%) in which the two S. Typhimurium isolates (belonged to humans and pigeons) exhibited similarity in both RAPD pattern and resistance profile. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed full resistance to tylosin and erythromycin (100%, 24/24). All isolates (100%, 24/24) were susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefixime, and gentamicin. In total, 75% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and revealed 15 different antimicrobial resistance profiles (R-type).

Conclusion

This study supports the potential transmission of Salmonella serovars via animal contacts. Thus, it is necessary to establish a national systematic monitoring program with one health approach for controlling Salmonella infections.

Regenerative strategies for the consequences of myocardial infarction: Chronological indication and upcoming visions

Heart muscle injury and an elevated troponin level signify myocardial infarction (MI), which may result in defective and uncoordinated segments, reduced cardiac output, and ultimately, death. Physicians apply thrombolytic therapy, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to recanalize and restore blood flow to the coronary arteries, albeit they were not convincingly able to solve the heart problems. Thus, researchers aim to introduce novel substitutional therapies for regenerating and functionalizing damaged cardiac tissue based on engineering concepts. Cell-based engineering approaches, utilizing biomaterials, gene, drug, growth factor delivery systems, and tissue engineering are the most leading studies in the field of heart regeneration. Also, understanding the primary cause of MI and thus selecting the most efficient treatment method can be enhanced by preparing microdevices so-called heart-on-a-chip. In this regard, microfluidic approaches can be used as diagnostic platforms or drug screening in cardiac disease treatment. Additionally, bioprinting technique with whole organ 3D printing of human heart with major vessels, cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells can be an ideal goal for cardiac tissue engineering and remarkable achievement in near future. Consequently, this review discusses the different aspects, advancements, and challenges of the mentioned methods with presenting the advantages and disadvantages, chronological indications, and application prospects of various novel therapeutic approaches.

Andrographolide, a novel inducer of apelin gene expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia and Scandinavia for centuries to remedy several illnesses. It has since been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-neoplasm, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and energetic effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study sought to investigate the effect of Andrographolide on apelin gene expression and serum levels of glucose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 18 male rats were used. They were divided into three groups of six, including i) negative control group, ii) 3.5 mg/kg Andrographolide group, and iii) 7 mg/kg Andrographolide group. Apelin gene expression was investigated by real-time PCR method. Serum levels of glucose were measured by the photometric method.

RESULTS

The results of this study revealed that 3.5 and 7 mg doses per kg of body weight of andrographolide, for six days, significantly increased hepatic expression of apelin gene in male Wistar rats, as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of glucose at doses of 3.5 and 7 mg/kg of andrographolide, and in the control group, were 71.5 ± 8.96, 51.5 ± 2.64, and 93.87 ± 14.27 mg/dl, respectively. Andrographolide induced a decrease in serum levels of HDL-c and an increase in LDL-c/HDL-c ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Andrographolide can elicit an increase of hepatic apelin gene expression and a decrease in serum levels of blood glucose.

Mechanism of C60 rotation and translation on hexagonal boron-nitride monolayer

Newly synthesized nanocars have shown great potential to transport molecular payloads. Since wheels of nanocars dominate their motion, the study of the wheels helps us to design a suitable surface for them. We investigated C₆₀ thermal diffusion on the hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) monolayer as the wheel of nanocars. We calculated C₆₀ potential energy variation during the translational and rotational motions at different points on the substrate. The study of the energy barriers and diffusion coefficients of the molecule at different temperatures indicated three noticeable changes in the C₆₀ motion regime. C₆₀ starts to slide on the surface at 30 K-40 K, slides freely on the boron-nitride monolayer at 100 K-150 K, and shows rolling motions at temperatures higher than 500 K. The anomaly parameter of the motion reveals that C₆₀ has a diffusive motion on the boron-nitride substrate at low temperatures and experiences superdiffusion with Levy flight motions at higher temperatures. A comparison of the fullerene motion on the boron-nitride and graphene surfaces demonstrated that the analogous structure of the graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride led to similar characteristics such as anomaly parameters and the temperatures at which the motion regime changes. The results of this study empower us to predict that fullerene prefers to move on boron-nitride sections on a hybrid substrate composed of graphene and boron-nitride. This property can be utilized to design pathways or regions on a surface to steer or trap the C₆₀ or other molecular machines, which is a step toward directional transportation at the molecular scale.

Directional control of surface rolling molecules exploiting non-uniform heat-induced substrates

Molecular machines, such as nanocars, have shown promising potential for various tasks, including manipulation at the nanoscale. In this paper, we examined the influence of temperature gradients on nanocar and nanotruck motion as well as C60 - as their wheel - on a flat gold surface under various conditions. We also compared the accuracy and computational cost of two different approaches for generating the temperature gradient. The results show that severe vibrations and frequent impacts of gold atoms at high temperatures increase the average distance of C60 from the substrate, reducing its binding energy. Moreover, the temperature field drives C60 to move along the temperature variation; still, the diffusive motion of C60 remained unchanged in the direction perpendicular to the temperature gradient. Increasing the magnitude of the temperature gradient speeds up its motion parallel to the gradient, while raising the average temperature of the substrate increases the diffusion coefficient in all directions. The temperature field influences the nanocar motion in the same manner as C60. However, the nanocars have a substantially shorter motion range compared to C60. The relatively larger, heavier, and more flexible chassis of the nanocar makes it more sluggish than the nanotruck. In general, the motion of large and heavy surface rolling molecules is less affected by the temperature field compared to small and light molecules. The results of the study show that concentrated heat sources can be employed to push surface rolling molecules or break down their large clusters. We can exploit a temperature field as a driving force to push nanocars in a desired direction on prebuilt pathways.

Does feeding on pollen grains affect the performance of Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) during subsequent generations?

Diet is a critical component of the mass-rearing of biological control agents, but the impacts of diet are not always immediately obvious and can take several generations to manifest, resulting in poor survival, reproduction, and ability to kill prey under natural conditions. Our present study aimed to investigate the performance of a commercially-reared phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius swirskii, after four (G4) and six (G6) consecutive generations on pollen grains of two plant species, as well as its ability to find and kill its natural prey, Tetranychus urticae, after long-term rearing on each diet. We found no significant difference between the two diets in intrinsic and finite rates in G4. However, both diet and generation exerted a significant influence on the fecundity of A. swirskii. By G6, females reared on almond pollen had greater net reproductive and intrinsic rate compared to those reared on maize pollen. Conversely, A. swirskii fed on maize pollen consumed fewer prey than those reared on other diets, especially at higher prey densities. The findings have important implications for developing the mass-rearing program of A. swirskii on non-prey diets. Further research must explore the suitability of almond pollen in the large-scale culture of A. swirskii.

Investigating the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum-Matrix Reinforced-Graphene Nanosheet Composites Fabricated by Mechanical Milling and Equal-Channel Angular Pressing

Layered-graphene reinforced-metal matrix nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties and low density are a new class of advanced materials for a broad range of applications. A facile three-step approach based on ultra-sonication for dispersion of graphene nanosheets (GNSs), ball milling for Al-powder mixing with different weight percentages of GNSs, and equal-channel angular pressing for powders' consolidation at 200 °C was applied for nanocomposite fabrication. The Raman analysis revealed that the GNSs in the sample with 0.25 wt.% GNSs were exfoliated by the creation of some defects and disordering. X-ray diffraction and microstructural analysis confirmed that the interaction of the GNSs and the matrix was almost mechanical, interfacial bonding. The density test demonstrated that all samples except the 1 wt.% GNSs were fully densified due to the formation of microvoids, which were observed in the scanning electron microscope analysis. Investigation of the mechanical properties showed that by using Al powders with commercial purity, the 0.25 wt.% GNS sample possessed the maximum hardness, ultimate shear strength, and uniform normal displacement in comparison with the other samples. The highest mechanical properties were observed in the 0.25 wt.% GNSs composite, resulting from the embedding of exfoliated GNSs between Al powders, excellent mechanical bonding, and grain refinement. In contrast, agglomerated GNSs and the existence of microvoids caused deterioration of the mechanical properties in the 1 wt.% GNSs sample.

A new right groin incision versus McBurney's incision for open appendectomy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

We aimed to introduce a new surgical method for open appendectomy including a right groin incision with adipocutaneous flap and to compare its feasibility, safety, and cosmetic outcomes with classic McBurney's incision.

METHODS

Patients with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis who were candidates for appendectomy surgery at General Surgery Department, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2016 and 2017, were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups each containing 50 patients. In the case and control groups, patients underwent appendectomy using right groin incision with adipocutaneous flap and traditional McBurney's methods, respectively.

RESULTS

One hundred patients with the mean age of 23.6 years (range = 4-44) old including 65 males were enrolled in the study. Patients' demographics, histopathology, and anatomical location of the appendix were not significantly different in the case and control groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative wound infection, cellulitis, hematoma, and seroma between the two groups. Patients in the case group were significantly more satisfied in terms of cosmesis than in the control group (P < .001); however, the operative time and pain were higher in the case group compared to the control group (P values = 0.016 and 0.033, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The right groin incision for open appendectomy may be safe and feasible and the most cosmetically appealing method especially in children and patients with cosmetic concerns.

Directing the diffusive motion of fullerene-based nanocars using nonplanar gold surfaces

A new method for guiding the motion of fullerene and fullerene-based nanocars is introduced in this paper. The effects of non-flat substrates on the motion of C₆₀, a nanocar and a nanotruck are investigated at different conditions and temperatures. Their behavior is studied using two different approaches: analyzing the variation in potential energy and conducting all-atom classical molecular dynamics simulations. This paper proposes that the use of a stepped substrate will make their motion more predictable and controllable. The results of the simulations show that C₆₀ stays on the top side of the step and cannot jump over the step at temperatures of 400 K and lower. However, at temperatures of 500 K and higher, C₆₀ has sufficient energy to travel to the down side of the step. C₆₀ attaches to the edge and moves just alongside of the edge when it is on the down side of the step. The edge also restricts the motion of C₆₀ alongside the edge and reduces its range of motion. By considering the motion of C₆₀, the general behavior of the nanocar and nanotruck is predictable. The nanocar stays on the top side of the step at temperatures of 400 K and less; at 500 K and higher temperatures, its wheels jump off the edge, and its range of motion is restricted. The relatively rigid chassis of the nanotruck does not allow the free individual motion of the wheels. As a result, the entire nanotruck stays on the top side of the step, even at 600 K. A pathway with the desired route can be fabricated for the motion of C₆₀ and nanocars using the method presented in this paper. This represents a step towards the directional motion of C₆₀ and nanocars.

Description of a new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran

A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae), Gaeolaelaps izajiensis sp. n. is described based on the morphological characters of adult females which were collected from soil sample in the Izeh and Ghaletol regions of the Khuzestan province, Iran. It can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by some morphological characteristics of dorsal shield, form and reticulation of epigynal shield, the exopodal plates, and the peritremes.

Description of a new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran, with a key to world species of the genus with short peritremes

A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) is described based on morphological characters of adult females collected from nest of Formica sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Shahrekord Region, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. A key for the identification of species of Gaeolaelaps with short peritremes is presented.

Description of a new species of Cosmolaelaps Berlese and the male of C. brevipedestra (Karg) from Iran, with notes on some other species of Cosmolaelaps Berlese (Acari: Laelapidae)

We describe a new species of mite, Cosmolaelaps malmiriensis sp. nov., based on morphological characters of the adult female. We also describe the male of C. brevipedestra (Karg, 1985) and re-describe its female. Gaeolaelaps angustiscutatus (Willmann, 1951), and Gymnolaelaps markewitschi (Pirianyk, 1959) are transferred into Cosmolaelaps. Cosmolaelaps acutiscutus Teng, 1982 and C. subacutiscutus Bai & Wang, 2005 appear to be junior synonyms of C. angustiscutatus. Cosmolaelaps confinisetarum Moreira et al., 2014 is synonymised with C. guttulata (Karg, 1978).

A new genus and species of Laelapidae from Iran with notes on Gymnolaelaps Berlese and Laelaspisella Marais & Loots (Acari, Mesostigmata)

Pogonolaelaps gen. n. a new genus of Laelapidae Berlese is erected and described based on Pogonolaelaps canestrinii (Berlese), comb. n. as well as on specimens which were collected from soil and ant nests in different parts of Iran. Also, a new species Pogonolaelaps beaulieui sp. n. is described based on specimens collected from soil, litter and ant nests in various parts of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. The genus Gymnolaelaps is revised considering species with some morphological deviations. Gymnolaelaps reniculus (Karg, 1981) and Gymnolaelaps triquetrus (Karg, 2003) are removed from this genus and placed in their original genus Pseudoparasitus. The characters of Laelaspisella Marais & Loots, 1969 are discussed in a detail along with a proposal of a new definition.

Comparing Blood Lead Level among Oral/inhaled Opium Addicts with a Non-addict Control Group in the Southeast of Iran

BACKGROUND

Opium is widely used among addicts in the Middle East countries such as Iran. Recent reports suggest that opium sellers cheat their customers by adding lead to the opium. Contaminated opium can threaten the health of consumers. This study was designed to evaluate the lead concentration in blood sample of oral and inhaled opium user's referring to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Zabol, Iran, during spring 2015 in comparison with those of control group.

METHODS

Blood lead level (BLL) of 188 subjects with a mean age of 52.06 years in three categories - including oral opium addicted (55 patients), inhaled opium addicted (55 patients), and healthy control group (n = 78) - was assessed. The BLL of all the subjects was assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

FINDINGS

Almost all participants consumed "Tariak" (99.09%). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of opium addiction was 13.21 ± 10.26 years. The average blood lead concentration among oral users, inhaled users, and control group were 34.31 ± 21.54, 41.13 ± 26.40, and 9.86 ± 4.40 µg/dl, respectively (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed significant differences of BLLs between opium users and control group. We also did not find any association between blood lead concentration and method of opium consumption.

Description of a new species of Julolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) from Iran

Julolaelapshallidayisp. n., was collected from soil of river verge in Brujen, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. Description and illustrations of this new species based on adult females are presented. Some entries are added to the key of Moraza and Kazemi (2012) to include the new species.

A new species and new record of Reticulolaelaps Costa (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran

We describe a new species of mite from Iran--Reticulolaelaps hallidayi Joharchi, Nemati & Babaeian sp. nov. (Acari: Laelapidae). The new species was collected in a nest of Tapinoma sp. (Hymnoptera: Formicidae) in Taleghan city, Alborz Province and in soil in Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Reticulolaelapsfaini is reported for the first time from Iran. The genus Reticulolaelaps is redescribed, and Reticulolaelaps lativentris Karg is transferred to Pseudoparasitus Oudemans.

Two new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran

This paper reports on two new species of mites of the genus Gaeolaelaps in soil from Iran, G. farajii sp. nov., and G. orbiculatus sp. nov.. A key to the species of Gaeolaelaps with short peritremes is presented.

A new species of the genus Gaeolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) from Iran

The Genus Gaeolaelaps Evans & Till, 1966 is currently one of the largest genera of the family Laelapidae Berlese. The known representatives of this genus are active predators of small invertebrates such as other mites, insect eggs and nematodes. Gaeolaelaps iranicus Kavianpour & Nemati sp. n., was collected from soil and litter in various parts of Iran. The description and figures of this species are given. A key to the Gaeolaelaps species of Iran is provided.

Fistula formation between the right and left main bronchus caused by endobronchial tuberculosis

The prevalence of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) in patients with active tuberculosis is about 10% to 40%. The most common complication of EBTB is bronchial stenosis. Fistula formation by pulmonary tuberculosis is a very rare complication and is most commonly bronchopleural. The authors present a 53-year-old woman presented with chronic cough and abnormality in chest computed tomography scan. According to chest computed tomography scan finding, bronchoscopic study was done and bronchial lavage was obtained. Bronchial lavage was positive for acid fast bacilli. Bronchoscopy showed fistula formation between the right and left main bronchus, a rare manifestation of EBTB. The patient was treated with antituberculosis therapy, and her symptoms improved and radiological findings showed regression of pulmonary lesions.

Effect of Giardia infection on nutritional status in primary schoolchildren, in northwest Iran

In order to determine the association between Giardia infection and nutritional status, a cross-sectional study was performed on twenty randomly selected primary schools from two regions of Ardabil province in 2005. Anthropometric factors including height, weight and midarm muscle circumference (MAC) were measured for 813 children (413 males, 400 females). The food intake was estimated for energy and other nutrients by 24 h recall method for three days in week. Determination of Giardia infection was done by using direct wet mount and formalin-ether sedimentation concentration. 10.9% of boys and 17.2% of girls were infected with Giardia infection. Weight and MAC in none infected girls and boys (only 7 and 11 years old) were higher than in infected groups. The average values for weight, height and MAC for both genders were lower than those of NCHS values. Vitamin E and phosphorous intake in non infected boys (in 7-10 years old) were less than infected boys. Calorie, protein, vitamins (B3, B5, B6, E and folacin) and minerals (copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and selenium) intake of infected girls were less than non infected girls in 11-12 years old category. Based on the results found in this study, we conclude that Giardia infection may affect on some of anthropometric factors as well as the calorie and other nutrients intake in some of age groups.

Radioprotective effects of hesperidin against gamma irradiation in mouse bone marrow cells

The radioprotective effects of hesperidin (HES), a flavonone glucoside, were investigated by using the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic and cell proliferation activity. A single intraperitoneal (ip) administration of hesperidin at doses of 10 mg kg(-1), 20 mg kg(-1), 40 mg kg(-1), 80 mg kg(-1) and 160 mg kg(-1) 45 min prior to gamma irradiation (2 Gy) reduced the frequencies of micronuleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). All five doses of HES significantly reduced the frequencies of MnPCEs and increased PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in mice bone marrow compared with non-drug-treated irradiated control (p<0.0001). There was a drug dose-response effect of HES in reducing MnPCE and increasing the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in bone marrow cells. The maximum reduction in MnPCE was observed in mice treated with HES at a dose of 80 mg kg(-1). The total MnPCE values were 2.85 fold less in the 80 mg kg(-1) HES group after being exposed to 2 Gy of gamma-rays than those in the respective irradiated control. Our study demonstrates that hesperidin has powerful protective effects on the radiation-induced DNA damage and on the decline in cell proliferation in mouse bone marrow.

Evaluation of DNA damage in leukocytes of G6PD-deficient Iranian newborns (Mediterranean variant) using comet assay

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common inherited disease, which causes neonatal hemolytic anemia and jaundice. Recent studies of our group showed that the Mediterranean variant of this enzyme (Gd-Md) is the predominant G6PD in Iranian male infants suffering from jaundice; this variant is classified as severe G6PD deficiency. Considering the importance of G6PD reaction and its products NADPH and glutathione (GSH) against oxidative stress, we hypothesized the failure of detoxification of H(2)O(2) in G6PD-deficient white blood cells that could probably induce primary DNA damage. For the evaluation of DNA damage, we analyzed mononuclear leukocytes of 36 males suffering from the Gd-Md deficiency using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or comet assay. The level of DNA damage was compared with the level of basal DNA damage in control group represented by healthy male infant donors (of the same age group). Visual scoring was used for the evaluation of DNA damages. The results showed that the mean level of the DNA strand breakage in mononuclear leukocytes of 36 male G6PD-deficient (Gd-Md) infants was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those observed in the normal lymphocytes. In conclusion, this investigation indicates that the mononuclear leukocytes of the Gd-Md samples may be exposed to DNA damage due to oxidative stress. This is the first report using comet assay for evaluation of DNA damage in severe G6PD deficiency samples.