The correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in marine pollution: A case study of the Persian Gulf coastline

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in the Persian Gulf coastline in Bushehr province in 4 seasons from March to December 2017. The physicochemical parameters including water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH and turbidity were measured at each sampling location. The results showed a significant correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters. The correlation coefficient of the Astropecten polyacanthus species with the parameters of temperature, DO, EC, salinity and turbidity was reported as -0.41, 0.64, -0.25, -0.44 and 0.60 respectively. This coefficient for the Ophiothrix fragilis species was reported as -0.68, 0.70, -0.21, -0.36 and -0.55 respectively. The results demonstrated that the most sensitive species were Astropecten polyacanthus and Ophiothrix fragilis respectively. The different species of echinoderms can be used as biological indicators of pollution in evaluating the physicochemical quality of marine environments.

Investigation of melamine and cyanuric acid concentration in several brands of liquid milk and its non-carcinogenic risk assessment in adults and infants

In this study, the melamine and cyanuric acid concentration of widely used milk brands and the probability of non-carcinogenic risk of the brands for adults and infants were investigated. These values were 1.37 mg/L, 1.10 mg/L, and 1.09 mg/L, which corresponded to creamy sterilized sample, high-fat (creamy) pasteurized sample, and low-fat (less-creamy) pasteurized sample, respectively. Similarly, the highest amount of cyanuric acid occurred in brand A with the values of 0.79 mg/L, 0.65 mg/L, and 0.64 mg/L, which was reported in the same samples mentioned for melamine. The HQ (Hazard Quotient) of melamine in the brands of A, B, C and D for adults was 0.0025, 0.0011, 0.0006 and 0.0008 respectively. These values for infants were reported as 2.2280, 0.9444, 0.5714 and 0.6714 respectively. The risk probability of melamine for adults was less than 1. However, the HQ in brand A for infants was greater than 1 (2.380), which indicate the high probability of non-carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, the HI (Hazard Index) values of the brands of A, B, C and D for infants were 2.7913, 1.1737, 0.7067 and 0.838, respectively. The simultaneous melamine and cyanuric acid in the brands A and B in for infants increase the non-carcinogenic risk probability by approximately 2.8 and 1.2 times, respectively. The results revealed that the melamine and cyanuric acid concentrations in creamy milk samples (0.5%) were higher than in less-creamy milk samples (2.5%). Moreover, the amount of the compounds in sterilized milk samples was higher than pasteurized. In this study, a conversion factor (0.7) was proposed in order to find out the concentration of cyanuric acid in milk sample with the amount of melamine is known but the cyanuric acid concentration is unknown.

Management of the construction and demolition waste (CDW) and determination of the best disposal alternative by FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process): A case study of Tehran, Iran

The study focused on the management of the final disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) generated in Tehran and the determination of the best disposal method. For this purpose, three of final disposal alternatives such as reusing, recycling and landfilling were selected. Moreover, three effective criteria (environmental, economic and socio-cultural) and 16 sub-criteria were considered. A group of experts participated in the questionnaire in order to create a database. FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) was used to determine the final disposal alternative considering to the sustainable development approach. The results obtained from the FAHP model showed that the weight of the environmental, economic and socio-cultural criteria was 0.330, 0.544 and 0.126, respectively. In the view of the environmental, the weight value of the sub-criteria of recyclable, water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution and natural resources protection were 0.035, 0.127, 0.069, 0.042 and 0.055, respectively. In terms of economic, the weight value of the sub-criteria of raw materials cost, land occupancy rate, profitability, mutual interests, exploitation cost and initial investment were 0.108, 0.045, 0.063, 0.083, 0.094 and 0.149 respectively. In addition, from the point of view of socio-cultural aspect, the weight value of the sub-criteria of community acceptance, government cooperation, people's awareness level, security in construction and employment were 0.015, 0.050, 0.011, 0.022, and 0.026, respectively. The reuse alternative with a weight of 0.439 was selected as the best disposal method and the recycling (0.312) and landfilling (0.250) were second and third alternatives, respectively. The results also indicated that the generated CDW in Tehran was mostly composed of reusable components such as metals, plastics, wood, glass and gypsum. Therefore, with the selection of this alternative as a final disposal method, the costs of raw materials and the pollution originated from landfilling can be significantly reduced.Implication: The main purpose of this study is to provide a framework in which the priority of criteria and sub-criteria and alternatives in CDW management in Tehran, Iran is determined. The novelty of this method included providing an efficient management method in CDW management, because the production of this type of waste in Iran has become a major problem. The most important part of this method was the decision of local experts to provide the best disposal alternative, since solving problems related to CDW management is achieved by participation and collaboration with experts working in the same system. The obtained results showed that reusing is the first priority in terms of all the studied criteria and sanitary landfilling is the last priority. Sanitary landfilling is currently in place in the study area and respondents are well aware of its disadvantages. The results in terms of each criterion show that economic criteria are the most important criteria. Investment cost in terms of economic criteria, public acceptance in terms of social criteria and water pollution in terms of environmental criteria as the most effective sub-criteria according to the main goal. Various complex factors affect CDW management systems and therefore the use of practical decision-making techniques such as FAHP to deal with the complexity of CDW management will be useful and valuable.

Identification and determination of the volatile organics of third-hand smoke from different cigarettes and clothing fabrics

Third-hand smoke (THS) is a persistent mixture generated from aged second-hand smoke (SHS) that accumulates in indoor environments and reemits into the air. This work evaluates the tobacco-derived volatile organics of cigarette THS from various clothing fabrics that were exposed to side-stream smoke of several brands of cigarettes in a controlled experimental scale. The qualitative and quantitative determination of the chemicals off-gassed was performed using solid phase micro-extraction coupled with GC/MS. Sixty-six components of side-stream smoke were identified in third-hand cigarette smoke. In this study, toluene-reference concentration (TRC) was calculated for volatile compounds and estimated based on the basic response characteristics of GC/MS. Among the identified analytes, 16 compounds were quantified presenting high toxicity and/or abundance in smoke, such as: benzene, toluene, xylene, pyridine, limonene, naphthalene, furfural and nicotine. The results showed that the total quantified volatile organics released for cotton, wool, polyester and filament fabrics were 92.37, 93.09, 87.88, and 50.22 μg/l fabric, respectively. Fabric structure significantly affects chemical off-gassing. Natural fibers were more capable of holding and emitting THS than synthetic fibers. Besides, various desorption times from 15 to 45 min after exposure to cigarette smoke in the study were evaluated. With increasing desorption time, no significant decrease in the concentration of organic compounds in THS was observed. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that it will be difficult to clean the pollutants from the environment contaminated with cigarette smoke and it will take more hours to reduce the concentration of organic compounds.

Quantitative analysis of taste disorder in COVID-19 patients, the hypersensitivity to salty quality

Recently, many of the studies have illustrated that the new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 can affect Central Nervous System through the olfactory bulb. In addition to investigating anosmia or hyposmia induced by this virus, a quantitative analysis was needed to clarify the taste and smell disorder of the new coronavirus. The four basic taste quality with five concentrations for sweet, sour, bitter, and salty were administered to 75 subjects divided into three groups: COVID-19 patients with taste disorder, COVID-19 patients without taste disorder, and control group.

The results indicated the increment of sweet (2.68 ± 0.14), sour (3.34 ± 0.12) and bitter (3.39 ± 0.2) thresholds in COVID-19 patients with taste disorder in comparison with patients without taste disorder that the threshold were: 2 ± 0.16, 2.11 ± 0.2 and 2.55 ± 0.5 for sweet, sour, and bitter respectively. On the other hand, the patients inversely showed a significant decrease in the salty taste threshold (0.51 ± 0.03) compared to COVID-19 positive control groups (1.11 ± 0.11).

Additionally, despite taste disorder in almost all of the patients with smell deficiency, only 30% of cases with taste disorder reported smell deficiency. It may be concluded that some of the taste disorders in patients with COVID-19 disorder could be associated with taste receptors dysfunction or the spread of infection to the cranial nerves responsible for the conduction of tastes sensation.

Determination of melamine contamination in chocolates containing powdered milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Melamine is widely being reported as a food adulterant. Although its toxicity is currently recognized, melamine adulterations of dairy products are ongoing to apparently increase the amount of protein. The study was conducted to investigate the determination of melamine amounts in chocolates containing powdered milk. In this study, 60 samples of chocolates containing powdered milk, both imported and domestic brands, were collected. The samples were prepared by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to the results, melamine was found in about 94% of imported samples and about 77% of Iranian samples. Melamine concentration in imported samples ranged from 0.032 to 2.692 mg/kg, while in Iranian ones it ranged from 0.013 to 2.600 mg/kg. The mean melamine concentrations of foreign and Iranian samples were 0.685 ± 0.68 and 0.456 ± 0.73 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of melamine were 0.017 and 0.052 μg/ml, respectively. The recovery rate (R%) at fortified levels of 1-2 mg/kg was found to be 89.20-95.69% with an RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) of 1.8-2.7%. Based on the study results, melamine was present in 85% of all samples and the melamine level in one Iranian brand and one imported brand was higher than the Codex Organization standard. However, the consumption of chocolates containing these low levels of melamine does not constitute a health risk for consumers.

Optimization of free chlorine, electric and current efficiency in an electrochemical reactor for water disinfection purposes by RSM

This study surveys the possibility to optimally produce active chlorine from synthetic saline solutions using electrolysis by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Various operating parameters, such as sodium chloride concentration, electrical potential and electrolysis time were evaluated. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to determine the optimal experimental factors for chlorine production. The experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and optimization were performed using R 3.5.3 software. The results showed that the optimum value of electrical efficiency (42 mg Cl₂/kj) was obtained at the electrical voltage of 15.73 V during 15.63 min in the presence of 63.42 g/l of sodium chloride. The optimum point for current efficiency was 38.40%, which was obtained at the electrical voltage of 10.76 V during 6.70 min in the presence of 34.65 g/l of sodium chloride. Moreover, generated active chlorine was optimized based on energy consumption, which was 77 mg/l for the energy consumption of 0.2 kWh/l at a current density of 2000 mA/cm². The electrochemical production of the chlorine gas from saline or brine water can be extensively used for water disinfection.

The impact of saturated monoacylglycerols on the oxidative stability of Canola oil under various time/temperature conditions

Due to the inconsistency of monoacylglycerols’ (MAGs) impacts and the lack of research concerning the weight of saturated monoacylglycerols on the oxidative stability of oils, the current study was designed. For this purpose, saturated MAGs at 0.5, 3.0 and 5.0% were added to canola oil and subsequently exposed to a Schaall oven test at 60 °C for 31 days (to assimilate moderate thermal conditions and a prolonged treatment time) and a Rancimat test at 110 °C (to assimilate extreme thermal conditions and shorter treatment time). To evaluate the quality and oxidative stability parameters of MAG-containing canola oil, free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and the oxidative stability index (OSI) were determined. The findings indicated that with the increase in MAG levels, the FFA increased from 0.05 up to 0.2%. The PV increased from 2 to 100 meq/L with the increase in MAG concentration. Also, it was shown that OSI increased from 12.20 to 13.10 h, which was proportional to MAG concentration.

Prenatal diagnosis in rare bleeding disorders-An unresolved issue?

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is the most dreadful complication, and the main cause of death among patients with rare bleeding disorders (RBD) and prenatal diagnosis (PND) is a preventative lifesaving program. A total of 39 PNDs were reported in the literature through a search on PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases, most often for congenital factor (F) XIII and FVII deficiencies and rarely in FX, FV deficiencies and afibrinogenemia. The main cause to request a PND is ICH and related morbidity and mortality. Different molecular methods including direct sequencing and linkage analysis as well as polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for a specific mutation are the most common used methods for PND, while factor assay and combination of molecular and factor assay also were used. In this research, 7 severely affected foetuses were identified during PND including 3 foetuses with FXIII deficiency, 3 with FVII deficiency and 1 with FX deficiency. Out of these 7 cases, intrauterine ICH occurred in 1 case with FXIII deficiency, 1 was electively aborted and 1 case with severe FVII deficiency received intrauterine factor transfusion. Postdelivery ICH was reported for 1 patient with severe FVII deficiency within the first month of life. All other pregnancies were uneventful.

A large case series on surgical outcomes in congenital factor XIII deficiency patients in Iran

Essentials Data on surgery in factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency patients are scarce and lack standardized guidelines. Variable dosage of 10-50 U kg-1 was given to FXIII deficiency patients undergoing surgery. Surgical outcomes showed excellent hemostasis with a minimal risk of post-operative complications. Surgery can be performed safely in FXIII deficiency patients following FXIII administration.

SUMMARY

Background The lack of accepted standardized surgical guidelines leads to dependence on the treating physicians' and centers' experiences. Aim Our aim is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a large group of congenital factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) patients. Methods A case series study was conducted prior to surgery on congenital FXIIID patients in two major referral centers located in Iran from 2010 to 2016. All patients were on prophylaxis using plasma factor XIII concentrate (10 U kg-1 , every 28 days) except for three patients. Single doses of 10 U kg-1 or 30 U kg-1 plasma factor XIII concentrate were given before a minor procedure and circumcision, respectively. Two doses of plasma factor XIII concentrate, one 30 U kg-1 prior to the procedure and the second dose of 30 U kg-1 on postoperative day 3, were given for major surgery. The dose was 50 U kg-1 both before and after neurosurgical procedures. Results One hundred and sixty-two FXIIID patients underwent minor, major and obstetrical/gynecological surgeries. Median age of the patients was 14 years (ages ranged 15 days to 47 years). The male-to-female ratio was 89/73. Five postoperative complications, two bleeding and three thrombosis, were recorded. Conclusion Our study showed excellent hemostasis in FXIIID patients undergoing surgeries. During the period of these surgeries, we observed only 1.8% postoperative complications. Surgery can be performed safely in FXIIID patients, and our proposed treatment regimens lead to adequate hemostatic coverage with minimal risk, for both minor and major surgeries.

Factor XIII deficiency diagnosis: Challenges and tools

Factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder arising from heterogeneous mutations, which can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. The diagnosis of FXIIID is challenging due to normal standard coagulation assays requiring specific FXIII assays for diagnosis, which is especially difficult in developing countries. This report presents an overview of FXIIID diagnosis and laboratory methods and suggests an algorithm to improve diagnostic efficiency and prevent missed or delayed FXIIID diagnosis. Assays measuring FXIII activity: The currently available assays utilized to diagnose FXIIID, including an overview of their complexity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity, as well as mutational analysis are reviewed. The use of a FXIII inhibitor assay is described. Diagnostic tools in FXIIID: Many laboratories are not equipped with quantitative FXIII activity assays, and if available, limitations in lower activity ranges are important to consider. Clot solubility tests are not standardized, have a low sensitivity, and are therefore not recommended as routine screening test; however, they are the first screening test in almost all coagulation laboratories in developing countries. To minimize the number of patients with undiagnosed FXIIID, test quality should be improved in less well-equipped laboratories. Common country-specific mutations may facilitate diagnosis through targeted genetic analysis in reference laboratories in suspected cases. However, genetic analysis may not be feasible in every country and may miss spontaneous mutations. Centralized FXIII activity measurements should also be considered. An algorithm for diagnosis of FXIIID including different approaches dependent upon laboratory capability is proposed.

Association of SHMT1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a sample of Iranian population

The enzymes serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) regulate key reaction in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. In the current study we aimed to examine the possible association between SHMT1 gene polymorphisms and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a sample of Iranian population. The rs9901160, rs2273027, rs9909104, rs1979277, and rs11868708 gene polymorphisms of SHMT1 were genotyped in 120 children diagnosed with ALL and 120 healthy children by the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that rs9901160, rs2273027 as well as rs1979277 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of childhood ALL (P<0.05). While, rs9909104 polymorphism significantly decreased the ALL risk (P<0.05). The rs11868708 variant was not associated with risk/protection of childhood ALL (P>0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that the polymorphisms of SHMT1 gene are associated with childhood ALL risk in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are necessary to verify our findings.

Lack of Association between Interleukin-18 –607 C/A Gene Polymorphism and Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a critical role in immune response, contributing to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of infectious diseases. Polymorphisms in the IL-18 genes are known to influence expression levels and may be associated with outcome of infections. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of IL-18 polymorphisms –607 A/C (rs1946518) was associated with tuberculosis disease. We investigated the functional polymorphism of IL-18 (rs1946518) in 174 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 177 healthy subjects. Genotype analysis was done using tetra amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (T-ARMS-PCR). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the IL-18 polymorphism did not differ significantly between PTB and the controls. Our finding suggests that IL-18 polymorphism (rs1946518) may not be a risk factor for susceptibility to tuberculosis in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies are required to validate our findings.

A Comparison of Efficacy Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Hereditary FVIII Deficiency With Inhibitor

Introduction:

This study compared the efficacy of Aryoseven with Novoseven to control bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors.

Methods:

Sixty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 4 consecutive block randomization. These groups received Aryoseven and Novoseven dosages of 90 to 120 μg/kg intravenously every 2 hours.

Results:

Median (interquartile range) level of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor in groups A and B was 15.0 and 19.0 Bethesda Unit (BU) preadministration. Bleeding onset in group A was 1246 ± 1104 minutes and in group B was 2301 ± 1693 minutes ( P = .311). The Kavakli global response scores and treatment success rate was comparable in both the groups. The side effects in groups A (9.7%) and B (2.9%) were comparable.

Conclusion:

Biosimilar recombinant activated FVII is found to be as effective as Novoseven in the treatment of acute joint bleeding in patients with hemophilia with inhibitors. Its usage will decrease the gaps in hemophilia.

A Comparison Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Congenital Factor VII Deficiency

In order to establish the efficacy and biosimilar nature of AryoSeven to NovoSeven in the treatment of congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, patients received either agent at 30 μg/kg, intravenously per week for 4 weeks, in a randomized fashion. The primary aim was to compare FVII:coagulation activity (FVII:C), 20 minutes after recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa) injection, in the 2 groups. A secondary measure was self-reported bleeding. The median interquartile baseline range of the plasma level of activated FVII (FVIIa) activity in the 2 groups was 1.6 (1.1-14.0) IU/dL and 5.0 (1.1-25.5) IU/dL. All patients achieved levels of FVIIa (FVII:C) >30 IU/dL, 20 minutes after the injection of rFVIIa. Bleeding was similar between the 2 groups, with a comparable decrease in severity and frequency compared to the last month prior to treatment. AryoSeven is similar to NovoSeven in increasing postinjection FVIIa activity as well as in clinical safety and efficacy.

Association of CTSZ rs34069356 and MC3R rs6127698 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible association between cathepsin Z (CTSZ) rs34069356 C/T (Ala286Thr) and melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) rs6127698 G>T (-484 G/T) gene polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in an Iranian sample population.

DESIGN

This case-control study included 150 PTB patients and 177 healthy subjects. Tetra amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that the MC3R rs6127698 TT genotype increased the risk of PTB compared with GG (additive model: OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.13-4.64, P = 0.021) as well as GG+GT (recessive model: OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.13-3.18, P = 0.016). The rs6127698 T allele increased the risk of PTB (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.14-2.13, P = 0.005) compared to the G allele. The CTSZ rs34069356 polymorphism was not associated with PTB in additive-, dominant- and recessive-tested inheritance models (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that MC3R rs6127698, but not CTSZ rs34069356 polymorphism, is associated with PTB in a sample Iranian population.

Current understanding in diagnosis and management of factor XIII deficiency

Factor XIII or "fibrin-stabilizing factor," is a transglutaminase circulates in the blood circulation as a hetero tetramer with two catalytic A subunits and two carrier B subunits. This important coagulation factor has a crucial role in clotting cascade and produces strong covalent bonds between soluble formed fibrin monomers during coagulation. This stable cross linked fibrin strands are resistanttodegradationby thefibrinolyticsystem that enablesthe bodyto stoppotential bleeding episodes. In the absence or severe decrease of factor XIII, although the clot is formed, but is rapidly degraded by the fibrinolytic system, and delayed bleedingoccurs.Factor XIII deficiency is an extremely rare bleeding disorder with estimated incidence of 1/2-3000, 000 in the general population. Presumptive diagnosis of factor XIII deficiency was by clot solubility test in 5M urea or 1% monochloroacetic acid environments. In patients with abnormal screening clot solubility test, the disease can be confirmedbymore specifictestssuch as quantitative factor XIII activity assay andFXIIIAgassay.After diagnosis of disease all patients with severe factor XIII deficiency(<1 U/dl) shouldreceive prophylactic substitution therapywith fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate as traditional choices or purified concentrateof blood coagulation factor XIII (Fibrogammin P) inorder to control severe and life-threatening clinical complications of factor XIII deficiency.

Effect of processing route on the surface properties of amorphous indomethacin measured by inverse gas chromatography

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of processing route (i.e., quench cooling and ball milling) on the surface energy heterogeneity and surface chemistry of indomethacin (IMC). Recently developed inverse gas chromatography (IGC) methodology at finite concentrations was employed to determine the surface energy distributions of crystalline, quench cooled and milled IMC samples. Surface properties of crystalline and processed IMC were measurably different as determined by the IGC and other conventional characterization techniques: differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. Quench cooled IMC was in fully amorphous form. Milled IMC showed no amorphous character by calorimetric or X-ray diffraction studies. It was demonstrated that both processed IMC samples were energetically more active than the crystalline IMC. In particular, milled IMC exhibited a relatively higher dispersive surface energy and higher surface basicity (electron donor capability). This may be attributed to the creation of surface defect sites or exposure of higher energy crystal facets during the milling process. This study confirms that processing route has notable influence on the surface energy distribution and surface acid-base character. IGC was demonstrated as a powerful technique for investigating surface properties of real-world, heterogeneous pharmaceutical materials.

Causes of new cases of major thalassemia in sistan and balouchistan province in South-East of iran

BACKGROUND

Thalassemia is the most common monogenic disease in South-East of Iran. Despite the 70% reduction in Iranian thalassemia cases after thalassemia control comprehensive program, 601 affected babies were born in Sistan and Balouchistan Province, Iran from 2002 to 2010, so this study aims at investigating the causes of new thalassemia cases.

METHODS

Data from this retrospective cross-sectional study was collected through interviews and information in the patients' hospital records.

RESULTS

Data revealed that 52.4% of fathers and 78.4% of mothers of thalassemic children had elementary education or less. In addition, 78.6% of the couples did not undergo premarital screening for thalassemia and 71.2% of the couples were not notified of their own minor thalassemia until a child was born with major thalassemia. Of the diagnosed minor couples, about 25% did PND and the others did not carry out because mothers were unaware of proper gestational age and of the importance of this issue, financial problems, and the husbands' disagreement to take the tests. Moreover, 16 mothers, in spite of being diagnosed of having a major fetus, refused to terminate the pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

The most preventable causes for affected births include couples' unawareness of being minor and unawares of the PND importance and process.

R620W functional polymorphism of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 is not associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in Zahedan, southeast Iran

The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, which encodes an intracellular lymphoid-specific phosphatase, is considered an important regulator of T-cell activation. We investigated a possible association between the PTPN22 C1858T (R620W) polymorphism and pulmonary tuberculosis in an Iranian population. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of PTPN22 C1858T (rs2476601) were genotyped in 172 pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 204 normal subjects from Zaheden, Iran. Frequencies of genotypes CC, CT and TT of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism were 98.3, 1.7 and 0% in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients, and 96.1, 3.9 and 0% in the control group, respectively (P = 0.239). The frequency of the minor (T) allele was 0.8% in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 2.0% in controls. Significant differences were not observed in genotype or allele frequencies of PTPN22 C1858T in the comparison between pulmonary tuberculosis patients and healthy subjects in our Iranian population sample.

Molecular basis and prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassemia among Balouch population in Iran

OBJECTIVE

To determine the molecular spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations among at-risk Balouch couples in Iran.

METHODS

Mutations' detection in DNAs extracted from the blood of partners of at-risk couples was characterized, and chorion villus sampling by amplification refractory mutation system and DNA sequencing was performed. Fetal diagnosis was also confirmed by linkage analysis.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 1234 at-risk Balouch couples referred to the center for prenatal diagnosis (PND) from June 2002 to June 2010, a high percentage of '67.4%' were from consanguineous marriages and 37.4% had between one and four affected children. The trend in referring gradually increased from 34 cases in 2002 to 357 cases in 2010. The astonishing finding was that, unlike most previous studies, only IVS 1-5 with an unusual frequency of 87.20% along with codon 8/9 (+G) with 4% constitutes about 91% of mutations. Altogether, 729 PNDs were made in 583 couples, 25% of whom had over one PND, and surprisingly five PNDs were made in the same woman within just 8 years.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the limited types of frequent mutations among Balouch population, it is hopefully believed that the incidence of β-thalassemia could be controlled by a correct diagnosis in the due time.

Functional polymorphism of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene +874T/A polymorphism is associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Concerning the key role of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we aimed to find the possible association between single nucleotide polymorphism of IFN-γ +874T/A (rs61923114) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This case-control study was performed on 142 PTB patients and 166 healthy subjects. Genotype analysis was done using amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR). We found that the AA genotype of +874A/T IFN-γ is a risk factor for PTB (OR = 3.333, 95% CI = 1.537-7.236, p=0.002). The results showed that the +874A allele frequency was higher in PTB than in normal subjects (OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 1.134-2.480, p=0.007). In conclusion, significant association was found between the IFN-γ +874T/A polymorphism (rs61923114) and susceptibility to PTB in a sample of Iranian population.

Lack of association between rs1024611 (-2581 A/G) polymorphism in CC-chemokine Ligand 2 and susceptibility to pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Approximately 5-10% of subjects infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop active tuberculosis. It has been proposed that genetic factors determine the host's vulnerability to tuberculosis. Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), commonly known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), plays a key role in protective immunity against M. tuberculosis. The present study was aimed to determine if there was an association between -2581 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of CCL2 and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a sample of Iranian subjects. This case-control study was performed on 142 PTB and 166 healthy subjects. The polymorphism of CCL2 (rs1024611) was determined using tetra amplification refractory mutational system-polymerase chain reaction (tetra ARMS-PCR). There were no significant differences between PTB patients and control subjects regarding -2581 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of CCL2. In conclusion, our results do not support an association of -2581 A/G polymorphism of CCL2 with PTB susceptibility.

Efficacy and safety of Iranian made Deferasirox (Osveral®) in Iranian major thalassemic patients with transfusional iron overload: A one year prospective multicentric open-label non-comparative study

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

to determine the efficacy, adverse effects and safety of a new Iranian generic product of deferasirox (Osveral®) in Iranian transfusion dependent major thalassemic (TD-MT) patients.

METHODS

In 9 main thalassemia treatment centers, all of TD-MT patients (aged ≥2 yrs) with serum ferritin (SF) levels≥1000 ng/ml, or >100 ml/kg of RBC transfusion,who could not tolerate parental iron chelating were recruited regardless of their previous iron chelation therapy. Periodical clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted for adverse effects (AEs). Primary efficacy end point was Mean of Relative Change of Serum Ferritin (MRC-SF) from the baseline level during one year. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test, chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for statistic analysis appropriately (P values <0.05 were considered as statistical significant).

RESULTS

In 407 cases the male/female ratio was 0.98. Mean age was 11.5±7.4 (2-58) years. The mean of initiating dose of Osveral® and mean usage dose during the study was 23.5±4.9 mg/kg and 24.9±4.9 mg/kg respectively. MRC-SF was -11.44% ±38.92 and it showed significant decline in SF (P value<0.001) one hundred and forty eight patients out of 407 patients experienced at least one. AE, the most common of them were transient increase in serum creatinin (97;24.1%) and>5 time increase in transaminases (24;5.89%).The causes of discontinuation of treatment were non-satisfactory treatment ( 24; 5.8%), poor or non-compliance of patients (21;5.1%), and adverse effects (13; 3.1%)

CONCLUSION

A detailed comparison with similar studies on deferasirox (Exjade®) shows a promising efficacy and safety for its Iranian generic product (Osveral ®).

On the thermodynamic entropy of fatigue fracture

Entropy production during the fatigue process can serve as a measure of degradation. We postulate that the thermodynamic entropy of metals undergoing repeated cyclic load reaching the point of fracture is a constant, independent of geometry, load and frequency. That is, the necessary and sufficient condition for the final fracture of a metal undergoing fatigue load corresponds to a constant irreversible entropy gain. To examine validity, we present the results of an extensive set of both experimental tests and analytical predictions that involve bending, torsion and tension-compression of aluminium 6061-T6 and stainless steel 304 specimens. The concept of tallying up the entropy generation has application in determining the fatigue life of components undergoing cyclic bending, torsion and tension-compression.

Glutaraldehyde test for rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic value of blood glutaraldehyde gelification time in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

DESIGN

We analysed the blood gelification time using 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 83 PTB patients, 46 patients with non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease and 43 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

The mean gelification time of PTB patients (556.9 +/- 122.4) is significantly less than non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease (708.0 +/- 100.5) and healthy subjects (821.2 +/- 138.3; P < 0.0001). The optimum cut-off point was 615 seconds by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were respectively 85.5%, 89.1%, 93.4% and 77.3% in distinguishing TB from non-PTB patients; and respectively 85.5%, 93.3%, 92.2% and 87.4% in distinguishing PTB patients from controls (non-PTB patients and healthy subjects).

CONCLUSION

Because many centres lack sputum culture capacity and sophisticated radiology facilities, the glutaraldehyde test in conjunction with other conventional methods of diagnosis (sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli and frontal chest X-ray) could be a rapid, easy, cost-effective and reliable test for the diagnosis of PTB.