The Effect of Different Tillage Methods and Nitrogen Chemical Fertilizer on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Corn.

Selection of suitable tillage and application of optimal nitrogen fertilizer are essential to achieve optimal efficiency in crop management. In order to investigate the effect of tillage and nitrogen fertilizer on photosynthetic pigments and quantitative and qualitative traits of corn grain, an experiment was conducted in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Chalous Branch, Mazandaran Province, Iran, in 2016 and 2017. Experimental factors were tillage at three levels, including no-tillage (NT), conservation tillage (MT), and conventional tillage (CT) in the main plot, and nitrogen fertilizer at four levels (no nitrogen fertilizer application and 33, 66, and 100% of the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer) in a subplot. The results showed that, in tillage treatments, increasing nitrogen fertilizer application increased photosynthetic pigments. Carotenoids and chlorophyll b were not significantly different in CT and MT treatments. Nitrogen and grain protein, yield components, and biological yield increased with the increasing use of recommended nitrogen fertilizer. The highest grain and biological yields in MT in the second year were observed at 11633.15 and 16644.16 kg·ha1, respectively. Grain and biological yield in the second year than the first year were further increased in NT and MT treatments compared to CT. Yield in MT and NT treatments improves over time. Due to the time limit in land preparation in the study area, the use of MT with 100 and 66% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer can replace CT in the area.

Noninvasive Management of Complications From Splenic Artery Aneurysm Embolization After Liver Transplant: A Case Report.

Splenic artery aneurysms are more common in patients with cirrhosis than in the general population. We report the case of a patient with a history of an orthotopic liver transplant who developed an enlarging splenic artery aneurysm that was treated with splenic artery embolization. He developed extensive portal vein thrombosis and subsequently splenic abscess. Both complications were managed endovascularly, with catheter-directed thrombolysis and percutaneous drains. This case illustrates the possible complications after splenic artery embolization and demonstrates the nonsurgical options for treatment.

A method for revision of a foreshortened transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent using transhepatic trans-stent access.

The high technical success rate of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement makes the procedure a popular treatment option for symptomatic portal hypertension. Among the major drawbacks of the procedure - hepatic encephalopathy, acute hepatic failure, hemorrhage, biliary injury - TIPS dysfunction is one of the most prevalent, often requiring endovascular reintervention. Conventional techniques for shunt revision rely on transjugular access to the stent; but in technically difficult cases of abnormal angulation or severe stenosis, transhepatic access may also be required. The pull-through method utilizes both transjugular and transhepatic access to achieve stable through-and-through access in order to advance a sheath into the stent and recannulate the shunt. In the case of TIPS foreshortening, however, the distal end of the stent may abut the wall of the hepatic vein, jailing it off and obviating the advancement of a wire out of that end. We present here a case of a modified pull-through method for TIPS revision whereby a transhepatic wire is passed through the interstices of the stent at the distal end to enter into the hepatic vein and IVC. Subsequent snaring of the wire at the transjugular end establishes through-and-through access, and balloon dilation through the interstices allows for insertion of a transjugular sheath into the TIPS stent for recanalization. Our case highlights how the modified pull-through method, using trans-stent access, can be safely performed in patients with a foreshortened TIPS that abuts against the hepatic and portal vessel walls.

A method for percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy tube placement without sedation as a bridge to lung transplantation.

Gastrostomy tube placement is an appropriate option for long-term nutritional support for patients who cannot tolerate oral intake. Common indications for a gastrostomy tube include head and neck tumors and neurological disorders. Several methods for gastrostomy tube insertion exist (eg, surgical, endoscopic, and radiologic) that require sedation or general anesthesia, which can pose risks of cardiopulmonary compromise and postsurgical pulmonary complications. Unlike other methods, our practice uses a percutaneous balloon-assisted gastrostomy tube insertion method for which we can perform without sedation. We report a case of a percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy procedure for a patient with end stage lung disease as a bridge to lung transplantation, who is not a candidate for sedation and is high-risk for general anesthesia. Through enteral feeds administered through the successfully placed gastrostomy tube, the patient showed steady improvement in weight gain over the course of several months before approval for listing by the lung transplant selection committee. Our case highlights how gastrostomy tube placement can be safely performed in patients who are not sedation candidates using the minimally invasive balloon-assisted gastrostomy tube insertion method and local anesthetic.

HLA-G Expression is Associated with an Unfavorable Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: HLA-G, a major histocompatibility complex of non-classical class Ib, plays a key role in the development of the primary tumors to metastatic stages. The aim of this study was to investigate HLA-G expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas and its relationship with clinicopathological factors. Methods: After immunohistochemical staining for HLA-G with 63 formalin fixed and paraffin embedded blocks (33 oral squamous cell carcinoma and 30 normal oral mucosa samples), staining intensity, percentage of stained cells and final immunoreactivity score were evaluated, along with other variables. Results: Staining intensity, percentage of stained cells and final immunoreactivity scores in oral squamous cell carcinomas were higher than those in normal oral mucosa (all P=0.001). The staining intensity in the parenchyma of squamous cell carcinoma cells was significantly associated with the clinical tumor stage (P=0.022) and the group with lymphatic metastasis exhibited a higher staining percentage (P=0.026). Staining intensity and immunoreactivity score (IRS) exhibited a significant but inverse correlation with survival rate (P=0.004 and P=0.018, respectively) and a significant direct relationship with clinical stage (P=0.001 and P=0.001). Conclusion: The results supported a role of HLA-G in development of oral squamous cell carcinomas and metastasis to lymph nodes. It might be useful in molecular-targeted therapy.

Protection Provided by Hepatitis B Vaccine in Adult Population of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran in 2013.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B vaccination has been integrated into National Expanded Program on Immunization in Iran since the year 1993 and young adult national vaccination project was done in 2008. So we have three subpopulations with vaccination coverage for hepatitis B and different antibody levels. Consisting of Subpopulation 1 born after 1993, subpopulation 2 born between 1989 and 1993 and receiving vaccination under adult national project, and subpopulation 3 born prior to the year 1989. AIM: The present study was conducted to investigate community protection by hepatitis B vaccine in adult population in an accessible population in Iran and compare vaccination coverage, HBs Ab level, and its effective titration among the three above-mentioned subpopulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done on a 3000-individual adult population from all seven counties of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province enrolled by clustering. After obtaining written consent and filling out a questionnaire of demographic data and history of hepatitis B vaccination by trained interviewers, necessary blood sample was taken and HBs Ab titration was checked. The data were analysed by chi-square in SPSS 19. The level of significance was considered as 0.05 and effective Ab titration as ≥ 10. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 38.4±16.3 years. Of the participants 48.2% had effective titration. For vaccination coverage, 77.4% were unvaccinated, 20% completely vaccinated, and 2.6% incompletely vaccinated with a significant association with effective titration (p<0.001). Eighty six percent of the subpopulation 1 and 79% of the subpopulation 2 were completely vaccinated, with a significant difference in effective titration between them (p<0.001). Vaccination coverage was higher in men and the single but equal in cities and villages. The effective titration was significantly associated with being married and residence place (p=0.003). There was a significant association between effective titration and the time at vaccination (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Protection provided by hepatitis B vaccine in adult population is relatively suitable especially in the youth population; however, catch-up programs of the groups exposed to risk are recommended.

Hepatitis C Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Adult Population of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of Iran in 2013.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C is the second leading viral infectious disease worldwide. In Iran, hepatitis C is the most important and prevalent reason for chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in the multi transfused population. AIM: This study was conducted to determine seroprevalence and burden of hepatitis C in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province and to plan for controlling it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this analytical, population-based study, 3000 samples were older than 15 years old and were enrolled from urban and rural areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, southwest Iran per cluster sampling. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants and the demographic data, transmission route and risk factors were collected after blood sample taking. Hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab) and western blotting were consecutively run. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was done by SPSS 19 using descriptive statistics, and chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression Ap value of 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV Ab was obtained 1.4% (95% CI, 0.95-1.7) and that of positive hepatitis C by western blotting 0.9% (95% CI, 0.65-1.3). The prevalence in men (1.2%) was obtained two times higher than women. The highest prevalence was obtained in 35 to 44-year-old population (2%). The prevalence was higher in married individuals and less in higher educated. History of hospital stay, first degree relatives infected with HCV, jaundice, history of blood transfusion, tattoo, outpatient surgery, imprisonment, contact with the infected, intravenous (IV) drug abuse, and smoking had significant association with disease prevalence (p<0.05). The highest odds ratio was obtained for history of IV drug abuse (OR=38.2, 95% CI, 14.06-103.9) followed by imprisonment (OR=8.9, 95% CI, 2.97-26.6). However, by logistic regression only history of IV drug abuse was obtained as significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C is growing and emerging as the most prevalent chronic, viral hepatic disease, so further consideration of risk factors and routes of transmission is crucial for appropriate planning for, and preventing, treating, and controlling hepatitis C. IV drug abusers as the most important group need special consideration and surveillance in order to cut infection chain and decrease the disease incidence.

Sequence-based genotyping of hepatitis B virus in general population.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV has eight genotypes (A to H) which is the reflection of its genome with their characteristic geographical distribution. Each genotype could have different pathogenic and therapeutic characteristics. There have been few records on HBV genotyping in general population from our region. This study aimed to determine hepatitis B genotypes using sequencing in the general population of Shahrekord, a Southwestern region of Iran. METHODS: A total of 3000 serum samples (cluster sampling method) were enrolled from general population tested for HBsAg using ELISA. Using appropriate extraction kit, HBV DNA was extracted from HBsAg positive samples and each was subjected to nested PCR for detection of HBV DNA. Finally, using sequencing, the samples were used for HBV genotyping. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 using descriptive statistics, chi square, and Fisher's exact test. P-value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. RESULTS: Out of 3000 serum samples, 40 (1.3%) were positive for HBsAg. HBV DNA was detected in 10 out of 40 (25%) of the samples studied. Genotype D was the predominant HBV type found in all of these 10 HBV positive samples. CONCLUSION: Genotype D is probably the predominant HBV type in our region.

The Influence of Incorrect Customs of Lifestyle in Hepatitis B Infection Transmission.

Hepatitis B (HB) disease occurs with high risk behaviors in the different communities. Aim of this study was to find out some of local customs in lifestyle that might be risk factors for transmitting this disease in order to design the educational programs and control it periodically in Chaharmahal VA Bakhtiari, Iran. This was a case-control study, carried out on patients with HB and the control group in Buldaji's district since October 2008 to March 2011. An expert person interviewed both these groups with a valid and reliable questionnaire. The data were gathered and analyzed by descriptive statistics; Chi-square and logistic regression.A total of 85 patients with HB were enrolled in the study. Four of wrong customs were considered as predicting risk factors for transmission of hepatitis B infection in two groups; history of making shallow incisions on the auricle or leg for healing a disease or exchanging their blood in childhood [P=0.000, OR=6.130, 95%CL: 2.648-14.192], tattooing [P=0.033, OR=1.391, 95%CL: 1.028-1.882], be born at home by an untrained midwife [P=0.005, OR=3.217, 95%CL: 1.425-7.263], receiving dental services by experimental dentists [P=0.034,OR=0.218, 95%CL: 0.053-0.893]. For development of health education materials' in our region, we focus not only on proper prevention of general risk factors of HBV transmission but also necessarily draw upon local social and cultural contexts which may spread this disease .We encourage the people to improve these customs or don't do it to control transmission of HB.

Hepatitis B seroprevalence and risk factors in adult population of chaharmahal and bakhtiari province in 2013.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus is one of the important viral causes of liver inflammation with high worldwide prevalence and important hepatic and extra hepatic complications. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this descriptive, analytical, population-based study, 3000 participants older than 15 years were enrolled according to the clustering method. After obtaining written informed consent and taking required blood samples, we gathered data on demographic status and probable transmission routes of disease using questionnaire between 2012 and 2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (descriptive parameters and chi-square). P value below 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 38.4 ± 16.3. The seroprevalence rate of hepatitis B was found to be 1.3% (95% CI, 0.95%-1.81%). Prevalence of HBeAg among HBsAg positive participants was 2.5% (only 1 of 40). Seroprevalence was higher in male group (2.5 times higher than women), age group of over 55 years, farmers, and non-public occupations. Positive seroprevalence was associated with a history of renal disease, familial transmission, transfusion, surgery in hospital, circumcision, contact with hepatitis B infected individuals, imprisonment, intravenous (IV) drug abuse, and smoking (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the highest odds ratio (OR) was obtained for history of renal disease (OR = 7.64: 3.01-18.4), followed by imprisonment (OR = 5.4: 1.86 -15.7) and IV drug abuse (OR = 5.68: 1.3-24.7). CONCLUSIONS: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province could be categorized as a low endemic region for hepatitis B infection, with a seroprevalence similar to that in other provinces of western Iran. Vaccination seems to influence its decrease, especially in adolescents and youth. More surveillance and attention to risk factors are suggested to identify high-risk groups and to implement vaccination.

Bile bacteria of patients with cholelithiasis and theirs antibiogram.

To prevent post cholecystectomy infection, the most common microorganisms causing it and their antibacterial susceptibility pattern should be determined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the exact incidence and nature of the microbial flora in the bile of the patients with cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis as well as their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. In this study, a total of 132 samples from the patients were tested for bacterial strains using the appropriate methods for testing them. The isolated bacteria were subsequently subjected to antibacterial susceptibility test using Kirby-Bauer method. The data were analyzed using Frequency, Chi-square and t-test. Fifty of 132 (37.87%) studied patients were positive for bacteria. The most common isolated organisms were Escherichia coli (13; 26%), Enterobacteriaceae (9; 18%), and Salmonella typhi (7; 14%). The most effective antibiotics were sequentially Amikacin, Ceftriaxone, and Clindamycin. Isolating bacteria and determining their sensitivity to different antibiotics may be help physicians take prophylactic measures against postoperative infection of cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis.

Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of pentoxifylline added to risperidone: effects on aberrant behavior in children with autism.

BACKGROUND: There are several lines of evidence to indicate that the immune system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of autism. The objective of this study was to access the effects of pentoxifylline plus risperidone in the treatment of autistic disorder. METHODS: Forty children between the ages 4 and 12 years with a DSM IV-TR clinical diagnosis of autism were recruited. The children presented with a chief complaint of severely disruptive symptoms related to autistic disorder. Patients were randomly allocated to pentoxifylline+risperidone or placebo+risperidone for a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The dose of risperidone was titrated up to 3 mg/day, pentoxifylline was titrated to 600 mg/day. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of starting medication. The measure of the outcome was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C). RESULTS: The difference between the two protocols was significant as the group that received pentoxifylline had greater reduction in ABC-C subscale scores for Irritability, Lethargy/Social Withdrawal, Stereotypic Behavior, Hyperactivity/Noncompliance and Inappropriate Speech. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that combination of atypical antipsychotic medications and pentoxifylline might have synergistic effects in treatment of behavioral problems of children with autism.

Ginkgo biloba for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a double blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although stimulants are highly effective in controlling the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), some children will not respond to, or are intolerant of stimulants. Thus, the desire for safe and effective nonstimulant medications has risen during the past several years. Ginkgo biloba has been suggested in the treatment of dementia and memory impairment. We hypothesized that G.biloba would be beneficial for treatment of ADHD, and this could be evaluated in a double blind, randomized, parallel group comparison of G.biloba (Ginko T.D. Tolidaru, Iran) and methylphenidate. METHODS: Fifty outpatients (39 boys and 11 girls) with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD were study population of this trial. Subjects were recruited from an outpatient child and adolescent clinic for a 6 week double blind, randomized clinical trial. All study subjects were randomly assigned to receive treatment using tablet of Ginko T.D. at a dose of 80-120 mg/day depending on weight (80 mg/day for <30 kg and 120 mg/day for >30 kg) (group 1) or methylphenidate at a dose of 20-30 mg/day depending on weight (20 mg/day for <30 kg and 30 mg/day for >30 kg (group 2) for a 6 week double blind, randomized clinical trial. The principal measure of outcome was the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale- IV. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 21 and 42 days after the medication started. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores. The changes at the endpoint compared to baseline were: -6.52+/-11.43 (mean+/-S.D.) and -15.92+/-11.44 (mean+/-S.D.) for Ginko T.D. and methyphenidate, respectively for Parent ADHD Rating Scale. The changes at the endpoint compared to baseline were: -0.84+/-6.79 (mean+/-S.D.) and -14.04+/-8.67 (mean+/-S.D.) for Ginko T.D. and methyphenidate, respectively for Teacher ADHD Rating Scale. The difference between the Ginko T.D. and methylphenidate groups in the frequency of side effects was not significant except for decreased appetite, headache and insomnia that were observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that administration of G.biloba was less effective than methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD.

Photocatalytic paper using zinc oxide nanorods.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were grown on a paper support prepared from soft wood pulp. The photocatalytic activity of a sheet of paper with ZnO nanorods embedded in its porous matrix has been studied. ZnO nanorods were firmly attached to cellulose fibers and the photocatalytic paper samples were reused several times with nominal decrease in efficiency. Photodegradation of up to 93% was observed for methylene blue in the presence of paper filled with ZnO nanorods upon irradiation with visible light at 963 Wm-2 for 120 min. Under similar conditions, photodegradation of approximately 35% was observed for methyl orange. Antibacterial tests revealed that the photocatalytic paper inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli under room lighting conditions.

Towards an understanding of the mechanism of action of praziquantel.

Although praziquantel (PZQ) has been used to treat schistosomiasis for over 20 years its mechanism of action remains unknown. We have developed an assay based on the transcriptional response of Schistosoma mansoni PR-1 to heat shock to confirm that while 6-week post-infection (p.i.) schistosomes are sensitive to PZQ, 4-week p.i. schistosomes are not. Further, we have used this assay to demonstrate that in mice this sensitivity develops between days 37 and 40 p.i. When PZQ is linked to the fluorophore BODIPY to aid microscopic visualization, it appears to enter the cells of intact 4 and 6-week p.i. schistosomes as well as mammalian NIH 3T3 cells with ease suggesting that the differential effects of PZQ is not based on cell exclusion. A transcriptomal analysis of gene expression between 4 and 6 weeks p.i. revealed 607 up-regulated candidate genes whose products are potential PZQ targets. A comparison of this gene list with that of genes expressed by PZQ sensitive miracidia reduced this target list to 247 genes, including a number involved in aerobic metabolism and cytosolic calcium regulation. Finally, we also report the effect of an in vitro sub-lethal exposure of PZQ on the transcriptome of S. mansoni PR-1. Annotation of genes differentially regulated by PZQ exposure suggests that schistosomes may undergo a transcriptomic response similar to that observed during oxidative stress.

Microarray based analysis of temperature and oxidative stress induced messenger RNA in Schistosoma mansoni.

The body's defense against schistosome infection can take many forms. For example, upon developing acute schistosomiasis, patients often have fever coinciding with larval maturation, migration and early oviposition. As the infection becomes established, the parasite comes under oxidative stress generated by the host immune system. The most common treatment for schistosomiasis is the anti-helminthic drug praziquantel. Its effectiveness, however, is limited due to its inability to kill schistosomes 2-4 weeks post-infection. Clearly there is a need for new anti-schistosomal drugs. We hypothesize that gene products expressed as part of a protective response against heat and/or oxidative stress are potential therapeutic targets for future drug development. Using a 12,166 element oligonucleotide microarray to characterize Schistosoma mansoni genes induced by heat and oxidative stress we found that 1878 S. mansoni elements were significantly induced by heat stress. These included previously reported heat-shock genes expressing homologs of HSP40, HSP70 and HSP86. One thousand and one elements were induced by oxidative stress including those expressing homologs of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Seventy-two elements were common to both stressors and could potentially be exploited in the development of novel anti-schistosomal therapeutics.

Molecular genetic analysis of the nested Drosophila melanogaster lamin C gene.

Lamins are intermediate filaments that line the inner surface of the nuclear envelope, providing structural support and making contacts with chromatin. There are two types of lamins, A- and B-types, which differ in structure and expression. Drosophila possesses both lamin types, encoded by the LamC (A-type) and lamin Dm0 (B-type) genes. LamC is nested within an intron of the essential gene ttv. We demonstrate that null mutations in LamC are lethal, and expression of a wild-type LamC transgene rescues lethality of LamC but not ttv mutants. Mutations in the human A-type lamin gene lead to diseases called laminopathies. To determine if Drosophila might serve as a useful model to study lamin biology and disease mechanisms, we generated transgenic flies expressing mutant LamC proteins modeled after human disease-causing lamins. These transgenic animals display a nuclear lamin aggregation phenotype remarkably similar to that observed when human mutant A-type lamins are expressed in mammalian cells. LamC aggregates also cause disorganization of lamin Dm0, indicating interdependence of both lamin types for proper lamina assembly. Taken together, these data provide the first detailed genetic analysis of the LamC gene and support using Drosophila as a model to study the role of lamins in disease.