Abscisic acid crosstalk with auxin and ethylene in biosynthesis and degradation of inulin-type fructans in chicory.

The effect of different hormones on fructan accumulation and the genes regulating biosynthesis and degradation is known; however, information on hormonal interaction mechanisms for fructan content and mean degree of polymerization (mDP) is limited. Cell suspension cultures of chicory were prepared and treated with abscisic acid (ABA), auxin (AUX), ethylene (ETH), ABA + AUX or ABA + ETH, then inulin concentration, mDP of inulin and expression of FAZY genes was determined. A low concentration of AUX and ETH increased fructan content, while a high concentration of AUX and ETH decreased it. Exogenous ABA increased mDP of inulin and this coincided with the low expression of 1-FEHII. In hormone interactions, ABA changed and adjusted the effect of both AUX and ETH. ABA, together with a low level of AUX and ETH, resulted in a decrease in inulin content and increase in mDP, which coincided with low expression of FEHII. ABA together with a high level of AUX and ETH caused an increase in inulin content with a lower mDP, which coincided with high expression of biosynthesis (1-FFT) and degradation (1-FEHII) genes. The effect of both AUX and ETH was almost the same, although the effect of ETH was more severe. ABA had a modulating role in combinations with AUX and ETH. Among biosynthesis and degradation genes, the expression of 1-FEHII was more affected by these hormones.

A novel cooperative distributed secondary controller for VSI and PQ inverters of AC microgrids.

This paper proposes a novel cooperative secondary control strategy for microgrids which is fully distributed. There is a two-layered coordination, which exists between inverter based DGs of both types, i.e. Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) and Current Source Inverter (CSI), also called PQ inverter. In first layer of the proposed two-layered cooperative control strategy, VSIs will take care of the primary average voltage regulation by implementing the average consensus algorithm (ACA); then in the second layer of control, the PQ inverters will improve the voltage quality of the microgrid while maintaining the average voltage of buses at the same desired level. Zone dedication algorithm is utilized in the second layer for voltage quality purposes based on sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis is based on Simplified Jacobian matrix and the result of that is used to define the zone related to each DG in the microgrid. The goal of this zone dedication is to assign loads to the DGs that can compensate their changes with less effort (generating less power) than the others. There are two major contributions in this paper; 1- PQ inverters are effectively involved to increase microgrids capacity for better power management by introducing sensitivity to the PQ inverters set-point. This is defined based on the structure of the microgrid and takes into account the location of load changes. 2- The proposed strategy not only focuses on transient response but also improves the steady state response which smooths the voltage profile of the system while keeping the average voltage at the same desired level. The algorithm has been applied to a 13 bus system with a fully distributed communication in which each VSI inverter only communicates with its immediate neighbors and each PQ inverter is only in touch with associated bordering agents. The conclusive results verify that the proposed control strategy is an effective way to control the microgrid's voltage to have a smoother and stable voltage profile. The analysis also confirms the robustness of the proposed cooperative control in presence of possible time delays.

Association of dietary patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease events in the MASHAD cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the principal cause of mortality and disability in Iranian adults. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and CVD incidence in a large sample of adults in northeastern Iran. METHODS: The present study comprised a prospective study of 5706 CVD-free men and women aged 35-65 years who participated in a cohort study. All of the participants were followed up for a 6-year period. Dietary patterns were derived from a 65-item validated food frequency questionnaire and the factor analysis method was used to determine dietary patterns. RESULTS: We identified two major dietary patterns: (i) a Balanced dietary pattern (a high intake of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, dairy products, red meats, poultry, seafoods, legumes and nuts, as well as a low intake of sugar) and (ii) a Western dietary pattern (a high intake of sugar, tea, egg, snacks, fast foods, potato, carbonated beverages, pickled foods, organs meat and butter) by factor analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of total CVD in the highest versus lowest tertiles of the Balanced pattern were 1.29 (95% CI = 0.67-2.47; P = 0.44). The HR and 95% CIs of CVD in the highest versus lowest tertiles of Western pattern were 2.21 (95% CI = 1.08-4.45; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: During the 6-year follow-up, we found that adherence to a Balanced dietary pattern was not significantly associated with CVD events. However, adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with a significantly increased risk of CVD events and its associated risk.

Supplementation of sperm freezing medium with myoinositol improve human sperm parameters and protects it against DNA fragmentation and apoptosis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the beneficial effect of Myoinositol (MYO) supplement in freezing media on the post thaw sperm quality. Semen samples from 40 normozoospermic men were divided into two aliquots and frozen with simple or 2 mg/mL MYO supplemented freezing medium. Post thaw process including, computer-assissted sperm analysis was used to analyze sperm motility and morphology. Reactive oxygen species was evaluated by the fluorometry of DCFH-DA, as well as total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were measured based on colorimetric assay by ELISA reader. Eventually, DNA fragmentation was assessed using TUNEL staining. MYO significantly improved progressive motility and normal morphology in treated samples (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde level) can be diminished in samples were frozen by MYO supplemented freezing media (p < 0.05). While MYO did not affect the amount of ROS (p > 0.05), it was associated with high values of total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). DNA integrity was significantly affected by MYO, as in MYO treated samples, DNA fragmentation was decreased compared to control ones (p < 0.001). The findings support the use of 2 mg/mL myoinositol supplemented freezing media in sperm cryopreservation to increase sperm quality after freezing-thawing procedures.

Effects of intra-yolk-sac injection of dextrose and albumin on performance, jejunum morphology, liver and pectoral muscle glycogen and some serum metabolites of broilers.

This study carried out to investigate the effects of intra-yolk-sac injection (IYSI) of some solutions including 1 ml of distilled water, dextrose 20% and albumin 20% on hatch percentage, performance traits, jejunum morphology, glycogen content of liver and breast and serum metabolites in broilers (Ross 308). Fertile eggs were injected into the yolk sac at day 8 of incubation period. Results showed that hatchability, absolute body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at day 7 and 14 of growing period were not different among treatments, but in comparison with control group, BW and FCR were numerally better by IYSI of albumin. In addition, IYSI of albumin increased jejunum villus height at hatch day, but crypt depth was not affected by any injection treatments. Also, the glycogen concentrations of liver and pectoral muscle in albumin injected group were significantly higher than control at hatch and 7th day respectively. At hatch day, serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations were, respectively, maximum and minimum statistically by IYSI of albumin which continued numerally up to 7th day of rearing period. Furthermore, liver glycogen and serum glucose concentrations were directly correlated on the day of hatch. In conclusion, the IYSI of albumin could increase performance traits, jejunum villus height, liver and breast glycogen and serum glucose in broiler chicks.

Morphological, genetic and pigment diversity of Nerium indicum Mill in Iran.

The Nerium indicum Mill organs and parts of the 40 genotypes were sampled from 5 habitats of southand south east of Iran. In total, 15 morphological and pigmentvariables were measured. Analysis of variance was carried out based on completely randomized design and revealed significance differencesat p ≤ 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 for the most variablesindicating a large-scale diversity among the genotypes. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes into 3 main groups. The first and second principal components had 34.73% and 18.67% of the variance, respectively. The main factors had 76.79% accumulated eigenvalue. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers used to assess the population structure and genetic variation. In total, 361 polymorphic band amplified from effective 14 chosen RAPD markers. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 67% and 33% within and between populations genetic variation respectively. Cluster analysis by using UPGMA method divided genotypes into 6 main groups. A high cophenetic correlation coefficient (r = 0.90) was obtained. The first and second principle coordinates had 29.31% and 25.78% of the variance, respectively.

Emission dynamics of hybrid plasmonic gold/organic GaN nanorods.

We studied the emission of bare and aluminum quinoline (Alq3)/gold coated wurtzite GaN nanorods by temperature- and intensity-dependent time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). The GaN nanorods of ∼1.5 µm length and ∼250 nm diameter were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Gold/Alq3 coated GaN nanorods were synthesized by organic molecular beam deposition. The near band-edge and donor-acceptor pair luminescence was investigated in bare GaN nanorods and compared with multilevel model calculations providing the dynamical parameters for electron-hole pairs, excitons, impurity bound excitons, donors and acceptors. Subsequently, the influence of a 10 nm gold coating without and with an Alq3 spacer layer was studied and the experimental results were analyzed with the multilevel model. Without a spacer layer, a significant PL quenching and lifetime reduction of the near band-edge emission is found. The behavior is attributed to surface band-bending and Förster energy transfer from excitons to surface plasmons in the gold layer. Inserting a 5 nm Alq3 spacer layer reduces the PL quenching and lifetime reduction which is consistent with a reduced band-bending and Förster energy transfer. Increasing the spacer layer to 30 nm results in lifetimes which are similar to uncoated structures, showing a significantly decreased influence of the gold coating on the excitonic dynamics.

Pregnancy outcomes and impact of pregnancy on graft function in women after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation facilitates pregnancy in women with end-stage kidney disease; however, the impact of pregnancy on short and longer-term graft function is uncertain. METHODS: Obstetric, fetal, and graft outcomes for pregnancies from a large Australian transplant unit (1976-2015) were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 56 pregnancies in 35 women with mean age at conception 30.4 ± 0.6 years and mean transplant-pregnancy interval 5.5 ± 0.5 years. The live birth rate was 78.9%. Preterm birth (<37 weeks) occurred in 56.5%. Hypertensive disorders affected 76% of women (pre-eclampsia in 30%). Median prepregnancy serum creatinine (SCr) was 100 µmol/L (interquartile range (IQR), 80, 114 µmol/L). One-third had deterioration in graft dysfunction during pregnancy; of these, 63.2% did not return to baseline. At 2 years post-partum, median SCr was 96.4 µmol/L (IQR, 81.5-124.3). Women with prepregnancy SCr > 110 µmol/L had increased risk of pre-eclampsia (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.2-16.8; P = .03), but not preterm birth (OR 5.4; 95% CI 0.5-53; P = .04) or low birth-weight babies (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.5-2.9; P = .04). Women with SCr > 140 µmol/L preconception had worst SCr trajectory, including higher rates of graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation pregnancies remain at high risk of obstetric complications, particularly pre-eclampsia. Prepregnancy graft function can be used to predict risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and deterioration in graft function during and after delivery.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis mimics many common conditions: case series and review of literature.

Introduction. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare but potentially fatal disease, is characterized by excessive immune activation and cytokine release which stimulates bone marrow macrophages to engulf hematopoietic cells. HLH could be secondary to infections: viral, fungal, and bacterial; malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The diagnosis of HLH is usually delayed due to the presence of non-specific symptoms at presentation. This delay contributes to increased mortality. Cases and review. We present the case of 4 patients who presented with subjective fevers and extreme fatigue. Patients all had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). All patients were initially managed as in sepsis from an underlying infection. All unfortunately progressed to multiple organs dysfunction and died. The underlying causes for HLH in the patients were considered to be: HIV/AIDS, T cell lymphoma, histoplasmosis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We have also included a brief review of the literature on HLH highlighting the treatment and outcomes of patients in case series; and the many conditions which can trigger HLH. Conclusion. Patients with HLH usually share various non-specific symptoms, such as fever and malaise, with patients across a wide spectrum of conditions: from bacterial sepsis to malignancies. Since early suspicion and diagnosis is critical to prompt therapy and improved mortality, including HLH as a possible cause of fever particularly in patients with prolonged fever of unknown origin and cytopenias will be crucial.

Exploring the characteristics of public reproductive health services in the Islamic Republic of Iran from the perspectives of unmarried women: what needs to be changed?

This qualitative study in the Islamic Republic of Iran aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to the use of reproductive health services by unmarried women. A purposive sample of unmarried women aged 25-60 years in Isfahan city were interviewed about their experiences of reproductive health services in public health centres. Content analysis of responses revealed that the favourable characteristics of reproductive health services in public centres were services that: were delivered by personnel of the same sex in a woman-friendly environment and available at a suitable price, and did not label clients. In contrast, the following characteristics made public health centres undesirable for unmarried women: not addressing single women for reproductive health services; lack of privacy; failure to maintain confidentiality; doubts about skills and scientific ability of personnel; and lack of integration of services.

Identification of Candida species in the oral cavity of diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to oral candidiasis infection than non-diabetics due to the factors promoting oral carriage of Candida. Several factors can increase colonization of Candida species in the oral cavity such as xerostomia, which reduces the salivary flow and is a salivary pH disorder. In the current study, we aimed to identify and compare the colonization level of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of diabetic and non-diabetic groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Swabs were taken from the mouth of 106 participants and were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium. Likewise, the saliva samples were collected for salivary glucose and pH measurements. The study was performed during June 2014-September 2015 on two groups of diabetic patients (n=58) and non-diabetics (n=48) as the control group. The Candida spp. were identified with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction enzymes HinfI and MspI and were differentiated by culture on CHROMagar Candida medium. RESULTS: The frequency of Candida spp. was higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics. The most frequent Candida spp. in the diabetic patients were Candidaalbicans (%36.2),C. Krusei (%10.4), C. Glabrata (%5.1), and C.tropcalis .(%3.4)Likewise, C. albicans was the most frequent species (%27) in the non-diabetic individuals. In this study, the results of both methods for identification of the isolates were consistent with each other. CONCLUSION: Xerostomia and disturbance of physiological factors including pH and glucose can promote overgrowth of Candida flora in the oral cavity. These factors are considered important predisposing factors for oral candidiasis in diabetic patients. In the present study, it was observed that application of CHROMagar Candida and PCR-RFLP methods at the same time contributes to more accurate identification of isolates.

The effects of Nano titanium dioxide (TiO2NPs) on lung tissue.

OBJECTIVES: The application of nanoparticles is widely spread in all aspects of modern life because of their unique features such as small size and high surface area. High surface area can be very reactive and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These nanoparticles can damage human and animal cells by increasing oxidative stress mechanism. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are among the top five nanoparticles used in consumer products, paints, and pharmaceutical preparations.TiO2 NPs have various capabilities such as robust oxidation, biocompatibility and photocatalytic properties. They are frequently used in a wide range of sciences, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medicine and engineering. The ever increasing industrial and consumer applications of TiO2NPs raise concern over the possible risk association with their environmental exposure. METHODS: This study investigates the effects of TiO2NP on lung tissue by intraperitoneal injection to rats at different doses (15, 30, 60 and 70 mg/kg). RESULTS: Our results showed that intraperitoneal injection of TiO2NP creates capillary congestion and hemorrhage in alveolar wall, granulomas in lung parenchyma, and hemosiderin depositions in blood vessels adjacent to bronchioles without any inflammation. The pulmonary side effects could be due to the production of ROS post TiO2NP exposure (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 27). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Multispectroscopic and molecular modeling studies on the interaction of two curcuminoids with ß-lactoglobulin.

This study demonstrates the binding properties of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) and diacetylbisdemethoxycurcumin (DABC) as bioactive curcuminoids with bovine ß-lactoglobulin (BLG) variant B using fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy; molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation methods. The estimated binding constants for BLG-BDMC and BLG-DABC complexes were (8.99±0.10)×10(4) M(-1) and (1.87±0.10)×10(2) M(-1), respectively. The distances between BLG and these curcuminoids were obtained based on the Förster's theory of non-radiative energy transfer. Molecular docking studies revealed the binding of BDMC and DABC to the protein surface cleft of protein by formation of four and one hydrogen bonds, respectively. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation results represent the conformational changes of BLG due to its interaction with BDMC. Also, the profiles of atomic fluctuations signified the rigidity of ligand binding site during the simulation.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on survival rate and growth performance of Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).

Using probiotics can control pathogens by a variety of mechanisms. Probiotics can promote growth performance and have, therefore, become increasingly important in the aquaculture industry. Convict Cichlid belongs to the family of Cichlidae and is known for its rapid development in laboratory conditions and is suitable for behavioral examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, survival rate and body composition of Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). One hundred sixty eight Convict Cichlids (mean weight: 2.1 ± 0.12 g and mean length: 2.2 ± 0.05 cm) were fed by commercial diets with different concentrations of S. cerevisiae (0, 0.5%, 1%, 2%). At the end of the experiment, survival rate and growth indices were measured. Based on the results, growth performance significantly increased with probiotic, S. cerevisiae, specially, at the 2% probiotic level of concentration. In the present study, the best FCR (feed conversion rate), SGR (specific growth rate), CF (condition factor) and BWG (body weight gain) values were observed in a 2% concentration of S. cerevisiae. The results suggest that this yeast could improve feed utilization in this fish species.

Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a chronic inflammatory response in airways and lung parenchyma that results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking considered as an important risk factor plays a role in pathogenesis of disease. Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical opportunistic fungus that causes pneumonia in immunosuppressed host, although the low levels of its DNA in patients without signs and symptoms of pneumonia, which likely represents colonization. The increased prevalence of P. jirovecii colonization in COPD patients has led to an interest in understanding its role in the disease. P. jirovecii colonization in these patients could represent a problem for public health since colonized patients could act as a major reservoir and source of infection for susceptible subjects. Using sensitive molecular techniques, low levels of P. jirovecii DNA have been detected in the respiratory tract of certain individuals. It is necessary to elucidate the role of P. jirovecii colonization in the natural history of COPD patients in order to improve the clinical management of this disease. In the current review paper, we discuss P. jirovecii colonization in COPD patients.

Enterococcus faecalis as multidrug resistance strains in clinical isolates in Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran.

The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in E. faecalis and E. faecium and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, then dominant genes responsible for vancomycin resistance were determined. For this propose, 180 clinical isolates of Enterococcus were subjected for identification and antibiotic susceptibility assay. Then, the gene responsible vancomycin resistant strains were determined. The results demonstrated the E. faecalis as a dominant Enterococcus. Resistance to erythromycin was dominant and multidrug resistance strains observed in E. faecalis. vanA was responsible for vancomycin resistance. In conclusion, a high rate of resistance to antibiotics in Enterococcus is clearly problematic, and a novel strategy is needed to decrease resistance in Enterococcus.

Spreader graft placement: a simplified technique for young surgeons.

The spreader graft is a longitudinal graft placed between the dorsal septum and the upper lateral cartilage in a submucoperichondrial pocket. This graft has functional and aesthetic indications. Although placement and suturing of the spreader graft to the septum is an easy part of rhinoplasty for the experienced surgeon, it can be difficult and time-consuming for young surgeons. Here we suggest a very simple technique for easier placement and suturing of spreader grafts.

Artificial neural network and particle swarm optimization for removal of methyl orange by gold nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon and Tamarisk.

The influence of variables, namely initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage (g), stirrer speed (rpm) and contact time (min) on the removal of methyl orange (MO) by gold nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (Au-NP-AC) and Tamarisk were investigated using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) and the variables were optimized by partial swarm optimization (PSO). Comparison of the results achieved using proposed models, showed the ANN model was better than the MLR model for prediction of methyl orange removal using Au-NP-AC and Tamarisk. Using the optimal ANN model the coefficient of determination (R2) for the test data set were 0.958 and 0.989; mean squared error (MSE) values were 0.00082 and 0.0006 for Au-NP-AC and Tamarisk adsorbent, respectively. In this study a novel and green approach were reported for the synthesis of gold nanoparticle and activated carbon by Tamarisk. This material was characterized using different techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD and BET. The usability of Au-NP-AC and activated carbon (AC) Tamarisk for the methyl orange from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effect of variables such as pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage (g) and contact time (min) on methyl orange removal were studied. Fitting the experimental equilibrium data to various isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich models show the suitability and applicability of the Langmuir model. Kinetic models such as pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models indicate that the second-order equation and intraparticle diffusion models control the kinetic of the adsorption process. The small amount of proposed Au-NP-AC and activated carbon (0.015 g and 0.75 g) is applicable for successful removal of methyl orange (>98%) in short time (20 min for Au-NP-AC and 45 min for Tamarisk-AC) with high adsorption capacity 161 mg g(-1) for Au-NP-AC and 3.84 mg g(-1) for Tamarisk-AC.

Protective effect of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment.

Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy in testis has been the subjects of many studies. In this study, the protective effects of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis were investigated after chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide. Histological and biochemical parameters were compared in cyclophosphamide-treated rats with or without ginger extract intake. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups each 10. The control group received a single injection of 1 ml isotonic saline intraperitoneally. The Cyclophosphamide (CP) group received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg kg(-1) BW) intraperitoneally. CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups received orally 300 or 600 mg of ginger extract, respectively, for a period of 6 weeks after cyclophosphamide injection. The morphologic and histological structure of the testis was compared in different groups of the rats. Also, factors like malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone level were assessed in blood serum as well. Our results showed that although ginger extract could not change testis weight, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS, but antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were increased significantly. Also, an obvious improved histological change was seen in CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups in comparison with CP group. These protective effects of ginger on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment could be attributed to the higher serum level of antioxidants.

Dynamic Changes of IFN-γ-producing Cells, TGF-ß and Their Preidctive Value in Early Outcomees of Renal Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence demonstrated an immune etiology as well as nonimmune mechanisms for episodes of clinical acute rejection and long-term allograft dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of IFN-γ-producing cells and TGF-ß with incidence of clinical acute rejection in living-related and unrelated kidney allogarft recipients during the first post-transplant year. METHODS: This multi-center study was performed on 57 kidney allograft recipients from living-related (n=20) and unrelated (n=37) donors between April 2011 and September 2012 and who were followed prospectively for a mean period of one year. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all patients pre-transplantation and at days 14, 30 and 90 after transplantation; PBMCs were used as responding cells in enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay to measure the frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells after stimulation with donor lymphocytes. Additionally, TGF-ß levels were measured in cell culture supernatants of ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 45 (79%) patients were diagnosed with stable graft function (group A); 12 (21%) experienced clinical acute rejection episodes (group B). The frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the rejection group in all three times after transplantation. Also, post-transplantation comparison for TGF-ß showed a significantly (p<0.001) higher contents in group A vs. group B. Comparing the post-transplantation levels of TGF-ß and mean numbers of IFN-γ- producing cells between groups A and B demonstrated a continuous increment in TGF-ß and decreasing frequencies of IFN-γ-producing cells in group A vs. group B. CONCLUSION: Serial post-transplantation monitoring of IFN-γ-producing donor reactive cells during the first months is a clinically feasible approach for identification of kidney allogarft recipients at risk for ongoing immune-mediated graft damage and later graft loss.