Insight into morphological and molecular variations across Iranian spinach landraces.

Spinach is salt-tolerant leafy vegetable stemmed from central Asia. It has been well adapted to different climates of Iran. We aimed to study genetic diversity between several landraces as a prerequisite for crop improvement programs using molecular markers including microsatellites (SSRs) and morphological traits. Genetic diversity was studied among 22 spinach landraces using morphological and molecular tools. We developed 17 genic and genomic SSR markers based on the information acquired from NCBI resources. Morphological evaluation indicated high variability for economic traits including leaf color, leaf thickness, leaf wrinkle and seed type, across Iranian landraces. The molecular results exhibited that 12 out of 17 primer pairs successfully amplified genomic DNA with explicit bands. The results verified that genic markers were superior to genomic markers to detect polymorphism and genetic diversity. In this regard, PIC for genomic and genic SSRs was in the range of 0.4616-0.6621 and 0.5188-0.7394, respectively. Polymorphic genic SSRs were identified to be directly and indirectly involved in biotic/abiotic stresses. High degree of polymorphism, which was detected across the landraces by genic SSRs, could assist us to select 11 landraces for the second experiment. The second experiment was designed to evaluate the response of selected landraces to salinity stress. The results confirmed genetic variability among the landraces in terms of salinity tolerance. A highly diverse germplasm of Iranian spinach based on molecular and morphological characteristics along with the tolerance to oxidative stress provides an ample opportunity for plant breeders to select superior genotypes.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Study Based on the Fusion Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Broiler Poultry Farms in Markazi Province, Iran.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant and extremely spreadable viral illness affecting a wide variety of avian species. ND can rapidly spread within poultry farms and result in considerable economic losses for the global poultry industry. This disease is endemic in Iran, and despite intensive vaccination efforts in the poultry industry, outbreaks of ND occur unexpectedly. This study aimed to isolate the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from poultry farms with breathing problems in Markazi province, Iran, and investigate the evolutionary relationship and molecular characteristics of the isolates during 2017-2019. To this end, tissue samples (lung, brain, and trachea) were taken from 42 broiler farms exhibiting respiratory symptoms. The samples were inoculated into 9-11-day-old embryonated eggs, and the virus was isolated from 20 (47.6%) of the 42 farms. Subsequently, RT-PCR was used to amplify partial fusion gene sequences from the new isolates. The amplified products were sequenced and compared phylogenetically to the standard pilot dataset (125 selected sequences) generated by the NDV consortium. As determined by phylogenetic analysis, all nine isolates belonged to subgenotype VII.1.1 of genotype VII and were highly similar to isolates from other parts of Iran and China. Moreover, all isolates possessed a polybasic cleavage site motif (112RRQKRF117), characteristic of virulent strains. Furthermore, the present isolates shared a high nucleotide identity (96%) with viruses previously isolated from other provinces of Iran, as determined by BLAST searches and multiple alignments. In addition, they shared a high degree of sequence similarity but were distinct from the existing NDV vaccines. Therefore, the genetic dissimilarity between current vaccine strains and circulating NDVs must be considered in vaccination programs.

Acceptation of Folk Medicine and its "secrets" in a Swiss Burn Centre.

In Switzerland 'Secret' is a folk medicine called upon for burns. It has belonged to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage since 2012. It is supposed to ease pain and accelerate the healing process of burns. As the practice is widely used in the population, this observational study investigated the opinion of caregivers and patients from the National Burn Center of Lausanne. Qualitative observational study based on a survey including ten questions aimed at identifying the professionals' perception of the phenomenon. Questions were developed from repeated encounters in the burn center. Data collection took five months. Thirty-six healthcare professionals (HP) and 12 selected patients (or parents for minors) discharged after burns were interviewed on a voluntary basis: all of the HPs knew about 'Secret' from the workplace, and 26 from home: 33 were convinced that it might be useful and reduce pain. The perceived efficiency of the practice (36 respondents) differs depending on professional category and personal experience. Only one HP considered the practice to be dangerous. The nurses and auxiliary nurses expressed that it should be used more widely. The 12 patients considered it as a complementary step, not a replacement for medical care. Health professionals globally considered this practice safe and helpful. The patients were interested in using parallel approaches and were careful about their expectations. This openness is probably an indication that HPs believe that acceptance of the culture and beliefs of patients and their families might positively affect response to treatment, whatever the burn size.

Il existe en Suisse une médecine traditionnelle dénommée « secret ¼ dédiée aux brûlures (supposée avoir des effets analgésiques et cicatrisants) inscrite au patrimoine immatériel de l'UNESCO depuis 2012. Dans la mesure où elle est très largement utilisée, nous avons conduit une étude observationnelle sur l'opinion qu'en ont les soignants et les patients du CTB national de Lausanne. Nous avons utilisé un questionnaire à dix items, développé après des entretiens plus informels. Trente six professionnels et 12 patients (ou parents quand le patient était mineur), interrogés après leur sortie, ont volontairement participé à l'étude. Tous les professionnels avaient entendu parler de « secret ¼ soit au travail soit chez eux (26). Trente trois étaient persuadés de son utilité analgésique, 1 seul le considérant comme dangereux. Cette opinion varie selon la catégorie professionnelle et l'expérience personnelle, les infirmières et aide- soignantes estimant qu'il devrait être plus largement utilisé. Les patients estimaient que « secret ¼ était un adjuvant ne devant pas remplacer la prise en charge médicalisée. Les professionnels considéraient que « secret ¼ est simple et utile. Les patients étaient intéressée par cette approche parallèle, tout en gardant une certaine retenue quant à ce qu'ils pouvaient en attendre. Cette ouverture d'esprit suggère que les professionnels pensent que la prise en compte de la culture et des croyances des patients et de leur famille peut promouvoir l'efficacité du traitement conventionnel, quelle que soit la surface brûlée.

Quality of life in thalassemia major: reliability and validity of the Persian version of the SF-36 questionnaire.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the eight-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire translated into Persian for use in Iranian patients with thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a standard "forward-backward" translation procedure, the English language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian. Two hundred patients with thalassemia major following up at the Thalassemia Center, Dastgheib Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were enrolled in this study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Spearman's correlation, respectively. Validity was assessed using convergent and discriminant validity. RESULTS: The mean age of 200 subjects enrolled in the study was 19.81+/-4.07 years. Reliability analysis showed satisfactory results (Cronbach's a coefficient = 0.915). The factor analysis showed that all items were in the same groups as previous studies with the exception of role emotional and general health that had been substituted. Most of the patients were in lower range of normal for both mental and physical summary status. CONCLUSIONS: The study finding showed that the Persian version of SF-36 questionnaire has a good structural characteristic and is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with thalassemia major.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the multiple sclerosis quality of life questionnaire.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To translate and test the reliability and validity of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQoL-54) in Iranian MS patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: Using a standard "forward-backward" translation, cognitive debriefing and cultural adaptation procedure, the English version of the MSQoL-54 was translated to Persian which is the Iranian official language. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were multiple sclerosis (MS) patients referred to Motaharri clinic, Shiraz, South of Iran. Demographic data were recorded. Epidemiological data concerning MS type, duration of the disease, Functional System Score (FSS) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of patients were also provided by a qualified neurologist. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity was assessed through factor analysis. Factor analysis was performed to determine that the Persian version is a two-dimensional measure including physical and mental parameters. RESULTS: Multiple sclerosis patients (female:106 (75.2%), male:35 (24.8%)), with a mean+/-SD age of 32.2+/-9.8 years were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's alpha was 0.962. There were no significant differences between each item and the mean of physical and mental scores of MSQoL-54, regarding sex, marital status and education. There was a negative significant correlation between EDSS and physical health, role limitation due to physical problems, pain, energy, health perception, social function, cognitive function, health distress, overall Quality of Life. The scaling success rates were 100%, demonstrating convergent validity of each scale. Factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire has a good structural characteristic, it is a reliable and valid instrument and can be used for measuring the effect of MS on the Quality of Life.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, data on the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid concentrations in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are scarce. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in GDM patients. METHODS: Sixty pregnant women with GDM, primigravida and aged 18-40years, were divided into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules (n=30) or a matching placebo (n=30) in this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients in the probiotic group took a daily capsule that contained three viable freeze-dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2×10(9)CFU/g), L. casei (2×10(9)CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2×10(9)CFU/g) for 6weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study to quantify the relevant markers. RESULTS: After 6weeks of intervention, probiotic supplementation vs a placebo resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (-9.2±9.2mg/dL vs +1.1±12.2mg/dL, P<0.001), serum insulin levels (-0.8±3.1µIU/mL vs +4.5±10.6µIU/mL, P=0.01), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (-0.4±0.9 vs +1.1±2.5, P=0.003) and HOMA for ß-cell function (+1.1±9.8 vs +18.0±42.5, P=0.03), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.007±0.01 vs -0.01±0.02, P=0.007). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (-1.6±59.4mg/dL vs +27.1±37.9mg/dL, P=0.03) and VLDL cholesterol concentrations (-0.3±11.9mg/dL vs +5.4±7.6mg/dL, P=0.03) were seen following supplementation with the probiotics compared with the placebo. However, no significant changes in other lipid profiles were seen with the intervention. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of our study have demonstrated that taking probiotic supplements for 6weeks in patients with GDM had beneficial effects on glycaemic control, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol concentrations, although there was no effect on other lipid profiles.

Burn patient care lost in good manufacturing practices?

Application of cell therapies in burn care started in the early 80s in specialized hospital centers world-wide. Since 2007, cell therapies have been considered as "Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products" (ATMP), so classified by European Directives along with associated Regulations by the European Parliament. Consequently, regulatory changes have transformed the standard linear clinical care pathway into a more complex one. It is important to ensure the safety of cellular therapies used for burn patients and to standardize as much as possible the cell sources and products developed using cell culture procedures. However, we can definitely affirm that concentrating the bulk of energy and resources on the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) alone will have a major negative impact on the care of severely burned patients world-wide. Developing fully accredited infrastructures and training personnel (required by the new directives), along with obtaining approval for clinical trials to go ahead, can be a lengthy process.We discuss whether or not these patients could benefit from cell therapies provided by standard in-hospital laboratories, thus avoiding having to meet rigid regulations concerning the use of industrial pharmaceutical products. "Hospital Exemption" could be a preferred means to offer burn patients a customized and safe product, as many adaptations may be required throughout their treatment pathway. Patients who are in need of rapid treatment will be the ones to suffer the most from regulations intended to help them.

L'utilisation de la « thérapie cellulaire ¼ au profit des patients brûlés s'est mise en place au début des années 1980 dans de nombreux centres, répartis de par le monde. Depuis 2007, les produits utilisés ont fait l'objet de directives européennes. De ce fait, la prise en charge directe du patient est devenue un parcours semé d'embûches. S'il est important d'assurer au patient l'utilisation de produits dérivés de culture cellulaire de qualité, fabriqués selon des procédés reproductibles, il est évident que la mise en place dans les unités des « Bonnes Pratiques de Fabrication ¼ entraînera des dépenses de temps et d'énergie qui auront inévitablement un impact négatif sur la prise en charge du patient très gravement brûlé. En outre, la mise à niveau de l'infrastructure et la formation du personnel (exigées par les directives actuelles) ainsi que l'obtention des essais cliniques nécessaires à l'autorisation d'utilisation de ces produits peuvent s'avérer très longues. Nous argumentons la possibilité de fabriquer ces produits de culture cellulaire dans des laboratoires hospitaliers classiques en évitant la très lourde procédure destinée principalement à l'industrie pharmaceutique. Une « exemption hospitalière ¼ pourrait être un moyen d'offrir aux brûlés une thérapeutique adaptée et sécurisée, dans la mesure où des adaptations personnalisées peuvent être nécessaires au long de leur traitement. Les patients ayant un besoin vital d'un traitement urgent seront ceux qui pâtiront le plus d'une loi sensée les protéger.

Therapeutic options for the treatment of tinea capitis: griseofulvin versus fluconazole.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a relatively common fungal infection of childhood. Griseofulvin has been the mainstay of treatment for many years. However, newer oral antifungal agents are being used more frequently. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of fluconazole in comparison with griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis. METHODS: We performed a single-blind, randomized, prospective evaluation of 40 patients with a clinical and mycologic diagnosis of tinea capitis. One group received fluconazole for 4 weeks. The other group received griseofulvin for 6 weeks. Five clinical parameters were evaluated. Mycologic examinations were performed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 1 to 16 years; 80% were boys and 20% were girls. Mycologic examinations disclosed Trichophyton verrucosum in 40% of patients, T. violaceum in 40% and Microsporum canis in 20%. At week 8, the griseofulvin-treated group showed a cure rate of 76%, and the fluconazole-treated group 78%. The cure rates were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole constitutes an alternative but, because of greater availability and lower cost, griseofulvin remains the treatment of choice for tinea capitis.

Detection of somatotropin receptors on human monocytes.

The expression of somatotropin receptors on human peripheral blood monocytes was investigated. Binding of [125I]somatotropin to human monocytes was found to be specific and saturable. The binding was rapid and time-dependent, and was abolished by pretreatment of monocytes with trypsin. Scatchard plot analysis revealed that each cell bore more than 8 x 10(3) binding sites with an affinity constant of 1 x 10(8) M-1.

The effect of rehabilitation on quality of life in female breast cancer survivors in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (Qol) of female breast cancer survivors who received rehabilitation intervention beside medical care and survivors who received medical care alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven female breast cancer survivors were assigned to usual medical care (control group) or to usual medical care plus rehabilitation intervention (experimental group). Qol of all patients was assessed before, 1 week and 3 months after intervention. The intervention consisted of physiotherapy, education and individual counseling. The authors used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire and breast module (EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23) for the assessment of Qol. RESULTS: Patients who received rehabilitation had significantly better Qol. Overall, mean of Qol scores improved gradually in experimental group from before to 1 week and 3 months after intervention. In contrast, minimal change was observed between pre/post and follow-up measures for control group. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation after breast cancer treatment has the potential for physical, psychological and overall Qol benefits.