Using amplicon sequencing of rpoB for identification of inoculant rhizobia from peanut nodules.

To improve the nitrogen fixation, legume crops are often inoculated with selected effective rhizobia. However, there is large variation in how well the inoculant strains compete with the indigenous microflora in soil. To assess the success of the inoculant, it is necessary to distinguish it from other, closely related strains. Methods used until now have generally been based either on fingerprinting methods or on the use of reporter genes. Nevertheless, these methods have their shortcomings, either because they do not provide sufficiently specific information on the identity of the inoculant strain, or because they use genetically modified organisms that need prior authorization to be applied in the field or other uncontained environments. Another possibility is to target a gene that is naturally present in the bacterial genomes. Here we have developed a method that is based on amplicon sequencing of the bacterial housekeeping gene rpoB, encoding the beta-subunit of the RNA polymerase, which has been proposed as an alternative to the 16S rRNA gene to study the diversity of rhizobial populations in soils. We evaluated the method under laboratory and field conditions. Peanut seeds were inoculated with various Bradyrhizobium strains. After nodule development, DNA was extracted from selected nodules and the nodulating rhizobia were analysed by amplicon sequencing of the rpoB gene. The analyses of the sequence data showed that the method reliably identified bradyrhizobial strains in nodules, at least at the species level, and could be used to assess the competitiveness of the inoculant compared to other bradyrhizobia.

Modification of porous polyetherimide hollow fiber membrane by dip-coating of Zonyl® BA for membrane distillation of dyeing wastewater.

Wetting and fouling have significantly affected the application of membrane distillation (MD). In this work, a dip-coating method was used for improving surface hydrophobicity of the polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membrane. An air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process was applied for treatment of the methylene blue (MB) solution. The porous PEI membrane was fabricated by a dry-wet spinning process and the hydrophobic 2-(Perfluoroalkyl) ethanol (Zonyl® BA) was used as the coating material. From FESEM, the modified PEI-Zonyl membrane showed an open structure with large finger-like cavities. The modified membrane displayed a narrow pore size distribution with mean pore size of 0.028 µm. The outer surface contact angle of the PEI-Zonyl membrane increased from 81.3° to 100.4° due to the formation of an ultra-thin coated layer. The pure water flux of the PEI-Zonyl membrane was slightly reduced compared to the pristine PEI membrane. A permeate flux of 6.5 kg/m2 h and MB rejection of 98% were found for the PEI-Zonyl membrane during 76 h of the AGMD operation. Adsorption of MB on the membrane surface was confirmed based on the Langmuir isotherm evaluation, AFM and FESEM analysis. The modified PEI-Zonyl membrane can be a favorable alternative for AGMD of dyeing wastewaters.

Occupational exposure of health care personnel to SARS-CoV-2 particles in the intensive care unit of Tehran hospital.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has attracted much attention to study its possible presence and airborne transmission. The possibility of COVID-19 airborne transmission in indoor environments is debatable. The present study examined the concentration of viral RNA-containing particles produced directly or indirectly by breathing or coughing of confirmed COVID-19 patients or by carriers without symptoms. Some studies do not accept this method of transmission (COVID-19 airborne transmission). The present study aimed to measure the possible exposure of health care personnel to SARS-CoV-2 particles that may have been suspended in the air to respond to the hypothesis of COVID-19 airborne transmission. Airborne particle sampling was performed using impingement method based on NIOSH (chapter BA) and ASHRAE. Selection of sampling sections was in line with the WHO guidelines. The samples were analyzed using RT-PCR technique. Based on the given results, airborne particles of COVID-19 may present in the air and affect the health of hospital personnel. In fact, the analysis of gene expression in ambient conditions and thereby aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through air is possible and may lead to occupational exposure of health care personnel. Furthermore, it was found that airborne emission of COVID-19 through the breathing zone of patients, particularly in ICU wards with confirmed cases of COVID-19, may be higher than in other ICU wards. Also, the demonstrated results showed that there is a possibility of reaerosolization (reintroduction) of previously airborne SARS-CoV-2 particles into the atmosphere due to health care personnel frequently walking between different wards and stations of ICU.

Effect of magnesium sulphate added to lidocaine on inferior alveolar nerve block success in patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To investigate the effect of magnesium sulphate used as an adjuvant to lidocaine with epinephrine local anaesthetic on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment. METHODOLOGY: In a double-blind clinical trial, following power calculation, 124 patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molar teeth were selected, and initial pain data were collected using a Heft-Parker (Pain, 19, 1984 and 153) visual analogue scale. The first group (control) received IANB with 1.8 mL of a local anaesthetic solution containing 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine while the second group (test) received IANB with 1.8 mL of an anaesthetic solution containing 1% magnesium sulphate, and 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine. Pain data were collected after access cavity and penetration of files in the canals using a Heft-Parker visual analogue scale. Two patients were not included in the study as they did not consent, and a further 54 patients were excluded as they did not report lip numbness within 15 min after IANB administration; thus, the data presented in this study are related to 68 patients. The data were analysed using chi-square and t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The success of pulpal anaesthesia with IANB was 82% for the magnesium sulphate group and 53% for the control group. There was a significant difference in the effectiveness of the IANB between the two groups (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the magnesium sulphate and control groups regarding gender (P = 0.598) or age (P = 0.208) or initial pain scores (P = 0.431). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 1% magnesium sulphate to 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine resulted in a positive impact for the success of IANB in patients with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis related to mandibular molar teeth undergoing root canal treatment. Thus magnesium sulphate may be used as adjuvant for achieving profound pulpal anaesthesia in challenging cases. However, more studies with larger sample size and different concentration doses must be carried out to establish an appropriate conclusion before its routine clinical use.

The association between interval from acceptance to first-time donation, missed first appointment and future donation behaviour.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We examined the association of the interval between the date an individual is accepted for blood donation and the date of first donation (IFD-interval, index-to-first-time donation interval) and missed first appointment with future donation behaviour among new donors. These two variables have not been analysed in previous studies of donation behaviour among new donors. METHODS: Categories were generated for age (18-29 vs 30-65 years), missed-appointment status (no-show vs same-day cancellation) and the IFD-interval [short (≤median time) vs long (>median time)]. Accepted donors (n = 807) were followed for 19 months. Outcome measures were first-appointment attendance rates, return rates among first-time donors and the proportion of experienced donors, defined as those who gave ≥5 donations. RESULTS: In logistic regression analyses, high no-show rates were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of first-time donation. Long IFD-intervals were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of returning for a second donation among first-time donors. Experienced donors, compared to novice donors, were more likely to be male than female, older than younger and with shorter vs longer IFD-intervals. CONCLUSIONS: No-show and long IFD-intervals may be behavioural markers of low levels of motivation for making the first donation and for returning for a second donation, respectively.

The impact of motivational interviewing on participation in childbirth preparation classes and having a natural delivery: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing on women's participation in childbirth classes and their subsequent natural vaginal delivery. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Prenatal clinic of the Shohada Women's Hospital, Behshahr, Mazandaran, Iran. POPULATION: This study was conducted with 230 nulliparous women. Participants were randomised into three groups, including 76 women in the motivational interviewing group, and 77 women in both the lecture and the control groups. METHODS: Participants were assessed at three time points, including at baseline (16-19 weeks of gestation) and then following the intervention (at 21 and 37 weeks of gestation). The motivational interviewing group received two focus interviews and two telephone follow-up sessions (at 3 and 6 weeks after the last session of motivational interviewing). The lecture group received a speech session. The control group received routine care service. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of participation in childbirth preparation classes and mode of delivery. RESULTS: Over 90% of women in the motivational interviewing group participated in childbirth preparation classes, whereas the rate of participation in the lecture and the control groups was 59.7 and 27.3%, respectively. The probability of maternal participation in childbirth classes in the motivational interviewing and in the lecture groups was 3.3 (95% CI 2.1-4.5) and 2.2 (95% CI 1.4-3.0) times the probability of maternal participation in the control group, respectively. Moreover, the intervention groups had 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.8) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.9-1.4) times the probability of natural delivery, compared with the control group. The frequency of natural delivery in motivational interviewing, lecture, and control groups was 68.4, 54.5, and 48.1%, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the awareness and attitude scores between the three groups in different time periods. CONCLUSION: We found that motivational interviewing can be a useful tool for encouraging pregnant women to attend childbirth preparation classes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Motivational interviewing with nulliparous women is strongly associated with their attendance in childbirth preparation classes.

Association between Helicobacter pylori hopQI genotypes and human gastric cancer risk.

The Helicobacter pylori use a number of mechanisms to survive in the stomach lumen and can lead to gastritis and reduction in stomach acid secretion. It has been found that the risk of developing gastric carcinoma is associated to heterogeneity of H. pylori virulence factors such as HopQ. The HopQ is one of the outer membrane proteins involved in bacterial adherence to gastric mucosa and has been suggested to also main role in the virulence of H. pylori. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between different H. pylori virulence hopQI (types I) genotyping and patients with gastroduodenal disorders. For this purpose 58 stomach biopsies of the patients with gastric cancer and 100 saliva samples from healthy and H. pylori infected individuals were collected and studied. Then genomic DNA was purified and PCR was done for desired gene via specific primers. The H. pylori infections were diagnosed using PCR for GlmM gene. Then frequencies of hopQI+ and hopQI- genotypes were determined in H. pylori infected cases. Statistical analysis showed that there were not significant differences between healthy and diseased ones for genotypes hopQI+ and hopQI-. Then the hopQI+ cannot be as a risk factor genotype for gastric cancer.

Association between Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD Val-9Ala) genotypes with the risk of generalized aggressive periodontitis disease.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is a subtype of periodontal diseases that characterized by rapid destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. The MnSOD Val-9Ala mutation of manganese superoxide dismutase gene (MnSOD Val-9Ala) and its correlation with periodontal diseases has been studied in different populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association of MnSODVal-9Ala polymorphism with periodontitis disease in sample of GAP patients in Iran for the first time. Following a GAP examination, 50 GAP patients and 100 healthy individuals were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and the MnSODVal-9Ala polymorphismwas detected using PCR-RFLP method. The frequency of Ala/Ala, Ala/Val and Val/Val genotypes in healthy individuals were 25, 66 and 9%, respectively. In periodontitis patients, frequencies were as Ala/Ala (12%), Ala/Val (50%) and Val/Val (38%) genotypes. There was a significant positive association between distribution of MnSOD Val-9Ala genotypes and the risk of periodontitis disease (p<0.05). Our results indicated that MnSOD Val-9Ala gene polymorphism has a positive association with the risk of periodontitis disease.

Poor appointment-keeping behaviour among repeat blood donors and its relationship to the intent to donate again.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anecdotal evidence suggests that missed donation appointments among repeat whole-blood donors are associated with decreased likelihood of future blood donation. This study sought to examine the relationship between missed donation appointments and intention to donate again among repeat whole-blood donors and to examine whether demographic variables are related to appointment-keeping behaviour. METHODS: During the period February-June 2013, telephone interviews were conducted with repeat donors who either did not show up for or cancelled their donation appointments on the day of the appointment. We asked them whether or not they wanted to schedule appointments for subsequent donations. RESULTS: Rates of missed donation appointments varied by age, but not gender. Although a statistically significant difference between male and female donors was not found with regard to willingness to donate again, female donors were more likely than male donors to call and cancel their appointment. Finally, compared with repeat donors who called and cancelled their appointment, no-show donors were 2.5 times less likely to schedule appointments for subsequent donations (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that poor appointment-keeping behaviour, and in particular no-show behaviour, is significantly associated with decreased likelihood of future blood donation among repeat whole-blood donors.

Flow-injection chemiluminescence determination of gentamicin: optimization by central composite design.

A simple and sensitive flow-injection chemiluminescence (CL) method has been developed for the determination of gentamicin sulfate. The method is based on the inhibitory effect of gentamicin on the CL emission accompanying oxidation of luminol by H2 O2 in an alkaline medium in the presence of Cu(II) as a catalyst. Inhibition was caused by the formation of a strong complex between analyte and the catalyst. Experimental variables, including the concentrations of luminol (µmol/L), H2 O2 (mol/L), Cu(II) (mol/L) and NaOH (mol/L), were optimized using a central composite design. Under optimum conditions, the plot of CL intensity versus gentamicin concentration was found to have two linear ranges. One range was at low concentrations from 1.0 to 10.0 mg/L and the other was from 10.0 to 30.0 mg/L. Precision was calculated by analyzing samples containing 5.0 mg/L gentamicin (n = 11) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.7%. Also, a high injection throughput of 120 samples/h was achieved. This method was successfully applied to the determination of gentamicin sulfate in pharmaceutical formulations and water samples.

Selecting iron and zinc nano-fertilizers for rice traits in drought by statistical analysis.

Optimum use of fertilizer plays an important role in increasing the performance of traits in rice and other agricultural products. The use of nano-fertilizers can be very important in the optimal use of fertilizer and in increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural products. To investigate the effect of iron and zinc nano-fertilizers on the physiological and morphological characteristics of rice plants (Tarom Hashemi variety) under drought stress conditions, a split plot experiment was carried out in the form of a randomized complete block design in three replications in Mazandaran region. The results of the combined analysis indicated that the effect of iron nano-fertilizer and zinc nano-fertilizer has a significant difference at the level of 0.01 and 0.05 in terms of all the evaluated traits. In the means comparison, it was concluded that normal humidity conditions can have a positive effect on the performance of the traits, but in the S1 stress conditions (drought stress at the rate of 50% of normal irrigation), the traits showed a good performance trend. Furthermore, increasing the amount of iron nano-fertilizer at the F2 level (Iron sulphate 100 kg/ha + 1 foliar spraying of iron chelate 2%) can be very effective in the growth of yield and the desirability of traits. In examining the amount of zinc nano-fertilizer consumption on the traits, showed the most positive performance on the traits at the level of Z2 (Use of 5 mg of zinc nano-fertilizer per kg of experiment soil), but with the increase to the level of Z3 (Use 7.5 mg of zinc nano-fertilizer per kg of experiment soil), this favorability was greatly reduced. The result of the correlation coefficients between the traits and the correlation diagram also showed a positive and significant correlation between the traits. In the graphical analysis, treatments tr33, tr8, tr19, tr24, tr7, tr6, and tr2 were selected as desirable treatments from the polygon graph. Treatments tr19, tr9 and tr6 were recognized as favourable treatments in terms of the treatment ranking diagram in terms of all traits. Based on the treatment selection diagram based on ideal treatment, tr19, tr9 and tr6 treatments were identified as desirable treatments. In general, it is possible to use tr19 (S1×F1×Z2), tr6 (N×F1×Z1) and tr9 (N×F2×Z0) treatments as treatments with high efficiency and power to increase the performance of traits and optimal use of nano-fertilizers in rice cultivation.

Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Few studies are carried out on the epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Middle East with no reports from Iran. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological and clinical features of ALS amongst the Iranian population living in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: Medical records of all hospitals with a neurology department and outpatient neurology clinics in Isfahan province from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed, and all patients with the diagnosis of ALS according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria were extracted and related demographic and clinical data were gathered and analyzed. RESULTS: We found 98 new patients (66 men and 32 women) with definite, probable, or possible ALS. The average annual incidence was 0.42/100,000, with the highest incidence rate amongst those aged 70-74. On 21 March 2006, the crude prevalence was 1.57/100,000. Median survival from onset was 48 months (95% confidence interval 34-61) and survival rates for 1, 3,and 5 years after the onset were 94%, 66%, and 32%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of ALS in the Iranian population seems to be lower compared to other populations and the survival of patients was longer than previously reported.

Alteration of gene expression profile in mouse embryonic stem cells and neural differentiation deficits by ethephon.

Ethephon, a member of the organophosphorus compounds, is one of the most widely used plant growth regulators for artificial ripening. Although million pounds of this chemical is being used annually, the knowledge regarding its molecular toxicity is yet not sufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential developmental toxicity of ethephon using embryonic stem cell model. The mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were exposed to various concentrations of ethephon and the viability, cell cycle alteration and changes in the gene expression profile were evaluated using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Further, the effect of ethephon on neural differentiation potential was examined. The results showed that ethephon at noncytotoxic doses induced cell cycle arrest in mESCs. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that terms related to cell fate and organismal development, including neuron fate commitment, embryo development and cardiac cell differentiation, were markedly enriched in ethephon-treated cells. Neural induction of mESCs in the presence of ethephon was inhibited and the expression of neural genes was decreased in differentiated cells. Results obtained from this work clearly demonstrate that ethephon affects the gene expression profile of undifferentiated mESCs and prevents neural differentiation. Therefore, more caution against the frequent application of ethephon is advised.

The unique role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 in cholesterol homeostasis.

The LDL receptor (LDLR) plays an essential role in the regulation of plasma (LDL) cholesterol concentrations by virtue of its ability to clear plasma LDL. Down-regulation of the LDLR by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) has recently emerged as a regulatory mechanism that controls plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations. Studies in which PCSK9 is over-expressed in mice, have demonstrated that PCSK9, by enhancing hepatic LDLR degradation, decreases the availability of the LDLR for LDL uptake, resulting in increased plasma LDL cholesterol levels. However, PCSK9 has also recently been shown to mediate down-regulation of surface receptors other than the LDLR, suggesting that it may have much broader roles than initially thought.

Gestational trophoblastic tumor with liver metastasis after misoprostol abortion.

BACKGROUND: Early elective medical abortion is performed frequently in different countries of the world. Serious complications like gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are uncommon and mostly nonmetastatic. High risk metastatic GTN following medical abortion is a rare event which may occur coincidentally. CASE: A 26 year-old-woman, gravida 2 para 1, 6 weeks after misoprostol abortion presented with sever nausea, vomiting, and right upper abdominal pain. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was 2,500,000 mIU/ml and metastatic work up revealed multiple liver metastases. She totally received nine cycles of EMA-CO (ethoposide- methotrexate- actinomycin- cyclophosphamide, vincristine) regimen for treatment and consolidation. Six months after treatment she is in complete remission. CONCLUSION: Follow up of patients after medical abortion by means of single serum hCG measurement is highly recommended for early diagnosis of complications including gestational trophoblastic tumor. EMA-CO regimen seems to be an effective and safe treatment for liver metastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Evaluation of nutritional status in patients undergoing hematopoietic SCT.

The aims of this study were to establish the nutritional status of patients during hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) and to determine if body mass index (BMI) is a valid indicator of nutritional status in this population when compared with nitrogen balance (NB). In total, 50 patients were enrolled (mean age: 25.7+/-9.0 years). Patients (14%) were underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m(2)), 58% in a normal BMI (between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m(2)) and 28% were overweight or obese (BMI >or= 25 kg/m(2)). NB dropped after transplantation and increased from days +5 to +20 after transplantation (P=0.006). There was a significant negative relationship between patients' BMI and time to engraftment (r=-0.45, P=0.001). Engraftment of underweight patients was 3.0 days (P=0.002) and 4.0 days (P<0.001) later than in normal and overweight or obese patients, respectively. There was no significant correlation between NB before transplantation and time to engraftment (r=-0.22, P=0.16). The results of this study demonstrate that patients undergoing HSCT may have suboptimal nutritional status and that pre-HSCT-BMI rather than NB may have a greater correlation in HSCT patients with the time of engraftment. Therefore, it may be useful to consider patient's BMI before transplantation for earlier engraftment time.

Cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis in adults in Isfahan, Iran: frequency and seasonal variation.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVST) and its seasonal variation. METHODS: A clinic-based prospective case-register study was conducted from 2001 to 2004. Hundred and twenty-two consecutive definite CVST patients (26 men and 96 women) treated in two major neurological centres of Isfahan, Iran, were included in the study. Part of examination included an assessment of CVST including conventional angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging and self-reported medical history. Population data were obtained from the 1996 Iran Census. The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 35.5 (11.9) years. RESULTS: The annual frequency (95% confidence interval) of CVST was 12.3 (10.1, 14.5) per million in a population of 2,472,751, with higher rate in women than in men [19.9 (15.5, 23.9) women and 5.1 (3.2, 7.1) men] and with increasing age in women (up to 50 years), but not in men. The female/male ratio was 3.9 (2.5-6.0). The monthly frequency of CVST ranged from 0.6 per million (0.1, 1.1) in August to 2.1 (1.2, 3.0) in September. The seasonal CVST rate ranged from 2.2 per million (1.3, 3.2) in summer to 4.3 (3.1, 5.7) in autumn. The differences were statistically significant either for the months or season (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show the CVST frequency in adults. More women than men are present with CVST and its frequency increased during autumn.

Sonication-assisted synthesis of a new cationic zinc nitrate complex with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand: Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and investigation of different parameters influence on morphological properties.

A nanostructured cationic zinc nitrate complex with a formula of [ZnLNO3]NO3 (where L = (N2E,N2'E)-N1,N1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N2-((E)-3-phenylallylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine)) was prepared by sonochemical process and characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The X-ray analysis demonstrates the formation of a cationic complex that metal center is five-coordinated by four nitrogen atom from Schiff base ligand and one oxygen atom from nitrate group. The crystal packing analysis demonstrates the essential role of the nitrate groups in the organization of supramolecular structure. The morphology and size of ultrasound-assisted synthesized zinc nitrate complex have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by changing parameters such as the concentration of initial reactants, the sonication power and reaction temperature. In addition the calcination of zinc nitrate complex in air atmosphere led to production of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Fludarabine and busulfan as a myeloablative conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in high- and standard-risk leukemic patients.

Busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy) are currently the most widely used myeloablative regimen to treat malignancies with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Fludarabine has considerable efficacy in both immunosuppression and tumor cells killing with a minimal extramedullary toxicity. We evaluated the efficacy of 40 mg/m(2) fludarabine i.v. for 5 days and busulfan 4 mg/kg/day p.o. for 4 days as myeloablative conditioning regimen in 70 patients (median age 24 years) with acute leukemia or chronic phase of myelogenous leukemia. They all had human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donors. The patients received 10 mug/kg granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), 24 h after stem cell infusion until engraftment occurred. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included 3 mg/kg cyclosporine-A i.v. from day -2 to +6 followed by 12 mg/kg p.o. until day +60. The median time of neutrophil recovery (>0.5 x 109/l) and platelet recovery (>20 x 109/l) were 10 and 12 days, respectively. Mucositis (93%) and hepatic toxicity (16%) resolved with conservative therapy. The incidence of acute GVHD grade I-II and III-IV were 38.6 and 15.7% respectively. Overall survival and disease-free survival were 71 and 64% respectively with 17 months median follow-up for surviving patients. We conclude that FluBu may be used as a substitute for BuCy with almost the same efficacy and with a lower transplant adverse effect but to increase anti-leukemic effects, especially in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, it needs some modifications.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene polymorphism in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an important molecule in leucocyte activation and migration, is expressed on the CNS endothelial cells of patients with multiple sclerosis. This study was conducted to determine whether ICAM-1 gene polymorphism influences the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in an Iranian population. We studied 157 patients with definite multiple sclerosis and 156 ethnically matched controls. The patients and the controls were genotyped for ICAM-1 gene polymorphism at codons 241 (exon 4) and 469 (exon 6). G/R241 and K/E 469 allele and genotype distribution did not show any significant difference between patient and control groups. We concluded that role of the ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is still controversial and should be studied further.