molecular chaperone artemin efficiently blocks fibrillization of TAU protein in vitro

Objective: aggregation of the TAU proteins in the form of neurofibrillary tangles [NFTs] in the brain is a common risk factor in tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease [AD]. Several strategies have been implemented to target NFTs, among which chaperones, which facilitate the proper folding of proteins, appear to hold great promise in effectively inhibiting TAU polymerization. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the chaperone Artemin on TAU aggregation in vitro

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, recombinant TAU- or Artemin proteins were expressed in E.coli bacteria, and purified using ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] was used to run the extracted proteins and check their purity. Heparin was used as an aggregation inducer. The interaction kinetics of TAU aggregation and disassembly was performed using thioflavin T [ThT] fluorescence analysis and circular dichroism [CD] spectroscopy

Results: ion-exchange and affinity chromatography yielded highly pure TAU and Artemin proteins for subsequent analyses. In addition, we found that heparin efficiently induced TAU fibrillization 48 hours post-incubation, as evidenced by ThT assay. Importantly, Artemin was observed to effectively block the aggregation of both physiologic- and supraphysiologic TAU concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, as judged by ThT and CD spectroscopy analyses

Conclusion: our collective results show, for the first time, that the chaperone Artemin could significantly inhibit aggregation of the TAU proteins in a dose-dependent manner, and support Artemin as a potential potent blocker of TAU aggregation in people with AD

Polymorphisms in protamine 1 and 2 genes in asthenozoospermic men

Background: Asthenozoospermia is one of the etiologies for male factor infertility. It was shown that any abnormality in protamines genes, reduction of protamines transcript and protamines deficiency may play a key role in asthenozoospermia

Objective: The aim of the current study was the evaluation of protamine-1 and 2 genes [PRM1 and PRM2] polymorphisms in asthenozoospermic men

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the samples were corresponded to asthenozoospermic specimens of infertile men. The normozoospermic samples were considered as the control group. DNA sequence amplification was performed using four PRM1 and PRM2 primers, designed from 5' to 3' flank regions. The human PRM1 and PRM2 gene sequences were screened in search of potential mutations in highly prevalent polymorphism regions in asthenozoospermia versus normozoospermia

Results: Totally, nine highly prevalent polymorphism regions between the forward and reverse primers were screened. Three of them corresponded to PRM1 and six to PRM2. The most prevalent polymorphism regions in PRM1 were related to 102G>T [rs35576928], 49C>T [rs140477029] and 139C>A [rs737008]. In the PRM2, 6 highly prevalent polymorphisms regions were screened, including 248C>T [rs779337774], 401G>A [rs545828790], 288C>T [rs115686767], 288G>C [rs201933708], 373C>A [rs2070923], and 298G>C [rs1646022]. The allele frequencies of three upper mentioned single nucleotide polymorphisms in asthenozoospermic men including 373C>A, 298G>C and 139C>A was higher than the control group

Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the frequency of some altered genotypes in asthenozospermia was slightly higher than control group. We proposed more extensive studies to be sure that; these genotypes can precisely be related to diagnosis of asthenozoospermia, as the molecular markers

Revealing the secret life of pre-implantation embryos by time-lapse monitoring: a review

High implantation success following in vitro fertilization cycles are achieved via the transfer of embryos with the highest developmental competence. Multiple pregnancies as a result of the transfer of several embryos per cycle accompany with various complication. Thus, single-embryo transfer [SET] is the preferred practice in assisted reproductive technique [ART] treatment. In order to improve the pregnancy rate for SET, embryologists need reliable biomarkers to aid their selection of embryos with the highest developmental potential. Time-lapse technology is a noninvasive alternative conventional microscopic assessment. It provides uninterrupted and continues the survey of embryo development to transfer day. Today, there are four time-lapse systems that are commercially available for ART centers. In world and Iran, the first time lapse babies were born in 2010 and 2015, respectively, conceived by SET. Here, we review the use of time-lapse monitoring in the observation of embryogenesis as well as its role in SET. Although, the findings from our review support common use of time-lapse monitoring in ART centers; but, future large studies assessing this system in well-designed trials are necessary

Seroepidemiological study of Q fever in small ruminants from Southeast Iran

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in small ruminants in Southeast Iran. A total of 368 small ruminant blood samples [241 caprine blood samples and 127 ovine blood samples] were collected from January to May of 2011 in Southeast Iran. A commercial ELISA test kit was employed to identify specific antibodies against C. burnetii in the sheep and goats. Seropositivity in the examined counties ranged from 17.1% to 39.2%. Of the animals tested, 97 animals [26.4%], including 43 sheep [33.9%] and 54 goats [22.4%], had antibodies to C. burnetii. The results of the current study reveal the high prevalence of antibody positivity in small ruminants in Southeast Iran. Thus, sheep and goats are important reservoirs in this area. Additionally, we performed a logistic regression to the identify risk factors for positivity and concluded that age was an important risk factor [P < 0.001]

Prevalence and risk factor of Q fever among veterinary students in Iran

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. This study is aimed to determine seroprevalence of Q fever and to identify the correlation between 8 risk factors for Q fever among students at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the study in Iran. In the present study, 121 blood samples (serum) were taken from students and tested using indirect diagnostic ELISA kit. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence interval, Chi-square statistical test, and logistic regression. Results showed that 34.7% were positive from all the serum samples. Results of the regression test showed that correlation only between age (P-Value = 0.038) and sex (in women; P-Value = 0.05, OR = 2.22 95% CI = [1.00 - 4.90]) with positive serum titer of acute Q fever. According to the results, high seroprevalence of Q fever was observed among the veterinary students. This problem can be solved by taking more careful preventive measures against this disease in the training centers and veterinary students.

[ frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii [Q fever] antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman city, 2012]

Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii, a Gram negative, obligate intracellular bacterium classified within the order Legionellales. Farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and laboratory personnel are among persons at risk of Q fever. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in slaughterhouse workers in Kerman city/ Iran. In this survey, 64 sera samples were gathered during May - June 2011 from slaughterhouse workers to evaluate the presence of phase II IgM antibodies against Q fever, using a commercial indirect ELISA test [Virion/Sermon, Germany]. Among all sera samples tested, only 5 samples [7.8%] were positive for the presence of IgM antibodies. Since chronic Q fever leads to more complex conditions like endocarditics, chronic fatigue syndrome and recurrent abortion, preventive measures like using mask or available vaccines are recommended. Moreover, early diagnosis of Q fever followed by appropriate treatment is necessary

Major dietary patterns and related factors among workers of oil terminal company in Kharg island, Iran

This study was conducted to identify the dietary patterns among workers of Oil Terminals Company and to assess their association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. The sample size [392] was estimated by considering minimum correlation [r=0.2] between variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of workers selected by a stratified random-sampling method [all offices of the company]. The head of company provided a list of workers, and the proportion of each center was specified via ni=ki/N × n [ni=number of participants from each center, ki=number of each center workers, N=number company workers, n= sample size [392]].Dietary pattern was identified by valid food frequency questionnaire containing 168 food items with specific serving size consumed by Iranians. Major dietary patterns analyzed by factor analysis. General characteristics across tertiles were compared by ANOVA and chi-square tests were used where appropriate. In addition, we used multivariate logestic regression tests to assess the relationship between demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle variables and the adherence to the dietary patterns. Two major dietary patterns were extracted: "Healthy pattern" characterized by high consumption of fruits, fish, yellow vegetables, potato, garlic, whole cereals, yogurt drink, and salt. The second one named "unhealthy pattern" characterized by high consumption of soft drinks, sugar, mayonnaise, sweets, eggs, butter, and processed meat, high- fat dairy products, organ meat, French fries, refined cereals, snacks and artificial juice. Work hours were positively correlated [b=0.14; p<0.01] and being single [b=-0.4, p<0.05] and full time work in comparison with part-time work [b=-0.5, p<0.01] was negatively correlated with healthy dietary pattern, whereas age [b=-0.3, p<0.05], dieting [b=-0.4, p<0.01] and history of hyperlipidemia had negative correlation [b=-0.41, p<0.01] with unhealthy dietary pattern. Our findings show the association between socio-demographic, lifestyle factors and dietary patterns of the workers

Serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii phase II antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the presence of antibodies against phase II among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The antibody titers of the serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay using phase II Coxiella burnetii as the antigen [kit (Virion\Serion, Wurzburg, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol].</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of IgG antibody was 68% in the slaughterhouse workers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our findings suggest that slaughterhouse workers in Kerman area have a higher risk of infection and should consider potential infection with Coxiella burnetii.</p>

Seroprevalence of bovine leptospiral antibodies by microscopic agglutination test in Southeast of Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate serological findings of bovine leptospirosis which is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by Leptospira interrogans.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixty seven sera were collected from 9 commercial dairy herds in jiroft suburbs, from July to October 2011. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to evaluates serological findings of bovine leptospirosis in Jiroft suburb dairy farms, Kerman province, Iran.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Antibodies were found by MAT at least against one serovar of Leptospira interrogans in 29 samples (17.36%) among 167 sera at a dilution 1:100 or higher, and Leptospira pomona was the most prevalent serovar. Positive titers against more than one serovar were detected in 6 sera of the positive samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study is the first report of leptospirosis in Southeast Iran and showed that Leptospira pomona was the most and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae the least prevalent serovars in Southeast Iran.</p>

Seroprevalence of bovine leptospiral antibodies by microscopic agglutination test in Southeast of Iran

Objective: To evaluate serological findings of bovine leptospirosis which is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by Leptospira interrogans. Methods: One hundred and sixty seven sera were collected from 9 commercial dairy herds in jiroft suburbs, from July to October 2011. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to evaluates serological findings of bovine leptospirosis in Jiroft suburb dairy farms, Kerman province, Iran. Results: Antibodies were found by MAT at least against one serovar of Leptospira interrogans in 29 samples (17.36%) among 167 sera at a dilution 1:100 or higher, and Leptospira pomona was the most prevalent serovar. Positive titers against more than one serovar were detected in 6 sera of the positive samples. Conclusion: This study is the first report of leptospirosis in Southeast Iran and showed that Leptospira pomona was the most and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae the least prevalent serovars in Southeast Iran.

High seroprevalence of bluetongue virus antibodies in goats in southeast Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the seroprevalence rate of bluetongue virus (BTV) in goat flocks in southeast of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The blood samples were collected randomly from herds of southeast of Iran. A total of 93 sera samples were collected between 2011 and 2012. Antibodies to BTV in sera were detected by using a commercial competitive ELISA 3 according to manufacturer's instructions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The seroprevalence rates were 67.7% for goats. Within a herd, prevalence of BTV seropositive animals ranged from 33.3% to 100.0%. All goat flocks were positive to BTV antibodies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study describes a high seroprevalence rate of BTV in goat flocks in southeast of Iran for the first time.</p>

Contribution of human oocyte architecture to success of in vitro maturation technology

The use of ovarian stimulation for infertility treatment is associated with side effects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome [OHSS] and potential cancer risk. This is also true in high risk women such as those polycystic with ovary [PCO] and polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]. In vitro maturation [IVM] of oocytes was primarily developed to make IVF safe for women with PCO and at high risk of OHSS. The application of IVM of oocytes to assist clinical infertility treatment remains poor because of the reduced developmental competence of oocytes after IVM, despite several decades of research. Reduced meiotic maturation and fertilization rates, as well as low blastocyst production reveal short-term developmental insufficiency of oocytes when compared with in vivo-matured counterparts. In this review, the structural role of human oocytes, revealed by different technical approaches, to the success of IVM technology is highlighted

[Effect of remifentanil on hemodynamic parameters of parturients and APGAR of the neonate in elective cesarean section under general anesthesia]

Neonatal respiratory depression due to narcotics usage during cesarean section under general anesthesia is an important challenge for anesthesiologists. Remifentanil, due to its pharmacokinetic properties, may be a solution for this challenge. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of this drug on maternal hemodynamics and Apgar scores of their neonates during cesarean section under general anesthesia. In this double blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 84 women who were candidates for elective cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into three groups. In the first group remifentanil was infused at a rate of 0.5micro g/kg/min and the second group received an IV bolus of 0.7 micro g/kg of the drug. Control group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. Maternal heart rate and blood pressure were measured and recorded before induction of anesthesia and one minute after tracheal intubation. Neonatal Apgar scores in the first and fifth minutes postnatal were also recorded and compared. Mean maternal HR changes before and after tracheal intubation were not significant between groups [P= 0.33]. Mean arterial pressure [MAP] changes between groups were significantly different [P= 0.001]. MAP changes were smallest in the bolus group and largest in the control group. These changes were not significantly different between infusion and control groups [P= 0.994]. This difference was significant between the bolus group with the infusion and control groups [P=0.001 and 0.002 respectively]. The mean first minute Apgar scores in neonates were significantly different in three groups [p=0.006]. This parameter was not significantly different between bolus and infusion groups [p=0.603]. Mean first minute Apgar scores in the bolus [8.46] and infusion [8.31] groups were significantly less than the control [8.93] group [p= 0.005 and 0.002 respectively]. The mean fifth minute Apgar scores were not significantly different between three groups. None of the neonates in the remifentanil groups needed resuscitation. The results indicated that bolus administration of remifentanil [compared with infusion and control groups] produces more stability in maternal blood pressure during cesarean section under general anesthesia. The decrease in first minute Apgar score in remifentanil groups were clinically negligible [none of these neonates needed resuscitation]. Despite these results, multicenter studies more samples are needed to confirm using remifentanil in elective cesarean section

Herd-prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) antibodies in dairy cattle farms based on bulk tank milk analysis

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) antibody positive randomly selected dairy herds in southeast Iran (Kerman).@*METHODS@#Bulk tank milk samples were collected randomly from 44 sufficiently large commercial dairy herds, included near 12 000 dairy cattle, in Kerman (The largest province of Iran), southeast Iran. The samples were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii using the commercial CHEKIT® Q fever antibody ELISA Test Kit (Idexx, Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland).@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of positive, negative and intermediate herds were 45.4%, 43.2% and 11.4%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The result supports the hypothesis of high prevalence and endemic pattern of Q fever in Iran. This investigation highlights the importance of further studies on Q fever in Iran.