Psychometric validation of concerning behavior scale in Iranian children and young people with autism spectrum disorder.

Introduction: Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) was introduced by Tarver et al. (2021) to evaluate mental health and problematic/risky behaviors in children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: This study examined the psychometric validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) in an Iranian sample of parents of children and young people with ASD. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the structure of ACB in a sample of 303 parents. Results: The data supported the two factor structure, all factor loadings were significant and scale structure was confirmed similar to the original scale. The results supported the two-factor structure for ACB that included internalizing and externalizing problems scales. The two factors of ACB are positively correlated with Aberrant Behavior Checklist scores which showed that the validity of two factors is satisfactory. The reliability of the two subscales was reasonable as well. Conclusion: The study suggests that the ACB could be an operational tool to assess the mental health and problematic/risky behaviors in Iranian children and young people with ASD.

Increase in Cell Wall Thickening and Biomass Production by Overexpression of PmCesA2 in Poplar.

Cellulose, the most abundant constituent material of the plant cell walls, is a major structural component of plant biomass. Manipulating cellulose synthesis (CesA) genes by genetic engineering technology, to increase cellulose production may thus offer novel opportunities for plant growth and development. To investigate this, here we produced transgenic "Populus 895 plants" overexpressing the cellulose synthase (CesA2) gene derived from Pinus massoniana under the control of constitutive 35S promoter, via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Relative expression levels of PmCesA2 were functionally characterized in poplar hybrid clone "Nanlin895" (Populus deltoides × Populus euramericana). The results demonstrated the transgenic lines showed enhanced growth performance with increased biomass production than did the untransformed controls. It is noteworthy that the overexpression of PmCesA2 in poplar led to an altered cell wall polysaccharide composition, which resulted in the thickening of the secondary cell wall and xylem width under scanning electron microscopy. Consequently, the cellulose and lignin content were increased. Hence, this study suggests that overexpression of PmCesA2 could be used as a potential candidate gene to enhance cellulose synthesis and biomass accumulation in genetically engineered trees.

Genetic evaluation of survival and productivity traits in Arman crossbred sheep / Evaluación genética de las características de supervivencia y productividad en ovinos cruzados Arman / Avaliação genética de características de sobrevivência e produtividade em ovinos mestiços Arman

Abstract Background: Arman sheep breed was synthesized by crossing several breeds, including Baluchi, Ghezel, Chios, and Suffolk. Objective: To estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters using the restricted maximum likelihood via twelve animal models for lamb survival and four animal models for ewe productivity traits. Methods: Data and pedigree information were collected at Abbasabad Sheep Breeding Station, Khorasan Razavi province, north-east of Iran, from 1999 to 2011. The traits studied were lamb survival rate (LSR), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lambing (LMWL), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Moreover, multivariate analyses were performed to estimate covariance between the traits. Results: Direct heritability estimates (h2a) for LSR was 0.081 and increased to 0.253 after correcting. Maternal genetic effects (h2m) and common litter effects (l2) accounted for 4 and 11.3% of the phenotypic variance for LSR, respectively. The estimations of h2a were 0.131, 0.080, 0.111, 0.190, 0.118, and 0.150 for LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW, respectively. The estimated fractions of variance -attributed to permanent environmental effects on ewe, (pe2) were 0.038, 0.050, 0.071, 0.060, and 0.050 for LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB, and TLWW, respectively. Service sire effects (S2) were significant for LSW, LMWL, and TLWB, being 0.038, 0.030, and 0.049, respectively. Direct genetic correlations showed a vast range from 0.13 for LSB-LMWL to 0.91 for LMWL-TLWW. Conclusion: Results indicate that genetic change not only depends on the heritability of traits, but also on the observed phenotypic variation; therefore, improvement of non-genetic factors should be included in the breeding programs.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las ovejas Arman fueron sintetizadas a través del cruzamiento de varias razas, incluyendo Baluchi, Ghezel, Chios y Suffolk. Objetivo: Estimar los componentes de (co)varianza y parámetros genéticos por máxima verosimilitud restringida a través de doce modelos animales para la sobrevivencia de los corderos y cuatro modelos para características de productividad. Métodos: Los datos y la información de pedigrí se recogieron en la Estación de Cría Abbasabad, provincia de Khorasan Razavi, noreste de Irán, entre 1999 y 2011. Las características estudiadas fueron la tasa de supervivencia de los corderos (LSR), tamaño de la camada al nacimiento (LSB), tamaño de la camada al destete (LSW), peso promedio de la camada por parto (LMWL), peso promedio de la camada por cordero destetado (LMWLW), peso total de la camada al nacer (TLWB), y peso total de la camada al destete (TLWW). Además, se realizaron análisis multivariados para estimar la covarianza entre los rasgos. Resultados: La estimacion de heredabilidad directa (h2 ) para LSR2a fue 0,081 y aumentó a 0,253 después de la corrección. Los efectos genéticos maternos (h m) y los efectos comunes de la camada (l2) representaron el 4 y el 11,3% de la varianza fenotípica para LSR, respectuvamente. Las estimaciones de h2 fueron 0,131, 0,080, 0,111, 0,190, 0,118 y 0,150 para LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB y TLWW, respectivamente. Las fracciones estimadas de varianza -atribuidas a los efectos ambientales permanentes en las ovejas, (pe2) fueron 0,038, 0,050, 0,071, 0,060 y 0,050 para LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB y TLWW, respectivamente. Los efectos del servicio de carneros (S2) fueron significativos para LSW, LMWL y TLWB, siendo 0,038, 0,030 y 0,049, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas directas mostraron un amplio rango de 0,13 para LSB-LMWL a 0,91 para LMWL-TLWW. Conclusión: Los resultados indicaron que el cambio genético no sólo depende de la heredabilidad de los caracteres, sino también de la variación fenotípica observada; por lo tanto, el mejoramiento de los factores no genéticos debe ser incluido en las programas de mejora.

Resumo Antecedentes: Arman ovelhas foi sintetizado pelo cruzamento de quatro raças incluindo Balúchi, Ghezel, Chios e Suffolk. Objetivo: Estimar os componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos por máxima verossimilhança restrita através de doze modelos animais para a sobrevivência dos cordeiros e quatro modelos animais para características de produtividade. Métodos: Os dados e as informações de pedigree foram coletadas no Abbāsābād Estação de Criação, província de Khorasan Razavi, nordeste do Irã desde 1999 a 2011. As características estudadas foram a taxa de sobrevivência de cordeiro (LSR), tamanho de leitegada ao nascimento (LSB), tamanho de leitegada ao desmame (LSW), peso médio da leitegada por entrega (LMWL), peso médio da leitegada por cordeiro desmamado (LMWLW), o peso total da leitegada ao nascimento (TLWB) e peso total da leitegada ao desmame (TLWW). Além disso, as análises multivariadas foram realizadas para estimar a covariância entre as características. Resultados: As estimativas de herdabilidade direta (h2 ) para 2a LSR foi 0,081 e aumentada até 0,253 após correcção. Os efeitos genéticos maternos (h m) e os efeitos comuns de leitegada (l2) representaram 4 e 11,3% da variância fenotípica de LSR, respectivamente. Estimativas de 2 foram 0,131, 0,080, 0,111, 0,190, 0,118 e 0,150 para a LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB e TLWW, a2 respectivamente. As fracções de variância -atribuídos aos efeitos ambientais permanentes em ovelhas, (pe ) foram 0,038, 0,050, 0,071, 0,060 e 0,050 para a LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB e TLWW. Os efeitos de serviço de carneiros (s2) foram significativos para LSW, LMWL e TLWB sendo 0,038, 0,030 e 0,049, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas diretas mostrou uma gama de 0,13-0,91 LSB-LMWL para LMWL-TLWW. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que a modificação genética não só depende da hereditariedade de traços, mas também da variação fenotípica observada; portanto, a melhoria dos fatores não-genéticos devem ser incluídos em nos programas de melhoramento.

Functional analysis of overexpressed PtDRS1 involved in abiotic stresses enhances growth in transgenic poplar.

Drought and salinity are two main abiotic stressors that can disrupt plant growth and survival. Various biotechnological approaches have been used to alleviate the problem of drought stress by improving water stress resistance in forestry and agriculture. The drought sensitive 1 (DRS1) gene acts as a regulator of drought stress, identified in human, yeast and some model plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, but there have been no reports of DRS1 transformation in poplar plants to date. In this study, we transformed the DRS1 gene from Populus trichocarpa into Populus deltoides × Populus euramericana 'Nanlin895' using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. We confirmed that the DRS1 gene was transformed into 'Nanlin895' poplar genomes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, real-time PCR, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All transformed and wild-type (WT) plants were then transferred into a greenhouse for complementary experiments. We analyzed the physiological and biochemical responses of transgenic plants under drought and salt stresses in the greenhouse, and the results were compared with control WT plants. Responses to abiotic stress were greater in transgenic plants compared with WT. Based on our results, introduction of the DRS1 gene into poplar 'Nanlin895' plants significantly enhanced the resistance of those plants to water deficit and high salinity, allowing higher growth rates of roots and shoots in those plants. Additionally, the clawed root rate increased in transformed poplars grown in culture media or in soil, and improved survival under drought and salt stress conditions.

Functional analyses of PtRDM1 gene overexpression in poplars and evaluation of its effect on DNA methylation and response to salt stress.

Epigenetic modification by DNA methylation is necessary for all cellular processes, including genetic expression events, DNA repair, genomic imprinting and regulation of tissue development. It occurs almost exclusively at the C5 position of symmetric CpG and asymmetric CpHpG and CpHpH sites in genomic DNA. The RNA-directed DNA methylation (RDM1) gene is crucial for heterochromatin and DNA methylation. We overexpressed PtRDM1 gene from Populus trichocarpa to amplify transcripts of orthologous RDM1 in 'Nanlin895' (P. deltoides × P. euramericana 'Nanlin895'). This overexpression resulted in increasing RDM1 transcript levels: by ∼150% at 0 mM NaCl treatment and by ∼300% at 60 mM NaCl treatment compared to WT (control) poplars. Genomic cytosine methylation was monitored within 5.8S rDNA and histone H3 loci by bisulfite sequencing. In total, transgenic poplars revealed more DNA methylation than WT plants. In our results, roots revealed more methylated CG contexts than stems and leaves whereas, histone H3 presented more DNA methylation than 5.8S rDNA in both WT and transgenic poplars. The NaCl stresses enhanced more DNA methylation in transgenic poplars than WT plants through histone H3 and 5.8 rDNA loci. Also, the overexpression of PtRDM1 resulted in hyper-methylation, which affected plant phenotype. Transgenic poplars revealed significantly more regeneration of roots than WT poplars via NaCl treatments. Our results proved that RDM1 protein enhanced the DNA methylation by chromatin remodeling (e.g. histone H3) more than repetitive DNA sequences (e.g. 5.8S rDNA).

Characterization of Cellulose Synthesis in Plant Cells.

Cellulose is the most significant structural component of plant cell wall. Cellulose, polysaccharide containing repeated unbranched ß (1-4) D-glucose units, is synthesized at the plasma membrane by the cellulose synthase complex (CSC) from bacteria to plants. The CSC is involved in biosynthesis of cellulose microfibrils containing 18 cellulose synthase (CesA) proteins. Macrofibrils can be formed with side by side arrangement of microfibrils. In addition, beside CesA, various proteins like the KORRIGAN, sucrose synthase, cytoskeletal components, and COBRA-like proteins have been involved in cellulose biosynthesis. Understanding the mechanisms of cellulose biosynthesis is of great importance not only for improving wood production in economically important forest trees to mankind but also for plant development. This review article covers the current knowledge about the cellulose biosynthesis-related gene family.

RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants.

In plants, many small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) direct de novo methylation by DNA methyltransferase. DNA methylation typically occurs by RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), which directs transcriptional gene silencing of transposons and endogenous transgenes. RdDM is driven by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) produced by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases IV and V (PolIV and PolV). The production of siRNAs is initiated by PolIV and ncRNAs produced by PolIV are precursors of 24-nucleotide siRNAs. In contrast, ncRNAs produced by PolV are involved in scaffolding RNAs. In this review, we summarize recent studies of RdDM. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms involved in chromatin remodeling by PolIV and PolV.

The Relationship between Perfectionism and Coping Strategies in Drug-dependent Men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perfectionism and coping strategies in drug-dependent men. This study is a descriptive correlational study. METHODS: The statistical population of this study consisted of all drug-dependent men (n = 6237) in years 2010-2011, who were admitted to all self-referral rehabs in Kerman, Iran. From this statistical population, 361 individuals were selected using randomized cluster sampling. The measurement tools applied in this study were positive and negative perfectionism questionnaires (Terry-Short et al) and coping responses (Blinger and Moose). FINDINGS: The data was analyzed using statistical methods, Pearson Coefficient Correlation and multivariable regression inferential statistics. The results showed that there is a significant correlation between positive and negative perfectionism and problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies (P ≤ 0.010). CONCLUSION: The results of the current study show that positive and negative perfectionism predicts problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies for drug-dependent men.

Genetic correlations between growth and reproductive traits in Zandi sheep.

For the first time, the current study reports the genetic and phenotypic correlations between growth and reproductive traits in Zandi sheep. The data were comprised of 4,309 records of lamb growth traits from 1,378 dams and 273 sires plus 2,588 records of reproductive traits from 577 ewes. These data were extracted from available performance records at Khojir Breeding Station of Zandi sheep in Tehran, Iran, from 1993 to 2008. Correlations were estimated from two animal models in a bivariate analysis using restricted maximum likelihood procedure between lamb growth traits [birth weight (BW), weaning weight at 3 months of age (WW), as well as six-month weight (6 MW)] and ewe reproductive traits [litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW)]. The genetic correlations between BW and reproductive traits varied from low to high ranges from 0.10 for BW-LSB to 0.86 for BW-TLWB. WW was moderately (0.37) to highly (0.96) correlated with all the reproductive traits. Moreover, the genetic correlations were observed between 6 MW and reproductive traits, varied from 0.19 to 0.95. Relationships between growth and reproductive traits ranged from 0.01 for BW-LSW to 0.28 for BW-TLWB in phenotypic effects. Results indicated that selection to improve WW would have high effect on genetic response in TLWW, and also, these results could be effective for all of the reproductive traits in Zandi sheep.

Phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates for reproductive traits in Zandi sheep.

This study reports on the phenotypic and genetic (co)variance components for reproductive traits in Zandi sheep, using between 1,859 and 2,588 records obtained from 577 ewes. The data were collected from the Khojir Breeding Station of Zandi sheep in Tehran, Iran from 1994 to 2008. The basic traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), and litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), and the composite traits were total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Genetic analyses were carried out using the restricted maximum likelihood method that was explored by fitting the additive direct genetic effects and permanent environmental effects of the ewes as random effects and the ewe age at lambing and lambing year as fixed effects for all of the investigated traits. Akaike's information criterion was used to choose the most appropriate model. LSB, LSW, LMWLB, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW direct heritability estimates were 0.07, 0.05, 0.12, 0.10, 0.08, and 0.14, respectively. The estimated fractions of variance due to the permanent environmental effects of the ewe ranged from 0.03 for LMWLB to 0.08 for LMWLW and TLWW. Corresponding repeatability estimates ranged from 0.10 for LSW to 0.22 for TLWW. Direct genetic correlations varied from -0.61 for LSB-LMWLB to 0.88 for LSB-LSW and LSB-TLWB. Results indicate that genetic change depends not only on the heritability of traits, but also on the observed phenotypic variation; therefore, improvement of non-genetic factors should be included in the breeding programs.

A single center study of clinical and paraclinical aspects in Iranian patients with allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common form of allergic disorder in Iran and rest of the world. This study was conducted to investigate the symptoms and paraclinical aspects of this allergy among Iranian patients. A total of 206 patients (51.5%: male), with one of the specific symptoms of AR, from March 2005 to March 2007 were enrolled in the study. A written questionnaire was completed for each patient. Furthermore, paraclinical evaluations including CBC, serum total IgE, spirometry and skin prick test (SPT) with common allergens were done for the patients. The ages of our patients ranged from 2 to 62 years of age (mean age of 18 - /+11.8 years). Mean age of onset of symptoms was 11.6 -/+ 9.9 years. In 82% of cases histories of other allergic diseases were seen in patients or their family members. Rhinorrhea was the most common symptom in our patients (77.9%). Frequencies of mild persistent, moderate - severe persistent, mild intermittent and moderate -severe intermittent types of AR were 20.5%, 41%, 21% and 17.5%, respectively. Frequencies of positive SPTs in all cases, patients with persistent and intermittent allergic rhinitis were 86.7%, 88.2% and 84.1%, respectively. The most common allergens in positive SPTs, were trees, weeds, grasses and Dermatophagoides pteronysinus. About 55.5 % of patients showed elevated total IgE levels (> or = 100 IU/ML). Abnormal spirometry results were seen in 33.5% of cases. The present study showed that among paraclinical investigations for AR, positive SPTs with aeroallergens, are more consistent with clinical findings. Regarding high ferequency of abnormal spirometry, we recommend that clinical suspicion about hyperreactive airway disease in AR patients is mandatory and performing spirometry for these cases is necessary whenever possible.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis; report of three cases with different phenotypes.

Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMCC) refers to a group of immunodeficiencies, characterized by persistent or recurrent infections of the skin, nails, and mucus membranes caused by candida. A wide range of immunologic abnormality has been reported in CMCC. Defects in cellular limb of the immune system, mainly the specific response to antigens of candida species, are well documented in CMCC patients. A subgroup of patients is predisposed to development of autoimmune endocrinopathies. These patients need repeated monitoring of endocrine functions. Immunologic studies are needed to identify the extent of immunodeficiency and other abnormalities of immune functions. We report three cases of CMCC. These patients show different phenotypes and highlight the need for complete evaluation and long term follow-up for accompanying disorders.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements with scanning laser polarimetry predict glaucomatous visual field loss.

PURPOSE: To assess whether baseline retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with a scanning laser polarimeter, the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer, (Laser Diagnostic Technologies Inc., San Diego, California) are predictive of development of repeatable glaucomatous visual field damage in glaucoma suspect eyes. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the UCSD longitudinal Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS). One eye from each of 160 glaucoma suspects with normal standard automated perimetry (SAP) visual fields at baseline was studied. Study eyes were divided into convert and nonconvert groups based on the development of three consecutive glaucomatous visual fields during follow-up. SLP parameters, IOP, vertical cup disk ratio, stereophotograph assessment as glaucoma or normal, corneal thickness, and visual field indices were included in univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to determine which SLP RNFL and ocular parameters were predictive of visual field conversion. RESULTS: Sixteen (10%) eyes developed repeatable visual field damage (converts) and 144 (90%) did not (nonconverts). Mean (95%CI) follow-up time until visual field conversion for convert eyes was 2.7 (1.7, 3.6) years. Mean total follow-up of nonconvert eyes was 3.8 (3.5, 4.1) years. Four out of thirteen examined baseline SLP parameters and baseline SAP Mean Deviation (MD), SAP Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD), and glaucomatous stereophotograph assessment were significant univariate predictors of visual field conversion. In multivariate models adjusted for age, IOP and CCT, SLP parameters inferior ratio, ellipse modulation, and UCSD linear discriminant function (LDF) were significant predictors of visual field conversion. When SAP PSD and stereophotograph assessment were also included in the multivariate model inferior ratio and UCSD LDF remained independently predictive of visual field loss. CONCLUSIONS: Thinner baseline SLP RNFL measurements were independent predictors of visual field damage. In addition to thinner SLP RNFL measurements, higher baseline SAP PSD, and baseline glaucomatous stereophotograph assessment each contributed to an increased risk of the development of abnormal visual fields in glaucoma suspect patients. SLP RNFL measurements were independently predictive of future visual loss even when age, IOP, CCT, vertical cup disk ratio, and SAP PSD were included in the model.

Comparison of scanning laser polarimetry using variable corneal compensation and retinal nerve fiber layer photography for detection of glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) using variable corneal polarization compensation with standard red-free photography for detection of RNFL damage in glaucoma. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 1 eye of each of 42 patients with open-angle glaucoma, 32 patients suspected of having glaucoma, and 40 healthy subjects. The RNFL measurements using SLP with variable corneal compensation were obtained within 3 months of red-free photographs. Two independent observers graded RNFL photographs using a standardized protocol. Superior and inferior hemiretinas were scored separately, and a global score was obtained by averaging scores from each hemiretina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The RNFL photography scores were compared with RNFL thickness measurements obtained with SLP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the abilities of the different methods to differentiate glaucoma patients from healthy subjects. RESULTS: The RNFL thickness decreased with increased RNFL damage as assessed by photographs in both hemiretinas (R(2) = 15%-47%). The area under the ROC curve for the best SLP parameter, Nerve Fiber Indicator, was significantly greater than the area under the ROC curve for the global RNFL photography score (0.91 vs 0.84, P =.03). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate correlation was found between RNFL thickness measurements obtained with SLP and RNFL scores from red-free photographs. Compared with semiquantitative RNFL photography scores, the best SLP parameter had a higher diagnostic accuracy to separate glaucoma patients from healthy subjects.

Imaging of the optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer: the effects of age, optic disc area, refractive error, and gender.

We cross-sectionally examined the relationship between age, optic disc area, refraction, and gender and optic disc topography and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements, using optical imaging techniques. One eye from each of 155 Caucasian subjects (age range 23.0-80.8 y) without ocular pathology was included. Measurements were obtained by using the Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT), the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer, and the Optical Coherence Tomograph (OCT). The effects of age were small (R2 < 17%) and were limited to specific HRT, GDx, and OCT parameters. Disc area was significantly associated with most HRT parameters and isolated GDx and OCT parameters. Refraction and gender were not significantly associated with any optic disc or RNFL parameters. Although effects of age on the optic disc and RNFL are small, they should be considered in monitoring ocular disease. Optic disc area should be considered when cross-sectionally evaluating disc topography and, to a lesser extent, RNFL thickness.