Distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes among HBV carriers in Isparta

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Isparta, Southwest of Turkey, as well as the clinical features and transmission route for patients with HBV infections. METHODS: Patients (n = 135) with HBV infection were included in the study. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained. HBV genotypes were determined with a preS2 epitope ELISA kit. RESULTS: Although the HBV transmission route remained unidentified in 51.1% of the patients, blood contact was determined as the most common probable transmission route (38.5%). One hundred twenty-four (91.8%) of 135 samples, could be genotyped. One hundred fifteen (85.1%) were genotyped as type D/E, six (4.4%) were genotyped as type A, two (1.4%) were genotyped as type C, and one (0.7%) were genotyped as type F. CONCLUSION: Genotype D/E is determined as the predominant HBV genotype circulating in Isparta, Southwest of Turkey. No relationship between genotypes and disease severity and transmission route has been detected.     

No detected hepatitis B virus-DNA in thalassemic patients infected by hepatitis C virus in Kerman province of Iran

This research was aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of occult HBV infection in thalassemic patients with chronic HCV infection. In this cross-sectional study we have totally examined 60 patients suffering HBV and HCV infections by PCR and RT-PCR methods, respectively, in Kerman province of Iran. ELISA technique (RADIM, Italy) was used to detect anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBsAg. The serum level of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, DB, TB and ALK) were analyzed in the HCV infected patients (MAN, IRAN). Statistical analyses performed using t-test and Chi-square. We found that 27 cases (out of 60) were infected by HCV but HBV-DNA was not seen in HCV infected patients. Present findings also showed that none of samples were HBsAg positive but 9 (33%) (out of 27) HCV-RNA positive patients were anti-HBc positive and 11 (40.7%) were positive for anti-HBs. We found that SGOT, SGPT, DB, TB and ALK are above normal in 27 (100%), 19(70.3%), 12(44.5%), 15 (55.5%) and 15 (55.5%) RNA-HCV positive patients, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is very high in thalassemic patients and based on other studies our results showed that the prevalence of HCV infection in Kerman is more than other provinces of Iran. In contrast with other studies HBV-DNA in these patients could not be detected, hence, it seems that occult HBV infection isn't frequent in Iranian thalassemic patients who suffering from chronic HCV infection.     

Effects of seedborne potato virus Y on Russet Norkotah performance

Research plots were established in 1996 and 1997 at Klamath Falls and Hermiston, Oregon and Tulelake, California to determine: 1) the extent of seedborne PVY spread during the growing season; 2) effects of seedborne PVY on yield and grade of Russet Norkotah; and 3) the economic consequences of varying levels of seedborne PVY infections. A series of 5 treatments evaluated initial PVY infection levels of 1 to 60% in 1996 and 1 to 98% in 1997. Virus spread occurred earlier and was more extensive at Hermiston than at Klamath Falls or Tulelake. Plants derived from PVY-free seed were nearly 100% PVY infected at early senescence at Hermiston. Comparisons of potatoes grown from PVY-free seed versus potatoes grown from seed where initial PVY infection levels were 60% in 1996 and 100% in 1997 showed seedborne PVY infection at these levels reduced U.S. No. 1 yields by an average of 40% at Hermiston, 20% at Tulelake, and 12% at Klamath Falls. Predicted total yield losses were 0.19, 0.12, and 0.08 Mg ha^?1 for each percent of PVY infection at HAREC, IREC, and KES, respectively. Reductions in gross crop value were estimated at 39, 26, and 14%, respectively, based on regression analyses.     

Comparison study of therapeutic results of closed tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nails inserted with and without reaming

Tibia fractures are the most common type of long bone fractures in US. This study aimed at comparing the therapeutic results of closed tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nails inserted with and without reaming. In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 patients with a fracture of the tibia were examined. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty patients treated through inserting intramedullary nail with reaming technique (group A). The other 30 patients treated through inserting intramedullary nail without reaming technique (group B). After operation physical examination and control radiography were taken up to 6 month and results were compared. Sixty patients suffering from closed tibial diaphysis fractures were studied. Mean age of the group A and B were 40.24 +/- 12.32 and 38.42 +/- 14.28, respectively. Group A consisted of 24 (80%) males and 6 (20%) females while group B consisted of 24% females and 76% males. Considering fracture based on OTA criteria (p = 0.4) and severity of soft tissue damage based on Tscherne classification (p = 0.6), there was no statistically meaningful difference between groups A and B. The study demonstrated that degree of horizontal displacement, mean time of surgery, post-operation infection, organ shortness at the end of the follow-up period, organ deviation in patients of the group A was significantly more than that of the group B. Time required for callus formation (mean time of union), mean time of full weight bearing time and mean time of return to normal activities in group B was significantly more than that of the group A.     

Anti-HBV Activities of Polysaccharides from Thais clavigera (Küster) by In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem. It is therefore imperative to develop drugs for anti-hepatitis B with high-efficiency and low toxicity. Attracted by the observations and evidence that the symptoms of some patients from the Southern Fujian, China, suffering from hepatitis B were alleviated after daily eating an edible marine mollusk, Thais clavigera (Küster 1860) (TCK). Water-soluble polysaccharide from TCK (TCKP1) was isolated and characterized. The anti-HBV activity of TCKP1 and its regulatory pathway were investigated on both HepG2.2.15 cell line and HBV transgenic mice. The data obtained from in vitro studies showed that TCKP1 significantly enhanced the production of IFN-α, and reduced the level of HBV antigens and HBV DNA in the supernatants of HepG2.2.15 cells in a dose-dependent manner with low cytotoxicity. The result of the study on the HBV transgenic mice further revealed that TCKP1 significantly decreased the level of transaminases, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA in the serum, as well as HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and HBV RNA in the liver of HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice. Furthermore, TCKP1 exhibited equivalent inhibitory effect with the positive control tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on the markers above except for HBV DNA even in low dosage in a mouse model. However, the TCKP1 high-dose group displayed stronger inhibition of transaminases and liver HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV RNA when compared with those of TAF. Meanwhile, inflammation of the liver was, by pathological observation, relieved in a dose-dependent manner after being treated with TCKP1. In addition, elevated levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and reduced level of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the serum were observed, indicating that the anti-HBV effect of TCKP1 was achieved by potentiating immunocyte function and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.     

Independent predictors of in-hospital re-bleeding, need of operation and mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Prediction of outcome is difficult in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB). Some factors have been proposed in this regard with varying accuracy. This study aimed to investigate probable predictors of in-hospital outcome in patients with AUGIB. One hundred sixty four patients with AUGIB were studied prospectively in Tabriz Imam Reza Teaching Centre. All these patients were evaluated endoscopically by an expert. Patients' age, gender, presenting complains, transfusion, clinical findings and previous medical history were compared between survived vs. expired, re-bled vs. non re-bled and operated vs. non operated patients. There were 117 males and 47 females with the mean age of 57.12 +/- 17.32 (range: 32-78) years in this study. Hematemesis was the sole independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (82.1 vs. 100%; p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, however, female gender, major hemorrhage and previous neurological disease were associated with higher rate of expiration. Comparing two re-bled and non re-bled groups, hematemesis (76.5 vs. 95.9%; p = 0.003) and need of transfusion > 2U (36.1 vs. 71.4%; p = 0.006) were independent predictors of re-bleeding. In univariate analysis, hematocrit < 30%, major hemorrhage and previous history of hepatic disease or hypertension were predictive of re-bleeding. In comparison between operated and non operated groups no significant predictor was detected. In conclusion, this study showed that presence of hematemesis at the time of admission and need of transfusion > 2U were independent predictors of poor outcome in patients with AUGIB.     

Rapid urease test, touch cytology and histopathologic assessment in determining infection by Helicobacter pylori in outpatient setting

Helicobacterpylori (HP) is a common cause of gastric infection with serious consequences which is detected by different methods. This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic value of Rapid Urease Test (RUT), Touch Cytology (TC) and histopathologic assessment in outpatients setting. In this cross-sectional study, 51 candidates for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were recruited in Tabriz Imam Khomeini Teaching Centre in a 24 month period of time. Three biopsy specimens were obtained from gastric antrum during endoscopic intervention. The RUT, TC and histopathologic assessment were performed on each biopsy specimen in each patient. Definite infection by HP was considered when at least 2 out of 3 tests indicated presence of infection. Fifty one patients, 29 females and 22 males with a mean age of 40.10 +/- 12.54 (range: 18-72) years enrolled in this study. Infection by HP was definite in 41 cases (80.4%). The infection rates by RUT, TC and histopathologic examination were 82.4, 82.4 and 76.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of RUT, TC and histopathologic assessment were 92.7, 60 and 66.75%; 100, 90 and 98% and 95.1, 100 and 96.1%, respectively. There were significant agreements between outcomes of the three methods in diagnosis of infection by HP. In conclusion, TC was the most sensitive and histopathologic assessment was the most specific method in diagnosis of infection by HP in outpatient setting. The diagnostic value of RUT was rather low in this regard.     

交尾致雌雄叶蝉搜寻叶片和色彩行为差异的视频轨迹分析

使用基于Etho Vision XT11.5软件的视频轨迹分析仪检测了交尾和未交尾的雌、雄小贯小绿叶蝉成虫对茶鲜叶和黄、白、绿色卡的搜寻行为,结果发现:(1)未交尾雌成虫从释放点缓慢地搜寻到叶片,大多时间在叶片之外区域活动;交尾雌成虫从释放点较快地搜寻到叶片,较多时间在叶片上活动;(2)未交尾雄成虫从释放点较快地搜寻到叶片,大多时间在叶片上搜寻,轨迹长而复杂且速度快;交尾雄成虫较多时间在叶片之外区域搜寻,速度稍慢;(3)受到刺激时试虫就会展翅,致体翅面积增大,大于正常体翅面积60%、20%~60%、20%以下的运动状态分别称为"狂躁"、"活跃"和"静止"行为,交尾后雌、雄成虫"狂躁"历时均显著长于交尾前;(4)交尾前或交尾后,在黄色卡上雌成虫搜寻历时长于雄成虫,而在绿色卡上雄成虫搜寻历时长于雌成虫;(5)交尾之后,雌虫在黄卡区域出现频率和搜寻时间皆略有增加,在绿卡区域出现频率和搜寻时间皆明显减少;相应地,雄虫在黄卡、绿卡区域出现频率和停留时间皆略有减少。分析认为:交尾前,雄虫对茶叶的趋性强于雌虫;交尾后,雌虫对于叶片气味定向性增加,而雄虫对叶片气味的偏好性稍减弱;雄虫稍嗜好绿色,雌虫稍嗜好黄色;交尾稍增强了雌虫对黄色的嗜好,略降低了雄虫对于绿色的嗜好。     

茶毛虫性信息素对茶毛虫防治效果研究

在贵州湄潭茶场和平坝茶场研究了茶毛虫性信息素引诱剂大面积诱杀茶毛虫的效果,结果表明,茶毛虫性信息素引诱剂以B型效果最好,42天内两地每盆每晚平均可诱到3.41头和7.51头,最高可诱到198头,大面积使用区内茶毛虫雌蛾怀卵量比对照区减少93.50%,卵块减少85.21% ,幼虫数量减少81.15%,说明茶毛虫性信息素引诱剂诱蛾效果非常明显。     

Efficacy of dietetics in low resource communities: dietary intake and BMI of type 2 diabetics living in Karachi before and after receiving dietician's guidance

This study was planned to assess the dietary intake of diabetic subjects and kind of dietary modification they have made after individualised dietary guidance. Information on clinical and dietary profile of 200 subjects was recorded at first visit of BIDE. Dietary guidance was given by dietician. Second visit was done after 3 months. Subjects having adequate intake of fruit and vegetable, milk and meat was 68, 38 and 63% for males and 52, 40 and 35% for females, respectively. Only 20.4% males and 5.9% females had usual adequate consumption of the four food groups. Overall adequacy of diet improved for 11.1% of males and 27% of females. Weight reduction was observed in 54.8% of females and 32.2% of males. Rate of BMI reduction was significantly higher in the group who had reduced their caloric intake. This first of its kind study from Pakistan, has documented the efficacy of dietary guidance and highlighted the need for further attention to assure balanced intake of foods form various food groups.     

Eradication of potato virus Y and S from potato by chemotherapy of cultured axillary bud tips

Ribavirin (virazole) treatment of cultured axillary bud tips (3-4 mm) was tested as a method of eradicating potato virus Y (PVY) and potato virus S (PVS) from two potato cultivars, Norchip and Desiree. Ribavirin treatment was phytotoxic at all concentrations tested, but cultivars treated at 5 mg/1 were visually similar to the nontreated control cultures after 20 weeks. The buds treated with ribavirin at 20 mg/1 had a survival rate of only 30–40%. Virus assays indicated that 2,74,82, and 89% of the plants were free of PVY, and 1, 71, 83 and 90% were free of PVS, 20 weeks following treatment with 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/1, respectively. Virus assays indicated that 2, 74, 82, 89% of the plants were free of PVY, and 1, 71, 83 and 90% were free of PVS, 20 weeks following treatment with 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/1 ribavirin treatment respectively for cultivar Norchip. Desiree cultivar assayed 2, 69, 80 and 86% free of PVY and 2, 74, 85 and 93% free of PVS, 20 weeks following treatment with 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/1 ribavirin treatment respectively.     

Age and sex related variations in protein and carbohydrate levels of Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in constant lightness and darkness

Variations in protein and carbohydrate levels correlated with the age and sex of Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in constant lightness and darkness were investigated. Tests were conducted under laboratory conditions at 28 +/- 2 degrees C temperature and 65 +/- 5% relative humidity. Insects were fed on combs without honey. Protein level in 100 mg of adults increased in the first days of adult life of females in connection with their age and then decreased. No difference was observed in males. Carbohydrate level in 100 mg of adults increased in both sexes in connection with their age. In all tests carbohydrate and protein levels of females were found higher than males. Protein and carbohydrate levels of adult G. mellonella varied in connection with the photoperiod regimes implemented. Decrease in the nutrient levels was observed in constant darkness.     

Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 among diarrhoeic HIV/AIDS patients in the Eastern Cape Province-South Africa

This study investigated the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the stool of confirmed and non-confirmed diarrhoeic HIV/AIDS patients. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated by culture-based and immunomagnetic separation from three hundred and sixty stool swabs. Identification was by conventional IMViC, 20E API and molecular techniques. Confirmed and non-confirmed diarrhoeic HIV/AIDS patients had 56.5% (74/131) and 43.5% (57/131) respectively of E. coli O157:H7. Molecular results indicated that the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was 12.16% (9/74) and 8.77% (5/57) from stool swabs of confirmed and non-confirmed diarrhoeic HIV/AIDS patients. Antimicrobial resistance was higher for E. coli O157:H7 isolates from stools of confirmed HIV/AIDS than it was for non-confirmed HIV/AIDS patients. Escherichia coli O157:H7 might be a silent cause of diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients. It is recommended that HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhoea should be screened for E. coli O157:H7 and surveillance programmes for these bacteria should be established in both urban and rural areas of South Africa.     

Potato virus S-free plants obtained using antiviral compounds and nodal segment culture of potato

Plants free of potato virus S were obtained from infected nodal segments cultured on agar solidified medium containing antiviral compounds. After two to 12 weeks, the uppermost node of the resultant plant was recovered, cultured and tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The compounds 6-azauracil, 6-azathymine and 5-fluorouracil were ineffective and melamine (2,4,6-triamino-s-triazine) and 2-thiouracil eliminated potato virus S (PVS) sporadically but ribavirin (l-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-l, 2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) gave PVS eradication rates of 10 percent or more and was the most effective antiviral tested in this system. The method is technically simple, rapid and effective. It has been tested with over 100 varieties and has also proven useful in eliminating potato viruses X, Y, and LR.     

Long term effects of one or two doses of hepatitis B vaccine in adults after five years

The aim of this study is to evaluate hepatitis B vaccine protection in those adults who have taken one or two does of vaccine before. It was a retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on fifty-six military personnel in Tehran, Iran in the spring 2007. Demographic data such as age, marital status, education level, number of vaccine doses injected and, type of vaccine and date of last vaccination was collected. Their serum was tested for HBs Ab, HBc Ab and HBs Ag and finally the results were analyzed by SPSS software. All individuals were male with the mean age of 33.9+/-8.9 years. Twelve individuals who had only received one dose of injected vaccine had no antibody against HBsAg and no protection against hepatitis B virus. Of forty-four individuals that had received two doses of injected vaccine, 27 persons (61.4%) were protected and had serum HBsAb more than 10 MIU mL(-1). In conclusion one dose of HBV vaccine cannot produce immunity for five years but two doses of HBV vaccine can produce immunity for five years. However, HBsAb should be tested to make sure of immunity.     

不同维生素浸种对玉米种子萌发的影响

以玉米杂交种郑单958为试验材料,采用不同质量浓度50、100、200 mg/L的水溶性维生素V_(B1)、V_(B2)、V_(B6)、V_(B12)、V_C、V_H、V_(PP)浸种24 h,处理后分析玉米种子萌发及胚芽和根生长中脯氨酸等可溶性调节物质情况。结果表明,供试维生素在100、200 mg/L处理下基本都呈现对种子萌发指数的促进,其中,100 mg/L维生素处理对种子萌发率促进效果显著;200 mg/L维生素处理对种子发芽势显著促进作用;50 mg/L维生素对上述3个指标的影响不同。与未处理对照相比,不同种类维生素和不同质量浓度的同一维生素对根冠比影响不同。维生素浸种均可引起玉米胚芽可溶性糖含量显著升高,外源维生素浸种处理可显著影响玉米种子萌发和胚芽及胚根的生长,且不同维生素在不同浓度下对各生长指标影响及脯氨酸等可溶性调节物质变化不尽相同,对种子萌发呈显著促进作用的V_(B2)和V_(B12)在玉米种子萌发中应用前景较好。     

Usage patterns and contribution of fermented foods to the nutrient intakes of low income households in Emene,Nigeria

This study investigated the usage, consumption pattern and chemical composition of fermented foods consumed in 191 rural households (1 030 individuals) in Emene. The result showed that fermented foods were widely used and consumed by most age groups (under 2 years to adults) because of poor socioeconomic status. Fermentation period varied with type of food and was mostly carried out as a means of detoxifying certain foods. Generally, fermented foods contributed substantially to the daily caloric (46.3 to 79.9% for males and 57.5 to 78% for females); calcium (33.8 to 63.5% for males and 48.3 to 55.4% for females); iron (34.4 to 58.6% for males and 47.4 to 74.6% for females); and thiamin (23 to 58.5% for males and 37.5 to 60% for females) intakes. The contributions of fermented foods to protein (10 to 40.7%) and ascorbic acid (1.9 to 18.7%) intakes were however, low. When compared with the FAO recommendations, the daily intakes of protein, calcium, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid by the subjects were low due to large consumption of starchy root crops. Poor financial status was the most limiting factor to adequate nutrient intake. Such results point out the need for nutrition education related to improved methods of preparation and food selection.     

玉米杂交种子充实期子粒增重规律研究

在相同环境条件下,研究了3个母本与5个父本玉米自交系形成的15个杂交组合在充实期子粒重量的增加与充实时间的关系.结果表明,所有杂交组合种子从授粉后10d开始,种子重量的增加均表现为典型的S形曲线增长,且不同基因型表现一致.在授粉后30d内,母本间方差达显著或极显著,父本间方差均不显著,说明在此期间内,对杂交种子粒重增加的效应可能母本比父本更明显;授粉后第35天,母本间方差极显著,父本间方差显著,说明此时母、父本对增加杂交种子粒重的效应均较明显;在授粉40d后,对杂交种子粒重增加的效应转变为父本比母本更明显.     

A Molecular Survey of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter Coli Virulence and Diversity

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of virulence-associated genes and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) analysis of Campylobacter spp. isolated from children with diarrhea in Iran. Methods: A total of 200 stool specimens were obtained from children under 5 years during July 2012 to July 2013. Detection of C. jejuni and C. coli was performed by standard biochemical and molecular methods. The presence of virulence-associated genes and genetic diversity of isolates was examined using PCR and ERIC-PCR analyses. Results: A total of 12 (6%) Campylobacter spp. were isolated from patients including 10 (4.5%) C. jejuni and 2 (1.5%) C.coli. The flaA, cadF and ciaB genes were present in 100% of isolates, while no plasmid of virB11 gene was present in their genome. The prevalence of invasion-associated marker was 100% among C. coli and was not detected in C. jejuni isolates. The distribution of both pldA and the genes associated with cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) was 58.3% in C. jejuni isolates. Seven distinct ERIC-PCR profiles were distinguished in three clusters using ERIC-PCR analysis. Genotyping analysis showed a relative correlation with geographic location of patients and virulence gene content of isolates. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey of Campylobacter spp. in Iran concerning genotyping and virulence gene content of both C. jejuni and C. coli. ERIC-PCR revealed appropriate discriminatory power for clustering C. jejuni isolates with identical virulence gene content. However, more studies are needed to clearly understand the pathogenesis properties of specific genotypes. Key Words: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Ddiarrhea, Virulence factors