Molecular and Serological Detection of Acute and Latent Toxoplasmosis Using Real-Time PCR and ELISA Techniques in Blood Donors of Rafsanjan City,Iran, 2013

Background

The differentiation between acute and latent forms of the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is still considered as a complicated issue. This study was aimed to elucidate the status of infection in the blood donors and the probable importance of blood transfusion in the transmission of the infection through detecting both immunological and genetic markers of acute and latent infection.

Methods

Totally 235 blood samples from blood donors were collected. The levels of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were examined by specific ELISA kits. cDNA were synthesized from total extracted mRNA molecules from the serum samples and SAG1 gene, specific for tachyzoite form, were amplified using Real-Time PCR technique. Demographic information of study subjects including their gender, age, job, and habitat were recorded.

Results

Out of 235 serum samples, 80 (34.04%) and 4 (1.71%) were positive regarding anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Real-Time PCR results showed that 14 out of 200 (6.97%) of blood donor had mRNA molecules of SAG1 gene. The positive results of Real-Time PCR of SAG1 in female gender and housekeepers were significantly higher than those of male gender and other job categories.

Conclusion

The prevalence of chronic and acute infection is high in Iranian blood donors. Additionally, evaluation of antibodies could not be reliable, because several donors negative for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies had detectable SAG1 mRNA molecules. Hence, it seems that molecular diagnostic tests are essential to detect acute infections.     

Investigation of structural,electronic and magnetic properties of breathing metal–organic framework MIL-47(Mn): a first principles approach

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the MIL-47(Mn) metal–organic framework are investigated using first principles calculations. We find that the large-pore structure is the ground state of this material. We show that upon transition from the large-pore to the narrow-pore structure, the magnetic ground-state configuration changes from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic, consistent with the computed values of the intra-chain coupling constant. Furthermore, the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic configuration phases have intrinsically different electronic behavior: the former is semiconducting, the latter is a metal or half-metal. The change of electronic properties during breathing posits MIL-47(Mn) as a good candidate for sensing and other applications. Our calculated electronic band structure for MIL-47(Mn) presents a combination of flat dispersionless and strongly dispersive regions in the valence and conduction bands, indicative of quasi-1D electronic behavior. The spin coupling constants are obtained by mapping the total energies onto a spin Hamiltonian. The inter-chain coupling is found to be at least one order of magnitude smaller than the intra-chain coupling for both large and narrow pores. Interestingly, the intra-chain coupling changes sign and becomes five times stronger going from the large pore to the narrow pore structure. As such MIL-47(Mn) could provide unique opportunities for tunable low-dimensional magnetism in transition metal oxide systems.

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the MIL-47(Mn) metal–organic framework are investigated using first principles calculations.     

Whey protein preloads are more beneficial than soy protein preloads in regulating appetite,calorie intake,anthropometry, and body composition of overweight and obese men

High-protein diets exert beneficial effects on appetite, anthropometry, and body composition; however, the effects of protein preloads depend on the amount, type, and time of consumption. Therefore, we hypothesized that long-term supplemental preloads of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) consumed 30 minutes before the largest meal would decrease appetite, calorie intake (CI), and anthropometry and improve body composition in overweight and obese men in free-living conditions. The subjects included 45 men with a body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m² and who were randomly allocated to either the WPC (n = 26) or SPI (n = 19) groups. For 12 weeks, the subjects consumed 65 g WPC or 60 g SPI that was dissolved in 500 mL water 30 minutes before their ad libitum lunch. Appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition were assessed before and after the study and biweekly throughout. After 12 weeks, mean changes between the groups were significant for appetite (P = .032), CI (P = .045), anthropometry (body weight [P = .008], body mass index [P = .006], and waist circumference), and body composition (body fat mass and lean muscle [P < .001]). Relative to baseline, within-group mean changes from WPC were significant for appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition (P < .001). In the SPI group, mean changes were significant, relative to baseline, for all variables except lean muscle (P = .37). According to this 12-week study, WPC preloads conducted 30 minutes prior to the ad libitum main meal exerted stronger beneficial effects than did SPI preloads on appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition of free-living overweight and obese men.     

Carbon and graphene quantum dots: a review on syntheses,characterization, biological and sensing applications for neurotransmitter determination

Neuro-transmitters have been considered to be essential biochemical molecules, which monitor physiological and behavioral function in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Thus, it is of high pharmaceutical and biological significance to analyze neuro-transmitters in the biological samples. So far, researchers have devised a lot of techniques for assaying these samples. It has been found that electro-chemical sensors possess features of robustness, selectivity, and sensitivity as well as real-time measurement. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon QDs (CQDs) are considered some of the most promising carbon-based nanomaterials at the forefront of this research area. This is due to their characteristics including lower toxicity, higher solubility in various solvents, great electronic features, strong chemical inertness, high specific surface areas, plenty of edge sites for functionalization, and versatility, in addition to their ability to be modified via absorbent surface chemicals and the addition of modifiers or nano-materials. Hence in the present review, the synthesis methods of GQDs and CQDs has been summarized and their characterization methods also been analyzed. The applications of carbon-based QDs (GQDs and CQDs) in biological and sensing areas, such as biological imaging, drug/gene delivery, antibacterial and antioxidant activity, photoluminescence sensors, electrochemiluminescence sensors and electrochemical sensors, have also been discussed. This study then covers sensing features of key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, tyrosine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine. Hence, issues and challenges of the GQDs and CQDs were analyzed for their further development.

Carbon and graphene quantum dots for biological and sensing applications of neurotransmitters.     

Recent developments in electrochemical sensors for detecting hydrazine with different modified electrodes

The detection of hydrazine (HZ) is an important application in analytical chemistry. There have been recent advancements in using electrochemical detection for HZ. Electrochemical detection for HZ offers many advantages, e.g., high sensitivity, selectivity, speed, low investment and running cost, and low laboriousness. In addition, these methods are robust, reproducible, user-friendly, and compatible with the concept of green analytical chemistry. This review is devoted to the critical comparison of electrochemical sensors and measuring protocols used for the voltammetric and amperometric detection of the most frequently used HZ in water resources with desirable recovery. Attention is focused on the working electrode and its possible modification which is crucial for further development.

The detection of hydrazine (HZ) is an important application in analytical chemistry.     

Effects of atorvastatin on plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration after glial tumor resection; a randomized,double blind,placebo controlled trial

Background

Neurosurgical procedures such as craniotomy and brain tumor resection could potentially lead to unavoidable cerebral injuries. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is up-regulated in neurological injuries. Statins have been suggested to reduce MMP- 9 level and lead to neuroprotection. Atorvastatin preoperatively administered to evaluate its neuroprotective effects and outcome assessment in neurosurgical-induced brain injuries after glial tumor resection. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 42 patients undergoing glial tumor surgery randomly received 40 mg atorvastatin or placebo twice daily from seven days prior to operation and continued for a 3 weeks period. Plasma MMP-9 concentration measured 4 times, immediately before starting atorvastatin or placebo, immediately before surgery, 24 hours and two weeks after the surgery. Karnofsky performance score was assessed before first dose of atorvastatin as a baseline and 2 months after the surgery.

Results

Karnofsky performance scale after surgery raised significantly more in Atorvastatin group (11.43 +/- 10.62 vs. 4.00 +/- 8.21) (p = 0.03). Atorvastatin did not significantly reduce MMP-9 plasma concentration 24 hours after surgery in comparison to placebo. No statistical significance detected regarding length of hospital stay among the groups. Significant reduction in MMP-9 plasma concentration was recorded in atorvastatin group two weeks after surgery (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Significant statistical differences detected with atorvastatin group regarding MMP-9 plasma concentration, clinical outcome and Karnofsky performance score. Consequently, atorvastatin use may lead to better outcome after neurosurgical procedures.     

Developments and applications of nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes

This review summarizes the progress that has been made in the past ten years in the field of electrochemical sensing using nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes. Following an introduction into the field, a first large section covers sensors for biological species and pharmaceutical compounds (with subsections on sensors for antioxidants, catecholamines and amino acids). The next section covers sensors for environmental pollutants (with subsections on sensors for pesticides and heavy metal ions). Several tables are presented that give an overview on the wealth of methods (differential pulse voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, amperometry, etc.) and different nanomaterials available. A concluding section summarizes the status, addresses future challenges, and gives an outlook on potential trends.

This review summarizes the progress that has been made in the past ten years in the field of electrochemical sensing using nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes.     

Systemic oxygen therapy versus oral enalapril for treatment of diabetic macular ischemia: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural and functional effects of systemic oxygen therapy and enalapril in patients with diabetic macular ischemia (DMI). This randomized clinical trial consisted of 105 eyes with DMI divided into three groups. Group I received systemic oxygen by face mask at a flow rate of 10 L/min; Group II received 5 mg enalapril daily; and Group III received placebo tablets for 3 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), extent of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) on fluorescein angiograms, and electroretinograms (ERG) were obtained at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Overall, 102 patients completed the study. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different among groups. Significant improvement in BCVA and decrease in CMT and FAZ occurred at months 3 and 6 in oxygen group compared to deterioration in enalapril and control groups (All P values <0.001). ERG parameters were significantly better in oxygen group compared to enalapril group at months 3 and 6 and better than those in control group at month 3. Normobaric oxygen therapy for 3 months in DMI decreased CMT and FAZ and improved BCVA and ERG parameters. Enalapril did not show any favorable effect.     

Primary outcomes of the congenital vertical talus correction using the Dobbs method of serial casting and limited surgery

Introduction

The traditional treatment for congenital vertical talus, which involves serial casting and extensive soft-tissue releases, has been associated with severe stiffness and other complications in adolescents and adults. Our hypothesis is that favorable results will be obtained using the Dobbs method of serial manipulation, casting, and limited surgery for vertical talus correction, even in older children and syndromic cases. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the Dobbs method in such cases.

Materials and methods

We treated 15 feet of 10 patients (aged from 1 month to 9 years) using manipulation and serial casting or the reverse Ponseti method followed by percutaneous Achilles tenotomy and limited open reduction of the talonavicular joint. All patients were evaluated both clinically and radiologically in a mean follow-up period of 2 years.

Results

After 2 years, all patients had plantigrade and flexible feet with good radiographic correction. The mean talocalcaneal angle before (70.5° ± 10.5) and after (31° ± 5.2) treatment and the talar axis metatarsal base angle before (60° ± 11.4) and after (15° ± 6.7) treatment were significantly improved (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Recent research has shown that manipulation and serial casting followed by limited surgery (Dobbs method) was successful in treating idiopathic congenital vertical talus. Our results also showed that this method resulted in an excellent outcome in both idiopathic and syndromic congenital vertical talus, even in older children.