Inflammatory Profile,Age of Onset,and the MTHFR Polymorphism in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Both genetic and inflammatory factors are suspected in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Of genetic factors, the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism has been associated with increased levels of plasma homocysteine, a neuronal excitotoxic amino acid. Sclerotic patients also have elevated levels of plasma and CSF homocysteine. In this study, the association between C677T polymorphism and MS was tested by recruiting 230 healthy and 194 multiple sclerotic age- and gender-matched patients. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the serum levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNFα, and CRP were measured. TNFα, CRP, and IL-1β levels were significantly higher in sclerotic patients. T allele was 1.7 times more present in this group. In patient’s group, the levels of all inflammatory mediators were higher in T/T compared to two other genotypes. Evaluation of the age of onset of disease revealed that subjects with T allele developed the MS disease, almost 4 years sooner than other genotype. We concluded that having T allele of C677T in MS might be accompanied with higher levels of serum inflammatory mediators and a vulnerability to earlier age of onset of disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.     

Developmental status of 5-year-old moderate low birth weight children

Background: Low birth weight (LBW or birth weight < 2500 g) is one of the most serious children problems in today’s world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare developmental status of moderately LBW (birth weight: 1500-2499 g) children at the age of five to that of normal birth weight (NBW: birth weight: 2500-4000 g) ones. Methods: In a case-control study, developmental status of five year old children referred for vaccination between December 2008 and June 2009 in Yazd-Iran, evaluated via Persian version of 60-month Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). NBW and MLBW children were selected as control and case groups, respectively. Results: Frequency of developmental delay in gross motor, fine motor and problem solving domains were significantly higher in MLBW group and mean score in all developmental domains was statistically significant lower in case group. Conclusion: LBW is one of risk factors for developmental delay. So, evaluation and monitoring of development status of LBW should be emphasized for early and timely diagnosis, investigation, management and also rehabilitation.     

A study of the value of trabecular bone score in fracture risk assessment of postmenopausal women

Objective

Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is an index of bone microarchitecture that provides additional skeletal information to areal Bone Mineral Density (aBMD). Recently TBS data has been used to optimize the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) predictive value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of TBS on FRAX algorithm.

Infectious mononucleosis and risk for multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the association between infectious mononucleosis (IM), a frequent clinical manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection after childhood, and the risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies of IM and MS. RESULTS: The combined relative risk of MS after IM from 14 studies was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.0; p < 10(-8)). Potential sources of heterogeneity (ie, study design, MS definition, and latitude) barely influenced our results. INTERPRETATION: We conclude that Epstein-Barr virus infection manifesting as IM in adolescents and young adults is a risk factor for MS.     

The optimization of the deep-fat frying process of coated zucchini pieces by response surface methodology

The effect of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gum in three concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% (w/v) was investigated on the oil uptake and qualitative properties (moisture content, color, and overall acceptance) of zucchini during frying at 150, 165, and 180°C for 1, 3.5, and 6 min. To determine optimum conditions of frying operation, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. Based on the modeling performed, the lowest oil uptake (1.93%) was determined for the coated samples with concentrations of higher than 0.75% of CMC gum and fried at temperatures less than 157.5°C for 2.25 min. The optimization results of RSM showed that oil uptake of zucchini coated with CMC gum during frying is decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the reduction of operation time and temperature, and concentration of CMC gum. Optimum conditions for decreasing oil uptake of coated zucchini pieces were 153.46°C, 0.5%, 1.03 min for temperature, concentration and time, respectively.