Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

About: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services is a education organization based out in Tehran, Iran. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 19456 authors who have published 33659 publications receiving 365676 citations.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A High-Resolution Genome Scan for Susceptibility Loci in a Population Enriched for Late-Stage Disease

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial disease that affects the central region of the retina. AMD is clinically heterogeneous, leading to geographic atrophy (GA) and/or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) at advanced stages. Considerable data exists in support of a genetic predisposition for AMD. Recent linkage studies have provided evidence in favor of several AMD susceptibility loci. We have performed a high-resolution (5-cM) genome scan of 412 affected relative pairs that were enriched for late-stage disease (GA and/or CNV). Nonparametric linkage analysis was performed using two different diagnostic criteria and also by dividing the affected individuals according to GA or CNV phenotype. Our results demonstrate evidence of linkage in regions that were suggested in at least one previous study at chromosomes 1q (236–240 cM in the Marshfield genetic map), 5p (40–50 cM), and 9q (111 cM). Multipoint analysis of affected relatives with CNV provided evidence of additional susceptibility loci on chromosomes 2p (10 cM) and 22q (25 cM). A recently identified Gln5345Arg change in HEMICENTIN-1 on chromosome 1q25 was not detected in 274 affected members in the restricted group with AMD, 346 additional patients with AMD, and 237 unaffected controls. Our results consolidate the chromosomal locations of several AMD susceptibility loci and, together with previous reports, should facilitate the search for disease-associated sequence variants.

The Efficacy of Oral Ribavirin in the Treatment of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Iran

Abstract: We compared the mortality rate among patients suspected of having Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) who received treatment with oral ribavirin and those who did not. Ninety-seven (69.8%) of 139 treated patients suspected of having CCHF survived, and 61 (88.9%) of 69 treated patients with confirmed CCHF survived. The efficacy of oral ribavirin was 80% among patients with confirmed CCHF and 34% among patients suspected of having CCHF. Considering the limitations of observational studies, we conclude that oral ribavirin is an effective treatment for the hemorrhagic form of CCHF.

Potential application of essential oils as antimicrobial preservatives in cheese

Abstract: Increasing demand of consumers to use food products without preservatives or natural preservatives as possible has compelled the food industries for utilization of preservatives with herbal and microbial origins instead of artificial preservatives in their production. Essential oils are volatile, natural plant-derived substances that are used in medicine, food flavoring and food preservation. These diverse compounds represent considerable potential antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities via various mechanisms. This review represents an overview on the impact of essential oils and their constituents as natural antimicrobials versus common pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in cheese along with the related mechanisms of actions. Industrial relevance Natural preservatives have proven popularity such that interest continues in substituting artificial additives with natural. Therefore, production of safe food without or with low amounts of synthetic preservatives is one of the most important challenges in the food industry. This review, introduces the potential application of essential oils as natural antimicrobial agents for reduction of common spoilage and pathogenic bacteria as well as molds and yeasts in cheese-making industry.