[Cloning, gene expression analysis, and phylogenic relationship of dbat gene from Iranian endemic yew [Taxus baccata L.]]

Taxol is one of the most important anticancer agents that its supply mainly depends on biological processes. 10 - deacetyl baccatin III- 0- acetyl transferase [dbat] gene is one of the key genes in Taxol biosynthetic pathway and it is expected that overexpression of this gene would result in an increased production of taxol in biological systems. Investigation of dbat gene characteristics from Iranian endemic yew, Gene expression analysis and Construction of overexpression vector for this gene. First, sequence of the gene was cloned and then, sequence characteristics identified with Bioinformatics analysis. Gene expression analysis was performed under methyl jasmonate elicitation in several time-courses. Finally in order to construct overexpression vector, the sequence was cloned under the control of the CaMV35S promoter in to pCAMBIAI304. Comparison of sequence similarities indicated that this sequence is most similar to Taxus x hunnewelliana. There was one unique amino acid substitution and investigating substituted amino acid revealed that, this replacement can not change overall characteristics of the enzyme and thus it would result in a functional enzyme. Analysis of gene expression showed that in response to methyl jasmonate, gene expression levels increased to maximum rate up to 24 times at 12 hours after elicitation. Finally gene insertion in suitable site of overexpression vector, confirmed by digest with restriction enzymes. Elicitation of shoot cuttings of Taxus would be a suitable alternative for Taxiis cell cultures in gene expression analysis. Simplicity, feasibility, and deletion of time-consuming processes of cell culture are its main advantages

[Changes of glycosaminoglycans in the brain tissue of diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus affects the metabolism of components of extra cellular matrix such as Glycosaminoglycans. Although the changes of Glycosaminoglycans have been attended but investigation of the changes of Glycosaminoglycans in the brain tissue of diabetic rat is still in early stages. Investigation of changes of Glycosaminoglycans in brain of diabetic rats. Based on an experimental study, 20 male Rats [Wistar, weight 200-250 gr] were randomly divided to two groups; experimental [diabetic, N=10] and non-experimental [non-diabetic, N=10]. A single dose of Alloxan [120ml/ km] was injected to the experimental group. Three months after injection, the slides were prepared from the brain of the rats and studied after stained by Hematoxylin- Eosin and Schmorl's method and Critical Electrolyte Concentration [CEC 1-4]. CEC staining showed that Heparin sulfate was the only Glycosaminoglycans which have been decreased in the brain tissue of the experimental group and any deposits in neurons, particularly Lipofuscin pigments were not expressed in used of Schmorl's method. According to the important roles of Heparin sulfate in normal functions of the nervous system and its role in repairing of the nervous tissue's injury, decrease of Heparin Sulfate, a kind of Glycosaminoglycans, could induce nervous injury and disorder in brain functions

clinicopathologic patterns of prostatic diseases and prostate cancer in Saudi patients

To determine the clinicopathologic patterns of prostatic diseases in Saudi patients, with special emphasis on prostate cancer [PCa]. The records of patients who underwent histopathological examinations of their prostatic specimens in King Abdulaziz University Medical City and King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between June 2003 and June 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The age, indications for biopsy, histological diagnosis, and Gleason grading of cancer patients, were studied. The study included 330 patients aged 37-100 years [median=68]. Specimens included 233 transrectal ultrasound [TRUS] biopsies, 85 transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP], 8 simple prostatectomies, 3 radical prostatectomies, and one radical cystoprostatectomy. Indications for TRUS guided biopsy in PCa patients were elevated prostate specific antigen [PSA] [85.2%], abnormal digital rectal examination [5.5%] or both [9.3%]. Prostate specific antigen values <4 ng/ml were found in 13.6% of PCa patients. Among others, adenocarcinoma was found in 28.5%, benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] alone in 43.3%, BPH with inflammation in 20.3% and inflammation alone in 4.2%. In specimens of TURP or simple prostatectomy for apparently benign disease, incidental PCa was detected in 14/93 [15%]. The Gleason sum of >/= 6 was found in 92.8% of patients. The incidence of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia is low compared to the western countries. However, incidental PCa detected in presumed benign disease appears to be rising. Further future studies addressing this issue are needed to confirm the potential rising trend, and its possible etiology. Our findings support the recommendations to lower the PSA cutoff value for prostatic biopsy to 2.5 rather than 4ng/ml

Shock wave lithotripsy in patients with renal calculi

To demonstrate the efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy [SWL] in the primary treatment of 1647 patients with renal calculi using a Dornier Doli U/50 lithotripter. One thousand and six hundred forty-seven patients underwent SWL as day-cases at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between October 2001 and July 2007, using intravenous sedation [Pethidine 1mg/kg and Midazolam 5-10mg] for analgesia in 85.5% of the patients. The treatment outcome of 2241 renal calculi was analyzed and stratified according to the size and the site of the stones. Recorded data included shock waves intensity, number of shocks, treatment time, analgesia, stone related factors such as size, site, number, nature, composition, and any related complications. The stones were grouped into 5 groups according to the largest stone size in the kidney. Patients were followed up for 6-18 months, mean of 13 months. Complete clearance of the stones occurred in 2154 kidneys [89.5%]. At 3-months follow up. The overall re-treatment rate was 57.2% and for each group it was 132 [23.5%] for Group I, 254 [36.1%] for Gourp II, 473 [85.5%] for Group III, 278 [100%] for Group IV and 147 100% for Group V. Treatment failed in 87 patients with stone size of 20-29mm in 57 patients, and in 30 patients with stone size of 30-39mm. Fifty-six were solitary pelvic stones treated with ureteroscopy, while 31 were calyceal stones treated by other modalities such as percutaneousnephro-lithotomy. The most common complication was pyelonephritis with or without obstruction. Shock wave lithotripsy treatment was a successful primary management of renal stones of variable sizes in 89.5% of the treated kidneys

predictors of clinical fertilization in IVF cycles

We examined the demographic characteristics of couples, ovarian response and sperm quality to determine the predictors of clinical fertilization in IVF cycles. A descriptive and analytic study was conducted using data and biologic specimens obtained Fatemeh-Alzahra of Babol infertility center from 2004 to 2005. Only data from 315 women who had medical indication for conventional IVF treatment were included in the analysis. Treatment using ICSI was excluded. In the univariate analysis, the following variables affected on fertilization rate: the length of infertility, the number of IVF cycle, basal LH serum on 2 days, the number of administration of hMG, the duration of ovarian stimulation, the number of follicles, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of oocytes stage II and III, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm grading III and IV. In the multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of positive fertilization was the mean number of oocytes retrieved. Also, the mean number of oocytes stage II and stage III were positive predictors of fertilization. The mean of basal LH serum on day 2 and the mean duration of ovarian stimulation were negative predictors of fertilization. Ovarian response to gonadotropins and the quality of oocytes were main predictors of fertilization. Although some parameters of sperm quality were significant variables of fertilization rate in univariate analysis, in multivariate analysis one's effects were negligible. This information should be used when selecting couples for IVF cycles or oocytes for fertilization to raise the rate of clinical fertilization

[Effects of sperm morphology on pregnancy rate in IUI cycles]

One of the causes of infertility is due to male factors [Sperm count, sperm motility and morphology]. Male factor infertility may be due to disorders in the number of spermatozoa, sperm motility or sperm morphology. Intrauterine insemination [IUI] is routinely used to help couples with male factor infertility. The criteria used to evaluate semen quality include sperm concentration, sperm motility and the percentage of sperm with normal morpho-logy. Several studies have been done on motility and sperm concentration but few studies have been done on sperm morphology. In this study, we evaluated IUI success rates in normal sperm morphologies that were greater or fewer than 5% in the Northern part of Iran [Mazandaran]. This analytical study was performed on patients referred to two inferti-lity centers in Babol after ovulation induction. After collecting sperm specimens from the cases, the samples were kept in sterile tubes and then they were washed and swum up before perform-ing IUIs. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated according to NAFA and ESHRE-SIGA criteria [2002]. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software using logistic regression, paired t-tests and Fisher's exact test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 561 patients, IUIs were successful in 103 [20.2%] patients with normal sperm morphology greater than 5% and in 4 [7.7%] patients with normal sperm morphology fewer than 5%; the difference being statistically significant [p<0.05]. In 504 cases with sperm concen-trations greater than 20 million/ml, IUI success rates in subjects with normal sperm morphology greater than 5% were significantly higher than cases with normal sperm morphology fewer than 5% [21.4:5.6], [p<0.01]. In 543 cases with sperm motility greater than 50%, IUI success rates were significantly higher in patients with normal sperm morphology greater than 5% compared to the cases with normal sperm morphology fewer than 5% [20.5:8.3], [p<0.05]. It seems that normal sperm morphology >5% is an important and effective factor in IUI outcomes and normal sperm morphology, alongside sperm counts and normal motility, has an essential role in increasing pregnancy rates. Therefore, it is suggested that in addition to sperm counts and motility, evaluations of sperm morphology be included in the work up too

Study of relationship of sperm parameters with successful IUI in Fatemeh Zahra Infertility Center in Babol

Intrauterine insemination [IUI] after ovulation induction is one of the infertility treatment methods that is used before more invasive assisted reproductive techniques [ART] because of its simplicity and low expenditures. This procedure is performed in different kinds of sub-fertility such as those related to male factors, cervical factors and unexplained infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of sperm parameters with IUI success. In this cross sectional descriptive analytical study, 223 infertile couples who had undergone 413 IUI cycles were studied. Sampling method was census and based on available medical records of the patients in 2004. Number of IUI cycle and sperm parameters of the patients were reviewed. Semen analysis was done on the basis of NAFA-ESHRE guide manual [2001]; data were collected and then analyzed statistically by means of X[2], T and Fisher exact tests. p<0.05 was considered significant. Pregnancy rate was 7.7% for every IUI cycle and 14.3% for every couple. Those who had progressive sperm [grade 3 and 4] in their first semen analysis, had more pregnancy rate [19.8% vs. 8.9%] [p=0.016]. Those with 15% and more morphologically normal sperm had higher pregnancy rate [18.3%], but, in other subjects with less than 15%, the pregnancy rate declined to 9.8% [p=0.143]. In the study of sperm count after washing, the pregnancy rate in the wives of the men with total sperm count of more than 20 million was 16%, while total sperm count of less than 20 million, led to a pregnancy rate of 3.4% [p=0.054]. According to our study the existence of progressive sperms [grade 3 and 4] in semen analysis before washing, is one of the most important factors in prediction of IUI success

Temporomandibular dysfunction and the emotional status of 6-14 years old saudi female children

Interest in pediatric temporomandibular dysfunction [TMD] is increasing. Many studies on TMD prevalence among children in Western countries are available. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TMD signs among randomly selected female Saudi children aged 6 to 14 years and to evaluate the effect, if any, of their emotional states on the development of TMD. The children [n = 696] underwent an examination which consisted of palpation of temporomandibular joints and associated musculature for tenderness, determination of the maximal vertical opening and deviation of the mandible upon opening. Results showed that 17.1% of the children had at least one sign of TMD with joint sounds being the most frequent sign [13.9%]. Restricted mouth opening was second in frequency [7.6%]. Deviation upon opening as well as muscle tenderness to palpation were found infrequently. The prevalence of TMD is lower in the Saudi children than in some Caucasian populations. The results further revealed that children with nervous emotional states had a greater risk of developing signs of TMD than calm children. Therefore, it Is suggested that emotional factors should be taken in consideration when treating these children

Urologic double-J catheters: uses and complications

Urologic disorders comprise a large number of the health problems in Saudi Arabia. In addition to the high incidence rate of urinary calculi, bilharzial uropathy is frequently encountered and considered by urologists to be difficult to manage in its late stages. Cancer, genitourinary traumas and tuberculosis are other important diseases although less frequently encountered. Internally placed urinary catheters known as double-J catheters are now widely used by urologists in the management of the above mentioned diseases. This article is presented with the intention of familiarising the general reader with those commonly used catheters, and supplying specific information on their complications and the management of these complications based on our experience with 120 patients seen at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Second-generation shockwave lithotripter [Lithostar]: experience with the first 300 patients treated at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah

A total of 300 patients [7-71 years old] with urinary stones were treated with a second-generation lithotripter [Lithostar]. All treatments were given on an out-patient basis. General anaesthesia was used only for one patient. Intravenous analgesia was used for 241 patients, while no sedation or analgesia was necessary in 58 patients. Auxiliary measures were required for 73 patients [27.3%]. Fragmentation was achieved in 96.6% of the cases. Stone-free status was achieved in 139 patients [68.1%], while 23 patients [11.4%] had insignificant residual, and 35 patients [17.3%] had significant residual stone fragments. Repeated treatment sessions were needed for 19.5% of the patients

Clean intermittent catheterization in the management of children with neurogenic vesicle dysfunction

Clean intermittent catheterization [CIC] has been shown to be an effective, safe and an easy method of managing patients with neurogenic vesical dysfunction. A total of seventy four children with neurogenic vesical dysfunction were treated with CIC at two institutes. There were children from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario [CHEO] in Ottawa, Canada, and eleven patients from King Abdulaziz University Hospital [KAUH] in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The complication rate encountered was low. Most patients demonstrated stable upper urinary tracts. One of our patients as only four months old. In some patients vesico ureteral reflux improved without surgical intervention. Chronic indwelling catheterization or supravesical diversion are alternatives that are associated with morbidity and mortality

Wilm's tumor: King Abdulaziz University Hospital experience

Wilms' tumor is the most common renal neoplasm of infancy and childhood. Twelve patients with histologically confirmed Wilms' tumor were treated over a 4-year period at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah. Two thirds of our patients presented with stage 2 and 3 tumors, the use of combination therapy gave a survival percentage similar to that reported from Western centers