[Correlation between telomerase gene expression and different stages of breast cancer and obesity]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Obesity is known as a risk factor for breast cancer acting directly on breast cancer by producing adipocytokines. On the other hand, it seems that telomerase activity and especially expression of its catalytic subunit [hTERT] are critical for cancer initiation and development

Objective: To determine the relationship between obesity grades and adipocytokines associated with expression of hTERT gene at different stages of breast cancer

Methods: This was an analytical study carried out on 65 breast cancer patients during 2009-2010. Blood sample and fresh tumour tissue were collected from all patients. Expression of hTERT gene in tumour tissue was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and the plasma level of adipocytokines also tested

Findings: Expression of hTERT gene was detected in 53 samples with an expression level which significantly correlated with BMI, stage, and grade of cancer. Also, there was a positive significant correlation between hTERT expression level and leptin level [r=0.484, P=0.008] however, no correlation with other adipocytokines including IL-6 [r=-0.041, P=0.83] and TNF-alpha [r=-0.059, P=0.76] was observed

Conclusion: Considering the data, it could be concluded that obesity, as the source of leptin, may play a direct role in occurrence and development of breast cancer

Inhibitory effect of zinc, copper and selenium on telomerase activity in tumor tissues and t47d breast cancer cell line

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of trace elements particularity Se, Zn and Cu on tumor genesis in breast cancer. The inhibitory effect of Se, Zn and Cu, on telomerase activity was analyzed in human breast tumor tissues and breast cancer [T47D] cells. Tissue specimens from 24 women with benign breast disease and 32 women with breast cancer specimens [ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma] were collected during surgery. In addition venous blood samples were obtained for assessing the trace elements. T47D cell line was cultured and treated with trace elements. Telomerase activity then was measured with TRAP assay in cell line and tissue extracts. There was a significant difference between tissue and serum levels of Cu, Se and the ratio of Cu/Zn in patients and controls [P<0.001]. After treating with 100 microm/L Zn So4, 10 um /L Cu So4 for 6 hours, telomerase activity of T47D cells was markedly increased. But after treating with 10, and 30 um /L selenium-L- methionin, telomerase activity was markedly inhibited. Telomerase activity of T47D cells for 24 hours were 0.93, 0.60 and for 48 hours were 0.76, 0.12 respectively [control 49.2%]. There were variations in serum level of Zn and Cu in breast cancer patients. Association between trace elements level and telomerase activity level can be exploited as prognostic and diagnostic marker for breast cancer

Carbenoxolone induces apoptosis and inhibits survivin and survivin-AEx3 genes expression in human leukemia K562 cells

Leukemia is a malignant disorder of the blood progenitor/stem cells which is characterized by abnormal proliferation of white blood cells. Although anti-cancer drugs induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, drug resistance is the significant problem mainly due to over-expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins [lAPs] such as survivin. In this content, it has been reported that an anti-inflammatory drug, Carbenoxolone [CBX], could induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in several types of cancerous cells. In the present study, effects of CBX on apoptosis and level of the expression of survivin gene and its deltaEx3 splicing variant have were evaluated in K562 cells. K562 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of CBX: [50-300 microM] at different time intervals [12-48 hrs]. Trypan blue exclusion test was used to evaluate cell viability. Fluorescent microscopy [Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide double staining] and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study apoptosis. The expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant were studied by RT- PCR. It was found that both growth inhibition and apoptosis occurred in K562 cells. In addition, down-regulation of survivin and survin-deltaEx3 were observed, after 2-4 hrs treatment with 150 microM of CBX. However, the expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant increased in subsequent time [6-12 hrs] nearly to the level of control cells. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that CBX can be considered as a candidate for further studies in CML treatment, especially in the case of drug- resistant leukemia cells

[Color preferences for nurses' uniform from nurses, hospitalized 5-12 years old children and parents' perspectives]

There is a growing movement towards more casual uniforms within pediatric Nursing. The study aimed at assessing the color preferences of nurses, parents and children regarding nurses' uniform in selected university hospitals of Tehran City. A cross sectional study was conducted. Through non-randomized convenient sampling, 365 pediatric nurses, 744 pediatric patients and 480 parents, drawn from selected university hospitals of Tehran City were recruited to the study, during one year since 2007, summer. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting demographic data and two questions regarding the participants' color preferences. Five photos showing a nurse with different uniform colors [pink, white, light blue, dark blue and colorful] while checking a child's pulse were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics [analysis of variance with repeated measurement, chi-square and Cochran's test] were used to analysis the data by SPSS software [version 11.5]. Female children and their parents reported pink color as their first choice [45.2 and 45.6% respectively] while boys preferred light blue [31.4%]. The first choice of nurses was dark blue [42.2%] which 10.6% of mothers and 17.6% of girls liked it as well [P<0.001]. Nurses with less than ten years of nursing experience, preferred dark blue [49.1 vs. 32.9%; P=0.002]. Fathers preferences of colors were not statistically significant [P=0.017]. Pink and light blue were most preferred by children and their parents to dark blue of nurses. The study recommends changing the color of nurses'uniforms in pediatric wards, considering children and their parents' perspectives

[ effect of spiritual-religious group therapy on mental status of schizophrenic inpatients]

Schizophrenia is one of the complex psychiatric disorders. Although the antipsychotic agents are the main treatment for the disorder, but psychological interventions are effective on clinical symptoms as well. The study aimed at assessing the effect of spiritual-religious group therapy on mental status of schizophrenic patients. Using semi-experimental study method 67 patients with schizophrenia were selected through Randomized Permuted Block method. They were divided to intervention [32 patients] and control [35 patients] groups. Intervention group were participated in 12 sessions of Spiritual Religious Group Therapy within 4 weeks [3 sessions per week]. Each session lasted one hour. Data was collected through a Demographic Information Questionnaire and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [BPRS]. Statistical Analysis was carried out, using Paired T-Test and One Sample T-Test. Significant differences were found between patients' mental status before and after the intervention [P=0.001], whilst the difference was not significant in the control group [P=0.268]. There were no significant differences between intervention and control groups prior to the intervention [P=0.093]. Spiritual Religious Group Therapy can be effective on improvement of the mental status of schizophrenic Patients

[ effect of isotretinoin on plasma homocysteine concentration of patients with acne vulgaris]

Isotretinoin [ISO] revolutionized the treatment of acne since 1980s and there after, severe forms of acne have been treated more effectively, with less residual cosmetic or psychological damage. The use of Isotretinoin is associated with significant side-effects such as mucocutaneous involvement, dyslipidemia and increased liver enzymes. The aim of study was the evaluation of homocysteine [Hey] levels and the responsible vitamins for its metabolism in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris undergone ISO treatment. Forty-seven [n=47] patients with acne, prepared with liver function tests, folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine and serum lipids evaluations. Hey was evaluated before [Value 1] and on the 2[nd] month [value 2] of treatment with Isotretinoin [0.5 mg/kg/day], by HPLC methods. Hey levels [value 1: 11.8 +/- 5.3 micro mol/L vs. value 2: 13.6 +/- 7.4 micro mol/L; P<0.001] were statically significantly increased in patients treated with ISO. In addition, lipids and liver enzymes increased in mentioned group. However, there was no significant correlation between Hey levels, vitamins and liver enzymes. Elevated Hey levels in patients after 2 months on ISO treatment might be resulted from liver function disturbances. Folate supplementation along with frequent evaluations of Hey serum levels are strongly reconnnened for the prevention of a premature occlusive disease

[Corneal endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification in relation to hydrodynamic parameters: low versus high vacuum techniques]

To evaluate the effect of vacuum and flow rate on endothelial cell loss after high versus low vacuum phacoemulsification. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 eyes of 60 patients with moderate lens opacity [nuclear sclerosis 3+]. All surgeries were performed by one experienced surgeon using stop and chop technique with Sovereign white star machine [AMO]. Patients were randomly assigned to high and low vacuum techniques in equal numbers. The machine was set on 400 mmHg vacuum and 40 ml/min flow rate in the high vacuum group and on 200 mmHg vacuum and 20 ml/min flow rate in the low vacuum group during the chop stage. All other parameters were similar in both groups. Phacotime multiplied by average ultrasound power was defined as total ultrasound energy. Specular microscopy was performed before and 1, 6 and 12 weeks after the operation. After 12 weeks, mean endothelial cell loss was 9.0 +/- 4.0% versus 9.6 +/- 4.6% in the low and high vacuum groups, respectively [P=0.6]. Mean ultrasound power was 9.2 +/- 4.3% and 13.1 +/- 4.6% in the low and high vacuum groups, respectively [P=0.001]. Mean phacotime was 1.28 +/- 1.0 minutes in the low vacuum group versus 0.88 +/- 0.6 minutes in the high vacuum group [P=0.04]. Total ultrasound energy and total fluid volume used [turbulence] during phacoemulsification was similar between the two study groups. Total ultrasound energy was the most powerful predictor of endothelial cell loss [R2=0936, P=0.001], but turbulence was not a significant predictor [R2=0.924, P=0.1]. No significant difference in endothelial cell loss was found between low and high vacuum techniques. This study supports advice to junior surgeons to choose lower hydrodynamic phaco machine parameters; experienced surgeons can choose higher parameters to reduce phacotime

[Hand dermatitis among staff in Loghman Hospital in Tehran]

An investigation of the prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis in Loghman Hakim, a large teaching hospital in Tehran, was conducted. Information concerning the presence of occupational hand dermatitis, frequency of hand-washing and glove consumption, duration of contact with glove and wet environment, past history of hand eczema, personal and family history of atopy, kind of ward, kind of used detergent, underling systemic disease, history of systemic drug consumption, duration of employment, cigarette consumption, and demographic factors [including age, gender, hobbies, and occupation] was collected via a questionnaire and physical examination by dermatologist. To determine the type of occupational hand dermatitis, allergic or irritant, patch test was performed. The prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis was found to be 44% in total population. No relationship was found between occupational hand dermatitis and age, hobbies, frequency of hand-washing and glove consumption, duration of contact with glove and wet environment, cigarette consumption, duration of employment, type of ward, kind of used detergent, underling systemic disease, history of systemic drug consumption, and duration of employment. There were statistically significant differences between two groups of stuff [with and without occupational hand dermatitis] in their gender, past history of hand eczema, and personal and family history of atopy. Out of 43 stuff underwent patch test, 50% had allergic occupational hand dermatitis. The most common positive allergen was nickel. The high prevalence rate of occupational hand dermatitis among intra-hospital staff causes great concern about the health risks of these workers when they would expose to blood-borne diseases

[Dermatologic manifestations of patients on chronic hemodialysis referring to University Hospitals]

Dermatologic diseases are common in patient with chronic renal failure, [CRF], being managed with hemodialysis. This study was done to determine the different patterns of skin involvement in these patients. We examined 215 patients on hemodialysis in four hemodialysis centers in Tehran in 2006. Of 215 patients, [122 men and 93 women], with the mean age of 56.4 +/- 16.2 years [range, 17 to 86 years], 202 [94%] had at least one type of dermatologic disease. They had been on dialysis from at least 1 year to 27 years. The most common dermatologic disease was xerosis, [59.1%]. There was a significant relation between the patients' age and solar elastosis [P=0.01], splinter hemorrhage [P=0.018], and longitudinal ridging [P=0.01]. Also, the relationship between the duration of hemodialysis and yellow discoloration, xerosis, and koilonychia were statistically significant, [P=0.047, 0.019, and 0.01, respectively]. A significant association was found between the patients' job and folicullitis [p= 0.01], and between the underlying disease resulting in CRF and folliculitis or furunculosis [P= 0.039]. As dermatologic diseases are very common in patients with chronic renal failure, referral to a dermatologist for optimal management will improve the quality of life in these patients

[Cyclooxygenase; prevention and treatment]

Cyclooxygenase [COX] is the key enzyme required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two cycloxygenase isoforms have been identified and are referred to as COX-I and COX-2. Both enzymes are blocked by nonselective anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAID], such as indomethacin and ibuprofen. COX-I is an enzyme normally found in tissues and is involved in physiological functions, while COX-2 is an acute phase reactant associated with inflammation. Recently, COX-2 has been found to be associated with hyperalgesia, angiogenesis, cancer and Alzheimers disease. The suggestion that COX-2 is causally linked to cancer offers a new approach to extending our knowledge about the neoplastic phenomenon and improving management of human malignant diseases

[Prevalence of skin diseases among nursing home patients in elderly home nursings in north of Tehran]

Continuing advances in medical care and nutrition have prolonged the lifespan and expanded the elderly demographics world-wide. Despite increasing elderly population within Iranian nursing homes, there has been a few dermatologic surveys in this field and the prevalence of skin disorders among this group is unknown. This study was carried out between November 2005 and February 2006 in Theran city to determine the prevalence of skin diseases within nursing homes of Tehran. We randomly selected 456 subjects out of 2500 old women and men and investigated their dermatologic and epidemiologic conditions among 2500 elderly subjects, 456[18.5%] were investigated. This study revealed that more than half of all nursing home patients suffered from at least one skin disease, the most common skin disease was dry skin. Seborrheic keratosis and pressure ulcer were the second and third common skin conditions, respectively. There was no case of scabies. Two patient had basal cell carcinoma, and one patient was suffered from Kaposi sarcoma. Our study revealed that skin diseases are important health problems in Geriatric population. The results suggest that dry skin is the most common skin disease within nursing homes which needs further attention of nursing home staffs to satisfy the dermatologic needs of these group of Iranian patients

[Candida interface keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: clinical, microbiologic, histopathologic and confocal microscopic reports]

To report the clinical, histopathologic, microbiologic and confocal microscopic features of Candida keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty [DALK]. The first patient presented with asymptomatic white to cream-colored interface deposits two months after DALK. Confocal scan disclosed clusters of hyper-reflective fine granular deposits in the interface with no evidence of inflammation or hypha-like structures. With a presumptive clinical diagnosis of progressive epithelial down-growth, irrigation of the interface was performed. Finally, penetrating keratoplasty was performed due to rupture in the Descemet's membrane. Histopathologic examination of the cornea disclosed yeast-like structures at the interface area. Microbiologic results of the irrigation fluid demonstrated Candida glabrata. The second patient presented with symptomatic infiltration of the inferior interface close to the suture site 2.5 months after DALK. Confocal scan disclosed foci of inflammation with clusters of hyper-reflective roundshaped structures that resembled epithelial cells. With a clinical diagnosis of epithelial down growth and progression of the lesion, penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Histopathologic examination of the cornea revealed acute and chronic granulomatous keratitis due to yeast-like structures. The microbiologic results demonstrated infection with Candida albicans. Clinical and confocal features of interface Candida keratitis may resemble those of epithelial down-growth, which may postpone correct diagnosis and treatment. Candida keratitis should be considered in cases of interface deposits after any form of lamellar keratoplasty

Automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty for surgical treatment of keratoconus

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes of automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty [ALTK] in patients with keratoconus. In this prospective noncomparative clinical trial, ALTK was performed in 14 eyes of 14 patients with moderate to severe keratoconus. All patients were spectacle and contact lens intolerant. Uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA]. best corrected visual acuity [BCVA], spherical equivalent refraction [SE], and refractive, keratometirc and topographic astigmatism were evaluated preoperatively and at one, three, and six months postoperatively and also at least 2 months after complete suture removal. Minimum duration of follow up was 8 months. The study included 9 male and 5 female subjects with mean age of 26.2 +/- 5.5 years [18-36 years]. Mean UCVA was 1.2 +/- 0.16 LogMAR [20/300] preoperatively and 0.55 +/- 0.2 LogMAR [20/70] at the last visit. [P<0.001] Mean BCVA was 0.8 +/- 0.2 LogMAR [20/120] preoperatively and reached 0.34 +/- 0.15 LogMAR [20/40] at the last visit. [P<0.001] Mean SE was -6.0 +/- 2.4 diopter preoperatively and -2.6+2.0 diopter at last visit. [P<0.001] BCVA >/= 20/40 was achieved in 64.3% of the cases and refractive astigmatism was within 4 diopter in 57% of the subjects at last visit. Although ALTK can be used for lamellar keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus, high post-op astigmatism is the major drawback

[Skin diseases in prisoners]

Prisoners are susceptible to dermatological diseases due to their communal life in prison, high-risk behaviours and being under stress. The aim of our project was to investigate the prevalence of dermatological diseases in an Iranian prison. In this observational-cross sectional study 1404 prisoners were randomly selected and examined by two dermatologists. All the examinees were male prisoners. Their average age was 34 +/- 11.2 and average time of imprisonment was 1.9+/- 2.8 years. 7% of cases [97] complained of generalized itching and 10% [140] had a localized itching. Tattoos were seen on the body of 261 prisoners [19%]. 783 person [56%] [CI 95%: 53-59%] had a dermatological disorder and 621 [44%] were totally healthy. Truncal Acne Vulgaris was the most common disorder that was seen in 184 cases [13%]. 158 cases [11.2%] had Tinea Versicolor. Other diseases were Facial Acne Vulgaris in 78 cases [5.5%], Dry Skin in 75 cases [5.3%] and Hand Eczema in 55 cases [4%]. The average age of patients with Facial and Truncal Acne was lower. However, Acne was seen more in the patients with history of addiction. Scabies was more prevalent in crowded rooms. The most prevalent skin diseases were truncal Acne and tinea versicolor; our finding revealed that scabies prevalence is meaningfully related to duration of imprisonment. It is recommended that all the prisoners should be examined before entering the prison and also periodically during their imprisonment in order to receive suitable treatment and decrease the risk of transmitting contagious diseases in prison

[Frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shaheed Beheshti university of medical sciences]

Skin disorders especially infectious and contagious diseases are quite common in crowded environment. Few epidemiological studies have been conducted among university students, thus the present study was carried out to determine the frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences' dormitories. Totally, 1279 students were selected for this cross sectional study. They were examined by two dermatologists during a 3-month period. T-test and chi square were used for data analysis. Of 1279 students, 1173 [91.7%] had skin disorder, of whom 658 [56%] were male and 515 [44%] were female. Acne [56%], hair loss among females [14%], seborouic dermatitis [9%], freckle [10%], hand eczema [10%], pityriasis versicolor [8%], xirosis [6%] and eczema [5%] were the most common skin disorders. There was an inverse strong relationship between acne and age. Skin disorders are quite common among university students

[Comparison of the fasting blood sugar before and after antituberculosis 4 drug standard regimen]

Background: The aim of this study is comparison of FBS level, before and after anti tuberculosis therapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Methods and Subjects: 50 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were studied. All of them had pulmonary tuberculosis and all of them received standard anti tuberculosis regimen. FBS levels before treatment and the 3[rd], 5[th], 7[th] and 14[th] days after treatment were determined. We used Paired t test to compare means

Results: There was not any significant difference between mean FBS of 3[rd] 5[th] 7[th] and 14[th] day with before treatment FBS. In males and age group less than 30 years old the difference between FBS levels of before treatment and 7 days after treatment was significant and FBS of 7[th] day was lesser

Conclusion: We emphasize that anti tuberculosis regiment does not cause diabetes mellitus in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

[Comparison of the fasting blood sugar before and after antituberculosis 4 drug standard regimen]

Background: The aim of this study is comparison of FBS level, before and after anti tuberculosis therapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Methods and Subjects: 50 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were studied. All of them had pulmonary tuberculosis and all of them received standard anti tuberculosis regimen. FBS levels before treatment and the 3[rd], 5[th], 7[th] and 14[th] days after treatment were determined. We used Paired t test to compare means

Results: There was not any significant difference between mean FBS of 3[rd], 5[th], 7[th] and 14[th] day with before treatment FBS. In males and age group less than 30 years old the difference between FBS levels of before treatment and 7 days after treatment was significant and FBS of 7[th] day was lesser

Conclusion: We emphasize that anti tuberculosis regiment does not cause diabetes mellitus in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis