Genomic Profiling of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Basic and Clinical Approach

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological stem cell cancer driven by BCR-ABL1 fusion protein. We review the previous and recent evidence on the significance of CML in diagnostic and clinic management. The technical monitoring of BCR-ABL1 with quantitative real time-PCR has been used in assessing patient outcome. The cytogenetic mark of CML is Philadelphia chromosome, that is formed by reciprocal chromosomal translocations between human chromosome 9 and 22, t(9:22) (q³⁴:q¹¹). It makes a BCR-ABL1 fusion protein with an anomaly tyrosine kinase activity that promotes the characteristic proliferation of progenitor cells in CML and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. The targeting of BCR-ABL1 fusion kinase is the first novel paradigm of molecularly targeted curing.

Identification of anti-microbial producing enterococci isolated from Iranian raw milk cheeses using polyphasic approach

The search for new antimicrobial agents is a field of utmost importance since the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among key microbial pathogens is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This study was performed in order to isolate and identify the potential Enterococci strains exhibiting anti-microbial activity with the help of two anti-microbial detection methods namely Agar-Spot and Well-Diffusion Assay. A collection of Enterococci spp. [about 96 isolates] were isolated from two Iranian raw milk cheeses, namely Lighvan and Koozeh, and subsequently, identified as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus italicus by 16S rDNA sequencing. All of the 96 isolates were subjected to Agar-Spot and Well-Diffusion Assay in order to detect their ability to produce antimicrobial compounds. According to Agar-Spot method, 48 out of the 96 isolates produced clear zone on the plates against indicator organisms. With Well-Diffusion Assay, the positive isolates with clear zone decreased to 20 isolates. These 20 isolates [strains] were then subjected to rep-PCR for typing, and 15 distinct rep-PCR profiles [patterns] were identified, from these 15 positive strains, 11 strains were found to belong to Enterococcus faecium

Rare chromosome structural aberration characterizing oncology malignancy

Ring chromosome aberration are rare abnormality potentially involving any chromosome in patients diagnosing in Oncology. The present review and case study has focused on the ring chromosome associated with oncology malignancies. An electronic peer review article search was performed systematically to obtain relevant literature with the CINAHL, Google scholar, and Pub Med databases. The keywords included marker, abnormalities, structural, Ring chromosome. The inclusion criteria for the review were that the documents were original quantitative research and published in English. This was also initiated using Medline, Mitelman database [http:/cgap.nci.nih.gov/Chromosomes/Mitelman], Danish cytogenetic register and other pertinent web references on ring chromosomes in Oncology malignancies. Articles that were not directly relevant to the present objective were excluded. Also the un-stimulated bone marrow specimen of present case manipulated with Methotrexate cells culture synchronization and finally was treated by GTG-banding technique. Ring chromosome was observed in 10% of the total cells. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated apparently ring [15] 46, XY, r[15] karyotype. The clinical findings revealed history of nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, night sweats, and a weight loss, anemia and diagnosed as accelerated CML. Our finding adds to the spectrum of both morphology and genetic rearrangements in oncology malignancies. Additional future analyses in similar subject will be necessary to draw firm conclusions

Natural ventilation considerations for radon prone areas of Ramsar

In Iran, architectures are often unaware of the risk of radon inhalation and how to reduce radon levels. Furthermore, radon considerations are not implemented in construction methods, construction materials and building utilization by regulatory authorities. In this study after reviewing the meteorological changes of Ramsar over the past 50 years [1955-2005], a novel design for constructing dwellings in radon prone areas is introduced. Out of building interventions such as planting wind-tunnel-making trees will be discussed in another paper. Ramsar soil samples with 4 levels of specific activities [extremely hot, severely hot, very hot, and hot] were placed in a model house. Radon level monitoring was performed by using a PRASSI portable radon gas survey meter. For extremely hot soil samples, the radon levels inside the model house when windows were closed for 24 hours were 1615 +/- 516 Bq/m3. When windows which were in the wind direction or opposite the wind direction were opened for 24 h, the radon level decreased to 89 +/- 286 and 139 +/- 314 Bq/m3, respectively. Interestingly, when crossed windows were opened for the same duration, Radon level was 144 +/- 92 Bq/m3. In cold seasons, when windows are usually closed, Chimney effect reduced the radon level to 323 +/- 641. For severely hot, very hot and hot soil samples, natural ventilation-based interventions effectively reduced the radon level. Results obtained in this study clearly show that natural ventilation-based simple cost-effective interventions can significantly reduce the radon concentration in radon prone areas of Ramsar

[Evaluation of ophthalmologists' sitting position]

To evaluate ophthalmologists' sitting position during ocular examination and surgery and to evaluate any correlation between musculoskeletal disorders and mean work time. This cross-sectional study was performed on ophthalmologists in Isfahan, Iran in different occupational positions including the office, during slitlamp examination and in the operating room. The evaluation included neck angle, lumbar lordosis, pelvic angle and the position of lower leg and foot. Ophthalmologists were asked about spinal and shoulder pains and mean work time in the office and operating room. Among 73 studied ophthalmologists [including 60 male and 13 female subjects], there were malpositions in neck angle in 43 [58.9%], lumbar lordosis in 36 [49.3%], hip angle in 9 [12.3%], lower leg in 49 [67.1%] and foot in 31 [42.4%] cases. Among 62 ophthalmologists who performed surgery there were malpositions in neck angle in 38 [61.3%], lumbar lordosis in 38 [61.3%], hip angle in 2 [37.1%], knee angle in 43 [69.4%] and foot in 44 [71.0%] cases. There was a significant correlation between spinal pains and mean work time in the office [P=0.02] and operating room [P=0.01]. According to the correlation between spinal pains and work time, it is necessary to educate ophthalmologists for correct sitting position during work

[ clinical comparison of Azithromycin versus Doxycycline in non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers]

Weaker immune system in smokers reduces the favorable response of these patients to both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments in comparison with non smokers and ex-smokers. The aim of the present study was to compare the healing of periodontal tissues following phase 1 therapy alone, or along with taking Azithromycin or Doxycycline in smokers with chronic periodontitis. In this investigation a total of 45 male smokers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each containing 15 patients. All patients were initially examined by measuring the periodontal indices, such as Bleeding On Probing [BOP], Clinical Attachment Level [CAL], and Probing Depth [PD]. The control. group received phase 1 therapy only. While the second and third groups received Doxycycline and Azithromycin respectively along with phase 1 therapy. The periodontal indices were measured and recorded again after six months. The results showed that, there was a significant difference between all recorded parameters before and after the treatment [P<0.05]. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Doxycycline and Azithromycin groups regarding PD index [P >0.05], but groups receiving antibiotics showed statistically significant reduction in PD compared to control group [P<0.05]. The best result for CAL was obtained in Azithromycin group when compared with Doxycycline and control groups. Also, a statistically significant difference was detected between the two antibiotic groups [P<0.05]. Furthermore. Doxycycline group showed a statistically significant reduction in CAL in comparison with the control group [P<0.05]. Regarding BOP index no statistical significant difference was seen between the results of the 3 groups under investigation [P>0.05]. Azithromycin and Doxycycline consumption along with phase 1 therapy may improve the clinical periodontal indices in comparisons with phase 1 therapy alone

Effects of combined caustic soda and ultrasound on reducing the drying time of groupes in raisin production

Ultrasound has found wide application as an advanced technology in processing technologies, including food technology. It is used both in measurements and diagnostic tests, and, as a processing aid, with the other technologies in food processing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of combined caustic soda and ultrasound on reducing the drying time of grapes in raisin production and the possibility of substituting the ultrasound technology for conventional methods. Two samples of Thompson seedless grapes, one intact and one pre-treated with caustic soda [0.5% W/V, at 80°C for 30 sec.], were sonicated in an ultrasonic bath [28 KHz frequency and 150 W intensity] for 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes and immediately dried by conventional sun-drying for 7 days. The moisture content, weight, and water activity of the samples were determined daily. The ultrasound treatment of short durations alone had no affect. The treatment was statistically significantly effective only when the exposure time was 40 or 60 minutes or longer. Further analysis of the data showed that the combined treatment of ultrasound with caustic soda significantly reduced the length of time required for dehydration of grapes and raisin production. The findings indicate that the ultrasonication technology can be used economically, reducing the length of time for drying grapes and, thus, increasing productivity in the process of raisin production. However, more studies are needed to determine whether ultrasound alone can be substituted for caustic soda technology in raisin production

[Resistance of Bifidobacterium sp. isolated from Iranian subjects to simulated gastric juice and bile salt]

Bifidobacteria are one of the most important probiotic bacteria and their benefits have been known since many years ago. Probiotic organisms are required to be safe, viable and metabolically active within the gastrointestinal tract and to show enough resistance against bile and gastric juice. In this research, the ability of growth and survival of 42 strains, isolated from Iranian subjects, were studied in MRS3 containing 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2% of bile salts and simulated gastric juice with pH 3. The cultured strains were incubated under anaerobic condition and at 37°C for 48 h and then the survival/growth rates were examined at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hrs. The results demonstrated that some strains had significantly high tolerance against bile salts and simulated gastric juice. The strains with high tolerance are suggested as Iranian strains for future work especially in preparing Iranian starter and bifidus products

[Identification of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from fecal samples of some Iranian subjects using 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis and PCR-based gene specific primers]

For the first time in Iran 40 strains of Bifidobacterium were isolated from faces of Iranian subjects. By using phenotypic tests, 18 isolates were identified as Bifidobacterium longum, 10 as Bifidobacterium bifidum and 1 as Bifidobacterium catenolatum. In order to validate these results and also to identify other isolates that had not been identified by phenotypic tests, 2 methods of PCR with genus-specific primers of Bif164f and Bif601r and 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis were applied. Results of PCR confirmed the obtained phenotypic identifications. Moreover by this method the 8 remaining strains were identified as Bifidobacterium species. Using sequencing 16SrRNA gene, 5 B.Longum strains were identified that had different fermentation pattern from B.Longum. Some new ribose negative Bifidobacterium longum strains were also identified. The obtained results present new strains of Bifidobacterium longum

[Identification of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from fecal samples of some Iranian subjects using 16 SrRNA gene sequence analysis and PCR-based gene specific primers]

For the first time in Iran 40 strains of Bifidobacterium were isolated from feces of Iranian subjects. By using phenotypic tests, 18 isolates were identified as Bifidobacterium longum, 10 as Bifidobacterium bifidum and one as Bifidobacterium catenolatum. In order to validate these results and also to identify other isolates that had not been identified by phenotypic tests, two methods of PCR with genus-specific primers of Bif164f and Bif601r and 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis were applied. Results of PCR confirmed the obtained phenotypic identifications. Moreover by this method the 8 remaining strains were identified as Bifidobacterium species. Using sequencing 16 SrRNA gene, 5 B. longum strains were identified that had different fermentation pattern from B. longum. Some new ribose negative Bifidobacterium longum strains were also identified. The obtained results present new strains of Bifidobacterium longum

Correlation between corneal thickness and degree of myopic refractory error

Corneal thickness is an important factor in refractive surgeries such as Radial Keratotomy [RK], Photo Refractive Keratotomy [PRK] and Laser Insitu Keratomileusis [LASIK]. This study evaluated the correlation between this factor and the degree of myopic refractory error. In this cross-sectional study, 224 myopic eyes [112 patients] which had undergone LASIK operation were assessed. These patients had referred to Aban Eye Clinic, Isfahan, Iran, during August and September 2002. Corneal thickness was measured by ORB SCAN Topoghraphy, and cycloplegic refraction was performed with autorefratometery and retinoscopy. Suspected keratoconus cases and hyperopic patients were excluded. The patients' age was 27.2 +/- 1.36 in men [N = 35] and 30.13 +/- 1.04 in women [N = 77]. Mean value of myopic refractory error in male patients was 5.1 +/- 0.24D and in female patients was 3.8 +/- 0.36D. Mean of corneal thickness was 540 +/- 5.25 micro M and 530 +/- 5.88 micro M in male and female patients respectively. There was no correlation between the degree of myopia and corneal thickness in any of the patients. Also in this research, no relations between the age and myopia were found. Right eye [P > 0.5, r = 0.124] Left eye [P > 0.5, r = 0.104]. Based on our findings, corneal thickness and myopic refectory error do not seem to have any relations. [r = 0.039, p = 0.684]

Primary diffuse lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract

A rare case of diffuse lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract is reported in which the patient presented with abdominal pain, weight loss and bloody diarrhea. X-rays revealed multiple polyps involving the stomach, small intestine and colon. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of lymphomatous polyposis. The duration of symptoms and signs was 3 months. Diffuse lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract is a distinct entity, separated from diffuse gastrointestinal lymphoma or Mediterranean-type lymphoma