Cytotoxic effect of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with seaweed aqueous extract against ovarian cancer cells

Iron oxide nanoparticles are one of the most efficient metal nanoparticles, which have prominent properties in biomedical applications. In previous studies, these nanoparticles were prepared using a green synthesis method with the aqueous extract of brown seaweed [Sargassum muticuni]. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effect of these synthesized nanoparticles on A2780cp ovarian cancer cells which indicate resistance to chemotherapy regimen. The cytotoxic effect of synthesized nanoparticles on A2780cp ovarian cancer cells were examined using the methylthiazol tetrazolium assay, acridine orange/ propodium iodide and caspase assay. Results indicated that Fe[3]O[4] nanoparticles encapsulated in seaweed water extract possess a cytotoxic effect on ovarian cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy [IC[50] values of 250 microg/ml, 125 microg/ml and 62.5microg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively]. The nanoparticles through the induction of caspase-3 and -9 dependent apoptosis [intrinsic pathway] significantly exerted a cytotoxic effect against A2780cp ovarian cancer cells. The aqueous extract of brown seaweed is an appropriate candidate for stability and reduction of colloidal solution of iron oxide nanoparticles. Due to the apoptotic effect of this extract on A2780cp ovarian cancer cells, it can be a good choice for ovarian cancer treatment

Quality of life after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in men with an ileal conduit or continent urinary diversion: a comparative study

To investigate quality of life [QoL] domains with three forms of urinary diversions, including ileal conduit, MAINZ pouch, and orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in men with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In a prospective study, 149 men underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion [70 ileal conduit, 16 MAINZ pouch, and 63 orthotopic ileal neobladder]. Different domains of QoL, including general and physical conditions, psychological status, social status, sexual life, diversion-related symptoms, and satisfaction with the treatment were assessed using an author constructed questionnaire. Assessment was performed at three months postoperatively. In questions addressing psychological status, social status, and sexual life, patients with continent diversion had a more favorable outcome [P = 0.002, P = 0.01, and P = 0.002, respectively]. The rate of erectile dysfunction did not differ significantly between the three groups [P = 0.21]. The rate and global satisfaction was higher with the MAINZ pouch [68.7%] and ileal neobladder [76.2%] as compared with the ileal conduit group [52.8%] [P = 0.002]. Continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy provides better results in terms of QoL as compared with ileal conduit diversion.

In vitro antiviral effect of "Nanosilver" on influenza virus

Influenza is a viral infectious disease with frequent seasonal epidemics causing world-wide economical and social effects. Due to antigenic shifts and drifts of influenza virus, long-lasting vaccine has not been developed so far. The current annual vaccines and effective antiviral drugs are not available sufficiently. Therefore in order to prevent spread of infectious agents including viruses, antiseptics are considered by world health authorities. Small particles of silver have a long history as general antiseptic and disinfectant. Silver does not induce resistance in microorganisms and this ability in Nanosize is stronger. The aim of this study was to determine antiviral effects of Nanosilver against influenza virus. TCID50 [50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose] of the virus as well as CC50 [50% Cytotoxic Concentration] of Nanosilver was obtained by MTT [3- [4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2y1]-2 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, Sigma] method. This compound was non-toxic to MDCK [Madin-Darbey Canin Kidney] cells at concentration up to 1 micro g/ml. Effective minimal cytotoxic concentration and 100 TCID50 of the virus were added to the confluent cells. Inhibitory effects of Nanosilver on the virus and its cytotoxicity were assessed at different temperatures using Hemagglutination [HA] assay, RT-PCR [Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction], and DIF [Direct Immunofluorescent]. RT-PCR and free band densitometry software were used to compare the volume of the PCR product bands on the gel. In this study it was found that Nanosilver has destructive effect on the virus membrane glycoprotein knobs as well as the cells

Risk factors in neonatal anaerobic infections

Anaerobic bacteria are well known causes of sepsis in adults but there are few studies regarding their role in neonatal sepsis. In an attempt to define the incidence of neonatal anaerobic infections a prospective study was performed during one year period. A total number of 400 neonates under sepsis study were entered this investigation. Anaerobic as well as aerobic cultures were sent. The patients were subjected to comparison in two groups: anaerobic culture positive and anaerobic culture negative and this comparison were analyzed statistically. There were 7 neonates with positive anaerobic culture and 35 neonates with positive aerobic culture. A significant statistical relationship was found between anaerobic infections and abdominal distention and pneumonia. It is recommended for those neonates with abdominal distention and pneumonia refractory to antibiotic treatment to be started on antibiotics with anaerobic coverage

Prevalence of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in early onset neonatal sepsis

To determine prospectively the prevalence of anaerobic and aerobic infection in early onset [during 72 hours of age] neonatal sepsis, in Tehran Vali-e-Asr Hospital. Among all the live birth, neonates suspecting of having septicemia were investigated for isolation of microorganisms. Culture bottle containing enriched tryptic soy broth was used for standard blood culture system to detect aerobes and an ANAEROBIC/F bottle was inoculated using BACTEC 9120 continuous monitoring blood culture system to determine the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Among 1724 live births, 402 consecutive neonates suspecting of having septicemia were investigated for isolation of micro organism. A total of 27 episodes of early onset neonatal sepsis occurred with an incidence of 15.66 [11.6 aerobe + 4.0 anaerobe] per 1000 live births. Aerobic bacteria were the major etiological agents, accounting for 20 cases. 7 [26%] cases had positive blood cultures with anaerobic bacteria. Propionibacterium and Peptostreptococccus [amongst anaerobic] and coagulase-negative staphylococci and staphylococcus aureus [amongst aerobic] were the most commonly isolated organisms. Comparison of clinical findings and demographic characteristics between aerobic and anaerobic infection did not have a significant statistical difference. Our impression is that while anaerobic bacteremia in the newborn infants can occasionally cause severe morbidity and mortality, majority of cases experience a self limited illness with transient bacteremia

[Evaluation of the cause and predisposing factors in neonatal mortality by using international coding diseases version 10 in Valiasr Hospital]

According to the fact that the reduction of Neonatal Mortality Rate is correspondent to improvements in health and hygienic status of the society, understanding the major neonatal mortality causes will help the society to plan better prenatal and neonatal care systems. On this retrospective study, the major causes of the mortality of the dead neonates were extracted from files of Vali-Asr hospital according to the International Coding of Disease Ver 10 [ICD[10]]. Data were analyzed in proportion to gestational age, birth weight, gender and neonatal age. Mortality rate was higher during the first week of life [78%]. Generally five main causes of death were; prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, intra cerebral hemorrhage, multiple congenital anomalies and air leak syndromes. It was also revealed that the causes of death of low birth weight neonates were similar to those of premature neonates [respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity, intra cerebral hemorrhage, septicemia and air leak syndromes]. Similarly there was no difference between the causes the of death in mature neonates and appropriate for growth age neonates. The main causes of death in these two groups were; congenital disease, infections [septicemia and Pneumonia], asphyxia, diffuse intra vascular coagulation, intra cerebral hemorrhage, meconium aspiration and complications of pregnancy. Data analysis indicated significant relationships between death and gestational age, neonatal age and birth weight [P=0.001] but it was not related to gender. With due attention to the easy application of ICD 10 for determining the major and underlying causes of death of neonates and the fact that autopsy is not routinely applicable in neonatology wards, routine using of ICD 10 for classifying the causes of death in death certificates is highly recommended

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency in newborns

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia and neonatal jaundice. Screening of newborns by examining the cord blood for enzyme activity has been proposed for prevention of its complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital, Tehran. The relation between G6PD deficiency and the variables of sex, gestational age, jaundice, hemolysis, and anemia was also examined. 450 newborns during a 9-month period were examined for G6PD activity by Fluorescent Spot Test of specimens of cord blood and for other variables. 9 neonates [8 males and 1 female] were G6PD deficient. The incidence of G6PD deficiency was 2% [3.3% for boys and 0.5% for girls]. Six [66.7%] cases of G6PD deficiency developed jaundice. None of the G6PD-deficient neonates developed anemia. Only one case had a high cord blood reticulocyte count. G6PD deficiency was correlated with sex and neonatal jaundice. There was no correlation between G6PD deficiency and gestational age, hematocrit and reticulocyte count of the cord blood. The incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital in Tehran was 2%. Screening of the male newborns for enzyme deficiency by examining the cord blood is suggested

Neonatal hypothermia in Tehran, Iran: incidence, severity and death rate

In 1958, Silverman demonstrated that maintenance of body temperature reduces mortality in low birth weight infants. From the early 1990s it was already recognized that adequate environmental warmth was essential in the case of newborns. However, neonatal hypothermia continues to be a significant issue in developing countries.In order to describe the incidence and severity of hypothermia after delivery and to determine the possibility of related mortality risk among neonates in a tertiary nursery, we measured the body temperature on admission of 898 consecutive inborn infants after birth by a low-reading thermometer. Body temperature less than 36.5°C was designated as 'hypothermia'. In such cases the infants were re-warmed according to WHO recommendations. Their body temperature was checked and recorded every hour and their final outcome was noted.The overall incidence of hypothermia was 53.2%. 456 [i.e., 50.2% of] infants had mild hypothermia [35>T>36.5] while 22 [2.5%] of them had moderate to severe hypothermia [T<35°C]. The incidence and severity of hypothermia was found to be significantly associated with birth weight [p= 0.000] and gestational age [p= 0.000]. The duration of re-warming was also correlated with birth weight [p= 0.000]. Logistic regression analysis showed that the mortality rate of hypothermic neonates is 3.64 times that of the normotherms. The risk of death was higher in the moderate to severe hypothermic groups than in the mild hypothermic infants.In our study, the incidence of hypothermia was found to be high with both the incidence and severity to be significantly associated with birth weight and gestational age. The risk of death was recognized to be higher in the hypothermic new borns than non-hypothermic ones