[ effect of massage therapy by a nurse and the patient's companion on the anxiety of male patients hospitalized in CCU: a clinical trial]

Anxiety can change the heart rate and also increase the myocardial oxygen demand and the risk of mortality in patients with heart diseases. This study aims to examine the effects of massage therapy by a nurse or the patient's companion on anxiety of the male patients admitted in coronary care unit. An RCT was conducted on three randomly allocated groups [massage by a nurse, massage by a patient's companion, and control group] of male patients admitted to coronary care units of Kashan's Shahid Beheshti hospital [n=30]. In the intervention groups, total body massage was done for 60 minutes. The third group [control] did not receive any intervention. Data was collected using Spillberger anxiety inventory and was analyzed by SPSS-PC [v.11.5], using independent t-test, paired t test, One-way ANOVA, Tukey test, Chi-square, and Fisher exact test. The mean scores for the Stat and Trait anxiety of the two intervention groups were significantly decreased after the massage therapy sessions [p<0.001]. However, no significant differences were found between the mean scores of stat or trait anxiety of the groups who received massage by a nurse or by the patients' companion [P.0.05]. However, significant differences were found between the mean scores of stat or trait anxiety of the two intervention groups and the control group [P<0.05]. Considering the effect of massage therapy on decreasing the level of anxiety and finding no difference between the effect of massage by nurses and patients' companions, massage therapy by the patients' companions can be used as an anxiolytic method in CCU patients

[ prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Shahrekord, Iran]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] accompanied with obesity and insulin resistance. Many findings have shown that fat tissue has an important role in creating and resisting of various disorders in PCOS. On the other hand, thyroid has an obvious and dominant role in metabolism [specially in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates]. Both PCOS and thyroid diseases are accompanied with disruption in function of hypothalamus - pituitary -gonad axis. This study aimed at finding the relationship between antithyroid antibodies and polycystic ovary syndrome. In this descriptive analytical study two groups of 54 women with the age ranges of 15 to 45 years from Shahrekord, Iran were selected and consecutively were entered the study. The first group [control group], did not have any thyroid disease, systemic disorders or PCOS based on the history, physical examinations and blood tests and they did not use any medicine. The second group [patients groups], did not have any thyroid diseases and systemic disorders based on the history, physical examinations and blood tests but they had PCOS. Antithyroid antibodies in both groups were measured and compared using K[2], t test and ANOVA. There was no significant difference in the prevalence and levels of antithyroid antibodies between PCOS group and control subjects [P>0.05]. The level of [T3] and [T4] was significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome than in control group [P<0.05]. It does not seem that to be more prevalent than in the healthy women and it is unlikely that they have an important role in pathophysiology of the disease

Preparation and evaluation of poly [caprolactone fumarate] nanoparticles containing doxorubicin HCl

Biodegradable Poly[caprolactone fumarate] [PCLF] has been used as bioresorbable sutures. In this study, doxorubicin HCl [Dox] loaded PCLF nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. PCLFs were synthesized by polycondensation of PCL diols [Mws of 530, 1250 and 2000] with fumaryl chloride. The degradation of PCLF in NaOH, water and phosphate buffer saline [PBS], was determined in terms of Mw. Nanoparticles [NPs] were prepared by two methods. In microemulsion polymerization method, dichloromethane containing PCLF and photoinitiator were combined with the water containing surfactants and then the mixture was placed under light for crosslinking. In nanoprecipitation method, the organic solvent containing PCLF was poured into the stirring water. The effect of several variables including concentration of PCLF, polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], Dox and Trypan blue [Trb] and the Mw of PCLF and PVA on NP size and loading were evaluated. PCLF 530, 1250 and 2000 in PBS or water were not degraded over 28 days. Nanoprecipitaion method gave spherical [revealed by SEM images] stable NPs of about 225 with narrow size distribution and a zeta potential of-43 mV. The size of NP increased significantly by increase in Mw or concentration of PCLF. Although PVA was not necessary for formation of NPs, but it decreased the NP size. Dox loading and EE were 2.5-6.8% and 15-20%, respectively. Increasing the drug concentration, increased the drug loading [DL] and NP size. The entrapment efficiency [EE] for Trb ranged from 1% for PCLF530 to 6% for PCLF2000. An increase in PCLF concentration resulted in an increase in EE. Dox and Trb release showed a burst followed by 80% and 78% release during 3 and 4 days respectively. PCLF possessed suitable characteristics for preparation nanoparticulate drug delivery system including desired NP size, stability and degradation time. Although PCLF530 NPs were the smallest, but their DL were lower than PCLF1250 and 2000 NPs

[ effect of different distillation methods on quality and quantity of essential oil of Laurus nobilis L.]

Laurus nobilis is a small tree, especial to Mediterranean regions that its leaves are used as flavoring agents in food. Now, this plant is cultivated in Iran and many parts of the world. In this research, the effects of different distillation methods on essential oil yield and composition of Laurus nobilis leaves was studied. The fresh leaves of Laurus nobilis L., cultivated in National Botanical of Iran were collected at July 2009. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation, hydrosteam distillation and direct steam distillation from the leaves of Laurus nobilits. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC [UFM] and GC-MS. The oils were obtained at yields of 2.53%, 2.45% and 1.63% by hydro, hydrosteam and direct steam distillation, respectively. Twenty-five components were identified in the oil of Laurus nobilis obtained by different extraction methods, including 1,8-cineol [47.3, 37.8, 47.7%], sabinene [11.1, 12.3, 12.2%] and alpha-terpinyl acetate [12.9, 19.3, 12.9%] by hydro, hydrosteam and direct steam distillation, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between oil yield [w/w] of hydro-distillation method [2.53%] compared to steam distillation [1.63%]. Significant difference was observed between 1,8-cinnneol and alpha-terpinyl acetate percentage in the oils obtained by different distillation methods

Antimicrobial activity of the leaves of Pistacia khinjuk

Pistacia khinjuk is one of the three species Pistacia growing in Iran. The essential oils of some Pistacia plants contain variety of components with different therapeutical effects. The purpose of this study was to provide the examination of antibacterial and antifungal effects of chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and diethyl ether extracts obtained from the leaves of P. khinjuk. for obtaining different extracts of P. khinjuk, 30 gr of leaves powder was macerated with 120 ml of each solvent [chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether]. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of different extracts was individually tested against a panel of microorganisms, including Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Some major constituents of essential oil from the aerial parts of P. khinjuk are beta-pinene, beta-pinene, Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, Germacrene B and Spathulenol. The extracts showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria [MIC=0.02 - 0.5 mg/ml] and fungi [MIC=0.06 - 0.4 mg/ml]. In conclusion the different leaves extracts of P.khinjuk [chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether] like other species of Pistacia show antibacterial and antifungal activities

Molecular analysis of Bcl-2 and cyclin Dl expression in differentially expressing estrogen receptor breast cancer MCF7, T47D and MDA-MB-468 cell lines treated with adriamycin

Bcl-2 and Cyclin Dl [CCND1] are key elements in cancer development and progression. Bcl-2 acts as a cell death suppressor and is involved in apoptosis regulation. Cyclin Dl is an important regulator of Gl/S phase of the cell cycle progression. In addition, estrogen receptor [ER] is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer cells. Therefore it is important to determine the Bcl-2 and CCND1 expression in MCF7, T47D and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines with different ER status following Adriamycin [ADR] treatment. Cytotoxicity of ADR [250 and 500nM] after 1-5 days exposure of the cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. The mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and cyclin Dl in tested cell lines were also analyzed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry [ICC] methods ADR cytotoxicity was highest in MDA-MB-468 and lowest in MCF7 cells in a time-dependent manner. Bcl-2 mRNA increased in MCF7 and decreased in MDA-MB-468 after exposure to ADR but it was less detectable in T47D cells. The expression of CCND1 in MCF7 with high level of ER expression was higher than the other two cell lines in untreated conditions. However, CCND1 mRNA did not show significant changes after ADR treatment. Immunocytochemical analysis did not show significant differences between Bcl-2 protein expression in the presence or absence of ADR in MDA-MB-468 cell line while in T47D and MCF7 cells its expression decreased after exposure to ADR. In addition to nuclear expression of cyclin Dl in all cell lines, strong cytoplasmic expression of cyclin Dl protein was observed only in MCF7 and T47D cells. The tested cell lines with different levels of ER expression showed differential molecular responses to ADR that is important in tumor-targeted cancer therapy

Comparison of two therapeutic protocols: heparin with aspirin vs prednisolone with aspirin, in patients with recurrent miscarriages

The most common complication of pregnancy is abortion. The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss is not completely known. There are few therapeutics and diagnostic strategies in recurrent abortion. The aim of this study was to compare the use of heparin with aspirin vs prednisolone with aspirin in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss [RPL]. This randomized clinical trial study comprised of 50 patients with RPL referred to Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan. These patients were selected when beta-HCG test was positive and were divided into two groups [n=25 for each group]. Patients in the first group received subcutaneous heparin [5000 U twice a day] and oral microcoated aspirin [80 mg once a day] up to 20[th] week of pregnancy. Ultrasonography was repeated 3 times for these patients. Ca tablet was administrated in order to prevent osteoporosis. Antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies were checked for all patients. Neonates were visited by a neonatologist and followed up for one month. Finally, the data were analyzed by t-test and Fisher's exact test. The mean age of prednisolone with aspirin group were 31.8 +/- 3.3 years while, it was 30.7 +/- 3.2 years in heparin with aspirin group and, this difference was not significant [P>0.05]. The mean pregnancy loss number was 2.8 +/- 1.1 while 2.4 +/- 1 in prednisolone with aspirin and heparin with aspirin groups respectively, which was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Anticardiolipin antibody was positive in 4 [8%] patients, and antiphospholipid antibody was also positive in 4 [8%] patients. Pregnancy loss with heparin + aspirin was significantly higher than prednisolone + aspirin [P<0.05]. There was not any case of complications in two groups. The results of this study showed that prednisolone with aspirin are more effective than heparin with aspirin in the management of recurrent pregnancy loss and are preferred to use in these patients

[Cross-resistance to anticancer drugs in acute myeloblastic leukemia Pgp expressing K562 cell line]

Drug resistance remains one of the most important clinical obstacles in the treatment of some cancers. This drug resistance referred to as Multidrug Resistance [MDR] induces cross-resistance to many chemotherapy agents such as anthracyclines, vinca alkaloides, epipodophyllotoxins and Taxol. MDR is most likely due to the reduction of drug accumulation with an energy-dependent drug efflux pump. This drug pump is a 170 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein [Pgp]. We developed a resistance subline of K562 by stepwise increase in concentration of Doxorubicin, and Pgp expression was verified by flowcytometry and RT-PCR methods. Cross resistance of the resistant cell line to Etoposide, Vincristine and Taxol was analyzed by MTT assay. IC[50] [the level of drug concentration inhibiting 50% of cell growth] of Doxorubicin, Etoposide and Taxol of parental K562 came out to be 100ng/ml and it was 50 ng/ml for vincristine. IC[50] levels of these drugs on resistant K562 were 500, 500, 450 and 450ng/ml. These drugs also displayed 5-, 5-, 4.5-, and 9- fold resistance respectively. According to the results, expression of Pgp confers MDR phenotype to the K562 cell line and makes it resistant to most of anticancer drugs including anthracyclines, vinca alkaloides, epipodophyllotoxins and taxans. This MDR phenotype is a major obstacle of cancer treatment and in recent years investigators are trying to reverse it by gene therapy