Far-Lateral Approach for Ventral and Ventrolateral Upper Cervical Meningiomas: A Case Series and Literature Review

Methods@#We assessed 23 patients with a mean age of 57.3±15 years. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale; eight patients had grade 0, nine had grade I, and six had grade II. All patients underwent plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. The foramen magnum was involved in 10 patients, C1–2 in seven, C2–3 in four, and C3–4 in two. All patients were operated via the far-lateral approach. @*Results@#Gross total resection was achieved in 21 patients. Sixteen lesions were psammomatous, five were fibroblastic, and two were meningothelial meningiomas. The mean operative duration was 135±40 minutes, while the mean operative blood loss was 450±210 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 4.3±2.2 days. At the final follow-up that was conducted at 27.6±21 months and as per the JOA score; 16 patients were classified into grade 0 and 7 into grade II. The condition of none of our patients deteriorated postoperatively. There was no significant correlation of the clinical outcome with tumor level, pathological subtype of the tumor, symptom duration, age, and sex. There was no significant correlation of tumor resection completeness with tumor level, tumor pathological subtype, or tumor topography (ventral or ventrolateral). @*Conclusions@#The far-lateral approach is a safe and effective access for ventral and ventrolateral cervical meningiomas. It allows direct access to tumor with no spinal cord or nerve roots traction, and thus may yield a fairly better outcome than the standard posterior approach.

Research misconduct: the peril of publish or perish

There is a spurt of interest in research productivity in the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] to lay the foundation for national development. From a global perspective, increased research productivity could conceivably be accompanied by an exponential increase in research misconduct [RM]. Inevitably, erroneous or falsified data will be expected to adversely affect public health by misleading policy makers and clinicians alike into embarking on health policy and allocation of resources that are byproducts of RM. This will contribute significantly to the emerging crisis of confidence of the public in the integrity of scientific research. For a long time, RM has been considered only as plagiarism or data fabrication and falsification. However, the concept of RM nowadays encompasses more and, in this review, we discuss its possible implications in emerging economies, such as those of the GCC countries. We suggest that GCC countries ought to consider implementing remedial and punitive policies to deal with RM

Adherence to the standards of prescription chart among medical practitioners in Kurdistan region

Background and objective: Controlling medications safely, effectively and efficiently is essential to the delivery of high-quality care. This study aimed to point up prescription errors such as scientific or brand names, the strength of medications, the age of patients, date of prescriptions, specifying dose, dose interval, dosing frequency and dosage form, through systematic studying a certain number of prescriptions

Methods: This study screened the prescriptions from both of public and private sectors in the governorates of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Duhok. Adherence was assessed on the basis of these prescriptions charts. Excel program was utilized to evaluate the data in this study

Results: The study covered a total 283 prescriptions involving 976 medications in Kurdistan region. Only 19% of medications were mentioned as a scientific name and just 2% of prescriptions were written via computer. Direction for use of the medicines was only mentioned for 3% and the duration of treatment was scripted in 11%

Conclusion: Majority of medical practitioners in Kurdistan region are not adhering to the international standards of prescriptions

Effects of metabolic syndrome on prostate specific antigen level, prostate volume and international prostate symptom scores in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background and objective: Benign prostatic hyperplasia involves the enlargement of prostatic glandular tissue and narrowing of the urethra. It affects bladder storage or emptying. Most of the men with benign prostatic hyperplasia have no symptoms. This study aimed to compare international prostate symptom scores, prostate specific antigen level and prostate volume in patients having benign prostatic hyperplasia with and without metabolic syndrome

Methods: This study involved 85 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were divided into two groups. The first group included 40 participants who were only suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia and the second group involved 45 participants who were suffering from both metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The division of subjects was performed depending on three abnormal parameters out of five parameters, such as body mass index [BMI >25kg/m2], dyslipidemia [Triglyceride >/=150 mg/dl, High density lipoprotein-C <40 mg/dl], blood pressure [BP >/=130/85 mmHg], fasting plasma glucose [PG >/=110 mg/dl]

Results: Patients with metabolic syndrome at diagnosis appears to have significantly higher levels of prostate specific antigen comparing with patients without metabolic syndrome, 3.9+/-0.26 and 2.7+/-0.21, respectively. Similarly, patients with metabolic syndrome at diagnosis had significantly higher prostate volume levels [72.69 +/- 2.69 ml] comparing to patients without metabolic syndrome [46 +/- 2.44 ml]. Patients with metabolic syndrome at diagnosis showed considerable higher international prostate symptom scores level [23.62 +/- 0.62] compared to patients without metabolic syndrome [18.87 +/- 0.327]

Conclusions: benign prostatic hyperplasia patients having metabolic syndrome have significantly higher values of prostate specific antigen levels, prostate volume and international prostate symptom scores compared to benign prostate hyperplasia patients without metabolic syndrome

Environmental carcinogen exposure and lifestyle factors affecting cancer risk in Qatar: findings from a qualitative review

To meet the country's health goals for 2011-2016, a qualitative review of exposure to risk factors for cancer in Qatar was conducted in 2013. The review included exposure to environmental agents carcinogenic to humans [International Agency for Research on Cancer classification], as well as lifestyle factors known to affect cancer risk. Information from all available sources was assembled and reviewed. The levels of particulate matter reported in Qatar were in the upper range of ambient air pollutants reported internationally, and may influence the country's future lung cancer burden. The limited data on occupational exposure suggests that the greatest risks for workers in the construction industry are likely to be from environmental dust and related air pollutants. The greatest cancer risks for Qatari nationals may be lifestyle factors, particularly obesity, physical inactivity and tobacco use. Extended monitoring of the composition of and human exposure to air pollutants is recommended

Knowledge of diabetes among patients in the United Arab Emirates and trends since 2001: a study using the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test

Knowledge of diabetes among patients with the disease in the United Arab Emirates is essential for effective self-management. We assessed the level of diabetes-related knowledge among patients and compared it with that found in previous studies in the same city. A cross-sectional study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, was conducted at two clinics in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, translated into Arabic, was used to assess knowledge of diabetes. Of 165 participants with diabetes, 130 [78.8%] were women. The mean knowledge score was low at 55% [6.6 out of a maximum possible score of 12, standard deviation 1.8]. This is comparable to levels found in previous studies: 55.5% in 2001 and 68.2% in 2006. Misconceptions about the diabetic diet and blood testing were common. The level of diabetes-related knowledge has remained low since 2001. These results are of concern in view of the substantial investments made in diabetes care and health education in the region

Recovery of Schistosoma haematobium ovum from Labeo rohita: first report from Pakistan

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes from the genus Schistosoma that can infect humans and animals. S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. mekongi all causes intestinal schistosomiasis except S. haematobium that causes urinary schistosomiasis. It is only specie which effects urinary system, it can affect liver, heart, lungs also but very rarely. Schistosoma haematobium is endemic to over 50 countries in Africa and the Middle East and Western Asia and may be fatal in HIV positive people. A number of reports from the African countries like Nigeria have been reported. A few cases are reported 9but in Pakistan it has never been reported before in native people. It is first time reported in Pakistan in the intestine of Rahu (Labeo rohita). The purpose of this study is to elaborate the approach of zoonotic agent by various other routes including the commonly available fish

Characterization of enteropathogenic E. Coli and antibiotic resistance properties in diarrheic pets

The study was carried out to detect and characterize Endopathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic dogs and cats and its antibiotic resistance. To perform this aim: a total of 90 rectal swabs were collected from diarrheic dogs [n=70] and cats [n=20] from different localities at Alexandria and screened for the presence of pathotype of E.cole using culture biochemically, serological, molecular identification and antibiotic sensitivity test. a total of 33 [36.6%] E. coli isolated and identified [26 isolates from dogs [37.1%] and 7 isolates from cats [35%]]. Hemolytic activity revealed 8 [6 from dogs and 2 from cats] and 4 [3 from dogs and 1 from cats] isolates with Alpha [alpha] and Beta [beta] hemolysis respectively. Serotyping of these 12 isolates revealed 2 [16.6%] were positive poly 2 [O: 127 K63], 1 [8%] isolate was positive poly 3 [O: 164 K-], 1 [8%] isolate was positive poly 1[O: 26 K 60] and 8[66.6%] isolates were serotyped as positive poly one. Polymerase chain reactions [PCR] revealed the presence of attaching and effacing gene [eaeA] in 4 [33.3%] isolates [3 from dogs [33.3%] and 1 from cat [33.3%]. However, none of the isolates were positive for Heat-labile [LT], heat-stable [STa] enterotoxin genes. Shiga toxin one [Stx 1] and shiga toxin two [Stx2] genes and bundle-forming pili [Bfp] gene. The highest rate of sensitivity was observed to Amikacin and Ofloxacin. And, the highest rate of resistance was observed to Cephalexin and Ampicillin sulbactam

Studies on diarrhea in equine associated with Clostridiun difficile and Clostridium perfringens infection

Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfingens play a significant role in diarrhea affecting equini. This study was designed to determine the role of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfingens in equine diarhhea, 380 animals were examined clicically, where 65 were suffering from diarrhea. Fecal samples were collected from diarrheic animals, and 10 samples from apparently healthy animals. Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfingens were isolated from 19 and 11 samples respectively, while the two bacteria were isolated from 5 samples simultaneously. Moreover 4 samples from apparent clinical healthy animals had Clostridium difficile infection, indicating the high prevelance of these organisms in equine. Toxins of Clostridium difficile wasn't detected in diarrheic samples or culture of Clostridium isolates by ELISA and PCR-technique, while alpha and beta2 toxins of clostridium perfingens were detected in culture of clostridium

Segmentation of immunohistochemical staining of beta-catenin expression of oral cancer using EM algorithm

Oral Cancer, also called Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma [OSCC], has been one of the serious cancers that affect the South Asian countries. A range of diagnostic strategies are available including biopsy of the affected part. The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway plays important roles in morphogenesis, normal physiological functions, and tumor formation. This study examined the accumulation of beta-catenin in the nuclei and cytoplasm of oral cancer. The accuracy of histopathological results is hampered by considerable inter and intra-reader variability even by expert pathologists. In order to get both qualitative and quantitative results, we developed a system for diagnosis of oral cancer using Expectatione Maximization [EM algorithm]. The microscopic images of immunohistochemical staining of beta-catenin expression were segmented using Iterative Method of [EM] algorithm to extract the cellular and extracellular components of an image. The segmentation process of the system uses unitone conversion to obtain a single channel image using Principal Component Analysis [PCA] with the highest contrast. Finally, the unitone image is normalized to [0-1] range. Based on the segmentation process we conclude that beta-catenin expression using EM algorithm is an efficient technique to help the pathologist to evaluate the histological changes on microscopic images of oral cancer

Effect of prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A on the endometrium of albino rats: a histological and an immuno-histochemical study

Aim of the work: bisphenol A [BPA] is a synthetic monomer that is polymerized to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products and resins, including those used in food packaging and dental sealants. It is used in the manufacture of a great variety of products including: compact disks, food can linings, plastic windows, car parts, adhesives, protective coatings and powder paints. This work aimed to study the effect of prenatal exposure to BPA on the endometrium of female rats

Materials and methods: thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: rats in group 1 served as a control [G1] and received an equal amount of sesame oil to those of the treated groups; those in group 2 [G2] were administered by gavage 5.0 microg BPA/kg/day [low-dose group]; the third group [G3] received 50 microg BPA/kg/day [high-dose group]. The female offspring of each group were weaned at day 21 and maintained until 3 months old. The uteri were dissected for the histological and immuno-histochemical examination

Results: low-dose group showed degeneration of the epithelial lining of the endometrium with focal patches of increased epithelial cell layers. The high dose group revealed cytoplasmic hydropic degeneration and pyknotic nuclei of the epithelial cells. Estrogen receptors showed a significant decrease of positive cells in low dose treated group and this decrease markedly accentuated in the high dose one. Positive nuclei for Ki-67 were markedly increased with increasing doses of BPA

Conclusion: BPA showed obvious endometrial degenerative and proliferative histological changes. Therefore, the use of this substance in food packaging materials and in the manufacture of substances liable to come into contact with food and drink should be phased out

Serum miRNA-1 as a novel biomarker for acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina

Background: Coronary artery diseases are the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries. Thus, extraordinary efforts have been directed to determine the molecular and pathological characteristics of the diseased heart in order to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies miRNAs are class of abundant, non-coding RNAs that attracted scientists' attention for their promising role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases

Aim of the work: To identify whether miRNA-1 is a dependable biomarker for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or not

Subjects and Methods: 69 patients with coronary artery disease were included in this study; 36 patients with AMI and 33 patients with unstable angina. Those patients were admitted to coronary care unit, Assuit University Hospital during the period of March to October 2014. In addition 22 apparently healthy subjects were included as a control group. Cardiac troponin I and miRNA-1 was done for all subjects

Results: In patients with AMI the results of miRNA-1 ranged from 28.3 - 6763.9 fold changes above the control level. In those with UA, miRNA-1 result ranged from 1.74 - 144.37 fold changes above the control level [when the control group is one fold]. Comparison between different cups regarding results of miRNA-1 revealed that there was a highly significant difference [P<0.001] between different groups. There was a highly significant increase in patients with AMI when compared with the control group, also a statistically significant increase [P<0.001] in patients with UA when compared with the control group and a statistically significant increase [P<0.001] in patients with AMI when compared with those of UA

Conclusion: miRNA-1 is a novel dependable biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome. It shows significant upregulation in patients with AMI, but this upregulation is far from that of UA

Characteristics of multidrug resistance tuberculosis cases in Baghdad

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis [MDR-TB] is caused by strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most effective bactericidal agents currently available for TB treatment. It has emerged as a global public health emergency. It requires treatment with combination therapy consisting of four to six medications for up to 2 years. Additionally, the treatment is generally more toxic and far more expensive than the standardized treatment regimen used to treat drug-susceptible TB. The latest estimates of the World Health Organization [WHO] arrive at 650 000 prevalent MDR-TB cases among the 12 million tuberculosis cases worldwide. To identify the Characteristics of multidrug resistance tuberculosis cases attending the specialized center for chest and respiratory disease in Baghdad during the period 9[th] of September 2012 - 9[th] of December 2012. A cross sectional study was done in the specialized center for chest and respiratory disease in Baghdad during the period 9[th] of September 2012 - 9[th] of December 2012.Any patient attending the specialized center for chest and respiratory disease in Baghdad during the study period diagnosed as a case of MDR TB was enrolled in this study. The sample is composed of 42 MDR-TB patients [29 male and 13 female], with age mean of 38.3 +/- 12.8 year . Male sex significantly dominates and exceeds two thirds of the sample [69.0%] [P < 0.05]. The study find ages between 25-45 year contribute to about two thirds [62.0%] of patients, and ages between 55-65 years constitute about one fifth [19.0%] of the sample. [P < 0.05]. Body habit significantly showed that half the sample [50.0%] were underweight and only 10% were overweight or obese [P < 0.05].Smoking is found in 21.4% of total sample. The duration of taking first line antituberculosis drugs [FLD] before being labeled as MDR-TB varied from 14 to 72 months, with mean duration of 27.3 +/- 15.2 months with no significant difference in mean duration between the two sexes [P > 0.05]. Time required to diagnose these cases as MDR-TB varied from 0 to 24 months with mean time of 9.0 +/- 6.5 months. There was no significant difference in mean diagnosis time between males and females [P > 0.05]. This study found that around one fifth [19.0%] of the sample have a history of default from treatment with FLD. Only one female was significant to be a case of primary MDR-TB [P > 0.05]. Two cases [both were males] significantly had history of reaction to FLD treatment [P < 0.05]. None of the sample had positive HIV testing. Most MDR patients in this study were males aged between 25-45 years .Most cases had acquired MDR TB and primary MDR-TB was rare finding in this study. Around one fifth of the sample have a history of default from treatment with FLD

Incidence and outcome of bone metastatic disease at University Malaya Medical Centre

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Morbidity and mortality from malignant diseases are usually the result of metastasis. The bone is the third most common site of metastasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This is a retrospective study of patients with metastatic bone disease who were referred to the Orthopaedic Department of University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, between January 2004 and October 2009.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 151 patients (51.0% men, 49.0% women) had metastatic bone disease, with the highest incidence at the age range of 50-59 years. The commonest primary cancer was breast (23.3%), followed by lung (21.2%), prostate (9.3%), thyroid (7.3%) and renal cell carcinoma (5.3%); unknown primary cancer was 6.6%. There was long bone involvement in 52.7% of cases, axial bone in 44.5%, and both long and axial bones in 2.8%. The majority (90.1%) were symptomatic, with pain as the commonest symptom. 106 (70.2%) patients had pathological fractures. Neurological deficit was reported in 90.7% of patients, with 41.1% having extraskeletal metastases. 67.8% of the lesions were osteolytic, 24.3% were sclerotic, and 7.9%, mixed. Palliative and therapeutic interventions were undertaken for 62.0% of patients. The mean survival times were: breast 21.0; thyroid 20.7; prostate 20.3; lung 16.0; and unknown primary cancer 32.6 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In our study, breast and lung cancers were the commonest primary cancers in metastatic bone disease. Most patients had more than one site of involvement, pain at presentation and pathological fractures. Surgery is beneficial to relieve pain and improve function and neurology. Duration of survival depends on the type of primary cancer and whether systemic metastasis is present.</p>

Fungal biotreatment of agro-industrial wastes for the production of bioethanol in bioreactor

BIOETHANOL production from lignocellulosic feedstocks is considered a promising strategy to increase global production of biofuels without impacting food supplies. This work aimed to evaluate bioethanol production by baker's yeast using a medium containing the hydrolysate of fungal biotreatment of five different lignocellulosic feedstocks with some amendments. The pretreatment of lignocellulosic feedstocks using 5 % w/v NaOH, 1 % v/v H[2]SO[4] and sodium hypochlorite: H[2]O[2][10:1] prior to fungal biotreatment was studied. For bioethanol production, batch, fed-batch [two strategies] and continuous cultivations of baker's yeast on the fungal biotreated rice straw hydrolysate was evaluated in bioreactor. In batch and pulsed fed-batch cultivations, the highest bioethanol concentration, conversion coefficient, bioethanol yield and productivity were [0.41 % v/v, 36.9 % v/w, 36,9 % v/w and 0.114 ml/l/h, respectively], while in fed-batch cultivation with continuous feeding these parameters were [0.45 % v/v, 40 % v/w,. 40.5 v/w % and 0,015 ml/l/h, respectively]. The highest bioethanol concentration [0.52 % v/v] was obtained in continuous culture at dilution rate of 0.03 h[-1]. while conversion coefficient; yield and productivity were 31.2 % v/w, 31.4 % v/w and 0.022 ml/l/h, respectively

Antimicrobial agent prescription patterns for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman

The aim of this study was to describe the antimicrobial prescription patterns of patients with hematological malignancies who developed febrile neutropenia [FN] at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH] in Oman. This was a retrospective observational study covering a period of 3 years [January 2007-February 2010]. FN episodes were studied in patients with hematological malignancies in three different wards at SQUH. A total of 176 FN episodes were analyzed. Overall, 64% of the 107 patients studied experienced at least 2 episodes during the analysis period. Approximately, 69% of the febrile neutropenia episodes had severe neutropenia. The duration of neutropenia was less than 1 week in the majority of the episodes [57%]. The mean duration of treatment was approximately 7 days, with no significant difference between specialties or different types of malignancies. Only 34 [19%] episodes had positive cultures, and most of these were from blood samples [30 episodes, 88%]. The majority of isolates were gram-negative organisms [63%]. The initial empirical treatment included monotherapy [37%], dual therapy [60%] and triple therapy [3%]. This study demonstrates that there is a large variation in the antimicrobial treatment of FN episodes in patients with hematological malignancies at SQUH. All chosen drugs were within international guideline recommendations

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in human colorectal adenomas using specified automated cellular image analysis system: a clinicopathological study

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 [MMP-7] in colorectal adenomas, and to correlate this expression with different clinicopathological parameters. The study was retrospectively designed. Thirty three paraffin blocks from patients with colorectal adenoma and 20 samples of non-tumerous colonic tissue taken as control group were included in the study. MMP-7 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry method. The scoring of immunohistochemical staining was conducted utilizing a specified automated cellular image analysis system [Digimizer]. The frequency of positive immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7 was significantly higher in adenoma than control group [45.45% versus 10%] [P value < 0.001]. Strong MMP-7 staining was mainly seen in adenoma cases [30.30%] in comparison with control [0%] the difference is significant [P < 0.001]. The three digital parameters of MMP-7 immunohistochemical expression [Area [A], Number of objects [N], and intensity [I]] were significantly higher in adenoma than control. Mean [A and I] of MMP-7 showed a significant correlation with large sized adenoma [>/= 1cm] [P < 0.05], also a significant positive correlation of the three digital parameters [A, N, and I] of MMP-7 expression with villous configuration and severe dysplasia in colorectal adenoma had been identified [P < 0.05]. MMP-7 plays an important role in the growth and malignant conversion of colorectal adenomas as it is more likely to be expressed in advanced colorectal adenomatous polyps with large size, severe dysplasia and villous histology. The use of automated cellular image analysis system [Digmizer] to quantify immunohistochemical staining yields more consistent assay results, converts semi-quantitative assay to a truly quantitative assay, and improves assay objectivity and reproducibility

Immunohistochemical expression of PCNA and CD34 in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas using specified automated cellular image analysis system: a clinicopathologic study

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] and CD34 in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, and to correlate this expression with different clinicopathologic parameters. The study was retrospectively designed. A total of 86 tissue samples, including 33 paraffin blocks from patients with colorectal adenomas, 33 paraffin blocks from patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas, and a control group of 20 samples of nontumerous colonic tissue, were included in the study. From each block, 3 sections of 5 micro m thickness were taken, 1 section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and the other 2 sections were stained immunohistochemically for PCNA and CD34. Scoring of the immunohistochemical staining was performed using a specified automated cellular image analysis system [Digimizer]. PCNA expression was significantly increased in a sequence of normal mucosa-adenoma-carcinoma. It was significantly higher in adenomas >/= 1 cm and those with severe dysplasia, and it showed a significant positive correlation with grade and lymph node involvement in colorectal carcinoma. CD34 showed significantly higher expression in carcinoma than adenoma and in adenoma than in the control group. CD34 expression showed a significant correlation with adenomas carrying severe dysplasia and large-sized adenomas [>/= 1cm]. It was significantly correlated with tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node involvement in colorectal carcinoma. PCNA plays an important role in colorectal neoplastic progression and can be utilized as ancillary marker for the risk of malignant transformation in colorectal adenomas as it correlates with high grade dysplasia and size. Intratumoral quantification of the mean [A and N] of CD34 in colorectal carcinoma reflects the grade of tumors and can predict lymph node involvement and lymphovascular invasion, to make a useful additional prognostic factor

Genetic heterogeneity among Leishmania major isolates in Iran determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] and multilocus microsatellite typing [MLMT]

In recent years, molecular methods for characterizing genetic heterogeneity have found a major place in modern approaches. In this study, two different molecular techniques including Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism [RFLP] and Multi Locus microsatellite typing [MLMT] were carried out in order to evaluate genetic heterogeneity among isolates of Leishmania major in Iran. In this experimental study, 24 Lmajor isolates from different endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis were evaluated. All samples were amplified by specific primers for Internal Transcribed Spacer ribosomal RNA [ITS_rRNA] and miniexon genes [ME]. Ten different microsatellite markers were applied to 24 collected isolates as well. Restriction fragment length polymorphism of Polymerase chain reaction of ITS-rRNA and ME regions was identified in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Size polymorphisms in PCR products of microsatellites markers were measured in the CEQ 8000 automated genetic analysis system. Population structure of the isolates was investigated by Structure Version 2.3.2 software. According to ITS- RFLP and ME-RFLP techniques, three and two different strains of Lmajor were determined, respectively, while microsattellites markers revealed 21 different genotypes, which were clustered in three genetic groups using structure software. Although genetic heterogeneity among studied L. major isolates was identified by molecular tools as used in this study, it seems that microsatellites markers are more useful in population structure and epidemiological studies. Our findings also showed correlation between different identified strains and their geographical regions

P53/MDM2 co-expression correlates with the tumour differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma – A retrospective study and a systematic review

Background: MDM2 and p53 are involved in a negative feedback loop where p53 regulates MDM2 at the transcriptional level. MDM2, in turn, downregulates p53. This co-ordinated interaction between these proteins is set to play an important role in the regulation of cell cycle progression following DNA damage to cells. The over-expression of both p53 and MDM2 has been reported in various cancers. However there are only few studies discussing the co-expression of MDM2 with p53 in oral squamous cell carcinoma Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of co-expression of p53, MDM2, and Ki-67 proteins with clinico-pathological factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to conduct a systematic review of the co-expression of p53/MDM2. Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study and a systematic review. Formalin-fixed paraff inembedded tissues from 45 OSCC cases were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p53, MDM2, and Ki-67 proteins. Results: Immuno-reactivity for p53, MDM2, and Ki-67 was seen in 75.6%, 97.8%, and 62.2% cases of OSCC respectively. The co-expression of p53 and MDM2 (p53/MDM2) was detected in 97.1%, however there was no signif icant correlation between p53 and MDM2 expression. Notably, p53/MDM2 coexpression was significantly associated with tumour differentiation (p-value = 0.045). The Ki-67LI was not signif icantly associated with neither MDM2 nor p53/MDM2 co-expression (p-value = 0.268, 0.916 respectively). Conclusion: The expression of MDM2 was not signif icantly associated with p53 expression suggesting that MDM2 expression is mediated by p53-independent pathways or mutated p53 could not induce the expression of MDM2 in this set of OSCCs. The only clinico-pathological parameter that correlates significantly with co-expression of p53/MDM2 is tumour differentiation where it is suggestive that the co-expression of these 2 proteins is indicative of aggressive tumour behavior.