In vitro cytotoxicity of folate-silica-gold nanorods on mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spermatogonial cells

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of gold nanorods [GNRs] on the viability of spermatogonial cells [SSCs] and mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells [EL4s]

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, SSCs were isolated from the neonate mice, following enzymatic digestion and differential plating. GNRs were synthesized, then modified by silica and finally conjugated with folic acid to form F-Si-GNRs. Different doses of F-Si-GNRs [25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 microM] were used on SSCs and EL4s. MTT [3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] proliferation assay was performed to examine the GNRs toxicity. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the identity of the EL4s and SSCs. Also, the identity and functionality of SSCs were determined by the expression of specific spermatogonial genes and transplantation into recipient testes. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V/propidium iodide [PI] kit

Results: Flow cytometry showed that SSCs and EL4s were positive for Plzf and H-2kb, respectively. The viability percentage of SSCs and EL4s that were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 microM of F-Si-GNRs was 65.33 +/- 3.51%, 60 +/- 3.6%, 51.33 +/- 3.51%, 49 +/- 3%, 30.66 +/- 2.08% and 16.33 +/- 2.51% for SSCs and 57.66 +/- 0.57%, 54.66 +/- 1.5%, 39.66 +/- 1.52%, 12.33 +/- 2.51%, 10 +/- 1% and 5.66 +/- 1.15% for EL4s respectively. The results of the MTT assay indicated that 100 microM is the optimal dose to reach the highest and lowest level of cell death in EL4s and in SSCs, respectively

Conclusion: Cell death increased with increasing concentrations of F-Si-GNRs. Following utilization of F-Si-GNRs, there was a significant difference in the extent of apoptosis between cancer cells and SSCs

Tinnitus: an epidemiologic study in Iranian population

A wide range of population, 4% to 30%, suffers from tinnitus that is defined as perception of sound without apparent acoustic stimulus. We conducted the present study to determine the prevalence of tinnitus in Iranian population; Tehran province. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2009, recruiting 3207 individuals [age range, 7-98] who were residing in Tehran province, Iran. Participants were asked to fill two questionnaires; the validated Persian version of Tinnitus Questionnaire [TQ] and another one that was specifically designed for this study. Prevalence of tinnitus and its association factors were evaluated. 3207 participants enrolled into our study comprising 1429 [44.7%] male and 1765 [55.3%] female with mean age of 55.01 +/- 17.85. Of total of 3207 participants, 146 [4.6%] had tinnitus consisting of 80 male [54.8%] and 66 [45.2%] female participants. It showed a rising trend with increasing age that was especially significant after the sixth decade of life [P=0.001]. The analysis showed mean TQ global score of 35.96 +/- 25.52 that was significantly different between male and female participants [P=0.051] and had no significant correlation with increasing age [Spearman's r=0.1, P=0.10]. The tinnitus intensity was moderate to very severe in 95 [56.1%] of the participants. Its severity level was not significantly different between men and women [P=0.09]. Tinnitus intensity had no significant association with increasing age [Spearman's r=0.1, P=0.31]. Patients with higher TQ global score had higher tinnitus intensities [P=0.001]. The annoyance level was significantly different between men and women [P=0.04] and its impact on the participants daily routine functions were significantly higher in men [P=0.003]. Given the results of the study, demonstrating that prevalence of tinnitus in Iranian population [Tehran province] was lower than the other countries and had a direct correlation with increasing age only after the sixth decade. TQ global score had significant correlation with tinnitus intensity, annoyance and impact on the participants' daily routine functions. However, none of the above had correlation with increasing age. Tinnitus TQ global score and intensity were not different between men and women; however annoyance of tinnitus and its impact on participants' daily routine functions were significantly higher in men

Vitamin D serum levels in allergic rhinitis: any difference from normal population?

BACKGROUND: Recently it has been suggested that, the worldwide increase in allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy is associated with low vitamin D intake. OBJECTIVE: This study measured the vitamin D levels in patients with allergic rhinitis and compared the results with the general population. METHODS: Vitamin D levels were assessed in 50 patients with allergic rhinitis diagnosed clinically by Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma 2008 criteria and the result of skin prick test for aeroallergens. There was no control group, and the study results were compared with the results of another study evaluating vitamin D status in the 5,329 people of normal population of Iran. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in patients with allergic rhinitis than the normal population, 30% and 5.1% respectively (p = 0.03). Also women with allergic rhinitis had lower vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: Measuring vitamin D serum levels could be helpful in the routine assessment of patients with allergic rhinitis in Iran.

Evaluation of Iranian pediatric specialists' attitude and knowledge regarding approach to patients with acute otitis media

The ministry of health and medical education of Iran and many other countries advice physicians to use this guideline for diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media [AOM], but there is not any evaluation of effectiveness and obedience of this guideline, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of pediatricians, the most important group that interfere with these patients in treatment of acute otitis media. A total of 120 anonymous surveys were mailed to 120 pediatrician in Tehran [Iran] to evaluate pattern of diagnosis and treatment of AOM in these physicians. Age, gender, place of work, attitude of diagnosis and treatment were asked by anonymous survey. Sixty-two completed surveys were received, for a response rate of 51%. There was no significant difference between responders in these survey and scenarios, according to sex, age, practice setting, graduation year or the number of AOM patients visiting each month. Our study seems to add new insights to the previous literature on management of AOM according to guideline. We can assess the impact of guidelines on the usual practice of practitioners in evidenced-based management of AOM

Subjective sleep quality in urban population

Sleep disturbances are common among adult populations and can have a significant effect on daytime activities. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of sleep problems and subjective sleep quality in the adult population of Tehran, Iran. From an urban community of Tehran, a random sample of 3400 adult men and women were selected by a cross-sectional design. Using the Persian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], subjects were interviewed face-to-face. There were 3114 completed questionnaires returned and analyzed. The mean age of the subjects was 43.57 [ +/- SD 17.5] years. Overall 37% [95% CI: 35-39] of the population were categorized as poor sleepers. The PSQI > 5 showed 27% were males versus 35% among females. The global PSQI scores ranged from 4.20 +/- 2.67 to 5.60 +/- 3.74 for males and 5.03 +/- 3.00 to 7.97 +/- 4.31 for females by age groups. The difference across age groups for global PSQI score was significant in females [P < 0.01]. The prevalence rate of sleep complaints in this population-based study was high. Females, older adults, widows and separated couple were the most important risk factors for sleep disturbances

[Effectiveness of low level laser irradiation on tinnitus and parameters of electrocochleography and distortion product otoacoustic emissions]

Tinnitus is the consciousness of sound that arises in the ear or head without any external sound origin. The efficacies of transmeatal low-level laser irradiation for tinnitus treatment were reported before. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low level laser therapy on tinnitus and ECochG and DPOAEs parameters. The study design was prospective, quasi experimental. This investigation conducted on 16 ears [10 patients] with disabling tinnitus. All patients underwent ENT examination, complete audiological evaluation, tinnitus study, ECochG and DPOAEs, and finally completing tinnitus data sheet. The results were compared before and after irradiation. Means of tinnitus loudness [LMT] and CAP amplitudes were significant different before and after irradiation [p<0.005]. There was no any other significant difference before and after low level laser irradiation in subjective loudness, pitch matching annoyance grade of tinnitus and DPOAEs and other ECochG parameters. Transmeatal low-power laser irradiation with 200 mW seems not to be effective for treatment of tinnitus. This paper is the research brief report. In clinical point of view, this study should be repeated with a greater sample size although our results were statistically important