Killing effect of anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells on ovarian epithelial cancer cells / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic effects of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells of anti-mesothelin (MSLN)-chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells (anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells) on ovarian epithelial cancer cells. Methods: Twenty cases of ovarian cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021 were collected, and 20 cases of normal ovarian tissues resected during the same period due to other benign diseases were also collected. (1) Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to verify the expression of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues. (2) Fresh ovarian cancer tissues were extracted and cultured to obtain primary ovarian cancer cells. Recombinant lentiviral vectors targeting anti-MSLN-CAR-CD244 were constructed and co-cultured with iPS cells to obtain anti-MSLN-iCAR cells. These cells were differentiated into anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells using cytokine-induced differentiation method. The cell experiments were divided into three groups: anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group, natural killer (NK) cell group, and control group. (3) Flow cytometry and live cell staining experiment were used to detect the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells in the three groups. (4) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granzyme B (GZMB), perforin 1 (PRF1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in the three groups of ovarian cancer cells. Results: (1) Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that a positive expression rate of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues of 65% (13/20), while normal ovarian tissues had a positive rate of 30% (6/20). The comparison between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.912, P=0.027). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the positive expression rate of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues was 70% (14/20), while normal ovarian tissues had a positive rate of 30% (6/20). The comparison between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=6.400, P=0.011). (2) Flow cytometry analysis showed that the apoptotic rate of ovarian cancer cells in the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group was (29.27±0.85)%, while in the NK cell group and control group were (8.44±0.34)% and (6.83±0.26)% respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups (all P<0.01). Live cell staining experiment showed that the ratio of dead cells to live cells in the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group was (36.3±8.3)%, while in the NK cell group and control group were (5.4±1.4)% and (2.0±1.3)% respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups (all P<0.001). (3) ELISA analysis revealed that the expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, GZMB, PRF1, IL-6, and IL-10 in ovarian cancer cells of the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group were significantly higher than those in the NK cell group and the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells exhibit a strong killing ability against ovarian cancer cells, indicating their potential as a novel immunotherapy approach for ovarian cancer.

Establishment of an Iron-overloaded Mouse Model with Tuberculosis and Analysis of the Iron Metabolism Index / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To establish a mouse model of exogenous iron overload combined with tuberculosis(TB). Methods C57BL/6N mice were divided into negative control, low-, medium-, and high-dose iron groups and received intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran at 0, 3.75, 7.50, and 15.00 mg/dose(3 times/week for 4 weeks), respectively.After 4 weeks, the organ morphology and body weight of the mice were evaluated.The content of serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor was determined by ELISA.Heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and small intestine were analyzed for tissue iron content and iron deposition pathology.

Positional Intraocular Pressure between Phakic and Pseudophakic Eyes after Cataract Surgery in a Single Eye

PURPOSE: In the present study, the dependence of intraocular pressure (IOP) on body position was compared between pseudophakic and phakic eyes after cataract surgery performed at least 3 months prior. METHODS: IOP was measured in 214 patients over 40 years of age who received cataract surgery at least 3 months prior. The present study included 104 patients who did not have any other ocular disease which could influence visual acuity or IOP. The IOP was measured in 4 different positions, sitting, supine, right decubitus, and left decubitus by a single skilled researcher using Icare tonometer. In addition, IOP was compared between the phakic and pseudophakic eyes, specifically, the dependent eye in the decubitus position. RESULTS: The comparison between the phakic and pseudophakic eyes in patients after cataract surgery in a single eye showed IOP was not different between the sitting and supine positions; however, in the decubitus position, IOP in the dependent eye was significantly higher than the non-dependent eye (p = 0.001). Additionally, regardless of lens status, IOP was significantly higher in the dependent eye than non-dependent eye. CONCLUSIONS: Both body position and lens status can affect IOP. After cataract surgery, regardless of lens status, IOP was higher in the dependent eye than non-dependent eye of patients in the decubitus position.

Diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho de leitões lactentes / Different sources of iron for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets

Com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho em leitões lactentes, dividiram-se 202 leitões em cinco tratamentos: FD - aplicação intramuscular de 200mg de ferro dextrano no terceiro dia de idade; T24 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 19º dia; T48 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas; T72 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 72 horas; SA - suplemento alimentar ultraprecoce rico em ferro quelatado em pó (SAUP) fornecido do terceiro ao 11º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas. O ferro dextrano aplicado no terceiro dia de vida e a suplementação com terra e SAUP foram eficientes para garantir o desempenho de leitões no período de aleitamento e não influenciaram no consumo de ração nem na taxa de viabilidade. As diferentes fontes de ferro estudadas não influenciaram o leucograma e foram eficientes na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho dos leitões lactentes. Com relação às concentrações de hemoglobina e hematócrito, os animais suplementados com ferro dextrano apresentaram valores superiores quando comparados aos que recebem terra e SAUP.(AU)

In order to evaluate the use of different sources of iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia and to appraise the performance of suckling piglets, we sorted 202 piglets in five treatments. ID - intramuscular injection of 200mg of iron dextran on the third day of age; T24 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the nineteenth day; T48 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 48 hours; T72 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 72 hours; FS - Food supplement rich in iron-chelating powder (SAUP) available from the third to the eleventh day with an interval of 48 hours. The iron dextran applied on the third day of life as well as the supplementation with land and SAUP were effective to ensure the performance of piglets during the lactation period and did not affect feed intake or the viability rate. The different sources of iron studied did not influence the WBC (White Blood Cell) and succeded in preventing iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets. Regarding the concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit, the animals supplemented with iron dextran showed higher values when compared to those who receive land and SAUP.(AU)

Reliability Comparison of Rebound Tonometer at the Upright and Supine Position

PURPOSE: Rebound tonometer has been used to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the supine as well as normal upright positions. We investigated the reliability of IOP measurements using the rebound tonometer in the upright and supine positions. METHODS: IOP was measured in 30 patients (60 eyes) with open-angle glaucoma who had no history of ocular surgery and no anterior segment pathology, in both the upright and supine positions using rebound tonometer (IcarePRO; Icare Finland Oy, Finland). The average IOP value after 6 measurements was recorded. We measured IOP repeatedly until 3 reliable values within normal limits of the measurement's variation were obtained. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and number of repeated measurements necessary to obtain 3 reliable IOP values in each position as measured by one examiner. RESULTS: ICC values for IOP measurements were 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.784-0.903; p < 0.001) in the upright position and 0.684 (95% CI, 0.563-0.784; p < 0.027) in the supine position. Coefficient of variation was 8.7 +/- 0.1% in the upright position and 24.0 +/- 0.1% in the supine position. An average of 3.3 times of repeated measurements in the upright position and 6.2 times in the supine position were necessary to obtain 3 reliable IOP values within the normal range of standard deviation. CONCLUSIONS: When measuring IOP using the IcarePRO rebound tonometer, the measurement reliability was different between the upright and supine positions. Reproducibility of IOP measurements was lower in the upright than the supine position.

Accuracy and Reliability of the Icare PRO in Enucleated Porcine Eyes - Upright and Horizontal Positions

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy and reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in enucleated porcine eyes using the Icare PRO in the upright and horizontal positions. METHODS: We designed an enucleated porcine eye model whose anterior chamber was cannulated with a 30-gauge needle, connected in parallel to a pneumatic pressure device. The reference pressure was manipulated by changing the air pressure from 70 to 10 mm Hg at 10 mm Hg intervals, and the IOP of porcine eyes was measured with the Icare PRO at each pressure. Correlation analysis, comparison using the Bland-Altman plot and Wilcoxon signed rank test, was performed to assess the accuracy of IOP measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the intra-observer variability in the upright and horizontal positions, respectively. RESULTS: The IOP value in both upright and horizontal positions was well correlated with the reference pressure (r = 0.992 and 0.985, respectively). The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the two positions. However, all IOP values in both positions were lower than the reference pressures. The IOP values in the horizontal position were significantly lower than those in the upright position at the a reference pressure of 50 mm Hg or greater. Values of intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.911 to 0.984 when measured in the upright position and from 0.707 to 0.914 in the horizontal position. CONCLUSIONS: IOP measurements of Icare PRO in porcine eyes were remarkably lower than reference pressures controlled by the pneumatic method even though they showed a good correlation with reference values. The higher was the reference pressure, the greater was the degree of underestimation of IOP measurement in both positions. This trend was more pronounced in the horizontal position, and the reliability of IOP measurements was also lower than that in the upright position.

Parenteral iron therapy in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the efficacy and safety profile of total dose infusion of low molecular weight iron dextran with divided doses of intravenous iron sucrose for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Randomized controlled trial. Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, over a period of two years from January 2008 to December 2009. Pregnant women at gestational age more than 12 weeks with the confirmed diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia [IDA] were divided into two groups. In the group-A, intravenous iron sucrose was given in divided doses while in the group-B, total daily intake of Low Molecular Weight [LMW] of iron dextran was given. Post-infusion Hemoglobin [Hb] was checked at 4 weeks and at the time of delivery for both groups. Paired sample t-test is applied and comparison [in terms of rise in hemoglobin from pre to post] of both groups was not found to be significant. In the group-A [iron sucrose group], mean pre-infusion Hb levels was 9.09 +/- 0.83 gm/dl. Mean increase in Hemoglobin [Hb] was 10.75 +/- 1.097 gm/dl after 4 weeks of infusion and 11.06 +/- 0.866 gm/dl at delivery [p < 0.001]. In group-B [iron dextran group] pre-infusion haemoglobin was 8.735 +/- 0.956 gm/dl and the mean increase in hemoglobin was 10.613 +/- 1.22 gm/dl at 4-week while mean increase of 10.859 +/- 1.11 gm/dl at the time of delivery [p < 0.001]. Both LMW iron dextran, as well as iron sucrose are equally effective in treatment of IDA during pregnancy, however, LMW iron dextran has the advantage of single visit treatment

Postural Intraocular Pressure Change at Trendelenberg Position Measured by Rebound Tonometer

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to evaluate the postural intraocular pressure (IOP) change in Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and supine positions in healthy young males. METHODS: We measured the IOP values of 5 healthy young male volunteers (10 eyes) using an Icare PRO rebound tonometer in sitting, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and supine positions. RESULTS: The mean IOP in the supine position (18.63 mm Hg) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the sitting position (15.31 mm Hg). When maintaining the Trendelenburg position, IOP gradually increased. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the Trendelenburg position significantly increased the IOP compared to that in the supine position. The effects of increased IOP should be considered in situations that require Trendelenburg positioning, such as exercise or surgery.

Comparison of Intraocular Pressures According to Position Using Icare Rebound Tonometer

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) according to position using a portable rebound tonometer. METHODS: We measured the IOP values of 20 healthy volunteers (40 eyes) in the sitting, supine, right lateral decubitus and left decubitus positions with a portable rebound tonometer, and then analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. IOP in sitting position was also measured with a non-contact tonometer and a Goldmann applanation tonometer, and analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation analysis. Agreement among the 3 tonometers was calculated using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The IOP measured with rebound tonometer in the supine position was significantly higher than in the sitting position (p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in IOP between the supine and decubitus positions. In the decubitus position, there was no significant difference in IOP between the dependent and non-dependent eyes. IOP measurement using the rebound tonometer showed positive correlation with that of the noncontact and Goldmann applanation tonometers. CONCLUSIONS: In normal subjects, IOP measurement obtained with a rebound tonometer in the supine position was significantly higher than in the sitting position, but there was no significant difference in IOP between the supine and decubitus positions. A rebound tonometer may be useful for patients whose intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer or non-contact tonometer is impossible. When using a portable rebound tonometer in bed-ridden or pediatric patients, we should pay attention to the interpretation of IOP in the supine position.

Comparison of Portable Tonometers and Goldmann Applanation Tonometer for Intraocular Pressure Measurement

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by portable rebound tonometer and TonoPen applanation tonometer with pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and analyze the factors affecting IOP disagreement between tonometers. METHODS: In a prospective study of 463 eyes, IOP was measured with Icare Pro(R) rebound tonometer, TonoPen AVIA(R) applanation tonometer, and GAT. Bland-Altman plot, intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the agreement of IOP measured by each tonometer and the factors affecting the measurements. RESULTS: The IOP values measured by Icare Pro(R) and TonoPen AVIA(R) were consistently higher than those measured by GAT, but showed no significant differences with those measured by GAT (p = 0.307 and 0.114, respectively). In Bland-Altman plot, the IOP values measured by Icare Pro(R) and TonoPen AVIA(R) exhibited excellent agreement with those measured by GAT. Both Icare Pro(R)/GAT and TonoPen AVIA(R)/GAT differences increased with younger age (p = 0.041 and 0.049, respectively) and higher central corneal thickness (p = 0.019 and 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IOPs measured by portable Icare Pro(R) rebound tonometer and TonoPen AVIA(R) applanation tonometer were significantly correlated with IOP measured by GAT. Therefore, such instruments can be useful when measuring IOP with GAT is difficult. However, central corneal thickness and age should be considered when measuring IOP with portable tonometers.

Comparison of Icare Rebound Tonometer with Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

PURPOSE: To compare Icare rebound tonometer (IRT) and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and investigate the clinical usefulness of IRT. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 131 eyes with glaucoma and glaucoma suspect, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with IRT and GAT. The correlation between IRT and GAT and the influence of refractive error (spherical equivalent; SE) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were analyzed. RESULTS: A distinct correlation between IRT and GAT was found. IOP measured with GAT was 2.23 +/- 3.16 mm Hg higher than with IRT (p or = -5 diopter) was measured relatively lower than in hyperopic eyes (SE < -5 diopter) with GAT (+1.50 +/- 0.68 mm Hg) and IRT (+1.88 +/- 0.75 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: IRT showed strong correlation with GAT, but IOP measured approximately 2 mm Hg lower. The IOP tends to measure lower at low CCT and in myopic eyes.

Establishment of an mouse model of iron-overload and its impact on bone marrow hematopoiesis / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a mouse model of iron overload by intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran and investigate the impact of iron overload on bone marrow hematopoiesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group, low-dose iron group (12.5 mg/ml), middle-dose iron group (25 mg/ml), and high-dose iron group (50 mg/ml). The control group received normal saline (0.2 ml), and the rest were injected with intraperitoneal iron dextran every three days for six weeks. Iron overload was confirmed by observing the bone marrow, hepatic, and splenic iron deposits and the bone marrow labile iron pool. In addition, peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells were counted and the hematopoietic function was assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Iron deposits in bone marrow, liver, and spleen were markedly increased in the mouse models. Bone marrow iron was deposited mostly within the matrix with no significant difference in expression of labile iron pool.Compared with control group, the ability of hematopoietic colony-forming in three interventional groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Bone marrow mononuclear cells counts showed no significant difference. The amounts of peripheral blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin) in different iron groups showed no significant difference among these groups;although the platelets were decreased slightly in low-dose iron group [(780.7±39.60)×10(9)/L], middle dose iron group [(676.2±21.43)×10(9)/L], and high-dose iron group [(587.3±19.67)×10(9)/L] when compared with the control group [(926.0±28.23)×10(9)/L], there was no significant difference(P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The iron-overloaded mouse model was successfully established by intraperitoneal administration of iron dextran. Iron overload can damage the hepatic, splenic, and bone marrow hematopoietic function, although no significant difference was observed in peripheral blood count.</p>

Optimización del tratamiento con hierro endovenoso en hemodiálisis: Estudio clínico prospectivo a largo plazo / Optimizing iron therapy in hemodialysis: a prospective long term clinical study

A pesar del amplio uso del hierro endovenoso en hemodiálisis, resta aún identificar un índice adecuado para optimizar esta terapéutica en el largo plazo. Con ese objetivo, se diseñó un estudio prospectivo de cohorte, de larga duración, que consistió en un período basal (PB) y dos períodos experimentales: PI y PII. Se infundió hierro dextran de bajo peso molecular a 100, 150 y 200 mg/mes, respectivamente, durante 6 meses y al final de cada periodo se determinaron: saturación de transferrina (TSAT), ferritina (FERR), porcentaje de eritrocitos hipocrómicos (HYPO) y contenido de hemoglobina en reticulocitos (HCr). Durante el estudio la albúmina aumentó significativamente, pero la Hgb, la dosis de EPO y la proteína C-reactiva se mantuvieron sin cambios. Los cambios en HYPO y FERR fueron inespecíficos. Sólo TSAT (desde 21.4 ± 6 en PB a 34 ± 7.1% en PII, p = 0.01) y HCr (desde 27.5 ± 1.3 en PB a 29.3 ± 1.7 pg en PII, P = 0.045) respondieron específicamente, pero el porcentaje de aumento de TSAT fue de 65% (IC95% 22), y el de HCr sólo 6% (IC95% 2.3; p = 0.0002). Esta diferencia a favor de TSAT se observó en todos los pacientes. Los resultados sugieren la utilización de 200 mg/FeIV/mes y que, de los índices estudiados, TSAT sería el más adecuado para optimizar el uso a largo plazo del hierro endovenoso en hemodiálisis.

The usefulness of intravenous iron therapy in hemodialysis is evidence-based. However, controversy still arises about the most suitable iron marker to optimize this treatment in the long term. We aimed to determine the most suitable marker with a prospective, cohort study, designed to comprise a basal period (BP) and two consecutive experimental periods (PI, PII). Low molecular weight iron dextran was infused at 100, 150 and 200 mg/month respectively, on a biweekly basis, during 6 months. At the end of each period, the following were determined: transferrin saturation (TSAT), ferritin (FERR), percentage of hypochromic eritrocytes (HYPO) and haemoglobin content in reticulocytes (HCr). During the study, albumin increased significantly, whereas no significant changes in hemoglobin, EPO doses and C-reactive protein were observed. Changes in HYPO and FERR were unspecific. Only TSAT (from 21.4 ± 6 in PB to 34 ± 7.1% in PII, p < 0.01) and HCr (from 27.5 ± 1.3 in PB to 29.3 ± 1.7 pg in PII, P < 0.05 ) responded specifically to changes in Fe doses, but change of TSAT was 65% (CI 95% 22), whereas change of HCr was just 6% (CI 95% 2.3; p = 0.0002). The difference was observed in all patients. Results suggest that 200 mg/FeIV/month is effective and that, of the markers tested in this study, TSAT would be the most suitable one to the practicing nephrologist to optimize intravenous iron in the long term.

Efficacy and safety of total dose infusion of low molecular weight iron dextran in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

To determine the efficacy and safety of Total Dose Infusion [TDI] of low molecular weight iron dextran for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia compared to oral iron replacement during pregnancy through improvement in hemoglobin [Hb] after intervention. Non-randomized control trial. Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shifa International Hospital and Shifa Community Health Centre, Islamabad during January 2005 to January 2006. A group of 100 pregnant women with gestational age greater than 12 weeks with confirmed diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia attending the antenatal clinics were enrolled in this study. Total dose iron infusion of low molecular iron dextran was given to these patients after calculating iron deficit, in a monitored in-patient setting. Control comprised of a second group of 50 pregnant females matched for age, parity and baseline hemoglobin, tolerant to oral iron supplementation [ferrous sulphate 200 mg three times a day] attending the antenatal clinics during the same period. Post-treatment hemoglobin levels of study group as well as the oral control group were determined between 3 to 4 weeks. In the intervention group, mean pre-infusion hemoglobin level was 8.57 +/- 0.9 gm/dl [range 5-10.5gm/dl] and mean post-infusion Hb was 11.0 +/- 1.1 [range 8.4-14. 3 gm/dl]. In control group, mean pre-oral intake Hb level was 9.5 +/- 0.9 gm/dl [range 7-1 0.5 gm/dl] and mean post-oral intake Hb was 10.2 +/- 1.2 gm/dl [range 6.4-1 2.8 gm/dl]. Mean increase of Hb in intervention group was 2.43 gm/dl [95% Cl 2.4 - 3.8] and for controls it was 0.7 gm/dl [95% Cl 0.6-2.3]. Flushing and palpitations were observed in 4% of interventional group patients and none in the control group. No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group. We conclude that the total parenteral iron replacement with low molecular weight iron dextran is an effective and safe method for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in a selected group of pregnant women

Correlations of Cerebellar Function with Psychotic Symptoms and Cognitive Function in Schizophrenic Patients

OBJECTIVES: There is increasing evidence that the cerebellum plays an important role in cognition and psychiatric symptoms as well as motor coordination. The concept of cognitive dysmetria has been making cerebellar function in schizophrenia the focus of current studies. In other words, disruption in the cortico-cerebellum-thalamic -cortical circuit could lead to disordered cognition and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia. The purposes of this study were to determine cerebellar dysfunction in male schizophrenic patients semiquantitatively with ICARS and to investigate the clinical and cognitive correlates of ICARS in patients. METHODS: We compared the scores of cerebellar neurologic sign using ICARS in 47 male patients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of schizophrenia with 30 gender and age-matched healthy control subjects. The semiquantitative 100-point ICARS consists of 19 items divided into 4 unequally weighted subscores: posture and gait disturbances, kinetic functions, speech disorders and oculomotor disorders. All subjects were also assessed with cognitive function test. Cognitive functions were evaluated by Korean-Mini Mental Status Examination(K-MMSE), Verbal fluency test, and Clock drawing test. The patients were administered Korea version of Positive and Negative Symptom Scale(K-PANSS) to assess the symptom severity. RESULTS: Schizophrenic patients had significantly higher scores on the ICARS than control subjects with posture and gait disturbances, kinetic functions, and oculomotor disorders. They also showed more significant impairments in cognitive function tests than control subjects. There was a significant correlation between ICARS and negative symptoms of patients. In cognitive function test, Clock drawing test was significantly associated with negative symptoms. In addition, Clock drawing test was negatively correlated with the total score of ICARS. CONCLUSION: In this study, we confirmed that schizophrenic patients have significant impairments in cognitive and cerebellar function, and that those were related with negative symptoms of schizophrenic patients. These results support a role of the cerebellum in schizophrenia. It is meaningful that we used a structured, and reliable procedure for rating neurological soft signs, ICARS. We hope that future prospective studies using a similar design help that rate of neurological sign should have been visible with the progression of illness.

Inhibitory effect of tannic acid from nutgall on iron-dextran augmented 7, 12-dimethyl benz [A] anthracene-initiated and croton oil-promoted skin carcinogenesis

Tannic acid [TA] is naturally occurring polyphenols present in fruits and vegetables. In this study, inhibition of the carcinogenic potential of croton oil in normal and iron overloaded mice skin by TA is reported. Albino Swiss mice were given iron-dextran for two weeks and were pretreated with a single topical application of tannic acid. After one hour tumors were initiated by a single dose of 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene [DMBA] the promoting agent croton oil was applied twice a week for 30 weeks. The appearance, number and% tumor incidences were recorded. When compared to control groups, the pretreated groups showed a significant high inhibition of tumors incidences. Biochemical studies in mice skin tissues were based on the measurement of lipid peroxidation [LPO]. TA diminished cutaneous LPO level in mice skin as compared to the untreated groups. This study showed that TA inhibits the augmentation potentials of croton oil and iron dextran significantly. A depletion in LPO levels in TA pretreated groups indicates that excessive generated oxidants in the mice skin tissues may be quenched by TA because of chelation of redox active iron and its faster elimination from the body. It is supposed that inhibition of iron mediated oxidative stress by TA may be responsible for diminishment of cutaneous tumorigenesis

Eficacia y seguridad de la infusión total de hierro en el tratamiento de la anemia ferropriva en adultos no gestantes / Safety and efficacy of total dose intravenous iron infusion in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in adult non-pregnant patients

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has a prevalence of 20-24.5 in Mexico, which is similar to other developing countries. Although the treatment of choice is oral iron therapy, several factors limit its efficacy. Intravenous administration of iron-dextran is an effective method that has been evaluated in pregnant women, children and renal patients and there are some studies demonstrating its safety in these groups. We carried out a prospective, longitudinal, uncontrolled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of total-dose intravenous iron infusion in the treatment of IDA in adult, non-pregnant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients (8 male, 39 female) with anemia and iron deficiency were included in the study. Iron deficit was calculated and a total dose iron infusion was administered intravenously diluted in normal saline over 4 hours. CBC were obtained at 2-week intervals until week 8 post-infusion. The percentage of hematocrit correction was calculated at week 8 post-infusion. RESULTS: Baseline hemoglobin values were 78 +/- 17.2 for the whole group, 85 +/- 20.4 for men and 78 +/- 16.7 g/L for women. At week 8 values were 134 +/- 10.7, 138 +/- 9.8 and 134 +/- 10.8 g/L for the whole group, men and women, respectively. Baseline hematocrit values were 0.27 +/- 0.05 for the whole group, 0.29 +/- 0.06 for men and 0.27 +/- 0.05 for women. At week 8 values were 0.42 +/- 0.03, 0.43 +/- 0.03 and 0.42 +/- 0.03 for the whole group, men and women, respectively. The percentage of hematocrit correction was 51.5 +/- 28.6 at week 2 and 80.3 +/- 21.3 at week 8. Thirty-two percent of patients developed adverse reactions, all but one being mild. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that total-dose iron infusion is a safe and effective method to treat IDA that may be used in patients with intolerance to oral iron or in patients with failure to other iron schedules, as well as initial therapy in selected cases. Besides it provides a swift correction of hematocrit allowing, in some cases, to perform elective surgery without the need of blood transfusion.

Cirrhosis of liver with ascites treatment based on principles of ayurved.

A case of ascites with cirrhosis of liver due to chronic malaria and nutritional deficiency was treated with 20 ml of imferron with improvement and is alive for a period of six years after first treatment with iron.