[Cytotoxicity evaluation of taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines]

For centuries, plants have been a major source for drug discovery. Some examples of anticancer agents developed from plants are the vinblastine, vincristine, taxol and camptothecin. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women and prostate cancer remains a considerable health problem for men around the world. The purpose of this study was cytotoxicity evaluation of Taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines. Methods: In the present study, we determined the cytotoxic effects of total methanol extracts and their fractions of Taverniera spartea on MCF-7 and BT-474 human breast cancer cells and also PC-3 and Du-145 prostate cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The chloroform fraction of Taverniera spartea showed the highest toxicity MTT assay. The IC50 value of this fraction was 70.69 mg/ml for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line after 48 h of exposure. Chloroform fraction showed necrotic effects on MCF-7, BT-474 and PC-3 in contrast apopthotic induction on Du-145 in flow cytometry analysis Taverniera spartea has cytotoxic effects. Further investigation is needed to determine chemical characterization of the active principles and the molecular mechanisms mediated anticancer activities of Taverniera spartea

[ comparative study of an experimental model of tendon healing process between healthy rats and streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats by a biomechanical evaluating method]

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the healing process of repaired Achilles tendons of healthy rats and streptozotocin induced diabetic [STZ-D] rats by evaluating strength and toughness of repaired tendons via tensiometrical test. 14 healthy male adult rat were divided into control [n=6] and experimental rats [n=8]. Type 1 diabetes was induced in experimental rats by an injection of 55 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally. Control rats were received distilled water. Blood Sugar of all rats was recorded after seven days. Animals of experimental group that failed to develop average blood glucose concentration greater than 250mg/dc were excluded from the study. Right Achilles tendon of all rats was transected completely 30 days after STZ injection. Repairing Achilles tendons were extracted and were submitted to a tensiometerical examination10 days after surgery. Data were compared by student t test. Independent sample t test analysis showed that Young's modulus of elasticity [18.5 +/- 12.1MPa/mm] and stress high load [3.04 +/- 1.38, MPa/mm] of control group were significantly higher than those of experimental group [2.5 +/- 2 and 0.975 +/- 0.269 respectively], [p=0.003 and p=0.004 respectively]. It is concluded that induction of type one diabetes by STZ in rats after 30 days reduced significantly tensiometrical parameters of repairing Achilles tendon in comparison with control rats

Videonystagmographic finding in meniere's patients

Vertigo is the most common complaints of patients who refer to physician and menier's disease is one of the most common causes of it. Diagnose of menier's disease depend on clinical finding. Vestibular tests are affect the treatment method and prognosis of disease, to differentiate it from other causes of vertigo as well. In this study we performed evaluation and analysis of videonystagmoghrapy [VNG] finding in menier's disease. Total 61 patients with menier's disease referred to ENT outpatient department of Imam Khomeini and Apadana Hospitals were evaluated with VNG and Sacade, Smooth pursuit, Optokinetic, Positional and caloric tests. SPSS 16 software for data analysis was used. Directional preponderance was found in 11.44%, unilateral weakness in 39.33% and Latency of sacad in 42.6% with abnormal results. There was no significant correlation between severity of vertigo, severity of hearing loss, duration of Disease and videonystagmography finding. Unilateral weakness was most important finding in this study

[Oculomotor function in idiopathic Parkinsonian patients]

Parkinson could be regards the most prevalent degenerative disorder in the central nervous system. In addition to neuromuscular disorders, some degree of oculomotor dysfunction may be observed in these patients. The assessment of oculomotor system function may provide a viewpoint about the balance status of Parkinosonian patients and cold be regarded as an appropriate tool for the extent of movement disorders. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of oculomotor system in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Certainly, better understanding of mechanisms involved in this disorder, may help in designing rehabilitation programs and quality of life increment in these patients. In an analytic cross-sectional study, 30 patients [M:18, F: 12] with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 30 [M: 20, F: 10] normal subjects, aged 35-70 years, were evaluated. Gain and phase of smooth pursuit eye movements [during horizontal and vertical situations] were recorded in 0.2 Hz velocity for all participants. Independent T and man-Whitney U tests [when the data distributions were not normal] were used for the comparison of mean gain and phase of responses between groups. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 15. The average of pain, except for horizontal right eye condition, in normal subjects was significantly higher than patients with Parkinson's disease [P < 0.05]. Additionally, the average of phase, except for horizontal right eye condition, in patients with Parkinson's disease was significantly increased compared to normal subjects [P<0.01]. Serious oculomotor system dysfunction, both in horizontal and vertical situations, in idiopathic Parkinsonian patients may representative of dopaminergic control decrement in these patients

Assessment and comparison of results of surgical therapy of esophageal carcinoma between young and old patients

To assess the results of surgical therapy of esophageal carcinoma and it's differences between young and old patients For a 16 year period from February 1989 to January 2005, 335 patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent surgical operation. The patients were divided into three age groups; Group I: aged less than 50 years, Group II: aged between 51 and 70 years and Group III: aged more than 70 years There were no significant differences among the three groups with regard to site and length of the lesion, sex ratio, depth of tumor invasion, vessel permeation, gross types, TNM classification and crude actuarial 5 years survival curves. The only difference clearly evident between young and older patients was the number of hospital deaths and hospital stay due to complication. These were significantly higher in older than young patients [P < 0.05]. In spite of significant differences from the viewpoint of age, were between gastric and colorectal carcinoma, the esophageal carcinoma in patients aged less than 50 years appeared to behave biologically like the same neoplasm in older patients

Production and characterization of anti-Her 2 monoclonal antibodies

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world. Early diagnosis of this cancer is a key element for its treatment. One of the approaches for diagnosis of breast cancer is detection of its tumour-associated markers. Hence, Her2 has been the main focus of the researches in the field. For diagnosis of Her2 overexpression, monoclonal antibodies [mAb] reacting against Her2 were produced in this study. For this purpose, two peptides from extracellular domain of Her2 were selected and the mAbs reacting against them were produced by hybrodoma technology. Reactivity of these antibodies were then evaluated in different immunological assays including ELISA, Immunoflurescence [IF], western blot [WB] and immunoprecipitation [IP]. Total of 5 clones were produced from two separate fusions, and antibody isotyping revealed that all clones were IgM. These mAbs showed appropriate reactivities in the following assays: ELISA, immunofluresence by staining of breast cancer cell line [SKBR3], WB and IP by detecting the 185 KD band of Her2. In conclusion, it seems that the mAbs are useful diagnostic tools for detection of Her2 expression in patients with breast cancer

[Comparison of post- thoracotomy pain control methods [Meta analysis]]

Thoracocotomy is one of the surgical operations associated with sever pain, and in alleviation of post- thoracotomy pain, which is associated with important physiologic, psychologic, ad pathologic consequences. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The post- operative analgesic method used most frequently in each treatment center is considered as method of choice in that center. In this meta- analysis, frequently used post- thoracotomy analgesic methods were compared, to find the best reliable method for pain control with the least side effects and/ or side effects. We compared the post- thoracotomy pain in first 24 hours as measured by visual analog scale for patient groups undergoing epidural analgesia plus systemic opioids, epidural analgesia plus intercostals nerve block [INB], epidural plus paravertebral block [PVB], and epidural plus interplural information was assessed from 28 randomized clinical trials that compared these methods two among 1697 post- thoracotomy patients. Random effects model, effect size index, and standardized mean differences were used. Statistical values were assessed using standard errors and results were using 5% lower and upper confidece limits. Epidural analgesia has had better effects with less side effects in comparisson with systemic administeration method during first 24 hours. [95% CI= 0.9812 to 0.3844] Epidural method has had no significant difference with intercostal nerve block during average first 24 hours [95% CI= O 2171 to + 5906] Epidural analgesia has had better effects in comparisson with interpleural method in first. 24 hours [95% CI= - 101166 to - 0.0106].Epidural analgesic is more effective than paravertebral method in the first 24 hour [95% CI= + 01744 to - 0.4572]. In conclusion to our study it seems that. Epidural analgesia is suitable and preferable method for post- op. analgesia at most circumstances. More studies with much more articles will evaluate this results in the future

Drill-and suction generated noise levels in mastoid surgery

It has been recognized that noise levels generated during ear surgery may cause sensorineural hearing loss. However, there is a controversy about the main factor that may cause such hearing threshold alternations: drilling, suction or both of them. The purpose of this investigation was to measure the air-conduction noise levels generated by common drills, burrs and suction irrigators in mastoid surgery. Our evaluations were carried out in two states: isolated temporal bones [cadavers] and intraoperative recordings. Preliminary drillings were made on 10 cadavers, and intensity and frequency analysis of common diamond and cutting burrs were performed. Then, the noise levels generated by drilling, suction irrigation and simultaneous drilling and suction irrigation were measured from 15 patients under radical modified mastoidectomy. Data were analyzed by SPSS II software and 0.05 value was regard as significant level. The average noise levels of drilling ranged from 83 to 95 dB SPL, varying with burr used. Cutting burrs were found to be up to more intense than diamond burrs. Mean suction irrigation noise levels ranged from 77.45 to 78.65 dB SPL. The average of "intraoperative drilling" and "simultaneous drilling and suction irrigation" generated noise levels were 87.14 and 86.26 dB SPL, respectively. The comparison of resultant noise levels between cadaver and under operation situations was not statistically significant. Our results showed that the main factor contributing the highest noise level is drilling which is predominately apparent in cutting burrs. Exposure to these noise levels may account for shifts in the hearing thresholds

[Study of prostate specific antigen gene expression and telomerase in breast cancer patients]

Breast cancer is the most common disease in women. In the expansion and progression of breast tumors combination of tumor markers including prostate specific antigen and telomerase are engaged. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between telomerase activity and prostate specific antigen gene expression in breast cancer patients and controls. This study was a case-control and consisted of 25 women diagnosed with breast benign tumors as control and 35 malignant tumors as cases. Telomerase activity was measured in tumor cytosol of samples by TRAP assay. PSA protein was measured using ultra sensitive immunoflourometric assay and PSA mRNA expression was making cleared using RTPCR techniques in all tumor tissues. Using TRAP assay, presence of the telomerase activity was positive in all of the breast cancer patients. The difference of relative telomerase activity [RTA] values between stages and also all grades were more statistically significant [p<0.05]. The PSA mRNA were detected only in benign tumors and stage I and grade I malignant tumor cytosols. Difference of tumor cytosol PSA levels between the cases and control groups and also between all grades and stages of diseases were significant [p <0.05]. In all, there was an inverse significant correlation between the RTA and PSA protein levels in the case groups [r=-0.42, p<0.05]. Our results showed a reverse relationship between PSA mRNA expression and increasing telomerase gene expression during breast cancer progression and development. In all, measurement of telomerase activity could be favorable biomarker along with PSA in breast cancer diagnosis

[Knowledge, attitude and practice of elderly towards lifestyle during aging]

This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the healthy lifestyle of 750 elderly people of Tehran 2002. The mean score of the males was significantly higher than in females. Furthermore, the average score of elderly membership in social activities was our findings revealed that the elderly have a low level of knowledge, attitude and performance towards healthy lifestyle. Thus, it seems designing a comprehensive program regarding a healthy lifestyle in this population to be of prime necessity

[Early identification of hearing impairment of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit using otoacoustic emissions]

It is well recognized that hearing is critical to speech and language development, communication, and learning. Otoacoustic emission [OAE] is an efficient and sensitive method to identify subjects at risk for auditory impairment. Infants who require admission to neonatal intensive care unit are reported to be at 10-20 times greater risk for hearing impairment. The object of this study was to investigate the incidence of hearing impairment in neonates screened by OAE. In a cross-sectional study, 148 newborns having risk factors for hearing impairment referring to Taleghani hospital of Arak and Aboozar hospital of Ahwaz were evaluated. All clients had normal otoscopic findings. Transient evoked [TEOAE] and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions [DPOAEs] were measured in both ears. If the results of otoacoustic emissions were not normal, these tests were repeated one monthly later. Patients who did not pass the second stage were reffered for comprehensive auditory evaluations. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and T tests. 41 and 28 cases could not pass the examining test at the first TEOAE and DPOAE examination, respectively. Also, 23 and 16 cases did not pass the examining test at the second TEOAE and DPOAE evaluations, respectively. These participants underwent auditory brainstem response evaluation and 11 of them had abnormal responses. In 5 cases of confirmed ones, hearing impairment was due to aminoglycoside side effects. OAE hearing screening of at-risk newborns is a clinically beneficial approach to early detection of hearing impairment. Regarding the high prevalence of hearing loss in our subjects [7.43%], prevention of its complications is highly recommended in this population

Shear bond strength between aged hybrid and new flowable composite resins using different bonding agents

Flowable composite is an appropriate choice for repairing old composite restorations because of its conservative nature, easy application and various colors available on the market, The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength between old hybrid and new flowable composite resins using Adhes, Single bond, Prompt L Pop and no dentin bonding agents. Eighty acrylic cylinders were fabricated with a standard cavity in the center. Tetric Ceram hybrid composite was placed in the cavities and cured. The cylinders were divided into two groups; one group was kept in water for one month and was then randomly divided into four subgroups. Dentin bonding agents were not used in the first subgroup but the selected bonding agents were applied to the cylinders in the other subgroups. Tetric Flow composite was placed on the primary composite. The same procedure was used for the second group except that the samples were not stored in water for one month. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The data were subjected to LSD variance and independent t-analysis. Shear bond strength values ranged from 33.27 to 16.62 MPa in the first group [in decreasing order: Adhes, Single-bond, control and Prompt L pop subgroups] and from 32.73 to 18.15 MPa in the second group [in decreasing order: Adhes, Single-bond, Prompt L pop and control subgroups]. In the first group, a significant difference was observed between the control versus Adhes and control versus Single bond subgroups and also between the Adhes and Prompt L pop and finally between the single bond and Prompt L pop subgroups. There was no significant difference between the control versus Prompt L pop and Adhes versus Single-bond subgroups. The results obtained in the 2nd group were similar to the first group. The shear bond strength between aged hybrid and new flowable composite resin may increase after application of dentin bonding agents

Intrafollicular fluid antigamete antibodies in infertile patient candidates for ICSI

Immunologic disturbances must be considered as a major cause of infertility. Antigamete antibodies like antisperm antibodies [ASA] and to anti-zona antibodies [AZA] seem to be implicated in the etiology of infertility. These antibodies affect fertilization and embryo development. It is important to screen these antibodies in infertile women who are candidates for in-vitro fertilization [IVF], because the presence of these antibodies may switch the treatment from IVF to intra-cytoplasmic microinjection [ICSI]. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of ASA and AZA in the follicular fluids [FF] of women who sought candidacy for ICSI. In this prospective study, the follicular fluids of 96 infertile women [20 to 39 years old, mean 31.5 +/- 5.1], who were candidates for ICSI, were evaluated. According to the etiologies, 80 women had explained whereas 16 had unexplained infertility. All the follicular fluids were evaluated for the presence of ASA by ELISA and Sperm MAR test and also for the presence of AZA by ELISA. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS soft-ware and the significance level was considered p<0.05. According to the results of ELISA and Sperm MAR test, none of the patients had ASA in their follicular fluids. However, twenty samples [20.8%] were positive for AZA. In patients with unexplained infertility, autoantibodies to zona pellucida were significantly higher in the follicular fluid than the group with proven etiologies for infertility [p=0.001]. The low incidence of ASA and the high incidence of AZA in the infertile women in this study, especially in women with unexplained infertility in Iran have to be considered seriously. Determination of AZA is highly recommended in the evaluation of infertile couples, especially those with unexplained infertility

[Monoclonal antibody production against human spermatozoal surface antigens]

As monoclonal antibodies are potential tools for characterization of soluble or cellular surface antigens, use of these proteins has always been considered in infertility and reproduction research. Therefore, in this study, monoclonal antibodies against human sperm surface antigens were produced. To produce specific clones against human sperm surface antigens, proteins were extracted using solubilization methods. Balb/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with the proteins using complete Freund's adjuvant in the first injection and incomplete Adjuvant in the following booster injections. Hybridoma cells producing ASA were cloned by limiting dilution. Five stable ASA producing hybridoma clones were achieved and their antibody isotypes were determined by ELISA. All the isotypes were of IgG class. Their cross reactivity with rat and mice spermatozoa was examined but they did not have any cross reactivity. The produced antibodies can be used in further studies to characterize and evaluate each of the antigens present on human sperm surface and determining their role in fertilization

[Extraction and purification of ferritin from liver tissue]

Ferritin with molecular weight of 450 kDa is the most important iron storage protein and is made of 24 subunits consisting of light and heavy chains. Each ferritin molecule is able to store 4500 Fe[3+] molecules. The aim of this study was to determine the preparation of highly pure ferritin for usage in diagnostic and research systems. In this study, ferritin was extracted and purified by homogenizing liver tissue, heating at 75 degrees centigrade, ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography on sephadex G-200 column. The purify of ferritin was improved by using recycling chromatography. Resulted protein was electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate [SDS-PAGE]. Existence of ferritin was confirmed by ELISA test and potassium ferricyanide staining of gel. Silver nitrate staining of gel was used to confirm the purity of ferritin. Electrophoresis of ferritin under reducing conditions in presence of 2- mercapto ethanol was done to show the subunits [19 and 21 kDa] of ferritin. This purification method resulted in very pure ferritin and the yield was 100 microg/gr of wet liver tissue. Electrophoresis of ferritin under reducing conditions in presence of 2- mercapto ethanol showed the both subunits [19 and 21 kDa] of ferritin. Highly pure ferritin resulted by this method is appropriate for diagnostic and research purpose and the yield is reasonable comparing other studies

[Optimization of Dendritic cells purification from mouse spleen a recommended method for purification of Dendritic cells from reproductive organs]

Dendritic cells [DC] are the principal antigen-presenting cells [APC] responsible for induction of primary immune responses by T lymphocytes. Although DCs are present in most lymphoid tissues, they occur in very low frequency accounting for 0.5% or less of nucleated cells in peripheral lymphoid organs. In the present study, we report the purification of DCs from mouse spleen with high yield and purity using a three-step purification technique including: collagenase digestion of tissue, selection of low-density cells using Optiprep density gradient medium and plastic adherence. By using techniques outlined above, we obtained 5-7x10[7] DC/spleen with purity >/= of 97%. Such large numbers of purified DCs enables us to further document their different characteristics including morphology, immunophenotype and to evaluation of their role in immune system. Finally, since DCs have been reported to be present in all reproductive organs, we suggest that this protocol be used for isolation and purification of DCs from those organs for further in vitro studies