Augmentation of angiogenic and endothelial associated gene expression by EDM50 in human chorion-derived stem cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the angiogenic potential of human chorion-derived stem cells (CDSC) cultured in medium containing bFGF and VEGF (EDM50). Total RNA was extracted from cells cultured in FD+10% FBS and EDM50. Quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to score the differential mRNA expression of genes involve in angiogenesis and endothelial differentiation. Our finding demonstrated that all angiogenic and endothelial associated genes were expressed higher in EDM50. Expression level of ANG-1, eNOS and VEGFR2 were significantly higher in EDM50 compared to FD+10% FBS. Our results suggested that human CDSC cultured in EDM50 can be used for angiogenesis purpose in regenerative medicine.

Quantitative RT PCR approach to evaluate the neurogenic and gliagenic gene expression of cultured human amniotic epithelial cells

The aim of the study is to determine the neuronal and glial gene expression of cultured human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) in serial passages. HAECs obtained from human term placentae were cultured in F12:DMEM (1:1) + 10% FBS +10ng/ml EGF in serial passages. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the gene expression analysis. The results showed that the cultured HAECs expressed the neural stem cell genes (Nestin, NSE and Vimentin), mature neuronal genes (TH, MAP-2, beta-III-tubulin and NFM) and glial genes (CNPase, MBP and Olig). These neural stem cell genes increased with serial passages while the genes expression for mature neuronal and glial cells were downregulated. These results suggested that HAECs may promote or involve in neurogenesis and gliagenesis.

The stemness gene expression of cultured human amniotic epithelial cells in serial passages

The aim of the study is to evaluate the stemness gene expression of cultured human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) in serial passages. HAECs obtained from human term placentae were cultured in F12:DMEM(1:1) + 10% FBS +10ng/ml EGF in serial passages (P0, P1, P2 and P4). Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the gene expression analysis. The results showed that cultured HAECs expressed and downregulated the stemness genes expression for Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog3, FGF4, Rex-1, FZD-9, BST-1 ABCG2. However, vimentin and nestin gene expression were upregulated. The results suggested that cultured HAECs may have pluripotent and multipotent properties.

Upregulation of SOX-2, FZD9, Nestin, OCT-4 and FGF-4 expression in human chorion derived-stem cells after angiogenic induction

Angiogenic induction was made to promote angiogenesis by differentiating stem cells towards endothelial cells. However, the stemness property of induced cells has not been revealed yet. Hence, we aim to evaluate the differential mRNA expression of stemness genes in human chorion-derived stem cells (CDSC) after being cultured in EDM50 comprised bFGF and VEGF. Results indicated that CDSC cultured in EMD50 expressed significantly higher mRNA level of Sox-2, FZD9, BST-1 and Nestin. In addition Oct-4, FGF-4 and ABCG-2 were also upregulated. Our finding suggested that CDSC after angiogenic induction enhanced its stem cell properties. This could be contributed for the mechanism of stem cell therapy in ischemic problem.

Barriers for breast cancer screening among Asian women: a mini literature review.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asian women. Breast cancer is detected in advanced stages and among younger age group women in Asia. The delay in presentation is attributed mainly to the social-cultural perception of the disease, poverty, and the strong influence of traditional medicine. Many of Asian women are not aware of the importance of regular screening. Cultural attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests, modesty, lack of encouragement by family members and physicians are the major inhibitors to women's participation in breast cancer screening. Health education using media and community health programs to create awareness of the advantages of earlier presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer in Asian women can motivate participation in breast cancer screening programs.

Causes of hospitalization of pilgrims during the Hajj period of the islamic year 1423 [2003]

Approximately 2 to 3 million pilgrims perform Hajj every year. Planning for health care requires knowledge of the pattern of diseases, complications, and outcome of pilgrims who require hospitalization during the Hajj period. In a cross-sectional study we compiled data on all patients admitted to 1487 beds in four hospitals in Mena [793 beds] and three hospitals in Arafat [694 beds] from the seventh to the thirteenth day of the Hajj season of the Islamic year 1423, corresponding to 8 to 14 February 2003. Of 808 patients hospitalized, most [79%] were older than 40 years. There was no sex preponderance. A total of 575 [71.2%] patients were admitted to medical wards, 105 [13.0%] to surgical wards, and 76 [9.4%] to intensive care units. Most patients [84.8%] had one acute medical problem. Pneumonia [19.7%], ischemic heart disease [12.3%], and trauma [9.4%] were the most common admitting diagnoses. More than one third [39%] had co-morbid conditions. A total of 644 [79.7%] patients were discharged from the hospital in stable condition to continue therapy in their residential camps, 140 [17.3%] were transferred to other hospitals in Makkah for specialized services or further care, 19 [2.3%] were discharged against medical advice, and 5 [0.7%] patients died. This study provided information on the most common causes of hospitalization, pattern of diseases, and required medical services for pilgrims in Hajj. It is hoped that this data will be of help to health sector planners and officials to provide optimal and cost-effective health care services to pilgrims in Hajj

Tuberculoma of the optic nerve

This is a case of 50 year-old Saudi lady complaining of progressive loss of vision in both eyes, associated with a constant, steady headache. She was referred to King Fahd Hospital of the University for evaluation. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were done and a craniotomy was planned. A biopsy from the left optic nerve showed evidence of a granulomatous lesion, which proved to be tuberculosis. In this report, we discuss the clinical and pathological findings in a case of tuberculosis of the optic nerve. A review of the literature indicates that this is the first report of its kind from this area. With the resurgence of tuberculosis throughout the world, this rare aetiology as a cause of visual loss should be kept in mind

Moloney inguinal darn: 5-years experience in ateaching hospital

Prior to the era of mesh free grafts and laparoscopic techniques of groin hernia repair, we reviewed our experience at Al-Amiri teaching hospital with the Moloney darn between Jan. 89 to Jan. 94 with a follow up rate of 86% from 2-7 years. A total of 520 operations were done on 511 patients with inguinal hernia. None of the patients died and we encountered 7% minor complications and a recurrence rate of 2%. The Moloney darn is a simple procedure which gave consistently good results at the hands of all surgeons including those in training

Hypertensive brain diseases III lacunar syndromes

The term lacunar stroke has been used to indicate small cavities in the deep cerebral tissue as early as 1843 and was revisited at the turn of the century in 1901 by Marie. It was not until recently that certain clinically separate lacunar syndromes were identified and their etiopathogenesis precisely described by Fisher. The distinction of lacunar syndromes as an entity separate from other cerebrovascular strokes arises from: [1] their close relationship to arterial hypertension, [2] their restriction to a subcortical deep area in the territory of a single perforating [penetrating] artery, and [3] the typical lipohyalinosis found at autopsy