[Expression of T399I and D299G polymorphisms of TLR4 gene in colorectal cancer cell line by flowcytometery]

Toll-like receptors [TLRs] have been discovered as the most important receptors in innate immunity. One of the most important TLRs is TLR4, the key receptor for the LPS component of gram-negative bacteria. Two polymorphisms, D299G [rs4986790] and T399I [rs4986791], in TLR4 gene are associated with a decreased response to LPS. This study was done to estimate the expression of different polymorphisms of TLR4 gene in colorectal cancer cell line by flowcytometery. In this laboratory study, the HCT116 cells were transfected with plasmids containing different variants of TLR4 gene including; Flag-tagged-TLR4 wild type, flag-tagged D299G and T399I Using TurboFect transfection reagent. Transfection efficiency was evaluated by GFP plasmid. Expression of different variants of TLR4 was assessed in transfected cells by flowcytometery. Data were analyzed using SPSS-11.5 and chi-square test. TLR4 was detected on HT29 and CaCo[2] cell lines at low levels. HCT116 cells did not express detectable amounts of TLR4 by flowcytometery prior to transfection. Gene transfer efficiency for GFP plasmid was about 80% in HCT116 cells by flowcytometery and microscopic analysis. TLR4 expression and LPS responsiveness significantly was higher in HCT116 cells which were transfected with wild type TLR4 gene compared to non-transfected and mutant transfected cells [P<0.05]. Lower expression of TLR4 on cells with mutant TLR4 showed that these polymorphisms affect on expression patterns of TLR4 on colon cancer cells

[New antibiotic replacements as growth and health promoters]

Antibiotics usage in domestic animals, as antibiotic growth promoters [AGPs] was considered from middle of 1950 onwards. Antibiotic feed additives as growth promoters have long been supplemented to animal food in very low amounts [5 to 20 ppm] to stabilize the intestinal microbial flora, improve the general performances, and prevent some specific intestinal pathogens. The widespread use of antibiotics as AGPs is playing a significant role in the emergence of resistant bacteria. The resistant bacteria in animals due to antibiotic exposure can be transmitted to human through the consumption of their products, from close or direct contact with animals, or through the environment and consequently, the increased concern about the potential for antibiotic resistant bacteria was led the European Union and the United States regulations banning the use of AGPs in animal food since 2006. Various studies always look for a suitable replacement antibiotics to substitute to preserve the valuable role of these compounds. Extensive efforts on these alternatives have been started in last decades and some of these alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, ionophores, acidifier, organic acids, medicinal herbs and phytogenic can be pointed out. Hence, the aim of this review is to evaluate the antibiotic replacement strategy particularly medicinal herbs and their mechanisms as new growth and health promoters

Pattern of motorcyclist's mortality in Mazandran province, northern Iran

Road traffic accidents [RTA] is recognized internationally as the major threat to human health and, motorcycle collision victims form a high proportion of those killed or injured in RTA.This study was performed to evaluate the patterns of motorcyclist's mortalities. All motorcyclists' corpses that were presented to the legal medicine center of Mazandaran Province during January 2002 to January 2004 were enrolled and the patterns of motorcyclist's mortalities were determined. Of the 89 bodies, 93.3% were male and 84.2% were riders. About 60% sustained injuries from collision with a car. Two third of the deaths occurred in the first half of the year. Three fourth of the death occurred in heavy traffic volume time of a day [7 am to 10 pm] peaking at 9 pm [21%]. Fifty seven percent died on the rural roads collisions and 47% on the urban road collisions. Head injury was the main cause of death [50.6%]. Motorcyclist's mortalities were prevalent in young motorcycle riders [males], collision with a car, first half of the year, heavy traffic volume time, riding on rural roads, and head injury was the main cause of death

Effects of exposure to portland cement dust on lung function in portland cement factory workers in Khash, Iran

The present study was done to assess cement dust exposure and its relationship to respiratory health effects, both acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment among Portland cement factory workers in Khash located in the south part of Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khash Portland cement producing factory in Iran in 2001. A total of 170 exposed and 170 unexposed employees were selected. Air transmitted personal respirable dust and total dust samples were collected in a full-time [8h/day] shift. Dust level was determined by the gravimetric method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information and history of respiratory health among workers [exposed and unexposed to dust] and measurements of lung function were made using a spirometer in both groups. Concentrations of personal respirable dust ranged from 3.7 mg/m[3] in the kilns to 23 mg/m[3] in the ore crushing area, and total dust ranged from 15 mg/m[3] in the kilns to 95 mg/m[3]. Cough and phlegm, with or without shortness of breath, were significantly related to dust concentration. Measuring pulmonary functions of workers exposed to dust and unexposed group showed a significant decrease in vital capacity, forced vital capacity, FEF[25-75] and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second [P<0.05]. Findings suggest that occupational exposure to Portland cement dust may lead to higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the reduction of ventilator capacity due to existence of quartz in row material of cement dusts. The study revealed that cement dust exposure is associated with acute as well as chronic respiratory health effects. It is recommended that engineering measures must be taken to reduce the dust level in cement factories, accompanied with health monitoring of exposed employees

effect of essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla L. on biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen. The mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa produce hyperviscous substances consisting mainly of alginate which have important roles in formation of biofilm. We investigated the effect of essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla L. on biofilm production in P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa 8821M was used as standard strain for biofilm production. Antibacterial effects of essential oil of M. chamomilla L. [50% in DMSO] was tested by disk diffusion method. The effect of essential oil on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa 8821M was evaluated following inoculation of bacteria in LB broth medium containing 0.5, 0.35 and 0.2 microgram/ml of oil which were incubated for 24h at 37°C. The biofilm formation was measured by Fonseca method. Bacteria inoculated and un-inoculated media without oil were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results showed that the essential oil did not have any antibacterial effect or reduction in biofilm formation in the presence of 0.35 and 0.2 microg/ml of oil. On the other hand, bacteria biofilm formation was significantly reduced in the presence of 0.5 microg/ml of oil in comparison with positive control. This research showed that the essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla L. had no antibacterial effect, but caused reduced biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor in mucoid strains and our results may suggest the possible use of essential oil in control of infections caused by P. aeruginosa or other related infections