Acupuncture/Electroacupuncture as an Alternative in Current Opioid Crisis / 中国结合医学杂志

Opioid drugs are the first line of defense in severe pain but the adverse effects associated with opioids are considered as a serious issue worldwide. Acupuncture/electroacupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine therapy which is an effective analgesic therapy, well documented in animals and human studies. Electroacupuncture stimulation could release endogenous opioid peptides causing analgesia in a variety of pain models. It can be used as an alternative therapy to control the opioid crisis.

Spatial distribution and infection rate of leishmaniasis vectors (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Ardabil Province, Northwest of Iran

Objective: To determine the spatial distribution and infection rate of sand flies as vectors of Leishmania parasite in Ardabil province, northwest of Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sand flies were collected from 30 areas in all 10 districts of Ardabil province during 2017. The specimens were caught using the sticky traps. The head and genitalia of sand flies were separated and mounted in Berlese solution for microscopic identification. The Geographical Information System ArcMap10.4.1 software was used to provide the spatial maps. Results: A total of 2794 sand flies specimens were collected and 22 species of sand flies were identified from the two genera: Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia from Ardabil province. The highest frequency was found in Phlebotomus papatasi (23.7％) followed by Phlebotomus kandelakii (13.0％). The promastigote form of Leishmania infantum parasite has been reported from the three main vectors of visceral leishmaniasis (Phlebotomus kandelakii, Phlebotomus perfiliewi and Phlebotomus tobbi) from Ardabil province, where the spatial distribution map of these visceral leishmaniasis vectors was prepared. Some important species of sand flies such as Phlebotomus kandelakii, Phlebotomus perfiliewi and Phlebotomus tobbi were reported and identified as main and probable vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Ardabil. Conclusions: According to the Geographic Information System based maps, the frequency of the sand flies as leishmaniasis vectors, the leishmania parasite infection rate and the prevalence of the disease in the central areas of Ardabil province are higher than in other areas in Ardabil province.

Spatial distribution of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae; Larroussius group), the vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Northwest of Iran

Objective: To determine spatial distribution of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae; Larroussius group), the vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Ardabil province, Northwest of Iran. Methods:Sand flies were collected using sticky traps from the 30 selected points in Ardabil province, during May-November 2017. The MaxEnt model in GIS software was used for modeling. Results: A total of 2794 specimens of sand flies were collected, of which 33％ were Larroussius subgenus sand flies. Phlebotomus kandelakii and Phlebotomus wenyoni were the highest and lowest collected species respectively. Based on the modeling, four areas in the province were identified with more than 70％ probability of the presence of Larroussius group vectors which were at risk of visceral leishmaniasis disease transmission. Conclusions: The distribution of Larroussius subgenus sand flies was observed in all parts of Ardabil. But the northern parts of the province (Germi and Bilesavar counties) as well as central part (Ardabil and Meshkinshahr counties) were of great importance in terms of the presence of Larroussius subgenus sand flies and the possibility of transmission of the visceral leishmaniasis.

Incidence and risk factors for neonatal jaundice among neonates with urinary tract infection in Abha - Saudi Arabia

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the presenting signs of bacterial infection in newborns, and the association of neonatal jaundice with urinary tract infection [UTI] has been particularly emphasized. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of UTI in asymptomatic jaundiced neonates younger than 4 weeks old

Method: A cross sectional survey has been conducted at Newborn Unit of Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital - Abha from January 2016 to August 2016. A total of 15 patients have been included in the study, who were diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia due to urinary tract infection [UTI] after exclusion of unrelated criteria

Conclusion: It could be concluded that UTI should be routinely investigated in early [<10 days] idiopathic neonatal jaundice in which all other etiologic factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are ruled out, and the presence of UTI should be considered in case of a poor phototherapy response in cases receiving phototherapy

Nitrate removal from water using alum and ferric chloride: a comparative study of alum and ferric chloride efficiency

Background: Nitrate is an acute and well-known hazardous contaminant, and its contamination of water sources has been a growing concern worldwide in recent years. This study evaluated the feasibility of nitrate removal from water using the traditional coagulants alum and ferric chloride with lower concentrations than those used in the conventional coagulation process

Methods: In this research, two coagulants, alum and ferric chloride, were compared for their efficiency in removing nitrate in a conventional water treatment system. The removal process was done in a batch system [jar test] to examine the effects of coagulant dosages and determine the conditions required to achieve optimum results

Results: The results revealed that ferric chloride at an initial dose rate of 4 mg/L reduced nitrate concentration from 70 mg/L to less than the World Health Organization [WHO] guideline value [50 mg/L N-NO[3]]. However, the removal efficiency of alum was not salient to significant nitrate reduction

Conclusion: In conclusion, ferric chloride was more effective than alumin removing NO[3], even in common dosage range, and can be considered a cost-effective and worthy treatment option to remediate nitrate-polluted water. Furthermore, the removal of nitrate by coagulation can be simple and more economical than other treatment alternatives

Cancer stem cells, therapeutic implications

It has been shown throughout the years in numerous studies in cell biology that cancer stem cells have therapeutic implications that can be potentially used to revolutionize treatment of cancer. Using the information available to us from cancer stem cell research, a number of new therapies can be developed to provide a longer and stem cells in general, explains the cancer stem cell concept and how stem cells behave in tumors, how this contributes to the thriving of tumor cells, and their heterogeneity. The review also provides examples of the mechanisms of resistance to conventional therapies widely used today, which are present in cells of various cancers such as breast cancer. It also goes through how some tumors resistant to therapy and how this contributes to tumor relapse. The various breakthroughs in potential targeted therapies are also explained, such as signaling pathways and tumor markers. Here we address the current issues involving selectivity of therapy and lack of availability of universal tumor markers, based on the pre-established understanding of cancer cell behavior when targeted for therapy

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human prostate specific antigen

Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] is an important laboratory marker for diagnosis of prostatic cancer. Thus, development of diagnostic tools specific for PSA plays an important role in screening, monitoring and early diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this paper, the production and characterization of a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies [mAbs] against PSA have been presented. Balb/c mice were immunized with PSA, which was purified from seminal plasma. Splenocytes of hyperimmunized mice were extracted and fused with Sp2/0 cells. By adding selective HAT medium, hybridoma cells were established and positive clones were selected by ELISA after four times of cloning. The isotypes of produced mAbs were determined by ELISA and then purified from ascitic fluids using Hi-Trap protein G column. The reactivities of the mAbs were examined with the purified PSA and seminal plasma by ELISA and western blot techniques. Furthermore, the reactivities of the mAbs were assessed in Prostate Cancer [PC alpha], Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [BPH] and brain cancer tissues by Immunohistochemistry [IHC]. Five anti-PSA mAbs [clones: 2G2-B2, 2F9-F4, 2D6-E8, IgG1/K] and clones [2C8-E9, 2G3-E2, IgG2 alpha/K] were produced and characterized. All mAbs, except 2F9-F4 detected the expression of PSA in PCa and BPH tissues and none of them reacted with PSA in brain cancer tissue in IHC. Besides, all mAbs could detect a protein band around 33 kD alpha in human seminal plasma in western blot. These mAbs can specifically recognize PSA and may serve as a component of PSA diagnostic kit in various biological fluids

Antibacterial activity of herbal extracts against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli recovered from retail chicken meat

Increasing incidence rate of multiple drug resistance in Escherichia coli [E. coli] due to extensive uses of antibiotics is a serious challenge to disease treatment. Contaminated retail chicken meat is one of the major sources of spread of multi drug resistant [MDR] E. coli. Current study has been conducted to study the prevalence of MDR E. coli in retail chicken meat samples from Lahore city of Pakistan and it was found that 73.86% of E. coli isolates have MDR pattern. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic extracts of six herbs against MDR E. coli phenotypes has revealed that clove and cinnamon have maximum zones of inhibition as compared to other herbal extracts. Mint and coriander gave the intermediate results while garlic and kalonji showed the least antibacterial activity against the MDR E. coli phenotypes using the agar well diffusion technique. Average Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations [MICs] for clove, mint, cinnamon, coriander, kalonji and garlic extracts were 1.15, 1.38, 0.5, 1.99, 2.41, 8.60mg/mL respectively using the broth micro dilution method. The results obtained in present study were revealed that crude ethanol extracts of selected herbs have had significant antibacterial activity. Hence they can be used as promising alternatives of antimicrobials against MDR E. coli species and can be used for cooked food preservation

Molecular characterization, biological forms and sporozoite rate of Anopheles stephensi in southern Iran

Objective: To identify the biological forms, sporozoite rate and molecular characterization of the Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) in Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces, the most important malarious areas in Iran. Methods: Wild live An. stephensi samples were collected from different malarious areas in southern Iran. The biological forms were identified based on number of egg-ridges. Molecular characterization of biological forms was verified by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II (mtDNA-COI/COII). The Plasmodium infection was examined in the wild female specimens by species-specific nested–PCR method. Results: Results showed that all three biological forms including mysorensis, intermediate and type are present in the study areas. Molecular investigations revealed no genetic variation between mtDNA COI/COII sequences of the biological forms and no Plasmodium parasites was detected in the collected mosquito samples. Conclusions:Presence of three biological forms with identical sequences showed that the known biological forms belong to a single taxon and the various vectorial capacities reported for these forms are more likely corresponded to other epidemiological factors than to the morphotype of the populations. Lack of malaria parasite infection in An. stephensi, the most important vector of malaria, may be partly due to the success and achievement of ongoing active malaria control program in the region.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula with trapping technique.

Conventional endovascular treatment for carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) involves a direct delivery of either coils, detachable balloon or both to the fistula with end point of CCF resolution and carotid artery preservation. But in few cases with severe laceration of carotid artery, the feasible endovascular technique applicable is by blocking the filling of fistula from cerebral circulation. This method known as trapping technique which implicates carotid artery occlusion, was performed in our present case with good result.

novel mAb against a human CD34 peptide reacts with the native protein on CD34+ cells

Human CD34 is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is expressed in human hematopoietic stem cells [HSCs] and the small- vessel endothelial cells of a variety of tissues. CD34 plays a critical role as a marker for diagnosis and classification of leukemia. Anti CD34 antibodies are used for isolation and purification of HSCs from bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood. To characterize a newly produced monoclonal antibody against a human CD34 peptide. Anti CD34 monoclonal antibody [Clone 2C10-D3] was purified from mouse ascitic fluid and hybridoma cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography and its immune reactivity was examined by ELISA. The purified antibody was further characterized using Western blot and flow cytometry on TF1 [Human Erythroblast] cell line. ELISA experiment revealed that the antibody recognized CD34 peptide. Western blot analysis on TF1 cell lysate confirmed the reactivity of the antibody with a 42 Kda protein. Blocking the antibody with a saturating concentration of specific CD34 peptide resulted in loss of its activity with TF1 lysate in Western blot. The 2C10-D3 antibody reacted with TF1 cells in flow cytometry in a similar manner to a commercial anti CD34 monoclonal antibody. Our data suggest that the anti CD34 monoclonal antibody [Clone 2C10-D3] is an appropriate antibody to study the CD34+ cells by flow cytometry and Western blot.

Production and characterization of a marine monoclonal antibody against human ferritin

Ferritin is an iron storage protein, which plays a hey role in iron metabolism. Measurement of ferritin level in serum is one of the most useful indicators of iron status and also a sensitive measurement of iron deficiency. Monoclonal antibodies may be useful as a tool in various aspects of ferritin investigations. In this paper, the production of a murine monoclonal antibody [mAb] against human ferritin was reported. Balb/c mice were immunized with purified human ferritin and splenocytes of hyper immunized mice were fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. After four times of cloning by limiting dilution, a positive hybridoma [clone: 2F9-C9] was selected by ELISA using human ferritin. Anti-ferritin mAb was purified from culture supernatants by affinity chromatography. Determination of the antibody affinity for ferritin by ELISA revealed a relatively high affinity [2.34 10[9] A/[1]] and the isotype was determined to be lgG2a. The anti-ferritin mAb 2F9-C9 reacted with 79.4% of Hela cells in flow cytometry. The antibody detected a band of 20 kDa in K562 cells, murine and human liver lysates, purified ferritin in Western blot and also ferritin in human serum. This mAb can specifically recognize ferritin and may serve as a component of ferritin diagnostic bit if other requirements of the hit are met

Comparison of the photobleaching and photostability traits of alexa fluor 568- and fluorescein isothiocyanate- conjugated antibody

Synthetic fluorescent dyes that are conjugated to antibodies are useful tools to probe molecules. Based on dye chemical structures, their photobleaching and photostability indices are quite diverse. It is generally believed that among different fluorescent dyes, Alexa Fluor family has greater photostability than traditional dyes like fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC] and Cy5. Alexa Fluor 568 is a member of Alexa Fluor family presumed to have superior photostability and photobleahing profiles than FITC. In this experimental study, we conjugated Alexa Fluor 568 and FITC dyes to a mouse anti-human nestin monoclonal antibody [ANM] to acquire their photobleaching profiles and photostability indices. Then, the fluorophore/antibody ratios were calculated using a spectrophotometer. The photobleaching profiles and photostability indices of conjugated antibodies were subsequently studied by immunocytochemistry [ICC]. Samples were continuously illuminated and digital images acquired under a fluorescent microscope. Data were processed by ImageJ software. Alexa Fluor 568 has a brighter fluorescence and higher photostability than FITC. Alexa Fluor 568 is a capable dye to use in photostaining techniques and it has a longer photostability when compared to FITC

Production of monoclonal antibody against human nestin

We have employed a peptid-based antibody generation protocol for producing antibody against human nestin. Using a 12-mer synthetic peptide from repetitive region of human nestin protein devoid of any N-or O-glycosylation sequences, we generated a mouse monoclonal antibody capable of recognizing human, mouse, bovine, and rat nestin. A wide variety of nestin proteins ranging from 140-250 kDa was detected by this antibody. This antibody is highly specific and functional in applications such as ELISA, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot assays

Tremors; myths and misconceptions; a 7-year clinical survey 2002-2009

To determine the myths and misconceptions about [Tremors] among those who developed this disorder and their health seeking behavior, and also among those who never had tremors, at the psycho-neurology and medical OPD of Sindh Govt. Hospital, Liaqatabad no. 10, Karachi. A single centre based cross-sectional survey, conducted from year 2002 to 2009 at Sindh Govt. Hospital [SGH] Liaqatabad no.10, Karachi. 403 adult patients of either sex with tremors were selected from medical and psycho-neurology OPD's. For comparison 100 healthy individuals from general population, who never had tremors, of the same area were also included. Questionnaires regarding different myths and misconceptions about tremors were filled by the patients/normal healthy people after obtaining the consent. Out of 403 selected patients [61.53% males and 38.47% females] majority belonged to the urban areas. Out of hundred normal healthy people 73 [73%] were males and 27 [27%] were females. Only 8% of the patients considered tremor was a neurological illness, while 33% of the patients and 41% of the general population related it to magic or witchcraft. Overall, females were more inclined to choose alternative medicine and spiritual therapy than males. Myths and Misconceptions about tremors are present in our society because of strong belief and observations. Provision of primary education, health education and using electronic media can play a key role in abolishing these misconceptions

Relation between homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12 and MTHFR C677T polymorphism and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women

To investigate the association between total Homocysteine [tHcy] levels with bone turnover markers and lumbar spine BMD, and to study the influences of MTHFR genotypes and B-vitamins on tHcy and BMD in a group of Egyptian postmenopausal women. 66 Egyptian postmenopausal women were subjected to clinical assessment and lumbar spine BMD measurement. Venous blood samples were collected to measure the levels of plasma tHcy, plasma folate, vitamin B12, osteocalcin, serum cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen [S-CTX] and the MTHFR C677T genotyping. According to the T-score, the participants were divided into three groups: normal [N], osteopenic [OPN] and osteoporotic [OPR]. tHcy levels were statistically significantly higher, and serum folate levels statistically significantly lower in the OPR group compared to the other two groups. Nonsignificant differences between the three groups regarding vitamin B12 levels and percentage of the 3 MTHFR genotypes were found. Osteocalcin and the S-CTX levels were statistically significantly higher in the OPR group than the other two groups. BMD was statistically significantly positively correlated with folate and negatively correlated with tHcy, Osteocalcin and S-CTX, while was nonsignificantly correlated with vitamin B12 levels. tHcy was statistically significantly negatively correlated with folate and positively correlated with Osteocalcin and S-CTX, while was nonsignificantly correlated with vitamin B12. The MTHFR genotype groups were not associated with the BMD, tHcy, folate or vitamin B12 levels. In postmenopausal women, tHcy and folate could be related to lumbar spine BMD while vitamin B12 and the MTHFR genotypes seem not to have relation to BMD

Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for detection of her2/neu antigen on breast cancer cell lines

Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to super paramagnetic nanoparticles is an effective method for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this study the humanized anti her2/neu monoclonal antibody- Herceptin- was conjugated to super paramagnetic iron oxide [SPIO] nanoparticles using EDC method. The concentration of the conjugated antibodies was measured by Bradford assay. The antibody-nanoparticle conjugates were incubated with SKBR-3 and T47D human breast carcinoma cell lines and the presence of the conjugates on cell surface was confirmed by Prussian blue iron staining method. Conjugation of Herceptin to SPIO resulted in a precipitate-free conjugate containing 20microg antibody/mg SPIO. Prussian blue iron-staining of cells showed successful binding of the conjugates to the cell surfaces. Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to SPIO may be a useful method for detection of tumor cells, especially by MRI techniques

Expression and identification of folate-sensitive fragile sites in British Suffolk sheep (Ovis aries).

An investigation to understand the dynamics and biological significance of fragile site expression, and identification of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) induced chromosomal gaps/breaks, were carried out in an experimental flock of 45 Suffolk sheep. The statistical comparison revealed, highly significant variation in the frequency of chromosomal fragile site expression between control and FUdR cultures. Mean (+/- S.D.) values for cells with gaps and breaks, or aberrant cell count (AC), and the number of aberrations (NoA) per animal were 2.02 +/- 0.34, 2.42 +/- 0.48, 13.26 +/- 0.85 and 21.87 +/- 1.88 (P lessthan 0.01) in control and FUdR cultures, respectively. The comparison of age revealed nonsignificant variation between control and FUdR cultures. The G-band analysis of fragile site data revealed gaps in 29 autosomal and two X-chromosomal bands in the control cultures, whereas FUdR treated cultures scored 78 unstable bands in autosomes of which 56 were significantly fragile. X-chromosomes expressed breaks and gaps in six G-negative bands and five of them (Xq13, Xq15, Xq17, Xq24 and Xq26) were significantly fragile. The distribution comparison of autosomal fragile sites between sex groups did not reveal any significant variation. Female X-chromosomes were significantly more fragile than the male X-chromosomes. The distribution comparison for age groups (lambs versus adults) revealed significantly higher number of fragile bands in adults. Comparison of published data on reciprocal translocations in sheep with the fragile-site data obtained in this study indicated that the break sites of both phenomena were correlated. Similarities were also found between fragile sites and breakpoints of evolutionary significance in family Bovidae.

Pseudo aneurysm complicates pancreatic pseudo cyst: Importance of early detection and management

A 70-year old woman presented to emergency department with epigastric abdominal pain, hematemesis and jaundice. Resuscitation and admission to ICU was done. Upon abdominal ultrasound, upper endoscopy, dynamic CT scan, a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with pseudo cyst invading splenic artery forming pseudo aneurysm, made. Trans-arterial embolization of splenic artery was done that resulted in arrest of bleeding and spontaneous regression of the pseudo cyst thus saving the patient's life

Anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in systemic sclerosis

To measure the serum levels of anti CCP antibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis and to correlate these levels with joint involvement extent of skin sclerosis and pulmonary involvement. 22 SSc patients were grouped into [group II] included 10 patients had limited cutaneous SSc and [group III] included 12 patients had diffuse SSc in addition to 10 healthy subjects as a control group [group I]. All patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, routine blood investigations, chest and hand-x-ray, pulmonary function tests, capillary microscope. Measurement of anti-CCP antibodies using ELISA technique. Anti-CCP antibodies serum level was significantly higher in SSc patients than the control [p<0.05]. Also anti-CCP antibodies serum level was significantly higher in patients with arthritis and pulmonary affection than those without arthritis or pulmonary affection. There was a significant association between anti-CCP antibodies positivity and capillaroscopic abnormalities. Our results suggest that anti-CCP antibodies might be linked to disease severity