Generation and characterization of a specific single-chain antibody against DSPP as a prostate cancer biomarker: Involvement of bioinformatics-based design of novel epitopes.

Isolation of specific single chain antibodies (scFvs) against key epitopes of cancer markers are applied for cancer immunotherapy and diagnosis. In this study following the prediction of the 3D structure of the DSP part of Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), the epitope was chosen using in silico programs. Panning process was applied to isolate specific human scFv against the epitope. PCR and DNA fingerprinting differentiated the specific clones, which were evaluated by phage ELISA. Following DNA sequencing, the 3D structure of isolated scFv was modeled and Docked on DSP. Results demonstrated the selection of a specific anti-DSPP scFv with 40% frequency, which reacted significantly with the predicted epitope and PCa patients' urines in ELISA tests (P-value < 0.05). The VH and VL of the isolated scFv were from VH1 and VL3 gene families with several amino acid changes in CDRs and FRs domains. The scFv tightly bound to the DSP epitope with the lowest energy level by hydrogen bonds, cation-pi, hydrophobic and ionic interactions demonstrating the specificity of Ag-Ab interactions. The anti-DSPP scFv selected in this study with significant specificity to DSPP antigen offers a promising new agent for both PCa early detection and treatment of cancers with DSPP expression.

Is screening of Staghorn Stones cost-effective?

BACKGROUND: Staghorn stones can cause damage to the kidneys and are considered as the one of the main cause of renal failure. If they are identified during the initial stages of diagnosis, kidney damage can be prevented. Screening can lead to a better diagnosis. Before the screening, it is necessary to calculate the cost-effectiveness of screening. METHODS: Using the possibility calculations of staghorn stones in the society and different age groups as well as a decision tree model, the screening costs and effectiveness were calculated against no screening. Effectiveness was determined based on the number of prevented cases of renal failure. Ultimately, the incremental cost-effectiveness ration (ICER) was calculated and compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) method based on the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and subgroup analysis was done for different age groups. In addition, the robustness of results was examined by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The results of decision tree showed that in the screening group, the expected cost was 8815997 USD and the expected effectiveness was 358 and in the no-screening group, the expected cost was 3954214 USD and the expected effectiveness was 258. Based on the results of the study, screening compared with no screening would increase the cost by 4861783 USD and effectiveness would increase by 100 people. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) showed that for each unit of increase in effectiveness of screening compared with no screening, would lead to an increase the cost by 48618 USD. The results also indicated that screening 30-70-year-old people compared with other age groups (20-70 and 25-70) if done every two years, could reduce the mean costs per preventing each case of renal failure.     Conclusion: If screening staghorn stones are done every two years for 30-70-year-old individuals, it would be cost effective considering WHO method and 3026 USD could be saved in the health care system per each person.

Effects of maxillary expansion and placebo effect of appliances on nocturnal enuresis - preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturnal enuresis has been found a common symptom among children with breathing problems and sleep apnea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic and placebo effects of slow maxillary expansion on nocturnal enuresis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four children with enuresis aged 7-12 years were selected. Rigid acrylic expansion appliances were fabricated and delivered to them. Frequency of enuresis was recorded by the parents during three stages: 1) before appliance delivery; 2) after appliance insertion without expansion; and 3) during expansion and retention. RESULTS: The frequency of wetting decreased significantly during the period of appliance use without expansion. During the expansion and retention phase, two patients became completely dry, and two patients improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary expansion can have a positive effect on the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Also, the placebo effect of the expansion appliance has significant effects on enuresis.

Laparoendoscopic single-site nephrectomy using standard laparoscopic instruments: our initial experience.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephrectomy using a GelPOINT single port and standard laparoscopic instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoendoscopic single-site transperitoneal nephrectomy was done for 6 adult patients with a poorly functioning small or hydronephrotic kidney. The procedure was done with the GelPOINT system, which consisted of a wound retractor (Alexis) and GelSeal cap. Standard laparoscopic instruments were used and the renal pedicle was controlled with 10-mm Hem-o-Lok clips. RESULTS: The participants were 3 men and 3 women with the median age of 29.5 years. Laparoendoscopic single-site nephrectomy was successfully done in all the patients without any major complications. Median operation time was 110 minutes (range, 90 to 130 minutes). There was no need for blood transfusion in any patient. The recovery phase was uneventful and all the patients were discharged after a median hospital stay of 2.5 days (range, 2 to 3 days). Renal function remained stable in all the patients after the operation. The incision site healed well on postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with LESS nephrectomy was successful with the use of a GelPOINT single port and standard laparoscopic instruments. This report may remove barriers to further work with the LESS technique and may offer a strategy to help surgeons gain experience with this novel technology.