RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Unlike some regions of the world where digestive system cancers are not considered as important health problems, these neoplasms are among the most common malignancies in the northern region of Iran. METHODS: This observational analytical study was carried out based on data collected by the Cancer Registration Center affiliated to the Vice Chancellery for Health of Babol University of Medical Sciences, North of Iran, during 2008-2017. Crude incidence rate (CR), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) have been calculated for different GI cancers, based on the primary involved site; and have been compared in different years, patients' age, gender and place of residence. RESULTS: Totally, 4332 records were related to digestive system cancers. Mean age of patients was 63.48±14.73 years; men (2743; 63.3%) were more affected than women (1589; 36.7%) (p<0.001). The most incident malignancies of digestive system were from stomach, colorectal and esophagus in men; and colorectal, stomach and esophagus in women, respectively. These three cancers accounted for 3725 (85.98%) of total GI malignancies. The mean age of patients in various types of GI cancers was statistically different (p<0.001). Age- standardized incidence rate showed different values in different years; from 521.40 (95% CI: 462.79-580.00) in year 2016 to 1834.33 (95% CI: 1637.36-2031.29) in year 2008. CONCLUSION: Gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancers were the most prevalent digestive system malignancies in Babol, North of Iran, and accounted for about 86% of all GI tract cancers. A considerable variation has been found in incident gastrointestinal cancers in different years.
RESUMO
In present study different protein measurement methods are evaluated on the allergenic extract of Chenopodium album pollen, which was previously prepared in our laboratory and applied in skin prick testing in comparison with a commercial extract. The protein content of similar amounts of these two extracts which had caused similar skin reactions were measured with different protein assays such as protein nitrogen unit, Lowry procedure, ultra-violet absorption, and base catalyzed hydrolysis and ninhydrin (B.H.N.). The latter is recommended by World Health Organization (W.H.O.) in order to determine total protein of standard allergenic extracts. Our study indicated some differences between protein amounts measured by the various procedures. According to W.H.O. reports regarding the advantages of B.H.N. assay, due to good correlation with biological activity of allergenic extracts, we also found that this method can indicate the potency of extracts much more precisely.
RESUMO
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) are the tools that bind to complementary sequence of targeted mRNA and block specifically protein translation. In the present study, a novel 20 mer oligo as an antisense for human IL-13 is introduced. This oligo is designed according to the IL-13 mRNA coding region and synthesized in two HPLC purified and FITC conjugated forms. Fluorescence oligo cell uptake is confirmed using flowcytometry and confocal microscopy, and cytotoxicity evaluation is performed using BrdU proliferation assay. Human tonsilar B-lymphocytes are purified by positive selection using magnetic cell sorting method and cultured with anti CD40 monoclonal antibody plus rIL-4 to induce IL-13 production. IL-13 antisense is added to medium and Real Time PCR for mRNA, and ELISA for protein assays. Data indicate that antisense application leads to down regulation and complete suppression of IL-13 protein with no significant effects on mRNA, suggesting in vitro protein translation arrest. Since Il-13 is a crucial cytokine in allergic conditions, we conclude that interference with the protein synthesis by a nontoxic and efficient antisense oligo can provide an available tool for the investigators on allergic diseases.
