Effects of an antimitotic drug on mechanical behaviours of the cytoskeleton in distinct grades of colon cancer cells

Biomechanical behaviours of cells change during cancer progression due to alterations in the main cytoskeletal proteins. Microtubules play a vital role in mitosis and in supporting the integrity of the cell due to their ability to withstand high compressive loads. Accordingly, microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have become one of the most promising classes of drugs in cancer therapy. This study evaluated changes in visco-elastic parameters induced by an appropriate concentration of an antimitotic drug in two different grades of colon cancer cells. Actin microfilaments and microtubules contents in the cells were evaluated by Western blot analysis and fluorescence intensity calculation. Micropipette aspiration experiments showed that the MTA had distinct mechanical effects on different cell lines. The more aggressive the cells, the greater the reduction in elasticity and viscosity. Invasive cells had a higher initial instantaneous Young's modulus than primary cells, but this reduced to approximately one half of the values for primary cells after 48 h of drug treatment. A considerable association was seen between the changes in mechanical properties and the microtubule to F-actin microfilament content ratio, which decreased with MTA treatment.

Survey of clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

The importance of implementation: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. Therefore, further studies about the protests of disease, diagnosis and timely treatment are essential.

STUDY METHOD

In this study, 80 prostate cancer patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia in Iran from 2000 to 2008 were reviewed. Patients were studied according to their age, clinical protests, Gleason scoring, positive family history, smoking, type of treatment and post-treatment conditions. Questionnaires were adjusted based on the objectives and the data were extracted from the medical records of patients and the desired results were achieved.

RESULTS

In this study, the most common age group for prostate cancer is older than 60 years (92/5%). The most common type of pathology for prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma that 93.75% of cases are included. Secondary TCC with secondary source is present in 5% and sarcoma in 1.25% of cases. 46.25% of patients with prostate cancer are smokers. The most common clinical symptoms among patients are obstructive symptoms (56.25%), and irritation of the urinary tract (52.81%). Hematuria in 26.25% and urinary incontinence in 5% of cases have been recorded. 16.3% of patients referred with metastatic symptoms. Most patients with prostate cancer have Gleason score 5-7 (40%). All patients were undergoing prostatectomy (82.5% TURP and 17.5% SPP) and 47.5% of cases were bilateral orchiectomy. The cases reviewed, 22 were followed that included 27.5% of cases. Among them, 6 people have died due prostate cancer (27.27%) that the mean age of the patients after diagnosis until death was 34.4 months. 2 others died from other causes (9.09%). The remaining 14 cases were elder patients with a mean follow-up duration of 44 months.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained in the present study, the most common type of prostate cancer pathology is adenocarcinoma that is included 93.75% of cases. Prostate sarcoma is present at 1.25% and secondary bladder TCC at 5% of cases more over the incidence of prostate sarcoma is reported in a lower age group than adenocarcinoma, which the results obtained in a similar study in Iran in other centers. Regarding the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer it can be considered one of the important factors in this regard. 

Evaluation of verapamil efficacy in Peyronie's disease comparing with pentoxifylline

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease described as penile curvature, fibromathosis and pain that occur most often in men aged 40 to 60 years. The main complaint that caused the patient to visit the clinic is nodules on the upper surface of the penis, causing curvature and distortion particularly during erection, but they don't have any urinary problem. In this study, we evaluated the effect of verapamil compared to pentoxifylline in Peyronie's disease.

METHODS

In this study, 90 patients with signs and symptoms of Peyronie's disease which were diagnosed and were in the age range 40 to 70 years enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. First group received pentoxifylline orally at a dose of 400 mg three times a day, in the second group verapamil (10 mg every other week for up to 12 sessions) was injected into the lesion and the third group received both treatments in combination.

RESULTS

In patients, who received pentoxifylline, curvature reduction was 26.7%, plaque size reduction was 30%, the recovery rate of erectile dysfunction was 46.7% and pain reduced was 73.3%. Each of these cases in patients, who used beta-blockers, was 36.7%, 33.3%, 66.7% and 76.6%. In combination therapy, curvature reduction was 36.7%, plaque size reduction was 33.3%, the recovery rate of erectile dysfunction was 86.7% and pain reduced was 80%.

CONCLUSION

In our study there was no significant difference between two groups using verapamil or pentoxifylline, but there was a significant improvement in combination therapy group. Due to our results we propose that combination therapy can improve results and should be considered as a choice in treatment of Peyronie's disease. 

The effect of tamsulosin in the medical treatment of distal ureteral stones

INTRODUCTION

Renal stones are common disorders that affect approximately 5% to 10% of the population and the incidence of renal stones is rising. Treatment of ureteral stones is an important part of urologists and minimally invasive procedures such as ESWL and ureteroscopy effectiveness has been proven in various studies. However, these methods are not completely safe and are expensive and can be complicated. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of tamsulosin in the medical treatment of distal ureteral stones.

PATIENTS & METHODS

A total of 96 patients with distal ureteral stones or UVj are randomly divided into two study group (50 patients) and control group (46 patients). Patients in the control group allowed to freely consuming fluids (hydration) and indomethacin 100 mg PRN. Study group in addition to indomethacin and daily analgesic 0.4 mg tamsulosin was administered. All subjects in terms of analgesic dose, duration of expulsion and expulsion were studied.

RESULTS

Spontaneous expulsion of stone was occurred in 62.5% (30 patients out of 46) of control group patients and 82% (41 patients out of 50) that there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Average time to fix the stone in control group 4.7 ± 8.03 days (range 2 to 28 days) and in the study group, 3.7 ± 5.70 days (range 1 to 23 days) is significantly different (P>0.05). The average amount of analgesic consumption in the control group was 2.3 ± 4.31 and in the study group was 1.48 ± 2.15 that showed significant differences (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, although the addition of tamsulosin to conservative treatment of distal ureteral stones in the distal ureteral stone expulsion showed no significant difference between the two groups, but the reduction in the duration of expulsion, reduce pain and reduce the need for analgesic has been beneficial.

Comparison of complications and short term results of conventional technique versus new technique during graft ureteral stent insertion in bari technique at Emam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia

Introduction:

There is debate on renal graft stenting during ureteroneocystostomy, patients with ureteral stents may encounter several complications such as encrustation, stent crustation which can lead to loss of kidney, and complications related to stent extraction: pain and UTI increasing related to cystoscopy for stent extraction accompanying excess expenses. This study designed to reduce complications related to stent extraction.

Material and Methods:

90 patients prepared for renal transplantation during 1 year randomly classified to groups, study group: patients with attached stent to Foley catheter, control group: patients with conventional technique (stent separated from Foley) then in their follow up; UTI, stent crustation, luts severity compared to each other.

Results:

Second week and fourth week UTI reported 25.6%, 2.3% in study group versus 34.9%, 4.7% in control group (P value 0.48 and 0.5). Urinary leakage was 3.3% overall, that all of them occurred in separate stent group, 37.5% vs. 0% in the linked stent group. Stent crustation in separate stent was 25% compared with 0% in the linked stent.

Conclusion:

Low complications rate in linked stent group, despite the lack of significant statistical differences, but indicate the effectiveness and success of the new technique.

Comparison of DMSA scan 99 m and EC scan 99 m in diagnosis of cortical defect and differential renal function

Introduction:

Diagnosis of renal cortical lesions by radioisotopes in nuclear medicine is one of the most common techniques and procedures can be performed by different radiotracer. However, all these materials are accurate in determining kidney function, but there are differences between them in the field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of EC scans compared with DMSA scan in the detection of cortical lesions and DRF.

Methods:

65 cases, which have been referred for various reasons, for DMSA scans were enrolled. Patients 1 week after DMSA scan with the previous consent of the EC being scanned. The results were compared in terms of convergence as well as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of EC with respect to the results of DMSA scan.

Results:

PPV of EC was 100%, negative predictive value of EC was 68.75%, sensitivity of EC was 90.74% and specificity of EC was 100% in the detection of cortical lesions. DMSA scan and EC convergence rates result in cortical lesions in our study was high.

Discussion:

We suggest EC scan as an alternative to reduce the cost of therapy and radiation, but considering the benefits of DMSA scan, it could remain the gold standard method of diagnosis.

Microstructure and characteristic properties of gelatin/chitosan scaffold prepared by a combined freeze-drying/leaching method

A combined freeze-drying and particulate leaching method for scaffold synthesis showed an improvement in the horizontal microstructure of the gelatin/chitosan scaffolds. Type and concentration of the cross-linking agent, freezing temperature, concentration of the polymeric solution and gelatin/chitosan weight ratio were the variables affecting the scaffold properties. Assessment of the tensile properties of the scaffolds revealed that for a scaffold with 50% chitosan, glutaraldehyde, as a cross-linking agent, created much tighter polymeric network compared to N,N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethyl carbodiimide (EDC). However, in the case of gelatin scaffolds, EDC was identified as the stronger cross-linker. Compressive behavior of the scaffolds satisfied formulations obtained from the theoretical modeling of the low-density, elastomeric foams. The investigation of the scaffold degradation indicated that the increase in the mechanical strength of the scaffolds would not always reduce their degradation rate.

Impact of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal haematological indices: a randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial examined the efficiency and tolerability of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy. A total of 370 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either daily or twice weekly iron supplementation during pregnancy. There were no significant differences in initial and delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the 2 groups. Ferritin concentrations were significantly lower in the twice weekly group at delivery, but hypoferritinaemia (ferritin < 15 microg/L) was not observed in either group. The frequency of nausea, vomiting and constipation were significantly lower in the twice weekly group. Birth weight and length were significantly higher in the daily supplemented group. In non-anaemic mothers, a smaller dose of iron may be sufficient and also might prevent the complications of iron excess.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy affects metabolic control in diabetics: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Periodontal diseases and diabetes are two common diseases with high prevalence. Many clinicians have accepted the relationship between these two diseases. Some investigators have reported that periodontal treatment may enhance the metabolic control of diabetes. The effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on metabolic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) were examined.

METHODS

Forty patients with DM2 and chronic periodontitis [mean age = 50.29 years; mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) = 8.72] were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group (n = 22) received full-mouth scaling and root planing, whereas the control group (n = 18) received no periodontal treatment. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels were recorded at baseline and compared to data collected three months later.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ in gender ratio, age or clinical parameters [PPD (p = 0.107), CAL (p = 0.888), PI (p = 0.180)] and biochemical markers at baseline [FPG (p = 0.429), HbA1c (p = 0.304), TG (p = 0.486), TC (p = 0.942), LDL (p = 0.856) and HDL (p = 0.881)]. FPG, HbA1c and clinical parameters differed between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.006, 0.003 and 0, respectively). From baseline to follow-up (after three months), HbA1c levels decreased in the treated group (p = 0.003). In the same time period, FPG, GI, PPD and CAL increased in the control group (p = 0.016, 0.0, 0.0 and 0.004, respectively) but HbA1c did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-surgical periodontal therapy could improve metabolic control in diabetic patients.

Major Dietary Patterns among Female Adolescent Girls of Talaat Intelligent Guidance School, Tabriz, Iran

BACKGROUND

Increasingly nutritional experts express the necessity of research on dietary patterns to identify numerous modifiable risk factors of disease. This study was conducted to identify major dietary patterns among adolescent girls in Talaat intelligent guidance school, Tabriz, Iran.

METHODS

Among 257 adolescent girls aged 11-15 years, usual dietary intakes were assessed using a 162-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns in this Turkish population.

RESULTS

We identified 6 major dietary patterns:(1) Western pattern high in pizza, meats and fruit juice; (2) Sweat junk foods pattern high in dried fruits, jams, honey and sugar; (3) Asian pattern high in legumes, potato and other vegetables; (4) Salty junk foods pattern high in carrot, puffs and potato chips and (6) Iranian traditional dietary pattern high in hydrogenated fats, garlic and broth.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that among the 6 major dietary patterns, Asian-like food was the healthiest one.

Biological study of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep: Plutellidae) and it's solitary endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hym. Braconidae) under laboratory conditions

Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep: Plutellidae), is a destructive pest of brassicaceous crops in the world. Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) is one of most important biological control agents of P. xylostella in the world and Iran. Both of P. xylostella and C. vestalis biology were carried out in laboratory condition. Results showed that development time of immature stages of P. xylostella including egg, Instar I, Instar II, Instar III, Instar IV, prepupa, pupa were 2.39 +/- 0.17, 2.18 +/- 0.17, 2.06 +/- 0.28, 2.14 +/- 0.14, 2.54 +/- 0.12, 0.40 +/- 0.12 and 4.23 +/- 0.23 days, respectively. Longevity of female and male were 28.26 +/- 0.05 and 30.22 +/- 0.05 days. By dissecting the parasitized larvae, the egg incubation period of C. vestalis was recorded 1.73 +/- 0.06 days. In long-term oviposition trials, females laid eggs on P. xylostella larvae for up to 10 days. Larval development of the parasitoid in host only required 6.47 days: the first instar larva required 3.25 +/- 0.047 days; the second instar larva needed 2.78 +/- 0.1 days and the third instar larvae exited the host and pupated in, 0.4 +/- 0.07 days. Prepupal and pupal period of wasp were 1.9 +/- 0.06 and 2.13 +/- 0.09 day, respectively. Unmated female and male longevity of wasp were 16.83 +/- 0.37, 16.25 +/- 0.17 and sex ratio is male-biased. When a mixed group and isolated of instars were presented for parasitoid, the 2nd and 3rd instar larvae were so preferred and the 4th instar was less attractive for selection. In choice experiment, the percentage parasitism of 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars was 78.58, 69.94 and 4.36%, respectively. The rapid oviposition rate, short life duration and high percentage parasitism increases parasitoid potential for suppression of host population. Present results suggest that C. vestalis has considerable potential as a biological control agent for P. xylostella.