Minocycline induced apoptosis and suppressed expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the breast cancer MCF-7 cells

BACKGROUND

In women, breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer. Looking for new and effective cancer-specific therapies with little to no adverse effects on healthy cells is critical.

OBJECTIVE

Minocycline, a second-generation tetracycline, has shown anticancer effects by targeting multiple pathways in various cancers. This study aimed to determine minocycline effects on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of the human MCF-7 cells.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of minocycline on the cells. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate the induction of apoptosis and the cell cycle progression. The expression levels of apoptotic and migration proteins and genes were assessed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. The scratch test was performed to evaluate the anti-migration effect of the drug.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the IC50 value of minocycline for MCF-7 cells was 36.10 µM. Minocycline treatment caused sub-G1 cell accumulation, indicating a significant apoptotic effect on the MCF-7 cells. Annexin-V/PI staining revealed a significant rise in early and late apoptotic cell percentages. Minocycline up-regulated Bax and Caspase-3 expression and down-regulated Bcl-2 and Pro-Cas3. The scratch test revealed significant anti-migration effects for minocycline. Furthermore, it caused down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent method.

CONCLUSION

These findings further confirmed the anticancer effect of minocycline and highlighted that minocycline maybe considered as potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Minocycline as a prospective therapeutic agent for cancer and non-cancer diseases: a scoping review

Minocycline is an FDA-approved secondary-generation tetracycline antibiotic. It is a synthetic antibiotic having many biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective functions. This study discusses the pharmacological mechanisms of preventive and therapeutic effects of minocycline. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular pathways by which minocycline acts on the different cancers, including ovarian, breast, glioma, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, lung, prostate, melanoma, head and neck, leukemia, and non-cancer diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington, polycystic ovary syndrome, and coronavirus disease 19. Minocycline may be a potential medication for these disorders due to its strong blood-brain barrier penetrance. It is also widely accepted as a specific medication, has a well-known side-effect characteristic, is reasonably priced, making it appropriate for continuous use in managing diseases, and has been demonstrated as an oral approach because it is effectively absorbed and accomplished almost all of the body's parts.

Investigating the Association of MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Among Azerbaijani Women from Northwest Iran

Background: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), defined as two or more succeeding abortions during 20 weeks of gestation, affects 3-5% of pregnancies. Several studies have found that most women with RSA had at least one (and sometimes two copies) of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T variant. Materials and Methods: The study involved 118 women who had two or more spontaneous abortions (SAs) as the case group and 118 women who had at least one live birth but no SA as the control group. Clinical features such as age, body mass index (BMI), medication received, family history of abortion, and thrombophilia were investigated. Real-time PCR was used for genotyping subjects for MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. Results: Significant differences in age, BMI, and medication received characters have been shown between those in the patients' group. For the MTHFR C677T gene, the genotypes for the patients' group were 36%, 60%, and 4%, whereas the genotypes for the control group were 30%, 58%, and 12%. In addition, the C and T allelic frequencies were 59% and 41% in the healthy control group and 67% and 33% in the patients' group, respectively. A significant association was found between the TT genotype and RSA. A 3.84-fold increased risk of RSA was associated with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 3.84, confidence interval: 1.28-10.93, p-value = 0.02). Conclusions: In this study, homozygosity for the T allele was significantly lower in the RSA-affected than in healthy women, whereas heterozygosity did not vary substantially between the two groups, which was in line with other studies.

Analysis of Racial Disparity among U.S. Patients with Gynecologic Cancers and COVID-19 Infection

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gynecologic cancer care has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied the association of racial disparity and COVID infection in the care of patients with gynecologic cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To assess the association of racial disparity and COVID infection in gynecologic cancers the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for the year 2020 for patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on COVID test result status and subsequently stratified based on race. Race/ethnicity was categorized as 1) non-Hispanic White (NHW), 2) non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 3) Hispanic. Subjects with missing race/ethnicity information were excluded. Outcome variables were time from diagnosis to initiation of treatment (surgery, radiation therapy versus chemotherapy). Continuous and categorical variables were reported as median [interquartile range] and number [rate] and were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test, respectively. Statistical software was used and the level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 36,863 subjects with newly diagnosed gynecologic cancers in 2020 underwent had available COVID testing information (4,827 with cervical, 23,935 with endometrial, and 8,101 with ovarian cancer). 31,516 (85.5%), 4,735 (12.8%), and 612 (1.7%) of the population were NHW, NHB, and Hispanic, respectively. The overall rate of COVID infection was the highest in NHB (6.9%), followed by Hispanic (5.6%) and NHW (5.4%), p < 0.001. Patients with cervical cancer had the highest rate of COVID infection (7.3%), followed by ovarian (5.6%) and endometrial (5.2%), p < 0.001. Non-Hispanic Black women with cervical cancer had the highest rate of infection (8.6%). Median time from diagnosis to first surgical procedure was highest in COVID positive NHB subjects (52 [IQR 20-91] in NHB, 41 [IQR 12-67] in NHW, and 40 [IQR 9-58] in Hispanics, p = 0.02). Median time from diagnosis to first radiation treatment was also highest in COVID positive NHB subjects (83 [IQR 29-107] in NHB, 52 [IQR 17-67] in NHW, and 39 [IQR 9-51] in Hispanics, p = 0.04). There was not racial or ethnic disparity in time from diagnosis to the first systemic therapy.

CONCLUSION

COVID pandemic has substantially impacted gynecologic cancer care in the United States and exacerbated existing healthcare disparities. Members of African American community with gynecologic cancers have been affected the most compared to other racial groups, both in terms of COVID infection rates and delays in receiving care. Further study is warranted to understand impact on long-term cancer related outcomes.

Non-Infectious Complications in B-Lymphopenic Common Variable Immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is considered the most symptomatic type of inborn errors of immunity in humans. Along with infectious complications, which have numerous consequences, non-infectious complications are also a major challenge among CVID patients.

METHODS

All registered CVID patients in the national database were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of B-cell lymphopenia. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, non-infectious organ involvements, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative diseases were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 387 enrolled patients, 66.4% were diagnosed with non-infectious complications; however, 33.6% had only infectious presentations. Enteropathy, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative disorders were reported in 35.1%, 24.3%, and 21.4% of patients, respectively. Some complications, including autoimmunity and hepatosplenomegaly, were reported to be significantly higher among patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among organ involvement, dermatologic, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems were predominantly affected in CVID patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among autoimmune manifestations, the frequency of rheumatologic, hematologic, and gastrointestinal autoimmunity was reported to be higher compared to other types of autoimmunity independent from the B cell-lymphopenia. Furthermore, hematological cancers, particularly lymphoma, were slightly introduced as the most common type of malignancy. Meanwhile, the mortality rate was 24.5%, and respiratory failure and malignancies were reported as the most common cause of death in our patients without significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Considering that some of the non-infectious complications might be associated with B-cell lymphopenia, therefore, regular patient monitoring and follow-up along with proper medications (besides immunoglobulins replacement therapy) are highly recommended to prevent further sequels and increase the patients' quality of life.

Prenatal Exposure to L-Citrulline Has Positive Effects on Reflexive Motor Behavior in Newborn Mice

L-citrulline (L-cit) is a nonessential amino acid that interacts with the veracity of neurotransmitters in the brain and might have a positive effect on fetal growth. However, there is no information about the possible effect of L-cit on reflexive motor behavior. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal exposure to L-cit on reflexive motor behavior in mice offspring. Forty pregnant female mice were allocated into four groups. In the control group, mice received water, while in groups 2-4, female mice orally gavage with L-cit (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) at 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 days of gestation (GD). Following delivery, pups were selected, and reflexive motor behaviors were determined using ambulation, hind-limb foot angle, surface righting, hind-limb strength, grip strength, front limb suspension, and negative geotaxis tests. Also, serum Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. Based on the findings, maternal exposure to L-cit improved ambulation score, hind-limb suspension score, grip strength, and front-limb suspension in offspring (P<0.05). Prenatal exposure to L-cit decreased surface righting, hind-limb foot angle, and negative geotaxis in offspring (P<0.05). L-cit decreased immobility time in forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and increased number of squares crossed in the open field test (OFT) and spending time on rotarod on postpartum mice (P<0.05). L-cit increased serum NO levels (P<0.05). L-cit decreased blood MDA and increased SOD and GPx levels in offspring (P<0.05). Findings revealed that L-cit improves postpartum behaviors in mice and reflexive motor in their pups.

O096 Does boron bioactive glass have a role in bone regeneration?

Introduction

Bioactive glasses (BGs) provide an alternative to allogenic bone grafts. Various ions can be incorporated into the BGs structure to further influence regenerative or antimicrobial properties. Boron has recently been purposed as element that can be incorporated into BGs to promote desirable cellular regenerative response. This study aims to systematically review literature to determine the level of evidence that boron bioactive glasses (BBGs) and boron can promote desirable bone regenerative responses both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

A systematic review of Web of Science was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Data collected included bone cell behavioural analysis in response to boron or BBG compared to controls. Material properties of BBG (mechanical properties, degradation rate) compared to BG were compared.

Results

A total of 105 articles were included; 98 regarding BBG, and 12 articles studying the effect of boron. A higher biodegradation rate was observed in BBG compared with silicate-based BGs. BBGs have a lower compressive strength and increased fragility, as the percentage of B203 increases. 16 articles demonstrated a positive correlation with BBG and expression of OCN, VEGF, osteopontin, and RUNX2. Overall, metabolic activity of cells up to 14 days was lower in comparison to media and silicate BG.

Conclusion

BBGs have gained increased attention in the literature but the lack of heterogeneity and paucity of data does not provide convincing evidence of the effect of boron on bone regeneration and indicates the need for further quantitative research with a standardised approach to assessment.

Take-home message

Bioactive glasses can promote regeneration of bone, however the lack of heterogeneity and paucity of data regarding boron bioactive glass indicate the need for further quantitative research and standardised approach to assessment.

Addition of milk to coffee beverages; the effect on functional, nutritional, and sensorial properties

To date, there exists a debate on the effect of milk added to coffee infusions/beverages concerning the nutritional quality of coffee and the functional properties of its phenolic compounds. Yet, the full nutritional quality and functional properties of a coffee beverage without a significant negative impact on its sensorial profile are highly desired by the consumers. Negative/masking, positive, and neutral effects of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioavailability of coffee phenolics (particularly, chlorogenic acids) have been reported. Some potential factors including the type and amount of milk added, type of coffee beverage, the composition of both milk (protein and fat) and coffee (phenolic compounds), preparation method, assays used to measure antioxidant properties, and sampling size may account for the various reported findings. Interactions between phenolic compounds in coffee and milk proteins could account as the main responsible aspect for the reported masking/negative impact of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility/bioavailability of coffee bioactives. However, considering the interactions between milk components and coffee phenolics, which result in the loss of their functionality, the role of milk fat globules and the milk fat globule membrane can also be crucial, but this has not been addressed in the literature so far.HighlightsIn most cases, milk is added to the coffee beverages in several various ways.Effect of milk on the nutritional/functional properties of coffee is controversial.Enough evidence suggests negative effects of milk addition on properties of coffee.Interactions of coffee phenolics and milk proteins could account as the main aspect.The role of milk fat globules and milk fat globule membrane may also be crucial.

Zeffiro User Interface for Electromagnetic Brain Imaging: a GPU Accelerated FEM Tool for Forward and Inverse Computations in Matlab

This article introduces the Zeffiro interface (ZI) version 2.2 for brain imaging. ZI aims to provide a simple, accessible and multimodal open source platform for finite element method (FEM) based and graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerated forward and inverse computations in the Matlab environment. It allows one to (1) generate a given multi-compartment head model, (2) to evaluate a lead field matrix as well as (3) to invert and analyze a given set of measurements. GPU acceleration is applied in each of the processing stages (1)-(3). In its current configuration, ZI includes forward solvers for electro-/magnetoencephalography (EEG) and linearized electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as well as a set of inverse solvers based on the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM). We report the results of EEG and EIT inversion tests performed with real and synthetic data, respectively, and demonstrate numerically how the inversion parameters affect the EEG inversion outcome in HBM. The GPU acceleration was found to be essential in the generation of the FE mesh and the LF matrix in order to achieve a reasonable computing time. The code package can be extended in the future based on the directions given in this article.

Randomized Multiresolution Scanning in Focal and Fast E/MEG Sensing of Brain Activity with a Variable Depth

We focus on electro-/magnetoencephalography imaging of the neural activity and, in particular, finding a robust estimate for the primary current distribution via the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM). Our aim is to develop a reasonably fast maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation technique which would be applicable for both superficial and deep areas without specific a priori knowledge of the number or location of the activity. To enable source distinguishability for any depth, we introduce a randomized multiresolution scanning (RAMUS) approach in which the MAP estimate of the brain activity is varied during the reconstruction process. RAMUS aims to provide a robust and accurate imaging outcome for the whole brain, while maintaining the computational cost on an appropriate level. The inverse gamma (IG) distribution is applied as the primary hyperprior in order to achieve an optimal performance for the deep part of the brain. In this proof-of-the-concept study, we consider the detection of simultaneous thalamic and somatosensory activity via numerically simulated data modeling the 14-20 ms post-stimulus somatosensory evoked potential and field response to electrical wrist stimulation. Both a spherical and realistic model are utilized to analyze the source reconstruction discrepancies. In the numerically examined case, RAMUS was observed to enhance the visibility of deep components and also marginalizing the random effects of the discretization and optimization without a remarkable computation cost. A robust and accurate MAP estimate for the primary current density was obtained in both superficial and deep parts of the brain.

Interleukin-23 receptor gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Considering the possible roles of interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene in the pathogenesis of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), the objective of this study was to elucidate whether polymorphisms of the IL23R are associated with susceptibility to JSLE in an Iranian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study on 62 patients with JSLE and 78 healthy controls was performed to investigate the associations of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-23R gene, namely, rs7517847, rs10489629, rs11209026, and rs1343151, with susceptibility to JSLE, using real-time polymerase chain reaction Taqman genotyping technique.

RESULTS

Analysis of allele and genotype frequency of four selected SNPs revealed statistically significant positive association between homozygous variant of rs7517847 (TT) (P, 0.02) and T allele at the same position (P, 0.01) with JSLE vulnerability. There was no significant association between other evaluated SNPs and JSLE susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that particular IL-23R gene variants could affect individual susceptibility to JSLE.

Gill lesions and mortality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with a dense bloom of Heterosigma-like algae in Khuzestan province

BACKGROUND

Widespread common carp (Cyprinus carpio) mortalities have been recorded in Khuzestan province fish farms in recent years. In summer of 2017 two cases of harmful algal bloom were encountered that led to massive mortality in common carp in Khuzestan, Iran.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify the possible etiologic agent of two mortalities with characteristic symptoms of gill lesions due to harmful algae.

METHODS

Water samples were collected and 5 moribund fishes were examined by histophatologic, scanning electron microscopic and PCR examination.

RESULTS

In wet smear preparations, a lot of algal cells and fragments, and sloughed, necrotic epithelial cells were observed between the lamellae. In histopathologic examination of gills, hyperplasia, necrosis and algal cells surrounded by hyperplastic cells were seen in tissue sections. No inflammatory cell aggregation was noticed. In scanning electron microscopic examination the algae was found attached to the gill surface (cell diameter: 8.5 ± 4.2 µm) with 2 equal flagella.

CONCLUSION

Phytoplankton analysis using direct microscopy and electron microscopy, morphologically resembling Heterosigma was identified, however, in PCR tests, Heterosigma analysis showed negative results, therefore the causative agent was called "Heterosigma-like" algae.

Prevalence of metallo‑beta‑lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from intensive care unit in tertiary care hospitals

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii has become a global concern in nosocomial infections. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of MBL producing genes among clinical isolates of A. baumannii from hospitalized patients.

METHODS

This study was performed from October 2015 to October 2016 at three teaching hospitals located in Isfahan, Iran. Totally, 100 A-baumannii isolates were collected from clinical specimens and identified as A-baumannii using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was determined by disc diffusion method according to the CLSI. Furthermore, the determination of bla _IMP-1, bla _IMP-2, bla _VIM-1, bla _VIM-2and bla _SIM-1 was detected by PCR.

RESULTS

Totally, Sixty-eight percent (68%) of isolates of A. baumannii were recovered from tracheal aspirate. According to the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the highest level of resistance was against ciprofloxacin (99%), while among tested antibiotics amikacin (10%) was found to be the most effective. 21%, 4%, 7% and 6% isolates carried bla _IMP-1, bla _IMP-2, bla _VIM-1 and bla _VIM-2 genes, respectively. Also, bla _SIM-1 was not detected in any of the isolates.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed high rate of the MBL producing A-baumannii isolates in our region and displayed that MBLs producing A-baumannii strains are emerging threats to ICUs.

Association of NLRP3 single nucleotide polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation episodes within mucosal layer of the intestine mostly affecting colon and rectum. As the role of innate immunity in pathogenesis of disease and important role of NLRP3, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of NLRP3 SNPs with UC in Iranian patients.

METHODS

Blood samples from 45 UC patients and 56 healthy subjects were tested for single nucleotide polymorphisms in rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 of NLRP3 gene, using real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

Among the investigated SNPs, "GG" genotype of rs10754558 have been 2.48 times more common among UC patients (P=0.04), while "CG" genotype has indicated protective effect against UC, as more frequently found in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Despite no significant association between three investigated SNPs and disease, "GG" and "CG" genotypes of rs10754558 have been significantly associated with disease.

Decline in peripheral blood NKG2D+CD3+CD56+ NKT cells in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of cancer deaths in the world. This cancer can be divided into non-metastatic and metastatic CRC stages. CD3+CD56+ NKT cell subsets are a minor T cell subset in peripheral blood and conduct the killing of tumor cells in direct manner. Little is obvious about levels and surface markers of these cells such as NKG2D in different cancers, especially in CRC.

METHODS

We included 15 non-metastatic (low-grade), 11 non-metastatic (high-grade), 10 metastatic colorectal cancer patients and 18 healthy controls. The percentages of CD3+CD56+ NKT cells and NKG2D+CD56+ NKT cells from samples were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of samples.

RESULTS

We found that there was a significantly lower number of NKG2D+CD3+CD56+ cells in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer compared with normal controls (77.53 ± 5.79 % vs 90.74 ± 9.84 %; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The fact that frequency of NKG2D+CD56+ NKT cells was significantly lower in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer compared to healthy controls strengthens the hypothesis that NKT cells can play a substantial role in the protection against human colorectal cancer, and this opens up avenues for novel studies about elucidating the other aspects of tumor surveillance in CRC progression and immunotherapy (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 46).

Imaging techniques: new avenues in cancer gene and cell therapy

Cancer is one of the world's most concerning health problems and poses many challenges in the range of approaches associated with the treatment of cancer. Current understanding of this disease brings to the fore a number of novel therapies that can be useful in the treatment of cancer. Among them, gene and cell therapies have emerged as novel and effective approaches. One of the most important challenges for cancer gene and cell therapies is correct monitoring of the modified genes and cells. In fact, visual tracking of therapeutic cells, immune cells, stem cells and genetic vectors that contain therapeutic genes and the various drugs is important in cancer therapy. Similarly, molecular imaging, such as nanosystems, fluorescence, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, single photon-emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have also been found to be powerful tools in monitoring cancer patients who have received therapeutic cell and gene therapies or drug therapies. In this review, we focus on these therapies and their molecular imaging techniques in treating and monitoring the progress of the therapies on various types of cancer.

Association of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms with Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a severe and chronic autoimmune disease of unknown origin. Inflammatory cytokines can play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of JSLE, while their secretion is under genetic control. The current investigation was performed to analyse the associations of particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) genes in a case control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of the polymorphic IL-2 (G/T at -330, rs2069762, and G/T at +166, rs2069763) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874, rs2430561) genes were estimated in 59 patients with JSLE by contrast with 140 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method.

RESULTS

Results of the analysed data revealed a negative allelic association for JSLE in IL-2 -330/T (P=0.02), as well as a positive allelic association for IL-2 -330/G (P=0.02). IL-2 GG genotype (-330) in the patient group was also significantly overrepresented (P<0.001), while IL-2 GT genotype (-330) was notably decreased in the patients with JSLE (P<0.001). Additionally, the frequency of IL-2 (-330, +166) GT haplotype was significantly higher in the patient group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

IL-2 cytokine gene polymorphisms could affect individual susceptibility to JSLE and can take on the role of possible genetic markers for vulnerability to JSLE.

Pulmonary tuberculosis in migratory nomadic populations: the missing link in Iran's National Tuberculosis Programme

OBJECTIVE

To detect pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in migratory nomadic populations in Fars Province, southern Iran.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

In this study, 5506 (82.8%) of a total nomad population of 6650 from 1337 tents were screened for PTB. The mean age was 27.4 ± 18.2 years (range 1-109). Based on clinical symptoms, 141/5506 (2.6%) were identified as TB suspects. One male and three female adult new smear-positive PTB cases were detected, giving an incidence rate of 0.7/1000 population compared to 0.08/1000 in the general population of the region, and 28.4/1000 TB suspects. The median time to onset of symptoms in detected cases was 82.5 days. Tribal stigma against female TB patients was one of the main barriers to appropriate health-seeking behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of smear-positive PTB among migratory nomads is approximately nine-fold higher than in the general population. Active screening of TB in migratory nomads should be integrated into Iran's national TB control programme. The issue of destigmatisation, particularly among female TB patients, should also be addressed.

The decrease in NKG2D+ Natural Killer cells in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in the immune defense against tumors such as colorectal cancer. In humans, NKG2D is an activating immune receptor constitutively expressed in most cytotoxic lymphocytes including NK and CD8+ T cells. In this study, the expression of NKG2D molecule was investigated in peripheral blood NK cells from colorectal cancer patients and compared with healthy subjects.

METHODS

We studied 21 non-metastatic (low-grade), 17 non-metastatic (high-grade), 16 metastatic colorectal cancer patients, and 24 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were obtained to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the percentage of peripheral blood NKG2D+CD3-CD56+ NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of NKG2D at mRNA level was also measured by real-time PCR in both, patients and control subjects.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant reduction in the percentage of NKG2D+NK cells as well as NKG2D mRNA expression in peripheral blood of metastatic colon cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

This result suggests that decreased expression of activating NKG2D receptor in metastatic colorectal cancer might compromise NK cell function and allow tumor to evade immunity (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 33).

Effect of Hot Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition Growth Method on Tungsten Carbide Nanostructures

The synthesis of tungsten carbide nanostructures on silicon substrates using hot filament chemical vapour deposition is described. The effect of substrate temperature and gas mixture on structural and morphological properties of the nanostructure was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD results show that different phases are more likely to grow due to increasing carbonisation by increasing the temperature. Also EDAX analyses confirm the presence of tungsten and carbon in structure. All Raman spectra indicate the occurrence of the amorphous carbon, characterised by two peaks, one related to carbon network and another which is due to disorder. From AFM images we can conclude that the grain size increased by increasing the temperature and this caused the increase in the roughness.

Sediment toxicity and ecological risk of trace metals from streams surrounding a municipal solid waste landfill

The present study is an attempt to assess the pollution intensity and corresponding ecological risk of heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr using various indices like geo-accumulation index, concentration factor, pollution loading and ecological risk index. In all 21 surface sediments samples were collected from the stream flowing around the solid waste disposal landfill of Qayen city in southeastern Iran. Although Igeo values for Cd varied greatly, sites 18-21 with class 5 show heavy loads of Cd (values between 4.13 and 4.45). PLI values (3.37-12.89) clearly suggest strong contamination with respect to the measured metals. This study clearly indicates that the contamination risk in the downstream reservoir is much higher than upstream sites due to transfer and accumulation of leached metals from upstream to downstream.

Long-term evolution of the composition of surface water from the River Gharasoo, Iran: a case study using multivariate statistical techniques

We report an assessment of the quality of surface water from the River Gharasoo, Iran, with rainfall data. EC, pH, HCO(3)(-), Cl(-), SO(4), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Na(+), %Na, and sodium adsorption ratio results, monitored monthly by two sampling stations over a period of 40 years, were held by the Hydraulic Works Organization in Kermanshah City. Principal-components analysis of the data revealed three factors for each station explaining 90.36 and 79.52 % of the total variance in the respective water-quality data. The first factor was chemical components resulting from point and non-point source pollution, especially industrial and domestic waste, and agricultural runoff, as a result of anthropogenic activity. Rainfall had significant negative correlation with bicarbonate only, at a level of 0.05, at station 1. Box-plot analysis revealed that, except for pH, the other studied characteristics were indicative of high pollution at station 1. Among the sources of pollution at station 1, Mg(2+) and Cl(-) data deviated most from normal distribution and included outliers and extremes. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed EC was substantially affected by rainfall. It is thus essential to treat industrial wastewater and municipal sewage from point sources by adoption of the best management practices to control diffuse pollutants and improve water quality of the Gharasoo River basin.

Fraction distribution and bioavailability of sediment heavy metals in the environment surrounding MSW landfill: a case study

The aim of this study was to characterize the sediment samples from vicinity of a landfill in Qayen City, Iran. The samples were obtained from four different sampling stations. Sequential extraction was performed via a four-step procedure defined to evaluate the distribution of the element fraction in various samples. In the stations 3 and 4, Cd was found in large quantities during the first extraction F1, accounting for 40.4 and 38.7%, respectively. Pb was primarily presented in F2 of station 1 (approximately 44.80%), station 2 (approximately 41.8%), and station 4 (approximately 37.7%). Moreover, principal component analysis showed that heavy metal fraction in the sediment samples can be explained by two principal components (PCs). PC1 represented Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn, while PC2 represented Pb and Cu. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated significant correlations in Cu-Pb, Zn-Cu, and Cr-Zn pairings. The present study concluded that the spatial distributions of sediment heavy metals were influenced by MSW landfill.

A computational study on brain tissue under blast: primary and tertiary blast injuries

In this paper, a biomechanical study of a human head model exposed to blast shock waves followed by a blunt impact with the surface of the enclosing walls of a confined space is carried out. Under blast, the head may experience primary blast injury (PBI) due to exposure to the shockwaves and tertiary blast injury (TeBI) due to a possible blunt impact. We examine the brain response data in a deformable finite element head model in terms of the inflicted stress/pressure, velocity, and acceleration on the brain for several blast scenarios with different intensities. The data will be compared for open space and confined spaces. Following the initial impact of the shock front in the confined space, one can see the fluctuations in biomechanical data due to wave reflections. Although the severity of the PBI and TeBI is dependent on the situation, for the cases studied here, PBI is considerably more pronounced than TeBI in confined spaces.

Administration of estradiol benzoate before insemination could skew secondary sex ratio toward males in Holstein dairy cows

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of estradiol benzoate administration before insemination on secondary sex ratio (proportion of male calves at birth) in Holstein dairy cows. Cows (n = 1,647) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups by parity over a 1-yr period. Cows in the control group (n = 827; 232 primiparous and 595 multiparous cows) received 2 administrations of PGF2α (500 μg) 14 d apart, started at 30 to 35 d postpartum. Twelve d after the second PGF2α injection, cows received GnRH (100 μg), followed by administration of PGF2α 7 d later. Cows in the treatment group (n = 820; 238 primiparous and 582 multiparous cows) received the same hormonal administrations as the cows in the control group. Additionally, cows in the treatment group received estradiol benzoate (1 mg) 1 d after the third PGF2α injection. Estrus detection by visual observation was started 1 d after the third PGF2α injection and after estradiol administration in the control (for 6 d) and treatment (for 36 h) groups, respectively. Artificial insemination was carried out 12 h after observation of standing estrus. Exposure of cows to heat stress at conception was determined based on temperature-humidity index. Estrus detection rate was lower in primiparous than in multiparous cows (P < 0.05), but conception rate was higher in primiparous vs multiparous cows (P < 0.05). Estradiol administration improved estrus detection rate and fertility (P < 0.05); moreover, it increased secondary sex ratio (adjusted odds ratio: 1.645; P = 0.017). Exposure to heat stress diminished heat detection rate and fertility (P < 0.05), and altered secondary sex ratio toward males (adjusted odds ratio: 2.863; P = 0.012). In conclusion, the present study revealed that estradiol administration before insemination could improve fertility and increase the probability of calves being male in Holstein dairy cows. Moreover, the results showed that cows exposed to heat stress around conception had diminished fertility and increased secondary sex ratio.

Computational modeling of human head under blast in confined and open spaces: primary blast injury

In this paper, a computational modeling for biomechanical analysis of primary blast injuries is presented. The responses of the brain in terms of mechanical parameters under different blast spaces including open, semi-confined, and confined environments are studied. In the study, the effect of direct and indirect blast waves from the neighboring walls in the confined environments will be taken into consideration. A 50th percentile finite element head model is exposed to blast waves of different intensities. In the open space, the head experiences a sudden intracranial pressure (ICP) change, which vanishes in a matter of a few milliseconds. The situation is similar in semi-confined space, but in the confined space, the reflections from the walls will create a number of subsequent peaks in ICP with a longer duration. The analysis procedure is based on a simultaneous interaction simulation of the deformable head and its components with the blast wave propagations. It is concluded that compared with the open and semi-confined space settings, the walls in the confined space scenario enhance the risk of primary blast injuries considerably because of indirect blast waves transferring a larger amount of damaging energy to the head.

Relationship between mental health and its impact on family’s aggressive students boys and girls

Introduction

The main purpose of mental health, prevention of the occurrence of adversity and minor behavior disorders and health promotion, mental health is the best form.

Objectives

This study reviews the relationship between mental health and its impact on family aggression male and female students Payam Noor University is the center of Babol.

Methods

Descriptive study methods - is solidarity. Statistical Society study male and female students of Babol University of Payam Noor Centre in 89–88 school year are studying make up. Sample consisted of 100 male and female students to simple random sampling method chosen. Data collected in this study were two questionnaires: General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the aggression questionnaire (AQ) is. And to analyze the data and the correlation coefficient R. The T method through SPSS software was used.

Results

Results showed that families with mental health among students, male and female aggression significant relationship exists. The results also show that between family and mental health scores of aggressive students, and significant negative relationship is seen. Whatever the mental health students is more aggressive than they would be.

Conclusions

The Role of Family Mental Health Dreaming family undoubtedly provides mental health and prevents distractions behavior has a major role.

Development of single-cycle replicable human immunodeficiency virus 1 mutants

Non-infectious but antigenic human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) particles are essential tool for the research on many topics associated with this virus. Here we report the construction of plasmid containing the HIV-1 genome mutated in the pol gene, which was co-transfected with plasmids expressing the pol gene products reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN), and the glycoprotein G of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G). The virions produced in HEK 293 T cells were antigenic, but able to replicate only for one cycle, e.g. first generation single-cycle replicable (SCR) virions. The presence of VSV-G in the envelope of these virions had to ensure a wider spectrum of susceptible cell types for the replication of SCR. Replication of the first generation SCR virions in HEK 293T, MT-2, and mouse spleen cells was examined by p24-capture ELISA, syncytium formation assay, and electron microscopy (EM). HEK 293T and MT-2 cell lines showed a similar replication capacity, while primary cultures of mouse spleen cells were much less effective. The infection of MT-2 cells with the first generation of SCR virions yielded the second generation SCR virions, which were non-infectious. Summing up, the HIV-1 SCR virions represent the useful tool for HIV-1 research facilitating a better biological safety. Moreover, considering their antigenic composition and limited replication, SCR virions may be a promising candidate for the vaccine studies.