Novel polyurethane-based ionene nanoparticles electrostatically stabilized with hyaluronic acid for effective gene therapy

Gene therapy is considered to be a valuable strategy for effective cancer treatment. However, the development of effective delivery systems that can specifically deliver gene materials, such as siRNA to tumor tissues plays a critical role in cancer therapy. In the present study, we have developed a novel complex that is based on an electrostatic interaction between cationic polyurethane ionene (CPUI) nanoparticles and an anti-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA. For active targeting, hyaluronic acid (HA) was used to coat the complexes, which significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of the blank nanocarriers while demonstrating high transport efficiency of the siRNA via the CD44-mediated endocytosis pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The targeted nanocarriers (HA/CPUI/siRNA) showed significantly higher cellular internalization in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy compared with the non-targeted system (CPUI/siRNA). In addition, the incorporation of HA on the surface of the complexes resulted in significantly greater suppression of the STAT3 gene compared to the corresponding non-targeted formulation. Whole-body fluorescence images showed more significant tumor accumulation of the targeted nanocarriers in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, HA/CPUI/siRNA nanocarriers are an interesting option for the siRNA-targeted treatment of breast cancer cells.

A review of advanced hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

With the increase in weight and age of the population, the consumption of tobacco, inappropriate foods, and the reduction of sports activities in recent years, bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) have become more common in the world. From the past until now, various treatment strategies (e.g., microfracture treatment, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), and Mosaicplasty) have been investigated and studied for the prevention and treatment of this disease. However, these methods face problems such as being invasive, not fully repairing the tissue, and damaging the surrounding tissues. Tissue engineering, including cartilage tissue engineering, is one of the minimally invasive, innovative, and effective methods for the treatment and regeneration of damaged cartilage, which has attracted the attention of scientists in the fields of medicine and biomaterials engineering in the past several years. Hydrogels of different types with diverse properties have become desirable candidates for engineering and treating cartilage tissue. They can cover most of the shortcomings of other treatment methods and cause the least secondary damage to the patient. Besides using hydrogels as an ideal strategy, new drug delivery and treatment methods, such as targeted drug delivery and treatment through mechanical signaling, have been studied as interesting strategies. In this study, we review and discuss various types of hydrogels, biomaterials used for hydrogel manufacturing, cartilage-targeting drug delivery, and mechanosignaling as modern strategies for cartilage treatment.

Progress in bioprinting technology for tissue regeneration

In recent years, due to the increase in diseases that require organ/tissue transplantation and the limited donor, on the other hand, patients have lost hope of recovery and organ transplantation. Regenerative medicine is one of the new sciences that promises a bright future for these patients by providing solutions to repair, improve function, and replace tissue. One of the technologies used in regenerative medicine is three-dimensional (3D) bioprinters. Bioprinting is a new strategy that is the basis for starting a global revolution in the field of medical sciences and has attracted much attention. 3D bioprinters use a combination of advanced biology and cell science, computer science, and materials science to create complex bio-hybrid structures for various applications. The capacity to use this technology can be demonstrated in regenerative medicine to make various connective tissues, such as skin, cartilage, and bone. One of the essential parts of a 3D bioprinter is the bio-ink. Bio-ink is a combination of biologically active molecules, cells, and biomaterials that make the printed product. In this review, we examine the main bioprinting strategies, such as inkjet printing, laser, and extrusion-based bioprinting, as well as some of their applications.

Deep learning‐based microarray cancer classification and ensemble gene selection approach

Malignancies and diseases of various genetic origins can be diagnosed and classified with microarray data. There are many obstacles to overcome due to the large size of the gene and the small number of samples in the microarray. A combination strategy for gene expression in a variety of diseases is described in this paper, consisting of two steps: identifying the most effective genes via soft ensembling and classifying them with a novel deep neural network. The feature selection approach combines three strategies to select wrapper genes and rank them according to the k‐nearest neighbour algorithm, resulting in a very generalisable model with low error levels. Using soft ensembling, the most effective subsets of genes were identified from three microarray datasets of diffuse large cell lymphoma, leukaemia, and prostate cancer. A stacked deep neural network was used to classify all three datasets, achieving an average accuracy of 97.51%, 99.6%, and 96.34%, respectively. In addition, two previously unreported datasets from small, round blue cell tumors (SRBCTs)and multiple sclerosis‐related brain tissue lesions were examined to show the generalisability of the model method.

Correlation of Deceased Donor Factors to Postreperfusion Severe Hyperglycemia in Adult Patients Undergoing Liver Transplant

OBJECTIVES

In this study, our objective was to identify perioperative factors associated with postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia, with a particular focus on deceased donor factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Perioperative data from 100 patients without diabetes who were undergoing liver transplant from deceased donors were reviewed. Mean blood glucose levels were calculated at each liver transplant surgical phase, with a cutoff level of 12.7 mmol/L (230 mg/dL) during the neo-hepatic phase defined as postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia. Patients were divided into those with and without postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia. Selected perioperative variables were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Of 100 patients, 55 developed postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia. Among donor variables, a statistically significant difference between groups was only shown for graft-to-recipient liver weight ratio (P < .001). With regard to preoperative recipient variables, the 2 groups showed a significant difference in mean age (P = .001). Patients in the postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia group required significantly more packed red blood cell transfusions (P = .002), sodium bicarbonate (P = .054), and vasopressors (P = .002) during the operation. Moreover, in terms of laboratory findings, although the last arterial pH was acceptable in both groups, a last lower arterial pH was observed in patients with postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia (P = .011). Higher mean blood glucose levels were detected in the postre - perfusion hyperglycemia group during the preanhepatic and anhepatic phases (P = .024, P = .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing liver transplant, incidence of postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia was influenced by graft-to-recipient liver weight ratio. Furthermore, postreperfusion severe hyperglycemia was associated with intraoperative clinical and laboratory disturbances in liver transplant recipients.

Controlled vs Spontaneous Ventilation for Bronchoscopy in Children with Tracheobronchial Foreign Body

INTRODUCTION

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a common life-threatening condition in children. There are controversies in the management of this condition, including the type of ventilation during bronchoscopy. This study aims to compare anesthesia with controlled ventilation versus spontaneous ventilation in rigid bronchoscopy in children with foreign body aspiration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who were candidates for rigid bronchoscopy due to foreign body aspiration were randomly assigned to either anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation or controlled ventilation. End tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂), electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and complications and accidents during the surgery and recovery were recorded for each patient. Surgeon comfort during the procedure was also evaluated for each patient. A 20% change in HR or NIBP was considered significant. SpO₂ values under 90% are considered desaturation.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (31 male and 20 female) entered the study. The mean age was 26.76 months, ranging from 6 to 100 months. Choking and cough were present in 94% and 96.1% of the patients, respectively. Nuts were the most common foreign body (76.9%). The controlled ventilation group had significantly fewer complications, and surgeon comfort was significantly higher in this group. Oxygen desaturation was significantly more prevalent in the spontaneous ventilation group during laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Controlled ventilation has the potential to be used as an effective alternative option in anesthesia for patients with suspected foreign body aspiration.

The effect of music on pain and vital signs of children before and after endoscopy

Background and Aim

Gentle music has relaxing and pain reducing effects. In this study, the effect of music on patients’ vital signs and pain was investigated before and after endoscopy.

Methods

This clinical trial study was conducted on 100 children from seven to fourteen years of age in Gha’em Hospital, Mashhad in 2015. Children were divided into two equal groups (case group=50 and control group=50). The control group received endoscopy according to the standards, without any other procedure. For the case group, a classic musical piece by Clayderman was played during endoscopy (from the time of entering the endoscopy room to the end of the process). After conducting endoscopy, FALCC scale and Baker-Wong pain scale were filled for both groups. In addition, children’s vital signs including: heart rate (pulse), diastolic and systolic blood pressure were measured before and after endoscopy for both groups. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS16 with the help of Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests.

Results

No significant difference was found in age, gender distribution of case or control groups (p>0.05). Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the music (case) group compared to the control group before endoscopy (p=0.012). In addition, pain score in patients of the music group was lower than the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Playing music for children during endoscopy can reduce pain and anxiety in patients before and after endoscopy.

Clinical and endoscopic findings of children hospitalized in Qa'em Hospital of Mashhad due to caustic ingestion (2011-2013)

INTRODUCTION

One of the leading causes of damage to the gastrointestinal tract in children is caustic ingestion which is sometimes life-threatening. The most reliable way to study the severity and extent of damage is endoscopy, which can be harmless in terms of time and technique. The aim of this study was to investigate, evaluate and compare clinical findings and endoscopic results of caustic ingestion.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the records of children diagnosed with caustic ingestion, and hospitalized in Qa'em Hospital of Mashhad from March 2011 to December 2013. Intended data were extracted from patients' records and in case of any ambiguity, it was removed by phone call. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 and chi-square test.

RESULTS

Of 54 patients, there were 36 cases of burn with acidic substance and 16 cases of burn with alkaline. The highest value was related to caustics related to acid batteries (31.5%) and in 77.5% of cases the container of caustic agent was not standard. In endoscopic results, 50 patients out of 54, had esophagus burn such that in 6 cases it was grade I burn, in 15 cases grade IIa, 27 cases with grade IIb and 2 cases with Grade IIIa burn. In addition, mild erythema of stomach in 6 cases, average erythema in 5 cases, mild ulcer in 15 cases, average ulcer in 5 cases and 3 cases with severe ulcer were reported. There was no significant relation between clinical findings and endoscopic results (p=0.68).

CONCLUSION

Since caustic ingestion can be regarded as a life-threatening factor for children, the importance of observing precautions in the storage of caustics and the role of training and adequate attention of parents to this issue to prevent such accidents is clear.

Evaluation of Patients' Rights Observance According to Patients' Rights Charter in Educational Hospitals Affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences: Medical Staffs' Views

Introduction

To supply quality services and healthcare, it is evident that medical ethics and patients’ rights, while providing medical and healthcare services need to be observed. This study was conducted to evaluate observance of the Patients’ Rights Charter among medical staff of educational hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in four educational hospitals in Mashhad on eighty physicians, nurses, nurse aids and medical students. Data were collected using a two-part inventory of patients’ rights, including demographic data and inventory of patients’ rights observance. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-16 as well as descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square, Spearman correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation.

Results

Mean age of subjects was 36.3±8.3. Observance of human rights was perfect by 84.4 percent of subjects. The highest amount of observance of patients’ rights was related to the area of respecting patients’ privacy and observing the principle of confidentiality, which was evaluated to be perfect by all subjects (100%). The lowest value of patients’ rights observance was related to presenting appropriate and adequate information for patients, which was perfect among 48.1% of subjects. There was no significant relation between personal details (age, gender, education and career) and observance of patients’ rights (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Although in this study, the observance of patients’ rights by medical staff is optimal in most areas, the area of providing appropriate and adequate information needs to be promoted. Therefore, it is suggested that more stringent regulatory policies be compiled and implemented to the items of Patients’ Rights Charter along with training courses, to strengthen medical staff’s awareness in this regard.

Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair: The First Iranian Group Report, Passing the Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA+TEF) is accepted as a superior technique at least in cosmetic point of view but it is considered as an advance endoscopic procedure that needs a learning curve to be performed perfectly. This is the first report of Iranian group pediatric surgeons in thoracoscopic approach to EA.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Since 2010, twenty four cases with EA+TEF underwent thoracoscopic approach in Sarvar Children Hospital (Mashhad -Iran). During the first 6 months, thoracoscopic approach to 6 cases of EA+TEF was converted to open procedure because of technical and instrumental problems. The first case of successful thoracoscopic EA repair was accomplished in 2010 and since then, 10 cases of EA+ TEF among 18 patients were treated successfully with thoracoscopic approach

RESULTS

Overall conversion rate was 58.3% but conversion rate after the primary learning curve period, was 35.7%. The main conversion causes include difficulties in esophageal anastomosis, limited exposure and deteriorating the patient's condition. Anastomotic leak and stenosis were observed in 20% and 40% respectively. Overall mortality rate was 4.2%.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia seems feasible and safe with considerable superiorities to the conventional method although acceptable results needs a prolonged learning curve and advanced endoscopic surgical skill. Clear judgment about the best surgical intervention for EA according to all cosmetic and functional outcomes needs further studies.

Anesthetic management in a child with citrullinemia: a case report

Introduction:

Citrullinemia is a defect in the urea cycle that causes ammonia to accumulate in the blood. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with citrullinemia, who experienced an unexpected 10 day hospital admission.

Case Presentation:

We anesthetized a 3.5 year-old boy with citrullinemia who was scheduled for a dentistry procedure. Perioperative precautions included minimizing fasting period, hypothermia prevention, relieving anxiety and pain, perioperative infusion of D10W and benzoate sodium, as well as a pediatric endocrinology consultation. The operation lasted 4 hours and its course was uneventful. He had a delayed recovery from anesthesia and was discharged from hospital after 10 days.

Conclusions:

General anesthesia and surgery can be a risk factor for exacerbating the course of the disease in patients with citrullinemia. It appears that administering short acting sedatives and analgesics in these patients would be of more benefit. Further studies are required to identify a safe method for anesthesia in citrullinemia.

Effect of lidocaine volume and concentration on preventing incidence and severity of propofol injection pain

Background:

Propofol is one of common anesthetic drugs used in anesthesia. The most common side effects of propofol are local pain. Pretreatment with lidocaine can reduce propofol injection pain.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the efficiency of lidocaine 0.4% and 2% in reducing the incidence and severity of propofol injection pain.

Patients and Methods:

This was a double blind prospective clinical trial on children 4-8 years old with class ASA I and II candidates who were referred to Dr. Shaikh Hospital in Mashhad for elective surgery. Sample size calculated 50 patients in each groups based on pilot study. 100 children's were randomly divided equally in two groups, who were injected with lidocaine solutions 2% and 0.4% respectively. patient's pain evaluation based on VSD (verbal descriptor scale) and NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) using patient's verbal reaction and behavior namely fretting, hand drag and tearing. The collated data was analyzed.

Results:

There was nosignificant difference as to the first three variables (age, gender and weight P > 0.2). The significant difference regarding pain experience in both groups was noteworthy (P > 0.2).

Conclusions:

Most of the studies compared lidocaine with other drugs or its efficiency at different doses. Our study is different in that we applied a constant dose of lidocaine in various volumes and concentration. This result shows that lidocaine with the same does but lower concentration and higher volume is more effective in preventing propofol injection pain. Using diluted lidocaine with the dosage of 1 mg/kg and a concentration of 0.4% is an effective way to relieve pain caused by propofol injection in children.