COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS BY POINT OF CARE LUNG ULTRASOUND: A NOVEL DEEP LEARNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE METHOD

BACKGROUND

METHODS AND RESULTS

CONCLUSION

Construction and development of FimH lectin domain for rising immune response after injection by uropathogenic E. coli

Uropathogenic E. coli is one of the major agents of urinary tract infection. Today, no effective treatment or vaccine against this infection is exist. Accordingly, in the present study, a genetic constrruct for inducing of cellular immune system was designed. At first, fimH gene from E. coli 35218 was amplified using PCR. PCR product inserted into pET23a expression vector and the recombinant vector was analysed by sequencing. The vector was transformed to E. coli strain Origami and the protein was expressed under the 1 mM IPTG. FimH was purified with Ni-NTA column and the purified protein was used for immunization of BALB/c. Two weeks after the last injection, lymphocyte proliferation assay was carried out. In addition, IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines, total antibody serum, IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes were quantified. Finally, protection ability of the vaccine in bladder and kidney infection of mice was evaluated.The results indicated that cellular immune response has a main protective role against UTI and FimH, as a vaccine candidate, significantly increase lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ response and total antibody amount. Immunization of mice with FimH conferred effective protection of kidney and bladder against urinary tract infection by uropathogenic E. coli (P< 0.002). It can be concluded that, the current FimH will be valuable for more trying to prepare a new vaccine against UTI.

Case of Renal Aspergillosis after Heart Transplant: Diagnosis and Treatment

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe complication after heart transplantation (HTx), with a high mortality rate. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most common presentation. We herein describe a unique case of Renal aspergillosis (RAsp) diagnosed on month 10 post-HTx with no known risk factors for IPA in cardiac transplant recipients. The diagnosis of RAsp was made based on radiographic findings, renal biopsy, and tissue cultures. The patient initially received combined antifungal therapy (caspofungin and voriconazole) without radical or partial nephrectomy, followed by voriconazole maintenance monotherapy with favorable clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Giardia lamblia Infection Status in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients: A Parasitic Infection Assay

Background

Giardiasis is one of the opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, especially among organ transplant recipients.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in children with heart transplantation.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 heart transplant recipients (aged 1-17 years). Transplant patients were on oral Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) from the first day of transplantation as a prophylaxis regimen. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was evaluated on stool samples by phenotypic assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Results

Out of 53 patients studied, 11 (20.75%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, and 42 (79.25%) were asymptomatic cases. No significant difference was observed between patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms regarding type of heart disorders (p=0.13). The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among heart transplant patients was 5.7% (n=3). Moreover, the frequency was different between gastrointestinal symptomatic and asymptomatic recipients (27.27% and 0%, respectively). All three patients whose stool exams were phenotypically positive for Giardia lamblia were confirmed with PCR. Out of three, two Giardia lamblia isolates were found to have genotype B, while one isolate had genotype A. All of the Giardia positive patients suffered from chronic diarrhea and anorexia. Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora belli and Blastocysts spp. were not found in these cases.

Conclusion

The incidence of Giardia lamblia infection in pediatric heart transplant patients is considerable and should be noted. A comprehensive guideline for the assessment of Giardia lamblia before and after transplantation is suggested.

Apoptosis-inducing effect of spiroaminopyrimidine analogue in NB4 leukemia cells via down-regulation of BIRC5 expression

AIM

It has been reported that spiroaminopyrimidine derivatives inhibited the growth and proliferation of various cancer cell lines. In the present study, we evaluated cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of 2,4-diamino-1,3-diazaspiro[5.5]-9-tert-butyl-2, 4-diene-5-carbonitril (9-tBAP) on NB4 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cells were treated with 10-100 µM of 9-tBAP. Cytotoxic activity of the compound was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was investigated by Hoechst 33258 staining as well as by Annexin V/PI double staining.

RESULTS

The compound under study was found to be highly active cell growth inhibitor with IC₅₀ of 30.0 ± 3.5 µM inducing apoptosis in NB4 cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed a time-dependent increase in sub-G₁ cell population. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the treatment with the compound down-regulated the BIRC5 expression in a time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

9-tBAP displayed potent anti-leukemic activity in vitro thus warranting further investigation.

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9)-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human gastric cancer AGS cells: Alteration in expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and ERK2

Calprotectin is a heterodimeric EF-hand Ca²⁺ binding protein that is typically released by infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. This protein is a key player linking inflammation and cancer. Due to the increased levels of calprotectin in different inflammatory diseases and cancer, it is considered as a marker for diagnostic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the mechanism of cell viability and apoptotic-inducing effects of recombinant human calprotectin (rhS100A8/S100A9) on the gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), the most common type of gastric cancer cell line. AGS cells were exposed to the different concentrations (5-100 μg/ml) of calprotectin for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cell viability was assessed through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptotic-inducing effects of calprotectin were evaluated by sub-G1 cell cycle assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. Furthermore, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the mechanism of action of calprotectin. Our findings indicated that calprotectin inhibits growth and viability of AGS cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values were measured as 85.77, 79.14, and 65.39 μg/ml for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Additionally, we found that calprotectin downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and upregulated proapoptotic protein Bax in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Calprotectin also slightly upregulated the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 2 (ERK2), while it significantly decreased the levels of phospho-ERK in a time-dependent manner. Overall, these findings indicated that calprotectin has cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing effects on AGS cell lines in high concentration by modulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio accompanied by inhibition of ERK activation.

2-NDC from dithiocarbamates improves ATRA efficiency and ROS-induced apoptosis via downregulation of Bcl2 and Survivin in human acute promyelocytic NB4 cells

Although it has been widely considered that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an efficient therapeutic agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), there is an urgent need for extending and examining new therapeutics in medicine. Dithiocarbamates (DTCs) are one of the recent important chemical synthetic compounds used in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apoptosis-inducing effect of 2-nitro-1-phenylethylpiperidine-1-carbodithioate (2-NDC) as an active derivative from DTCs, in combination with ATRA on human APL NB4 cells. The viability of treated NB4 cells was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in various concentrations (10-120 µM). The proapoptotic effects of 2-NDC were investigated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, DNA ladder formation, and flow cytometry. We also assessed the oxidative stress-inducing effect of 2-NDC and in combination with ATRA on the NB4 cells. The alteration in gene expression levels of Bax, Bcl2, and Survivin was measured through a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we redetected the interaction between 2-NDC and antiapoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Survivin via molecular docking. We found that 2-NDC induced apoptosis in NB4 cells in a time-dosage-dependent manner. Also, 2-NDC triggered apoptosis by expanding intracellular reactive oxygen species, combined with ATRA. Bax/Bcl2 ratio was modulated and Survivin was downregulated in NB4 cells upon 2-NDC treatment. Molecular docking studies indicated that 2-NDC binds to the baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis protein repeat domain of Survivin and Bcl homology 3 domain of Bcl2 with various affinities. Based on the present observations, it seems that this derivative can be estimated as an appropriate candidate for future pharmaceutical evaluations.

A novel missense mutation (c.1006C>T) of SPG20 gene associated with Troyer syndrome

The number of gene mutations involved in the hereditary spastic paraplegias is rapidly growing due to the expansion of the frontiers of genomic research by next-generation DNA sequencing platforms. Nevertheless, a comprehensive genetic diagnosis method remains yet unavailable for these diseases. In the current research, an 8-year-old boy with short stature and developmental delay impairment, from a nonconsanguineous family, was referred to our genetic lab. Firstly, based on the physician recommendation, the patient was evaluated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the quantitative examination of amino acids, and then the patient was genetically investigated by karyotype analysis and whole-exome sequencing (WES) technique. Subsequently, targeted Sanger sequencing was applied to confirm the presence of the candidate variant in all the members of the family and screening the other patients for Troyer syndrome. Analysis of inherited metabolic disorders by tandem MS/MS showed the state of all the family members as normal and also karyotyping indicated no chromosomal aberration in the patient. Further investigation by WES technique indicated a homozygous missense variant in the SPG20 gene, c.1006C[T. Targeted sequencing result of the mutation confirmed homozygote state for the affected case and a heterozygote genotype for his parents. The mutation was classified as pathogenic. Detection of novel variants especially pathogenic variantin the SPG20 gene was associated with Troyer syndrome, which encodes a multifunctional protein termed Spartin, assist in improving genotype-phenotype correlation of genetic variants and may facilitate initial diagnosis of Troyer syndrome.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective Heck–Suzuki–Miyaura Cascade Cyclization for the Synthesis of Trisubstituted Arylideneisoquinolinones

An Ugi four-component reaction was used to construct propargylamide starting materials for a subsequent domino Heck–Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction to give derivatives of 4-benzylidene-1-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline.

Analysis of the cox1 gene in Echinococcus granulosus from sheep in northeast Iran using PCR high-resolution melting (qPCR-HRM) curve analysis

Echinococcus granulosus, the etiologic agent of echinococcosis, is one of the most important zoonotic helminthes worldwide. Knowledge of E. granulosus species and genotypes has important implications for epidemiology, control, and prevention of diseases as well as future vaccine and drug designs. There are many molecular methods developed to define genotypes of E. granulosus, among them high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, as a new approach, is a single step and closed tube method. It is appropriate for fast screening of large number of isolates. This technique is an accurate, user friendly, cost-effective, fast and simple method, which does not need post-PCR processes. Between March and lst august 2016, of 726 sheep examined in abattoirs in Razavi Khorasan province, Northeast Iran, 109 harboured cystic echincoccosis lesions (liver samples= 65 and lung samples= 44) which were collected for analysis. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and amplified for the presence of polymorphism in the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Echinococcus granulosus using a high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. A total of 109 hydatid cyst samples analyzed by PCR high-resolution melting (qPCR-HRM) curve of the cox1 gene, all isolates were identified as G1 genotype (sheep strain). G1 is the predominant genotype in sheep in northeast of Iran. The high incidence of the G1 genotype (known to be the predominant E. granulosus genotype infecting humans globally) in sheep has considerable implications for hydatid disease control programs in this area.

Cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in K562 leukemia cells induced by an active compound from pyrano-pyridine derivatives

Recent studies have reported the potential of pyrano-pyridine compounds in inhibiting cell growth and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of new pyrano-pyridine derivatives on proliferation, oxidative damages, and apoptosis in K562 leukemia cells. Among different tested compounds, we found 8-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-6-phenethyl-4H-pyrano-[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (4-CP.P) as the most effective compound with IC50 value of 20 μM. Gel electrophoresis, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry analyses indicated the apoptosis induction ability of 4-CP.P in K562 cells. Further analyses revealed that 4-CP.P induces significant increase in cellular reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and total thiol depletion. Interestingly, while 4-CP.P significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, it reduced the catalase activity in a time-dependent manner. These data propose that 4-CP.P treatment causes free radicals accumulation that ultimately leads to oxidative stress condition and apoptosis induction. Therefore, we report the 4-CP.P as a novel, potent compound as a chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

From in-silico immunogenicity verification to in vitro expression of recombinant Core-NS3 fusion protein of HCV

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health burden. There is no effective vaccine against HCV and new direct acting antivirals (DAAs) are so expensive and virtually unavailable to the public. Therefore, seeking for therapeutic or prophylactic vaccines is exigent and reliever.

METHODS

The secondary and tertiary structures of the recombinant Core-NS3 (rC-N) fusion protein of HCV and its B and T-cells epitopes were evaluated with bioinformatics software. Cloning and in vitro expression of rC-N were performed by pET24a(+) and E.coli BL21-DE3 expression host, respectively. The recombinant protein purification was done by affinity chromatography method and then identified by Western blotting using anti-His monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

The sequences of rC-N protein consist of 1-118 amino acid parts of Core and 1095-1384 amino acids of NS3 were connected by a flexible linker (AAY) with proteasome cleavable site. The expressed and purified 46.7292 kDa rC-N protein had antigenic value up to threshold and conservancy found in this chimeric protein. Ramchandran Plot analysis represented that most residues were fallen in favourable regions. It also interacted with both type I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC I, II) molecules. The rC-N had antigenic behaviour to create T cell responses.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that conserved rC-N protein had the ability to induce T-cell-mediated immune responses and it could be utilized as a therapeutic vaccine candidate against HCV (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 40).

Effect of resistance exercise training on expression of Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats

Impairment of adipose tissue and skeletal muscles accrued following type 1 diabetes is associated with protein misfolding and loss of adipose mass and skeletal muscle atrophy. Resistance training can maintain muscle mass by changing both inflammatory cytokines and stress factors in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 5-week ladder climbing resistance training program on the expression of Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and fast-twitch flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow-twitch soleus muscles in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Induction of diabetes reduced body mass, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats without any changes in body mass. Diabetes increased Hsp70 protein content in skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, and serum. Hsp70 protein levels were decreased in normal and diabetic rats by resistance training in the FHL, but not soleus muscle. Furthermore, resistance training decreased inflammatory cytokines in FHL skeletal muscle. On the other hand, Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokine protein levels were increased by training in adipose tissue. Also, significant positive correlations between inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and skeletal muscles with Hsp70 protein levels were observed. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training decreased inflammatory cytokines and Hsp70 protein levels in fast skeletal muscle, increased adipose tissue inflammatory cytokines and Hsp70, and preserved FHL muscle mass. These results suggest that resistance training can maintain skeletal muscle mass in diabetes by changing inflammatory cytokines and stress factors such as Hsp70 in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle as a survivin siRNA delivery system

The limited effectiveness of the conventional methods for cancer treatment makes the researchers to find novel safe and effective therapeutic strategies. One of these strategies is to use small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). A major challenge here is the siRNA delivery into the cells. The purpose of this study was to design and prepare a biocompatible, biodegradable, and safe nanosized particle for siRNA delivery into human breast cancer MCF-7 and leukemia K562 cells. Chemically synthesized magnetic nanoparticles containing polyethyleneglycol-lactate polymer (PEG-LAC), chitosan, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were successfully prepared and used as a gene delivery vehicle. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential. The Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle showed efficient and stable survivin siRNA loading in gel retardation assay. The cytotoxicity of the prepared nanoparticle was studied using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and was compared with that of mitoxantrone (MTX) in combination with the prepared siRNA delivery system to evaluate the possible synergic effect of MTX and survivin siRNA. The nanoparticles with and without noncomplementary siRNA showed low toxicity against both cell lines; however, a twofold decrease was observed in cell survival percent after MTX addition to MCF-7 cells treated with either nanoparticle itself or complexed with noncomplementary siRNA. While survivin siRNA nanoplex caused threefold decrease in the cell survival percent, its combination with MTX did not result in a significant increase in the cytotoxic effect. Therefore, Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle should be considered as a potential carrier for enhanced survivin siRNA delivery into MCF-7 and K562 cells.

Facile, novel and efficient synthesis of new pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine products from condensation of pyrazole-5-amine derivatives and activated carbonyl groups

A novel, simple and efficient route for the synthesis of new fused pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines is described.

Seroepidemiology and clinical features of hepatitis delta among HBsAg carriers: a study from Hepatitis Clinic of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B is a significant health problem and more than 350 million individuals are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) globally. About 5% of these individuals are coinfected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). HBV-HDV coinfection increases the rate of fulminant hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of HDV in individuals positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) who were referred to Tehran Blood Transfusion Hepatitis Clinic from 2011 to 2012.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HBsAg-positive individuals attending this clinic were tested for anti-HDAg antibodies (anti-HDAbs). All samples positive for anti-HDAb were also tested for detection of HDV RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for acquisition of HDV was filled for each individual.

RESULTS

Among 1038 individuals, HBsAg was detected in 660 (63.6%) cases following blood donation and in 378 (36.4%) cases following blood testing. In this study, 23 [2.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3-3.2%] patients were HDV-seropositive. In HDV-seropositive patients, 14 (60.9%, 95% CI = 39.1-78.3%) were positive for HDV RNA. HDV-seropositive cases were more likely to have evidence of severe forms of hepatitis than the group of individuals without anti-HDAb (P < 0.01). Familial history of hepatitis D infection was more observed in HDV-seropositive patients than in individuals negative for anti-HDAb (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The seroprevalence of HDV in HBsAg-positive individuals in this study was about 2% which seems to be lower than the global prevalence of HDV.

Expression of interleukin-15 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of STZ-induced diabetic rats: effect of resistance exercise training

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with type-1 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can mediate muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, while resistance exercise can modulate both muscle mass and muscle cytokine expression. This study determined the effects of a 5-week resistance exercise training regimen on the expression of muscle cytokines in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with special emphasis on interleukin-15 (IL-15), a muscle-derived cytokine proposed to be involved in muscle hypertrophy or responses to stress. Induction of diabetes reduced muscle weight in both the fast flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow soleus muscles, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats. IL-15 protein content was increased by training in both FHL and soleus muscles, as well as serum, in normal and diabetic rats. With regard to proinflammatory cytokines, muscle IL-6 levels were increased in diabetic rats, while training decreased muscle IL-6 levels in diabetic rats; training had no effect on FHL muscle IL-6 levels in healthy rats. Also, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels were increased by diabetes, but not changed by training. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training increased muscle and serum IL-15 levels, decreased muscle IL-6 levels, and preserved FHL muscle mass.

Human catalase gene polymorphism (CAT C-262T) and risk of male infertility

Infertility is the failure of a couple to engender after endeavouring at least one full year of unprotected intercourse. It has been reported that reactive oxygen species contributed to pathogenesis of various disease. To inactivate ROS cells biosynthesise several antioxidant enzymes, one of them is catalase which contributes H2 O2 to H2 O and O2 . This study set out to delineate the association of catalase C-262T polymorphism with idiopathic male infertility. The study included 195 men with idiopathic infertility and 190 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined in patients and controls using allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR). The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the CAT CC/CT/TT was 31.79%, 65.12% and 3.07%, respectively, in infertile subjects, as against 24.73%, 55.26% and 20%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Statistical analysis has emerged significant difference from the comparison of either genotype (P < 0.05). Taking into accounts of results, the catalase C-262T polymorphism indicates that CAT-262T/T genotype confers less susceptibility to male infertility. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required for further evaluation and confirmation of our finding.

Comparison of effects of age and sex on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semnan, Iran

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age and sex on the concentration of total serum protein measured by the biuret method and protein fractions determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis in apparently healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected from 21 camels (12 males and 9 females). The camels were further divided into two groups: 12 young camels at the age of 3 months to 2 years and 9 adult camels at the age of 3-15 years. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins identified five protein fractions in adult camels as young camels, these five protein fractions include albumin, a1 and a2, ß and ?-globulins. In adult camels, serum levels (g/l) of total protein, albumin, a1-globulins, a2-globulins, ß-globulins and ?-globulins were 80.9±3.10, 42.9±3.10, 1.3±0.22, 2.2±0.30, 11.8±0.30 and 22.6±0.20, respectively. However, in young camels, these levels (g/l) were 66.8±2.90, 40.2±2.40, 1.0±0.14, 2.6±0.30, 10.6±0.80 and 12.3±1.20, respectively. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.08±0.28 in adult camels and 3.77±0.53 in young ones. The mean serum concentrations of total protein and ?-globulins were significantly (P<0.05) higher and the A/G ratio was significantly lower in adult camels compared to young camels. The mean concentrations of ?-globulins were significantly higher and the A/G ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in females compared to male camels. The results of the present study indicate a significant effect of age and sex on the concentrations of some of the serum protein fractions in dromedary camels.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticle on Percentage Depth Dose Enhancement On Megavoltage Energy in MAGICA Polymer Gel Dosimeter

BACKGROUND

Radiation-sensitive polymer gels are among the most promising three-dimensional dose verification tools and tissue-like phantom developed to date.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is an investigating of percentage depth dose enhancement within the gel medium with used of conformal distribution gold nanoparticle as contrast agents by high atomic number material.

METHODS

In this work the normoxic polymer gel dosimeter MAGICA tissue-equivalence was first theoretically verified using MCNPX Monte Carlo code and experimentally by percentage depth dose curves within the gel medium. Then gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of 50nm diameter with different concentrations of 0.1mM, 0.2mM, and 0.4mM were embedded in MAGICA gel and irradiated by 18MV photon beam.

RESULTS

Experimental results have shown dose increase of 10%, 2% and 4%   in 0.1mM, 0.2mM and 0.4mM concentrations, respectively. Simulation results had good agreement in the optimum concentration of 0.1mM. The largest error between experimental and simulation results was equal to 9.28% stood for 0.4mM concentration.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the optimum concentration of gold nanoparticles to achieve maximum absorbed dose in both experimental and simulation was 0.1 mM and so it can be used for clinical studies.

The preventive oral supplementation of a selenium nanoparticle-enriched probiotic increases the immune response and lifespan of 4T1 breast cancer bearing mice

The immunomodulatory effects of lactic acid bacteria have been demonstrated previously. In this study, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain was selected and enriched with selenium nanoparticles for use as a new immunomodulating agent in a breast cancer murine model. 30 female inbred BALB/c mice were equally divided into a test group and a control group. For 2 weeks prior to tumor induction, each mouse received a daily oral administration of 2.5×108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum enriched with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and then 1×106 4T1 cells were injected subcutaneously. After tumor induction, daily SeNP administration was repeated for 3 cycles of 7 days on/3 days off. Immunological parameters such as levels of cytokines, NK cell activity, tumor growth, and mouse survival were evaluated. The production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in spleen cell cultures was increased in test mice administered SeNP-enriched L. plantarum. The test mice also showed significant increases in NK cell activity. The tumor volumes of treated mice were decreased and their survival rate notably increased when compared to mice that received L. plantarum alone or control mice. Administration of SeNP-enriched L. plantarum can induce an efficient immune response through the elevation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 levels and increased NK cell activity. Therefore, this treatment may result in better cancer prognosis.

Vertical strabismus cases and their surgical outcome in Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran

Early diagnosis and management of strabismus is needed to avoid complications such as amblyopia. In this retrospective cohort study we reviewed the profile and surgical outcome of vertical strabismus patients attending a clinic in Yazd city in the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the medical files of 265 patients, 19.2% were found to have pure vertical deviation and 80.8% had combined horizontal and vertical strabismus. Congenital causes were recorded for 83.0% of cases and 24.9% had a family history of strabismus. Hypertropia (91.7%) was more common than hypotropia (8.3%). There was a statistically significant relationship between age at onset and vertical strabismus. Female patients had a higher rate of congenital vertical strabismus than did male patients. There was no significant association between surgery outcomes and sex or age of onset of strabismus. Early diagnosis and management in affected families and screening ofpatientswith strabismus family history is needed.

Energy deposition of multi-MeV protons in compressed targets of fast-ignition inertial confinement fusion

The energy loss and penetration of multi-megelectronvolt protons into a uniform deuterium-tritium (DT) plasma has been calculated. The effects of nuclear elastic scattering and Coulomb interactions are treated from a unified point of view. In general, multiple scattering enhances the proton linear-energy transfer along the initial proton direction, thus the energy deposition increases near the end of its range. The net effect of multiple scattering is to reduce the penetration from 1.20 to 1.02 g cm-2 for 12 MeV protons in a ρ=500 g cm-3 plasma at T=5 keV. These results should have relevance to proton fast ignition, specifically to energy deposition calculations that critically assess quantitative ignition requirements.

Antimicrobial evaluation of some novel derivatives of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-one

The antimicrobial activity of thirty six novel dihydropyrimidine derivatives was evaluated against common pathogenic bacteria. Significant antimicrobial activity (MIC=32, 64 μg/ml) was observed. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria were determined to be the most susceptible pathogens in this study. The highest inhibitory activity was observed against Gram-negative microorganisms. The widest spectrum of antibacterial activity was exerted by C6 and C22. Most of the compounds had remarkable antifungal activity (MIC=32 μg/ml).

HIV-1 Gag p24-Nef fusion peptide induces cellular and humoral immune response in a mouse model

Many Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) candidate vaccines have been tested in clinical trials, but none was sufficiently effective in the prevention of HIV infection. A HIV vaccine should induce humoral as well as cell-mediated response, the latter including the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte (CTL) response. In this study, we immunized BALB/c mice with a purified fusion peptide Gag p24-Nef and evaluated immune responses. As for the cellular responses, the adjuvanted fusion peptide induced lymphocyte proliferation, CTL response, and cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the Th1 pattern. Humoral immune response to the adjuvanted fusion peptide included an increase in IgG antibodies of more IgG2a than IgG1 subtype. These results indicate that the employed HIV-1 peptide construct can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Further studies aimed at memory T cells and other aspects of immune responses are needed before a comprehensive assessment of this candidate vaccine could be provided.

KEYWORDS

epitopes; fusion peptide; HIV-1 p24-Nef; immune response.

Assessment of coagulation state and its related factors in thalassemia intermedia patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Hospital Sari/IR Iran in 2007

A high incidence of thromboembolic events have been reported among thalassemia intermedia patients especially in splenectomized patients. This study has been conducted to evaluate the coagulation state of patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Teaching Hospital, Sari, Iran. This descriptive-cross sectional study was performed in 2007. Sixty thalassemia intermedia patients aged older than 10 years were enrolled. After recording demographic and therapeutic data of the participants, the plasma levels of Coagulant factors were measured. Obtained Data were analyzed using SPSS 13 software and t-test and chi-square tests. Of 60 studied patients, 62% were female. The mean age of the patients was 26.6 +/- 9.3 years. ASA tablet were used in 53.3%. None of the patients have experienced thromboembolic events. Decrease in protein C has been observed in 60%. Antithrombin III was decreased in 42% and protein S declined in 10% of the patients. Mutation in factor V leiden was seen in 3%. Splenectomy performed in 53.3% and there was no significant relation between low level of protein C and protein S, antithrombin III and presence of factor V Leiden with splenectomy (p > 0.05). Regarding to the high incidence of low levels of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III among thalassemia intermedia patients, there is an increased risk of thromboembolic events in the patients.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some 2-amino-4-aryl-3-cyano-7-(dimethylamino)-4H-chromenes

A series of 2-amino-4-aryl-3-cyano-7- (dimethylamino)-4H-chromenes was synthesized by condensation of 3- (dimethylamino) phenol, an aromatic aldehyde and malonitrile in ethanol containing piperidine. The assignments of the structure of all synthesized compounds were based on spectral data (IR, Mass and(1)H NMR). The cytotoxic activities of the synthesized compounds against six human tumor cell lines were determined by MTT assay. Several compounds showed significant cytotoxic activity.