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Owen-Smith A, Porter J, Thomas CM, Clarke S, Ogrodnick MM, Hand LJ, Dawson-Hahn E, O'Connor MH, Feinberg I, Adde S, Desta R, Yubo Z, Chin A, Safi M. 'Getting control of Corona takes many angles': COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among refugee/immigrant/migrant communities in four US cities. Health Educ Res 2024; 39:182-196. [PMID: 38300230 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to (i) document refugee, immigrant and migrant (RIM) communities' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) related to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and (ii) identify best practices for developing and disseminating culturally and linguistically responsive health messaging addressing those KABs. Thirteen online focus groups (OFGs) in 10 languages were conducted. Each OFG was conducted in the participants' native language. OFGs were recorded, transcribed, translated and uploaded to qualitative software for coding. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results suggest that while there was some variation between different language groups (e.g. whether religious leaders were seen as trusted sources of information about COVID), there were also important commonalities. Most language groups (i) alluded to hearing about or having gaps in knowledge about COVID-19/the COVID-19 vaccine, (ii) reported hearing negative or conflicting stories about the vaccine and (iii) shared concerns about the negative side effects of the vaccine. There continues to be a need for health messaging in RIM communities that is culturally and linguistically concordant and follows health literacy guidelines. Message content about the COVID-19 vaccine should focus on vaccine importance, effectiveness and safety, should be multimodal and should be primarily delivered by healthcare professionals and community members who have already been vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Owen-Smith
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - J Porter
- International Rescue Committee UK, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7AN, United Kingdom
| | - C M Thomas
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, 401 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - S Clarke
- Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers, 172 Colby St, Spencerport, New York 14559
| | - M M Ogrodnick
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - L J Hand
- Department of Communication, Georgia State University, 800 Twenty Five Park Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
- School of Communication and Media, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | - E Dawson-Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - M H O'Connor
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - I Feinberg
- College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University, 30 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - S Adde
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - R Desta
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Z Yubo
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - A Chin
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - M Safi
- International Rescue Committee UK, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7AN, United Kingdom
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Carpagnano FA, Eusebi L, Giannubilo W, Fenu F, Safi M, Bartelli F, Guglielmi G. Prostate Multiparametric MRI: Evaluation of Recurrence and Post-treatment Changes. Curr Radiol Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40134-022-00404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This article reviews all the most common therapeutic strategies of prostate cancer, systemic or local, and all the following morpho-structural alterations, with the aim of helping the radiologist to recognize the signs of recurrence by using mp-MRI.
Recent Findings
According to the most recent evidences, prostate mp-MRI has now become a strong, non-invasive, and valid tool to evaluate all patient treated for prostatic carcinoma across the time, especially in the suspicion of biochemical recurrence.
Summary
The minimal signs of focal recurrence can put a strain on radiologists, especially if they are novice with multi-parametric prostate MRI. Familiarizing themselves with the outcomes of treatment, local or systemic, and its characteristics to MR imaging is indispensable to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and, subsequently, unnecessary reinterventions.
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Safi M, Al-Radhi M, Kanesvaran R, Trapani D, Mazher S, Alnusaif M, Aldanakh A, Baldi S, Moeed Y, Al-Dubai H, Sun X, Shan X, Ameen M, Liu J. 195P Brain and heart in cancer patients: A population-based study. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1556-0864(21)02037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Safi M, Onsori H, Rahmati M. Investigation of the anti-cancer effects of free and PLGA-PAA encapsulated Hydroxytyrosol on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Curr Mol Med 2020; 22:657-662. [PMID: 33390115 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666201231103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women and the most important cause of death. Surgery and chemotherapy are the common treatment of the breast cancer, but increasing drug resistance has created many challenges in its treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer function of free and nano-encapsulated hydroxytyrosol on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. METHODS The poly lactide-co-glycolide-co-polyacrylic acid (PLGA-co-PAA) nano-encapsulated Hydroxytyrosol was synthesized, and the MTT assay was performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-tumor effects of both free and nanoencapsulated Hydroxytyrosol. After the extraction of RNA from the treated and control cancer cells, cDNA synthesis was performed and the expression of P21, P27, and Cyclin D1 genes were evaluated by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS The results of the study showed that free (12 ppm and 72 hours) and nano-encapsulate (10 ppm and 24 hours) hydroxytyrosol resulted in 50% death (IC50) of the cancer cells and increased by increasing the concentration and time. Also, free and nano-encapsulated hydroxytyrosol increased the expression of P21 and P27 genes and reduced the expression of Cyclin D1 in breast cancer cells. In general, the nano-encapsulated hydroxytyrosol showed more anticancer function than the free hydroxytyrosol. CONCLUSION The present study illustrated that the hydroxytyrosol could lead to the cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer by regulating the cell cycle. Also, the nano-encapsulation of Hydroxytyrosol enhanced the Hydroxytyrosol anticancer function by PLGA-co-PAA. However, for more accurate results, further studies on animal models are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Safi
- Department of Genetic, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Habib Onsori
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand. Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
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Taheri E, Ghorbani S, Safi M, Seyyed Sani N, Firouzi Amoodizaj F, Heidari M, Chavoshi R, Hajazimian S, Isazadeh A, Heidari M. Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Line CaCo-2 by Essential Oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Through Induction of Apoptosis. ACTA 2020. [DOI: 10.18502/acta.v58i6.4051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of colorectal cancer is one of the important challenges due to the increase of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Isolated natural compounds from medicinal plants and other sources often are used as novel drugs for treatment of various human cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil on colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2. The antioxidant activity of extracted E. camaldulensis essential oil (1000, 800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6, and 3 μg/mL) was evaluated by free radicals inactivation method. Moreover, MTT assay was used to examine the cytotoxic effects of E. camaldulensis essential oil on the Caco-2 cell line. The mRNA expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes was studied using quantitative Real-Time PCR method, in treated cancer cells compared to untreated cells. We indicated a significant, impressive antioxidant activity in 1000 μg/mL of E. camaldulensis essential oil, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, we found that this product exerted a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells when 100 μg/mL concentration was considered as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Also, the expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in the treated Caco-2 cells with E. camaldulensis essential oil. In conclusion, our study showed significant antioxidant and anticancer activity in E. camaldulensis essential oil in a concentration and time-dependent manner, which may be due to the reduction of free radicals and induction of apoptosis process in colorectal cancer cells.
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Firouzi Amoodizaj F, Baghaeifar S, Taheri E, Farhoudi Sefidan Jadid M, Safi M, Seyyed Sani N, Hajazimian S, Isazadeh A, Shanehbandi D. Enhanced anticancer potency of doxorubicin in combination with curcumin in gastric adenocarcinoma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 34:e22486. [PMID: 32128952 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the prevalent human malignancies and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The doxorubicin hydrochloride is one of the important chemotherapeutic anticancer agents, with a limited therapeutic efficacy for treatment of GC. Therefore, taking advantage of synergistic effects by strategies like combination therapy seems appropriate and promising in treatment of GC. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel method to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (as a chemotherapeutic agent) by co-administration of curcumin (as a bioactive herbal compound) in GC treatment. In the present study, the effects of curcumin, doxorubicin, and their combinations (Dox-Cur) were evaluated on the viability, morphological features, tumor spheroid formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Moreover, expression levels of BAX, BCL-2, and CASP9 genes were assessed among AGS cells treated with curcumin, doxorubicin, and Dox-Cur. The obtained results showed that all of curcumin, doxorubicin, and Dox-Cur treatments significantly decreased the viability, tumor spheroid formation, migration, and invasion in the GC model cells. Furthermore, apoptosis rates in AGS cells were increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in all of the treatment groups. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the Dox-Cur combination was significantly more than curcumin and doxorubicin treatments alone. According to the results, Dox-Cur combination therapy exerts more profound apoptotic and anticancer effects on the AGS cell line than curcumin or doxorubicin monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sevda Baghaeifar
- Department of Biotechnology, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Taheri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Safi
- Department of Genetics, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nasrin Seyyed Sani
- Department of Genetics, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Hajazimian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Isazadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Safi M, Hassanzadeh-Aghdam MK, Mahmoodi MJ. A semi-empirical model for thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes. Polym Bull (Berl) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-019-03082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Zeighami S, Mirmohammadrezaei S, Safi M, Falahchai SM. The Effect of Core and Veneering Design on the Optical Properties of Polyether Ether Ketone. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2017; 25:201-208. [PMID: 29182213 DOI: 10.1922/ejprd_01720zeighami08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of core shade and core and veneering thickness on color parameters and translucency of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Sixty PEEK discs (0.5 and 1 mm in thickness) with white and dentine shades were veneered with A2 shade indirect composite resin with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm thickness (n=5). Cores without the veneering material served as controls for translucency evaluation. Color parameters were measured by a spectroradiometer. Color difference (ΔE₀₀) and translucency parameters (TP) were computed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (for veneering thickness) and independent t-test (for core shade and thickness) via SPSS 20.0 (p⟨0.05). Regarding the veneering thickness, white cores of 0.5 mm thickness showed significant differences in all color parameters. In white cores of 1 mm thickness and dentine cores of 0.5 and 1 mm thickness, there were statistically significant differences only in L∗, a∗ and h∗. The mean TP was significantly higher in all white cores of 1 mm thickness than dentine cores of 1 mm. Considering ΔE₀₀=3.7 as clinically unacceptable, only three groups had higher mean ΔE₀₀ values. Core shade, core thickness, and the veneering thickness affected the color and translucency of PEEK restorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zeighami
- Assistant Professor, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute and Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mirmohammadrezaei
- Associate Professor, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute and Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Safi
- Assistant Professor, Department of Color Physics, Institute for Color Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - S M Falahchai
- Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Abstract
Based on the complex spectral element method and the theory of fractional calculus, a hybrid complex damped spectral element method is developed. The new method is capable of making accurate predictions of the full dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete cooling tower structures including soil-structure interaction effects. The dynamic soil-structure interaction of large space shell structures can be analysed using hybrid spectral-finite element method where the seismic wave propagation in the soil media has been modelled using the spectral element method. The frequency-dependent damping characteristic of soil materials can also be modelled accurately using the fractional derivative model. It is shown that the proposed method can be extended to develop a frequency domain dynamical method to analyse damped large space structures under earthquake excitation. The soil-structure dynamical solution is shown graphically, and the consistency of method is investigated. Using a computer program, the proposed formulation has been used to derive the dynamic response of a large concrete cooling tower with the soil media.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Horr
- Dept. of Civil Engrg., Faculty of Engrg, IK Int. Univ., Qazvin, Iran
| | - M. Safi
- Dept. of civil Engrg., Amir Kabir Univ. of Tech., Tehran, Iran
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Tudini M, Chiorrini S, Safi M, Salvucci G, Silva R. Co-Morbidity index evaluation as decision tool for chemotherapy in clinical practice in elderly and old elderly patients with early (ECRC) and metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv340.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Safi M, Mansoori M, Paripour M. Note on “A new method for solving interval and fuzzy equations; Linear Case”. Inf Sci (N Y) 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2014.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Rkain M, Rkain I, Safi M, Kabiri M, Ahid S, Benjelloun BDS. Knowledge and management of fever among Moroccan parents. East Mediterr Health J 2014; 20:397-402. [PMID: 24960517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Parents often have misperceptions about childhood fever, and little information is available about the home management of feverish children in Morocco. In this study of the perceptions, knowledge and practices of families regarding children's fever, the parents of 264 febrile children aged 0-16 years were interviewed in a paediatric emergency department in Rabat in 2011. Only 3.5% of parents knew the correct temperature definition for fever, 54.4% determined their children's fever using a thermometer, and the preferred site was rectal. Most of them (96.8%) considered that fever was a very serious condition, which could lead to side-effects such as brain damage (28.9%), seizures (18.8%) paralysis (19.5%), dyspnoea (14.8%) and coma (14.8%). Paracetamol was used by 85.9% and traditional treatments by 45.1%. Knowledge about the correct definition of fever was significantly associated with parents' profession, educational level and receipt of previous information and advice from health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rkain
- Emergency Medical Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital Rabat-Salé, Rabat, Morocco
| | - I Rkain
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed Vth Souissi, Rabat, Morocco
| | - M Safi
- Emergency Medical Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital Rabat-Salé, Rabat, Morocco
| | - M Kabiri
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital Rabat-Salé, Rabat, Morocco
| | - S Ahid
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology; Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics Research Team, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed Vth Souissi, Rabat, Morocco
| | - B D S Benjelloun
- Emergency Medical Department, Children's Hospital, University Hospital Rabat-Salé, Rabat, Morocco
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Rkain M, Rkain I, Safi M, Kabiri M, Ahid S, Benjelloun B. Knowledge and management of fever among Moroccan parents. East Mediterr Health J 2014. [DOI: 10.26719/2014.20.6.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Cheung R, Fung A, Daljevic T, Safi M, Ogaki C, Mital S. 349 Assessing the Impact of Genetic Variation in Islet-1 on Congenital Heart Disease Subtypes. Can J Cardiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2012.07.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Safi M, Courtois J, Seigneuret M, Conjeaud H, Berret JF. The effects of aggregation and protein corona on the cellular internalization of iron oxide nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2011; 32:9353-63. [PMID: 21911254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Engineered inorganic nanoparticles are essential components in the development of nanotechnologies. For applications in nanomedicine, particles need to be functionalized to ensure a good dispersibility in biological fluids. In many cases however, functionalization is not sufficient: the particles become either coated by a corona of serum proteins or precipitate out of the solvent. In the present paper, we show that by changing the coating of iron oxide nanoparticles from a low-molecular weight ligand (citrate ions) to small carboxylated polymers (poly(acrylic acid)), the colloidal stability of the dispersion is improved and the adsorption/internalization of iron toward living mammalian cells is profoundly affected. Citrate-coated particles are shown to destabilize in all fetal-calf-serum based physiological conditions tested, whereas the polymer coated particles exhibit an outstanding dispersibility as well as a structure devoid of protein corona. The interactions between nanoparticles and human lymphoblastoid cells are investigated by transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Two types of nanoparticle/cell interactions are underlined. Iron oxides are found either adsorbed on the cellular membranes, or internalized into membrane-bound endocytosis compartments. For the precipitating citrate-coated particles, the kinetics of interactions reveal a massive and rapid adsorption of iron oxide on the cell surfaces. The quantification of the partition between adsorbed and internalized iron was performed from the cytometry data. The results highlight the importance of resilient adsorbed nanomaterials at the cytoplasmic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safi
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 CNRS Université Denis Diderot Paris-VII, Bâtiment Condorcet 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75205 Paris, France
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Safi M, Sarrouj H, Sandre O, Mignet N, Berret JF. Interactions between sub-10-nm iron and cerium oxide nanoparticles and 3T3 fibroblasts: the role of the coating and aggregation state. Nanotechnology 2010; 21:145103. [PMID: 20234082 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/14/145103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent nanotoxicity studies revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics of engineered nanomaterials play an important role in the interactions with living cells. Here, we report on the toxicity and uptake of cerium and iron oxide sub-10-nm nanoparticles by NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Coating strategies include low-molecular weight ligands (citric acid) and polymers (poly(acrylic acid), M(W) = 2000 g mol(-1)). Electrostatically adsorbed on the surfaces, the organic moieties provide a negatively charged coating in physiological conditions. We find that most particles were biocompatible, as exposed cells remained 100% viable relative to controls. Only the bare and the citrate-coated nanoceria exhibit a slight decrease in mitochondrial activity at very high cerium concentrations (>1 g l(-1)). We also observe that the citrate-coated particles are internalized/adsorbed by the cells in large amounts, typically 250 pg/cell after 24 h incubation for iron oxide. In contrast, the polymer-coated particles are taken up at much lower rates (<30 pg/cell). The strong uptake shown by the citrated particles is related to the destabilization of the dispersions in the cell culture medium and their sedimentation down to the cell membranes. In conclusion, we show that the uptake of nanomaterials by living cells depends on the coating of the particles and on its ability to preserve the colloidal nature of the dispersions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safi
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, UMR 7057 CNRS, Université Denis Diderot Paris VII, Bâtiment Condorcet, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, Paris, France
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Bascioni R, Giorgi F, Safi M, Giustini L, De Signoribus G, Silva R. Chemotherapy in very elderly cancer patients (85 years and over): A retrospective study. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.e20632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e20632 Background: Elderly cancer patients (pts) population is expanding due to demographic changes. Currently 2.4 % of Italian population is older than 85, with this group accounting ∼8 % of all cancer pts in our geographic area. Since very elderly (85 years and over) cancer pts are generally excluded from clinical trials, few data are available about tolerability of chemotherapy in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of cancer pts aged 85 years and over receiving chemotherapy for advanced disease in the years 2005–2007 in three Oncology Unit of the Regione Marche, Italy. Results: We identified 50 patients (26 males, 24 females) with a mean age of 86.4 (range 85–95), ECOG PS 0 (4 pts) 1 (25 pts) 2 (13 pts) 3 (8 pts). Type of cancer (pts): NSCLC (13), colorectal (11), breast (5), prostate (4), gastric (3), NHL (3), bladder (2), head-neck (2), ovarian (2), vulvar (1), skin (1), pancreas (1), GIST (1), UPT (1). Main co-morbidities included hypertension (18 pts), COPD (8 pts) and heart disease (6 pts). The median number of cycles in first line chemotherapy were 6 (1–44); 20 pts received 2 or more lines of chemotherapy (range 2–5). Dose reductions were planned in all pts: in 26 dose reduction was 30 %, in 22 was 50%, in 2 > 50 %. Most used drugs were: vinorelbine os or iv (14 pts), capecitabine (9 pts), gemcitabine (7 pts). Target agents were used in 7 pts (5 erlotinib, 2 gefitinib, 2 rituximab, 1 sunitinib). Ten partial responses were observed; main toxicities were: grade 3–4 neutropenia (10 %), grade 3 diarrhea (5 %), and 1 pts had grade 3 hand-foot syndrome. No treatment related deaths were observed. Conclusions: Very elderly cancer pts (85 years and over) in good PS and few co-morbid conditions receiving dose reduced chemotherapy experienced acceptable toxic effects; a partial response was documented in 10 out of 50 pts. The expanding use of chemotherapy and target therapy in this clinical setting has profound influence on health care management and costs. Prospective studies specifically designed for this pts population could clarify the benefit, in terms of quality of life and survival, of an interventionist instead of a supportive care only approach. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Bascioni
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - F. Giorgi
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - M. Safi
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - L. Giustini
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - G. De Signoribus
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
| | - R. Silva
- Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; Ospedale E. Profili, Fabriano, Italy
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Halalsheh M, Dalahmeh S, Sayed M, Suleiman W, Shareef M, Mansour M, Safi M. Grey water characteristics and treatment options for rural areas in Jordan. Bioresour Technol 2008; 99:6635-6641. [PMID: 18299193 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 12/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Low water consumption in rural areas in Jordan had resulted in the production of concentrated grey water. Average COD, BOD and TSS values were 2568mg/l, 1056mg/l and 845mg/l, respectively. The average grey water generation was measured to be 14L/c.d. Three different treatment options were selected based on certain criterions, and discussed in this article. The examined treatment systems are septic tank followed by intermittent sand filter; septic tank followed by wetlands; and UASB-hybrid reactor. Advantages and disadvantages of each system are presented. It was concluded that UASB-hybrid reactor would be the most suitable treatment option in terms of compactness and simplicity in operation. The volume of UASB-hybrid reactor was calculated to be 0.268m(3) with a surface area of 0.138m(2) for each house having 10 inhabitants on average. Produced effluent is expected to meet Jordanian standards set for reclaimed water reuse in irrigating fruit trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Halalsheh
- Water and Environmental Research and Study Center, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
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20
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Namazi MH, Karbasi-Afshar R, Safi M, Serati AR. Diaphragmatic stimulation: a case of atrial lead dislodgement and right atrium perforation. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2008; 8:133-6. [PMID: 18379658 PMCID: PMC2267897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a 48 year old male who presented with diaphragmatic stimulation. The biventricular implantable cardioverter and defibrillator (CRT-D) was implanted two weeks before admission and active fixation lead caused perforation of the right atrial wall. Echocardiography did not demonstrate pericardial effusion but Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) visualized the atrial screw helix outside the right atrial wall, penetrating through the right lung middle lobe. There was no atrial capture. After changing the pace mode DDDR to VVIR, diaphragmatic stimulation was disappeared. The atrial lead was repositioned and fixed again. During the hospital admission and after that the patient was well and free of any symptoms.
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Giorgi F, Bascioni R, Brugni M, Safi M, Berardi R, Giustini L, De Signoribus G, Silva R, Cascinu S. Chemotherapy use at the end of life: An analysis of the decision making process. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.6081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F. Giorgi
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - R. Bascioni
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - M. Brugni
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - M. Safi
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - R. Berardi
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - L. Giustini
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - G. De Signoribus
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - R. Silva
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - S. Cascinu
- Ospedale Madonna del Soccorso, San Benedetto d. TR., AP, Italy; Ospedale Murri, Fermo, Italy; Ospedale Profili, Fabriano, Italy; Oncologia Medica Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
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Onagbesan OM, Safi M, Decuypere E, Bruggeman V. Developmental changes in inhibin α and inhibin/activin βA and βB mRNA levels in the gonads during post-hatch prepubertal development of male and female chickens. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 68:319-26. [PMID: 15112325 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dimeric inhibins and activins are barely detectable in the plasma during prepubertal development of male and female chickens. This may be misconstrued to indicate that the proteins are not produced in the gonads and have no functional significance during this period. Very few studies have actually determined the mRNA expression profile of the inhibin and activin subunits in the gonads prior to puberty in order to establish their secretion at the local level and postulate potential roles for the inhibin and activins at this developmental stage. In this study, the expression of the mRNA for the alpha-, betaA-, and betaB-subunits was determined in the ovary and testis of chickens during prepubertal development. Gene expression was determined at 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 18 weeks of age by RT-PCR. Messenger RNA level was quantified by competitive RT-PCR at 3, 6, 12, and 18 weeks of age in order to detect any changes with development, suggest potential relationship to the profile of dimeric inhibins and activins reported previously and to suggest potential paracrine and endocrine roles for them. The results show that all the inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs are expressed in the testis of the chicken throughout the period of prepubertal development up to 18 weeks of age. However, in the ovary, only the betaA- and betaB-subunits were detected at all ages whereas the alpha-subunit mRNA could only be detected just before puberty. Quantification of the mRNA levels showed variation of each subunit with age. These temporal changes suggest relationship with paracrine functional role in the ovary or the testis. Quantitative changes in expression levels also suggests that there may be some relationship between mRNA levels and the type and amount of dimeric inhibins and activins produced at any developmental stage. There are major differences between the male and female gonads in the timing of the expression of different subunits. In conclusion, the expression of the mRNA subunits in the testis and ovary suggests that inhibins and activins are being produced but may be principally involved in autocrine/paracrine function within the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- O M Onagbesan
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Catholic University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
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Safi M, Onagbesan OM, Bruggeman V, Vleugels B, Volckaert G, Decuypere E. Regulation of inhibin alpha- and beta(A)-subunit messenger ribonucleic acid levels by gonadotropins and IGF-I in cultured chicken granulosa cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2003; 131:159-67. [PMID: 12679092 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-6480(03)00007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (QC RT-PCR) for quantifying the absolute levels of the expression of inhibin alpha- and beta(A)-subunits in chicken granulosa cells showed that these subunits are expressed in different amounts depending on follicular maturation. The present study determined the regulation of the expression of these subunits. The individual effect of different doses of IGF-I, LH or FSH (1-100 ng/ml) or the combination of IGF-I with either LH or FSH at different concentrations, on the expression of inhibin alpha- and beta(A)-subunit was determined on cultured granulosa cells of F(1) and the combined F(4)+F(5) follicle. Cells were cultured for 48 h in 6-well plates with or without added hormones. Culture medium was discarded, cells were washed and total RNA was extracted from the cells. Five hundred nanograms of total RNA was reverse transcribed using specific primers and coamplified with an internal standard, as described previously, to determine expression level in the cells. IGF-I, LH, and FSH enhanced the inhibin alpha-subunit mRNA levels in a dose dependent manner in both F(1) and the combined F(4)+F(5) whereas inhibin beta(A)-subunit was not affected. The effects of FSH, LH were more expressed in F(1) follicles compared to F(4)+F(5) on the alpha-subunit. The addition of IGF-I and either LH or FSH during the culture period significantly increased the stimulatory effects of both LH and FSH on the expression of inhibin alpha-subunit in F(1) follicles but had no significant effect on the inhibin beta(A)-subunit. The results suggest that the changing expression levels of inhibin alpha-subunit during follicular development are the result of the regulatory effect of the interaction between IGF-I and the gonadotropins and that the regulation of this subunit may be the main factor for the regulation of the protein inhibin levels. Other factors may be also implicated in the changing expression levels of the beta(A)-subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safi
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Catholic University of Leuven, Karsteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Horr AM, Safi M, Asadpour N. Seismic analysis of Tehran Telecommunication Tower using complex fractional modulus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/tal.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Safi M, Chazalviel JN, Cherkaoui M, Belaı̈di A, Gorochov O. Etching of n-type silicon in (HF+oxidant) solutions: in situ characterisation of surface chemistry. Electrochim Acta 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0013-4686(02)00117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Safi M, Onagbesan OM, Volckaert G, Vanmontfort D, Bruggeman V, Decuypere E. Developmental expression of activin/inhibin alpha- and beta(A)-subunit genes in the gonads of male and female chick embryos. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2001; 122:304-11. [PMID: 11356042 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.2000.7546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The expression of inhibin alpha- and beta(A)-subunits was investigated in gonads of male and female chick embryos during the last week of their 21-day incubation period. Fertilized Hisex brown laying hen eggs were incubated at 37.8 +/- 0.2 degrees and 60% relative humidity in an automatic forced-draft incubator with constant lighting. Embryos were killed after 14, 18, and 21 days of incubation, sexed by macroscopical inspection of the gonadal phenotype, and further dissected to obtain the gonads. Total RNA was isolated using the ultraspec RNA method. The expression of alpha- and beta(A)-subunits was evaluated by competitive RT-PCR. Significant differences were found within and between sexes in the expression of the alpha- and beta(A)-subunits. The level of the alpha-subunit in the testis was about 23-fold higher than that in the ovary at all ages. Testicular content of inhibin alpha mRNA levels was similar at days 14 and 18 but declined significantly at day 21 of incubation, whereas no significant differences were observed between the three age groups in the ovary. Testicular and ovarian inhibin beta(A)-subunit increased significantly from day 14 to day 18 followed by a significant decline before hatch. However, inhibin beta(A) level at day 14 was significantly higher in the ovary than in the testis. At days 18 and 21, there were no differences in the levels of the inhibin beta(A) in the sexes. The expression of inhibin beta(A)-subunit in the ovary was significantly higher than that of the alpha-subunit at all ages. In the testis, however, the expression of the beta(A)-subunit was higher at days 18 and 21 than at day 14. The sex difference in gonadal inhibin subunits expression suggests differential roles of inhibin/activin in the development of the chicken gonads. The changing level of expression during incubation also suggests changing biological roles within sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safi
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Laboratory of Gene Technology, Catholic University of Leuven, Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92, Heverlee, B-3001, Belgium
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Vanmontfort D, Onagbesan OM, Bruggeman V, Safi M, Williams J, Decuypere E. Autocrine/paracrine effects of inhibin and activin in chicken ovary. Br Poult Sci 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/00071660050149038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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28
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Safi M, Onagbesan O, Vanmontfort D, Decuypere E. Developmental expression of activin/inhibin α and β A subunit genes in the gonads of male and female chick embryos. Br Poult Sci 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/00071660050149010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Vanmontfort D, Onagbesan O, Bruggeman V, Safi M, Williams J, Decuypere E. Autocrine/paracrine effects of inhibin and activin in chicken ovary. Br Poult Sci 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/00071660050149029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Abstract
In the past three decades, overwhelming evidence has accumulated to show that insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II, their receptors and binding proteins (IGFBP) (the IGF system), have major roles to play in the regulation of ovarian function in mammals. Although studies in birds did not start until 5-6 years ago, the limited information thus far available suggests that the IGFs act as autocrine/paracrine regulators of follicular growth and differentiation, just as observed in mammals. The genes for IGF-I and -II, type-I IGF receptor, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-5 are expressed in both granulosa and theca cells of the chicken ovary. The mechanisms by which the IGF system controls ovarian function in the avian species are complex and involve interactions with the gonadotrophins (LH and FSH), growth hormone, and even other growth factors. Effects are different between strains and nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- O M Onagbesan
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Catholic University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
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Bruggeman V, Onagbesan O, D'Hondt E, Buys N, Safi M, Vanmontfort D, Berghman L, Vandesande F, Decuypere E. Effects of timing and duration of feed restriction during rearing on reproductive characteristics in broiler breeder females. Poult Sci 1999; 78:1424-34. [PMID: 10536792 DOI: 10.1093/ps/78.10.1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether there exists a critical period during rearing when restricted feeding of broiler breeder hens can be most beneficial on subsequent egg production. Broiler breeder pullets were subjected to combinations of either ad libitum or restricted feeding during three periods before sexual maturity. Body weight gain, feed intake, and egg production were recorded. Ovary and oviduct weights were noted at age of first oviposition. At 15 and 18 wk of age and at age of first oviposition, chicken luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-I (cLHRH-I) in the median eminence and the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the pituitary and plasma were determined. The results demonstrated that alternation between ad libitum and restricted feeding during rearing changed the growth curves of the birds. Feed restriction from 7 to 15 wk followed by either ad libitum or restricted feeding led to improved reproductive performance, suggesting that long-term feed restriction may not be necessary to attain good reproductive performance. The birds restricted from 7 to 15 wk of age had higher proportional weights of ovary (> or = 1.7%) and oviduct (> or = 1.58%) at age of sexual maturity. The cLHRH-I levels in the median eminence and gonadotrophin contents in the pituitary followed that of growth in response to feeding levels and timing of feeding and could be related to the timing of the onset of lay. At age of first egg, all groups had similar levels of cLHRH-I, LH, and FSH. However, no clear effect of level of feed intake or time period of restriction could be observed for plasma LH or FSH concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bruggeman
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Catholic University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
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Safi M, Buys N, Onagbesan OM, Vleugels B, Decuypere E. Quantification of inhibin/activin alpha and betaA subunit messenger ribonucleic acid by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in chicken granulosa cells during follicular development. Biol Reprod 1998; 59:1047-54. [PMID: 9780308 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod59.5.1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The very sensitive quantitative competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of inhibin/activin subunits in the granulosa cells of developing ovarian follicles of the hen. Two competitors specific to inhibin alpha and betaA subunits were constructed. In one study, the expression of inhibin alpha and betaA genes was determined in the granulosa cells of the five largest yellow follicles (F1, F2, F3, F4/5), the small yellow follicles (SYF), and the large white follicles (LWF) of a layer strain of chickens. Competitive RT-PCR for inhibin alpha subunit revealed 10.35 +/- 2.15 pg/ microg total RNA in the LWF. The expression increased 40-fold in the SYF and remained at that level in the F4/5 but decreased markedly thereafter up to the F1 stage. Inhibin/activin betaA subunit was also detected in the LWF in low amounts and showed no significant increase until the F2 stage. The highest level was found in the F1. The pattern of the mRNA for alpha and betaA subunits in the five largest follicles (F1, F2, F3, F4/5) of a broiler breeder strain of chicken was compared with that in the layer strain. Expression of the alpha subunit was significantly higher in the three largest follicles (F1, F2, F3) of the broiler breeder hens, but only in the F2 for the betaA. The results suggest that inhibin alpha may play an important role in the recruitment and differentiation of follicles and that differences between broiler breeders and layers may have consequences at both the pituitary and ovarian levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safi
- Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Catholic University of Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Rigo P, Van Boxem P, Foulon J, Safi M, Engdahl J, Links J. Quantitative evaluation of a comprehensive motion, resolution, and attenuation correction program: initial experience. J Nucl Cardiol 1998; 5:458-68. [PMID: 9796892 DOI: 10.1016/s1071-3581(98)90176-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tomographic myocardial imaging is widely used in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease. However, its specificity remains suboptimal because of attenuation, resolution, and motion artifacts. The purpose of this study was to optimize and assess the value of attenuation, blur, and motion correction of myocardial single photon emission computed tomographic data. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-seven studies were selected for analysis to provide 3 patient groups. Group A consisted of 18 patients with a low likelihood of coronary artery disease who were used to construct a quantitative normal database and assess changes in the normal bull's-eye produced by filtering and by attenuation correction. Group B consisted of 13 patients with a high probability of normal results, and group C consisted of 16 patients with coronary artery disease defined on angiography. The effects of attenuation correction, especially in conjunction with RESTORE (a depth-dependent deblurring filter), have been quantitated. Analysis indicates a trend to improved sensitivity and specificity for detecting individual vessel disease in this retrospective study. The motion correction program was successfully applied to 93% of patients but detected significant motion requiring correction in only 11 (24%) patients. CONCLUSION This preliminary retrospective study indicates a potential for improved myocardial single photon emission computed tomography imaging with the use of attenuation and motion correction together with a restorative deblurring filter. Confirmation by a multicenter study and larger patient numbers remain necessary to assess fully the prospective value of the technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rigo
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, C.H.U. Liege, Belgium
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Arrouji Z, Slim A, Ben Jilani S, Mahmoud K, Safi M, Khrouf M, Boujnah A. [Systematic research on latent genital herpes in primipara referrals]. Tunis Med 1988; 66:99-101. [PMID: 3201573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Bec P, Grosset P, Aubry JP, Safi M, Ducros R. [Contribution of fluorescein angiography to the diagnosis of papillary edemas]. Ophtalmologie 1987; 1:11-3. [PMID: 3153807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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37
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Thabet JH, Ali F, Safi M. Polypoidal nasal lesions. Ear Nose Throat J 1985; 64:552-5. [PMID: 4064991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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