Exercise training reduces systemic inflammation and improves general health status in female migraineurs: a randomised controlled trail

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training on permeability inflammatory indicators of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs in female migraineurs.

METHODS

Female migraineurs (n = 28, age 32 ± 6) were randomised into two groups: migraine with exercise training (EXE + Mig, n = 13) and migraine without exercise training (NON-EXE + Mig, n = 15). Matched healthy women were also recruited as a healthy control group (CON, n = 15). The EXE-Mig group performed 8 weeks of aerobic training. Pre and post intervention, serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and 9) and specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and 2) were measured. In addition, body composition indices and VO2max were determined.

RESULTS

Exercise training reduced serum MMP-9 in female migraineurs with between-group changes and a time x group interaction (p < 0.05). In addition, exercise training reduced the serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in female migraineurs with between-group changes and time x group interaction (p < 0.05). However, no training-induced effect was observed in serum TIMP-1, TIMP-2, MMP-2 contents (p > 0.05) and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio (p > 0.05). Finally, exercise training reduced body fat content, WHR and BMI, and improved VO2max (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated beneficial effects of aerobic exercise training on some circulatory inflammation factors (MMP9, MMP-9/TIMP-1) and some health indicators in female migraineurs, suggesting that such training can be employed as a non-pharmacological therapeutic method.

Differential gene expression patterns in ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction and Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction

The ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) might occur because of coronary artery stenosis. The gene biomarkers apply to the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic decisions in Myocardial Infarction. The aim of this study was to introduce, enrich and estimate timely the blood gene profiles based on the high-throughput data for the molecular distinction of STEMI and NSTEMI. The text mining data (50 genes) annotated with DisGeNET data (144 genes) were merged with the GEO gene expression data (5 datasets) using R software. Then, the STEMI and NSTEMI networks were primarily created using the STRING server, and improved using the Cytoscape software. The high-score genes were enriched using the KEGG signaling pathways and Gene Ontology (GO). Furthermore, the genes were categorized to determine the NSTEMI and STEMI gene profiles. The time cut-off points were identified statistically by monitoring the gene profiles up to 30 days after Myocardial Infarction (MI). The gene heatmaps were clearly created for the STEMI (high-fold genes 69, low-fold genes 45) and NSTEMI (high-fold genes 68, low-fold genes 36). The STEMI and NSTEMI networks suggested the high-score gene profiles. Furthermore, the gene enrichment suggested the different biological conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. The time cut-off points for the NSTEMI (4 genes) and STEMI (13 genes) gene profiles were established up to three days after Myocardial Infarction. The study showed the different pathophysiologic conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. Furthermore, the high-score gene profiles are suggested to measure up to 3 days after MI to distinguish the STEMI and NSTEMI.

Beta arrestin-related signalling axes are influenced by dexamethasone and metformin in vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in high glucose condition

BACKGROUND

Metformin (Met) and dexamethasone (Dexa) are known to reduce blood sugar levels and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Based on the acceleration of atherosclerosis process in diabetes, the β-arrestin 2 (BARR2) gene and protein expression levels were evaluated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) treated with Met and Dexa in high glucose conditions in this study.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Human VSMCs were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 (DMEM-F12) medium and, were treated with different values of Met (1 mM, 5 mM and 7 mM) and Dexa (10-7  M, 10-6  M and 10-5  M) in 24- and 48-h periods. The BARR2 gene and protein expression levels were identified with RT-qPCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. The signalling axes were predicted from gene network made using Cytoscape software and, were annotated with Gene Ontology.

RESULTS

The BARR2 gene and protein expression levels reduced in VSMCs treated with Dexa and Met after 24- and 48-h periods. These results were more changed after 48 h. Furthermore, many BARR2-related signalling axes were found from the network genes.

CONCLUSION

Met and Dexa suppressed the BARR2 protein and gene expression levels in the VSMCs. Moreover, the gene network suggested some the cellular signalling axes related to BARR2 that may be affected by Met and Dexa.

Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab and Evolocumab as Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a prevalent and potentially fatal illness that causes a substantial elevation in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of monoclonal antibodies alirocumab and evolocumab on LDL-C and other lipid parameters, as well as their safety in familial hypercholesterolemia patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was done on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS/ ISI), Scopus, ClinicalTrials (www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov), and conferences/ congress research papers. Random effect models were used to calculate mean differences (%) and risk ratios (RRs), and confidence intervals (95%).

RESULTS

Ten studies (n=1489 patients) were included in this study. PCSK9 inhibitors decreased the levels of LDL-C by -49.59% (95%CI -55.5%, -43.67%) as compared to placebo. They also didn't alter the Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event (TEAE) and neuronal events by RR 0.92 (0.75, 1.13) and 1.31 (0.66, 2.59), respectively. PCSK9 inhibitors were effective and safe in treating patients with FH.

CONCLUSION

There was high-quality evidence showing that monoclonal antibodies (alirocumab & evolocumab) lower LDL-C (GRADE: high), lipoprotein (a) (GRADE: High), triglycerides (TG) (GRADE: High), total cholesterol (GRADE: High), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non- HDL-C) (GRADE: Moderate), and apolipoprotein B (GRADE: High), and increase the HDL-C (GRADE: High) as well as apolipoprotein A1 (GRADE: High). Comparing PCSK9 inhibitors against placebo, neither TEAE (GRADE: high) nor neuronal events (GRADE: moderate) were changed.

Prevalence of migraine in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Migraine headaches affect all ages, from childhood to old age. Migraine attacks cause significant changes in the living conditions of the sick person, including a decrease in personal, social, and occupational performance. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of migraine in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the studies associated with the prevalence of migraine using the keywords: migraine, prevalence, and Iran its equivalents in international databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science direct, and Iranian internal information databases, including SID and MagIran, was searched without limit until November 2022. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2) was used to analyze the data. Due to the high number of studies reviewed in this systematic review, the Begg and Mazumdar test was used at a significance level of 0.1, and the corresponding Funnel plot was used to check publication bias. Also, the I2 test was used to check the heterogeneity in this study.

RESULTS

22 records were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of migraine in the general population of Iran was 15.1% (confidence interval 95%: 10.7-20.9), and in this population, the prevalence of migraine was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of migraine based on The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) 2 criteria was reportedly 16.4% (95% CI: 10.8-24.1), and with ICHD3 criteria, this value was reported as 17.1% (95% CI: 7.7-33.6). Based on a survey of 4571 children, the prevalence of migraine was reported to be 5.2% (95% CI: 1.3-18.7). Also, the prevalence of migraine in adolescents was calculated based on eight studies (n = 8820). Accordingly, 11.2% (95% CI: 5.8-20.4) of adolescents have migraines. Meanwhile, the prevalence of migraine in boys was 8.2% (95% CI: 4.8-13.7), and in girls was 8% (95% CI: 6.2-12.7).

CONCLUSION

As a result, the prevalence of migraine in Iran, based on population-based studies, was reported as 15.1%. The result showed a higher prevalence of migraine in the general population than in children and adolescents. It was also found that the prevalence of migraine in women is higher than in men.

Occupational exposure to nanomaterials: A bibliometric study of publications over the last decade

Owing to the increased use of nanomaterials, the number of employees and professionals who are exposed to these chemicals is on the rise, despite the paucity of organized data on the possible dangers associated with exposure to these compounds. Multiple studies reveal that the lack of nanosafety awareness among employees and businesses is a serious problem that must be addressed. This shortage of information may result from insufficient knowledge generation or transmission. Academic publications play a significant role in producing new knowledge. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of published research on workplace nanosafety which this bibliometric analysis aims to establish the permeability and significance of nanosafety themes from an occupational safety and health viewpoint in academia, to gain a better understanding of the knowledge generation phase in the area, and detected advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Scopus was used as the data source in this study. A total of 1170 publications were gathered and analyzed. The results indicated that the United States is a leader in several aspects of nanosafety at the workplace. The synthesis of co-citation and author-keyword phrases provided insight into determining the focal points of the current study. Analysis of meta data indicates that the number of writers is rising. Nanomaterial toxicity, risk assessment, and occupational exposure are the three hottest topics in this field, according to the result. In addition, the findings included worldwide growth rate, collaborative research fields, keywords, journals, and funding agencies. The advantages and disadvantages of the knowledge creation phase of nanosafety at the workplace were examined in the conclusion.

Global prevalence of congenital anencephaly: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Anencephaly is a fatal congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of brain hemispheres and cranial arch. Timely preventive measures can be taken by knowing the exact prevalence of this common neural tube defect; thus, carried out through systematic review and meta-analysis, the present study was conducted to determine the worldwide prevalence, incidence and mortality of anencephaly.

Methods

Cochran’s seven-step instructions were used as the guideline. Having determined the research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we studied MagIran, SID, Science Direct, WoS, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, the search strategy in each database included using all possible keyword combinations with the help of “AND” and “OR” operators with no time limit to 2021. The I² test was used to calculate study heterogeneity, and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation tests were employed to assess the publication bias. Data were analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2).

Results

In this study, the statements of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) were used. In the first stage, 1141 articles were found, of which 330 duplicate studies were omitted. 371 articles were deleted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by reviewing the title and abstract of the study. 58 articles were removed by reviewing the full text of the article because it was not relevant to the research. 360 studies with a sample size of 207,639,132 people were considered for the meta-analysis. Overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence and attenuation of anencephaly worldwide were 5.1 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 per ten thousand births), 8.3 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 5.5–9.9 per ten thousand births), 5.5 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 1.8–15 per ten thousand births) respectively the highest of which according to the subgroup analysis, belonged to the Australian continent with 8.6 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 7.7–9.5 per ten thousand births).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of anencephaly in the world is significant, indicating the urgent need for preventive and treating measures.

Anencephaly is a fatal congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of brain hemispheres and cranial arch. Cochran’s seven-step instructions were used as the guideline. Having determined the research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we studied MagIran, SID, Science Direct, WoS, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, the search strategy in each database included using all possible keyword combinations with the help of “AND” and “OR” operators with no time limit to 2021. Out of 1141 initial articles found, and after excluding repetitive ones in various databases and those irrelevant to inclusion criteria, 360 studies with a sample size of 207,639,132 people were considered for the meta-analysis. Overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence and attenuation of anencephaly worldwide were 5.1 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 per ten thousand births), 8.3 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 5.5–9.9 per ten thousand births), 5.5 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 1.8–15 per ten thousand births) respectively the highest of which according to the subgroup analysis, belonged to the Australian continent with 8.6 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 7.7–9.5 per ten thousand births). The overall prevalence of anencephaly in the world is significant, indicating the urgent need for preventive and treating measures.

Global prevalence of myasthenia gravis and the effectiveness of common drugs in its treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness and disability in the voluntary muscles. There have been several preliminary studies on the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in different parts of the world and the effectiveness of common drugs in its treatment, but there has been no comprehensive study of the efficacy of common drugs in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis globally and the effectiveness of common drugs in its treatment using systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Research studies were extracted from IranDoc, MagIran, IranMedex, SID, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences (WoS), ProQuest, Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Google Scholar based on Cochran's seven-step guidelines using existing keywords extracted in MeSH browser. The I2 test was used to calculate the heterogeneity of studies, and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation tests were used to assess publication bias. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2).

RESULTS

In the search for descriptive studies based on the research question, 7374 articles were found. After deleting articles unrelated to the research question, finally, 63 articles with a sample size of 1,206,961,907 people were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of MG worldwide was estimated to be 12.4 people (95% CI 10.6-14.5) per 100,000 population. For analytical studies on the effectiveness of common myasthenia gravis drugs, 4672 articles were found initially, and after removing articles unrelated to the research question, finally, 20 articles with a sample size of 643 people in the drug group and 619 people in the placebo group were included in the study. As a result of the combination of studies, the difference between the mean QMGS score index after taking Mycophenolate and Immunoglobulin or plasma exchange drugs in the group of patients showed a significant decrease of 1.4 ± 0.77 and 0.62 ± 0.28, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of systematic review of drug evaluation in patients with myasthenia gravis showed that Mycophenolate and Immunoglobulin or plasma exchange drugs have positive effects in the treatment of MG. It also represents the positive effect of immunoglobulin or plasma exchange on reducing SFEMG index and QMGS index and the positive effect of Mycophenolate in reducing MG-ADL index, SFEMG and Anti-AChR antibodies index. In addition, based on a meta-analysis of the random-effect model, the overall prevalence of MG in the world is 12.4 people per 100,000 population, which indicates the urgent need for attention to this disease for prevention and treatment.

Microfluidic synthesis of retinoic acid-loaded nanoparticles for neural differentiation of trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cell

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to fabricate the PCL-nanoparticles (NPs) loaded retinoic acid (RA) using the microfluidic system for successful cellular uptake and induction of neuronal differentiation of trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cells (TMMSCs).

METHODS

A microfluidic system used to synthesize RA-loaded NPs, DLS, FTIR, TEM, and UV-spectroscopy was recruited to characterize and study the release of RA. Also, the toxicity, cellular uptake, and neuronal differential of TMMSCs have been assessed.

RESULTS

According to the obtained results, the spherical NPs (117.6±0.35 nm, ‒19.4±5.3) and RA-loaded NPs (121.6±0.75 nm, ‒23.6±1.3) were synthesized successfully by microfluidic system. 7.8±2.04 % of RA was loaded in NPs, and 25 % was released in the first four hours. Thus, the NPs have been successfully internalized into the stem cells, leading to a significant increase in neural genes and protein (β Tubulin III and Map-2) expression.

CONCLUSION

Our study's harvested results have represented valid data for practical use of microfluidic systems in the term of NPs loaded RA synthesis and its successful function to cellular internalization and euronal differentiation of TMMSCs (Tab. 2, Fig. 10, Ref. 46).

Hypermethylation of MIR129-2 Regulates SOX4 Transcription and Associates with Metastasis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA-129-2 (miR-129-2), targeting SOX4, has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of different cancers. Here in this study, we examined the methylation levels of the promoter region of MIR19-2 gene as well as transcription of miR-129-2 and mRNA expression of SOX4 in the tumoral tissues from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and compared those in the normal marginal tissues.

METHODS

Fifty CRC patients with Iranian Azari ethnicity were recruited. Genomic DNAs were extracted from the tumoral and normal tissues and the methylation level of the promoter regions of the MIR129-2 gene was determined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) by evaluating 100 CG sites. The RNA content of the samples was isolated and the transcript levels of miR-129-2 and SOX4 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Methylation level of the MIR192-2 promoter was significantly higher in the tumoral tissues compared to that in the normal marginal tissues (84% vs. 28%; P = 0.0041). The expression level of miR-192-2 was significantly downregulated (fold change = 0.34, P = 0.028) but SOX4 mRNA expression was upregulated (fold change = 2.7, P = 0.019) in the tumoral tissues compared to that in the normal marginal tissues. There was a significant correlation between the methylation level of the MIR192-2 promoter and the expression levels of miR-192-2 and SOX4 in the tumoral tissues. Associations were observed between the methylation of the MIR192-2 promoter and lymph node and liver metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that MIR192-2 promoter hypermethylation might regulate the expression of SOX4 and therefore modulate metastasis in CRC.

Attenuation of aquaporin-3 may be contributing to low sperm motility and is associated with activated caspase-3 in asthenozoospermic individuals

Aquaporins play a crucial in transportation of water and solutes across cell membranes but their roles in male fertility are controversial. This study aimed to determine association of the expression level of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and caspase-3 (CASP3) activity with sperm motility in asthenozoospermic individuals. Thirty-five asthenozoospermic and 35 normozoospermic individuals, participated in this study. Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) for estimating of the DNA-damaged spermatozoa and Fluorescein-labelled inhibitors of caspases for assessment of active CASP3 were used by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions of AQP3 and CASP3 were assessed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry respectively. The AQP3 gene expression level in asthenozoospermic individuals was significantly lower than that of normozoospermic group whereas it was higher for the CASP3 gene expression (p < .01). The SCSA data in asthenozoospermic was significantly higher than that of normozoospermic group (p < .01). There was a negative and significant correlation between attenuated AQP3 protein level with activated CASP3 and SCSA in the asthenozoospermic group. We showed that the attenuated AQP3 level may contribute to low sperm motility via reducing glycerol for energy production in sperm tails of asthenozoospermia. Increasing CASP3 activity could indirectly show the status of active apoptosis in individuals with asthenozoospermia.

Identification of Risk Factors to Predict the Occurrences of Relapses in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder in Iran

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a modest treatment outcome. In addition, relapses are commonplace. Here, we sought to identify factors that predict relapse latency and frequency. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed data for individuals with SSD. Medical records of 401 individuals with SSD were analyzed (mean age: 25.51 years; 63.6% males) covering a five-year period. Univariate and multivariate Penalized Likelihood Models with Shared Log-Normal Frailty were used to determine the correlation between discharge time and relapse and to identify risk factors. A total of 683 relapses were observed in males, and 422 relapses in females. The Relapse Hazard Ratio (RHR) decreased with age (RHR = 0.99, CI: (0.98–0.998)) and with participants’ adherence to pharmacological treatment (HR = 0.71, CI: 0.58–0.86). In contrast, RHR increased with a history of suicide attempts (HR = 1.32, CI: 1.09–1.60), and a gradual compared to a sudden onset of disease (HR = 1.45, CI: 1.02–2.05). Gender was not predictive. Data indicate that preventive and therapeutic interventions may be particularly important for individuals who are younger at disease onset, have a history of suicide attempts, have experienced a gradual onset of disease, and have difficulties adhering to medication.

A prospective, observational study of the performance of MEWS, NEWS, SIRS and qSOFA for early risk stratification for adverse outcomes in patients with suspected infections at the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Many patients with suspected infection are presented to the emergency Department. Several scoring systems have been proposed to identify patients at high risk of adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We compared generic early warning scores (MEWS and NEWS) to the (SIRS) criteria and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessement (qSOFA), for early risk stratification in 1400 patients with suspected infection in the ED. The primary study end point was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

The AUROC of the NEWS score for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.740 (95% Confidence Interval 0.682- 0.798), higher than qSOFA (AUROC of 0.689, 95% CI 0.615- 0.763), MEWS (AUROC 0.643 (95% CI 0.583-0.702) and SIRS (AUROC 0.586, 95%CI 0.521 - 0.651). The sensitivity was also highest for NEWS⋝ 5 (sensitivity 75,8% specificity of 67,4%).

CONCLUSION

Among patients presenting to the ED with suspected infection, early risk stratification with NEWS (cut-off of ⋝5) is more sensitive for prediction of mortality than qSOFA, MEWS or SIRS, with adequate specificity.

Brain lesions in a patient with rectal cancer: mind your step

Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a potentially fatal infection most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient on long-term immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation and a recent history of oligometastatic rectal cancer, with cerebral lesions as a result of toxoplasmosis. Heightened awareness of the occurrence of opportunistic infections in patients with cancer who are taking immunosuppressive drugs is needed among clinicians.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of the type 1 diabetes: a meta-regression and updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between the polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been evaluated in several studies. However, the findings were inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effect of VDR gene polymorphisms on the risk of T1DM.

METHODS

All relevant studies reporting the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to T1DM published up to May 2020 were identified by comprehensive systematic database search in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Strength of association were assessed by calculating of pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. To find the potential sources of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 39 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results of overall population rejected any significant association between VDR gene polymorphisms and T1DM risk. However, the pooled results of subgroup analysis revealed significant negative and positive associations between FokI and BsmI polymorphisms and T1DM in Africans and Americans, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested a significant association between VDR gene polymorphism and T1DM susceptibility in ethnic-specific analysis.

Time trend analysis of breast cancer in Iran and its six topographical regions: a population-based study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and in 2002 it was expected that 636,000 new cases would occur in developed countries and 514,000 in developing countries. Although the incidence rate of this cancer in Asian countries is lower than in Western countries, whereas the incidence trend increasing rapidly in Asia. Using the data from the Cancer Registry System, this study was carried out to investigate the incidence trend during 2000-2005 in Iran and its six geographical areas. The incidence rates were standardized according to age-sex groups by Excel directly and confidence intervals is calculated for the point estimations by Stata11. The trends were analyzed separately based on gender, age groups for different provinces by Poisson regression in Stata11. The age standardized incidence rate in 2000 was 0.1 and 3.4 per 100,000 in males and females, respectively, reaching 0.5 and 16.7 per 100,000 in 2005. The incidence trends in all geographical areas of the country were increased despite the difference in the slopes. The sex ratio of male to female was 31.6 and the mean age of the patients was 49.4 (±12.6) years. The incidence of breast cancer in Iran was lower than the European and Asian countries but the trend is in rising. Although this increase is due to the increase in the prevalence of risk factors among Iranian population. Improvement in the coverage of the cancer registry system as well as the screening programs are important factors for these changes.

Comparison of aglycon and glycosidic saponin extracts of Cyclamen coum tuber against Candida spp

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Candidiasis, an important fungal infection, is considered the fourth most common nosocomial blood stream infection. Nowadays, because of increased fungal resistance to antibiotics, the use of herbal medicine has gained particular attention. Cyclamen species are medicinal plants containing triterpenoid saponins, which are shown to have antimicrobial properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three species of Candida including C.albicans, 10231 C.tropicalis 0750 ,and C.krusei and nine clinical samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Active substances of the tubers were extracted by fractionation method. Susceptibility of Candida to Cyclamencoum tuber extracts was evaluated via minimum inhibitory concentration) MIC( and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC.(.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory effect on Candida strains, whereas the aqueous and n-butanolic extracts showed considerable activity. MIC and MFC of these extracts varied within the range of 2-32 µg/mL of saponin for different Candida samples. Aglyconic aqueous phase of the extract had the most effective anticandida activity. Glycosidic and aglyconic aqueous extracts were less active on C. albicans strains and C. Tropicalis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Tuber extract of Cyclamen was rich in triterpenoid saponins and had antifungal effect. Sugar chain structure, as well as type and concentration of the aglycones were effective in this activity.

The evaluation of Candida albicans biofilms formation on silicone catheter, PVC and glass coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles by XTT method and ATPase assay

Lots of Candida albicans infections involve in biofilm formation on medical devices. This kind of biofilm can impede antifungal therapy and complicates the treatment of infectious diseases particularly in field of chronic diseases associated with implanted devices. This study has investigated the influence of treating silicone catheter, PVC and glass coated with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on attachment of C. albicans. In this study TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized from precursor TiCl4 and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) which showed TiO2 nanoparticles are 70-100 nm in size. In the simplest model of biofilms formation, C. albicans isolates (ATCC10231) and (ATCC 76615) were grown on the surface of small disks of catheter, PVC and glass in a flat-bottomed 12-well plates and evaluated biofilm formation using ATP bioluminescence and tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction assays. In addition, morphology of C. albicans biofilms after 48 h incubation was observed by SEM. Results indicated that there is a statistical difference between mean of coated samples especially catheter and glass before and after TiO2 nanoparticles coating (p<0.05). In SEM analysis, C. albicans biofilm was more aggregated on the surface of glass and catheter than PVC and control groups and after treatment by these nanoparticles, catheter and glass both showed most significant decrease of C. albicans attachment in comparison to the control groups (Fig. 4, Ref. 23).

Reproducibility of postural changes in intraocular pressure with the Tono-Pen and Pulsair tonometers

Reproducibility of measurements of postural changes in intraocular pressure was determined by using the Tono-Pen (Mentor O & O, Inc., Norwell, Massachusetts) and Pulsair (Keeler Instruments, Inc., Broomhall, Pennsylvania) tonometers. Thirty subjects had three repeated sitting and reclining measurements performed on three separate visit days. Reproducibility coefficients of 3.3% for the Tono-Pen and 6.3% for the Pulsair were obtained for the within-visit postural change measurements. Across-visit reproducibility coefficients were 7.9% and 26.2% for the Tono-Pen and Pulsair, respectively. The estimated standard deviations for both the within-visit and across-visit postural change measurements were high for both instruments. These results indicate poor reproducibility of measurements of postural changes in intraocular pressure.

[Consequences of a delayed start of therapy in primary irradiated gynecologic malignomas on five-year healing and mortality. A clinical epidemiological study]

The cases of 627 women with gynaecological malignomas, who were primarily irradiated in 1967 to 1969, were interpreted, questioning the temporary difference between clinical and histological diagnosis and beginning of treatment with regard to five-years' healing-results and mortality. The study has demonstrated, that - a delay of only four weeks considered - the part of living patients waas 11,28% of the total number of living patients, the part of dead patients however was 21,62% of the total number of dead patients. We emphasize therefore the urgency of an immediate beginning of therapy following a reliable diagnosis.