Hydroelectric actuator for 3-dimensional analysis of electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic behavior of cancer cells; suitable in diagnosis and invasion studies

Cancer is a cellular-based disease, so cytological diagnosis is one of the main challenges for its early detection. An extensive number of diagnostic methods have been developed to separate cancerous cells from normal ones, in electrical methods attract progressive attention. Identifying and specifying different cells requires understanding their dielectric and electric properties. This study evaluated MDA-MB-231, HUVEC, and MCF-10A cell lines, WBCs isolated from blood, and patient-derived cell samples with a cylindrical body with two transparent FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) plate electrodes. Cell mobility rates were recorded in response to these stimuli. It was observed that cancer cells demonstrate drastic changes in their motility in the presence and absence of an electric field (DC/AC). Also, solution viscosity's effect on cancer cells' capturing efficacy was evaluated. This research's main distinguished specification uses a non-microfluidic platform to detect and pathologically evaluate cytological samples with a simple, cheap, and repeatable platform. The capturing procedure was carried out on a cytological slide without any complicated electrode patterning with the ability of cytological staining. Moreover, this platform successfully designed and experimented with the invasion assay (the ability of captured cancer cells to invade normal cells).

Nursing management of anxiety and sleep disorders in patients hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cardiac intensive care unit is an environment that induces a high rate of stress, anxiety and sleep disorders in hospitalized patients. All these elements can create an obstacle in the continuity of care and increase cardiovascular risk.

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the anxiety and sleep disorders in patients admitted to the ICUU and to evaluate nurses’ behavior to these disorders.

Materials and methods

We conducted a descriptive, transversal, observational, prospective study in the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital, which included 37 patients admitted to the ICU and 11 nurses practicing in the department. A questionnaire including two validated scales (HADS-A for anxiety and RCSQ for sleep) was submitted to patients and a self-questionnaire was administered to nurses.

Results

Patients mean age was 61.24 ± 13.41 years with a sex ratio of 2.36. Eight patients (22%) admitted to the ICU had anxiety disorder. In univariate analysis, female gender and mean hospital stay were significantly associated with anxiety among patients admitted to the ICU. In multivariate analysis, female gender was the only independent factor associated with anxiety at ICU hospitalization (relative risk = 3, 95% confidence interval 2.25-3.37, p = 0.005). Seventeen patients (40%) were afraid of death. The majority of patients (92%, n = 34) felt safe with the health care team. Most patients (92%, n = 34) responded to their visitors (through the window), 97% of whom were family members.

Seven patients (19%) had poor sleep. The item with the lowest average was the quality of sleep (53.86 ± 15.65). In univariate analysis, urban living and the average number of sleep hours were significantly associated with poor sleep. Surveillance of vital signs, noise and monitor alarms were the main factors of sleep disturbance.

Eleven nurses were included in our study. Seven nurses considered the management of anxiety as not important, and six answered that the management of sleep disorders was not important. The most used medication by nurses to relieve both symptoms was Hydroxyzine tablets. The most common non-medical way to relieve anxiety was privacy. The most common non-medication way to improve sleep was brightness reduction.

Conclusion

Our study shows that despite the prevalence of anxiety and sleep disorders in patients admitted to the ICU, their care by nurses was not adequate.

Specific training on assessment and coping with these disorders could improve nursing care.

The Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Primary Breast Cancer Prior to any Systematic Therapy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have defined the outstanding role of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the management of cancer, particularly the ones in association with primary tumor metastases.

OBJECTIVE

The overall aim of the present study was to investigate whether CTCs may serve as a clinical prognostic marker for survival in primary breast cancer.

METHODS

Articles Published from June 2011 to July 2017 in PubMed, EMBase, and Cochrane library databases were thoroughly screened for selecting the ones meeting the inclusion criteria.

RESULT

Studies applying CellSearch® method demonstrated the risk ratios (RR) of 2.51 (95% CI: 1.78- 3.54), 3.98 (95% CI: 2.28- 6.95), 5.59 (95% CI: 3.29- 9.51), and 3.38 (95% CI: 1.88- 6.06) for death rate and relapse rates of 2.48 (95% CI: 1.89 - 3.26), 3.62 (95% CI: 2.37 - 5.51), 4.45 (95% CI: 2.94 - 6.73), and 2.88 (95 % CI: 1.99 - 4.17) at four CTC positive cut points (≥ 1, ≥ 2, ≥ 3, and ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 ml). Two studies applying the AdnaTest® also documented increased death (RR: 1.38, 95 % CI: 0.42- 4.49) and relapse rates (RR: 2.97, 95 % CI: 1.23 - 7.18)).

CONCLUSION

Results of this meta-analysis allude CTCs as potent prognostic markers in primary breast cancers prior to any systemic therapy especially when it is studied via CellSearch® administration, considering that the more the CTCs, the greater the death and relapse rates.

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: A New Strategy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is defined as applying high doses of radiation with a shorter interval to the lumpectomy cavity in the setting of breast-conserving therapy for early-stage breast cancer. This treatment strategy is attractive to patients, and its utilization has increased during recent years because of the shorter treatment schedule, better cosmetic outcomes, and acceptable local control rates in selected patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy. Here we provide an overview of various APBI techniques in terms of clinical and cosmetic outcomes, quality of life, and cost of treatment. We also review the current guidelines for selecting suitable breast cancer patients for APBI strategy.Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed between 1996 -2019 that was made was made for case series and randomized studies with at least 2 years of follow-up in term of clinical and cosmetic outcomes, quality of life, and treatment costs. Results: Technological advances have made various APBI modalities, including intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and external-beam radiation therapy, more accessible in the community. Mature data from several randomized and prospective nonrandomized trials have contributed to the development of consensus guidelines for selecting the most appropriate candidates ABPI.Conclusion: APBI represent an attractive treatment option for appropriately selected patients with early breast cancer. Irrespective to various techniques used for APBI it is very important to select the most appropriate patient population according to reliable guidelines for this treatment strategy that could be non-inferiority to whole breast irradiation especially in high-volume radiation centers with long waiting lists and for patients who live far away from the radiotherapy centers.

Evaluating the Incidence Rate of an Accelerated Short Course High Dose Rate Intravaginal Brachytherapy Complications in Patients with Endometrial Cancer

Background:

Brachytherapy in treatment of endometrial cancer patients is growing and therefore, evaluation of more feasible schedule has become of great importance. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the complications of accelerated short course high dose rate intravaginal brachytherapy (HDR IVB), a new brachytherapy approach which is a more feasible treatment option in developing countries.

Method:

From 2017 to 2018, 54 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and FIGO stages IA to IIB who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were enrolled in present study. They were treated with a total dose of 25 Gy in 5 fractions which was prescribed daily. A dose of 5 Gy was prescribed at a depth of 0.5 cm in the upper third and middle third of vagina. Adverse effects related to organs at risk consist of bladder, vagina and rectum were documented based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 (CTCAE v3.0).

Results:

The accelerated short course HDR IVB was well tolerated and no grade 3 or higher toxicities was reported for patients during the follow up period. There were no chronic rectal toxicities and only one patient showed chronic urinary toxicities. However, the incidence rate of vaginal toxicities at the end of 4-month and 8-month follow up periods was higher than acute toxicities and significantly lower in elderly group compared to younger group.

Conclusion:

Overall, the accelerated HDR IVB was safe and was well tolerated in endometrial cancer patients and the incidence rate of undue complications were equal, if not less, in elderly patients compared to the younger ones.

Time scale based analysis of in-situ crystal formation in droplet undergoing rapid dehydration

The surface structure of crystalline particles affects the functionality of the particles in drug delivery. Prediction of the final structure of particles that crystallize easily within the spray drying process is of interests for many applications. A theoretical framework was developed for the prediction of crystal structure precipitating on the surface of the particle. This model was based on the dimensionless Damkohler number (Da), to be an indicator of final particle morphology. Timescales of evaporation and reaction were required for calculation of the Damkohler number. The modified evaporation time scale was estimated based on the time that is available for the crystal to precipitate after supersaturation. The reaction time scale was estimated based on the time scale for induction time. Mannitol was produced under different processing conditions in order to validate the theoretical model. Results showed for the high Damkohler numbers, the surface structure of the particle was rough, while smaller Damkohler numbers led to relatively smooth particle surfaces. Additionally, although the beta polymorph was dominant in all of the experiments, alpha polymorph was precipitated in the experiments with a large Damkohler number. The theoretical framework developed will be a useful predictive tool to guide the manipulation of particle crystallization in spray dryers.

A Review on The Role of VEGF in Tamoxifen Resistance

Background:

Certain molecular deviations can lead to the development of breast cancer. For instance, estrogen and estrogen receptors play a significant role in inducing tumor proliferation. However, the efficacy of endocrine therapy through the administration of anti-estrogen drugs, such as Tamoxifen, is challenged by acquired resistance.

Methods:

Relevant articles were retrieved from Medline and google scholar. All were screened to select the ones discussing the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and Tamoxifen resistance. The molecular interactions contributing in the resistant network were studied from the eligible articles.

Results:

Tamoxifen resistance occurs as a consequence of over-activated signal transduction pathways such as RTK s dependent cascades. It has been shown that microvessel count was greater in Tamoxifen resistant tissues than in responsive ones.

Conclusion:

In this review, the interaction between estrogen, Tamoxifen, VEGF, and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) in Tamoxifen resistant cells has been discussed. VEGF and estrogen-independent growth cascades, especially MAPK have a positive feedback loop in Tamoxifen resistant cells. It has been proposed that over-activated pathways in Tamoxifen resistant cells induce pin1 mediated VEGF over-expression, which in turn result in enhanced activation of MAPK.

Assessment of the electrochemical behaviour of Nickel-Titanium-based orthodontic wires: Effect of some natural corrosion inhibitors in comparison with fluoride

Background

The aim of this study is to assess the corrosion resistance behaviour of Nickel-Titanium-based orthodontic wires (NiTi) in different concentrations of Sodium Fluoride (NaF) and the corrosion’s inhibitory effect of the extracts of some medicinal plants (essential oils, hydrosols and extract).

Material and Methods

In this study we used NiTi (3M) and CuNiTi (ORMCO, 35°C, California) orthodontic wires. The following electrolytes were prepared: Lactate Ringer solution with additions of 0.1%, 0.5% or 1% of Sodium Fluoride and the extracts of different plants: Artemisia, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and Celtis australis. Corrosion resistance was studied using anodic potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. At the end of the experiment, microscopic images of wires were performed. ANOVA test with the comparison of Bonferroni and Tukey tests were performed to elucidate comparisons among all groups.

Results

The higher sodium fluoride concentration is related to negative corrosion potential for both NiTi and CuNiTi orthodontic wire. Hydrosols are associated to positive values of corrosion potential. CuNiTi has a lower corrosion resistance than NiTi.

Conclusions

The prescription of toothpastes containing sodium fluoride should be reduced especially for patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Eugenol may be considered as alternative of sodium fluoride for orthodontic patients for its anti-microbial and anti-corrosive effects.

Key words:Corrosion behaviour, Sodium Fluoride, Nickel-Tatanium, orthodontic wires, corrosion inhibitors, aromatical plants.

Stemness Phenotype in Tamoxifen Resistant Breast Cancer Cells May be Induced by Interactions Between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and ERα-66

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen is widely administered for patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Despite many patients benefiting from Tamoxifen as an effective anti-hormonal agent in adjuvant therapy, a noticeable number of patients tend to develop resistance.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to shed light upon the molecular mechanisms associated with Tamoxifen resistance which can help improve current treatment strategies available for stimulating responsiveness and combating resistance.

METHODS

Relevant articles were obtained from PubMed and google scholar, nearly all dated from 2010 to 2017. Articles were screened to select the ones meeting the objective. The molecular interactions in the resistant network were extracted from the appropriate articles.

RESULTS

The mechanisms of developing Tamoxifen resistance were briefly outlined. Overactivation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) pathways, commonly known as alternative growth cascades, is one of the main players in acquired cancer cell stemness, which can induce unrestricted proliferation in the presence of Tamoxifen. There are seven recent patents including 6291496B1 as an anti-HER2, 8143226B2 as an inhibitor of RTK phosphorylation, 9062308B2 as an anti-HOXB7, Lapatinib functioning as an anti-EGFR/HER2, Everolimus as an inhibitor of mTOR, Exemestane as an aromatase inhibitor and Perifosine as an AKT inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, it seems that tumor cells express a stemness phenotype which tends to override anti-hormonal adjuvant therapies. Since RTKs are overactivated and overexpressed in such cells, specialized targeted therapies suppressing RTKs would be a novel and effective way in restoring Tamoxifen sensitivity in resistant breast cancer tumor cells.

Clinical Evidence on the Magnitude of Change in Growth Pathway Activity in Relation to Tamoxifen Resistance is Required

Background:

Despite prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival rates in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive patients undergoing adjuvant treatment, Tamoxifen therapy tends to fail due to eventual acquisition of resistance.

Objective:

Although numerous studies have emphasized the Role of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) in the development of Tamoxifen resistance, inadequate clinical evidence is available regarding the alteration of biomarker expression during acquired resistance, thus undermining the validity of the findings.

Results:

Results of two meta-analyses investigating the effect of HER2 status on the prognosis of Tamoxifen-receiving patients have demonstrated that despite HER2-negative patients having longer disease-free survival; there is no difference in overhaul survival between the two groups. Furthermore, due to the intricate molecular interactions among estrogen receptors including ERα36, ERα66, and also RTKs, it is not surprising that RTK suppression does not restore Tamoxifen sensitivity. In considering such a complex network, we speculate that by the time HER2/EGFR is suppressed via targeted therapies, activation of ERα66 and ERα36 initiate molecular signaling pathways downstream of RTKs, thereby enhancing cell proliferation even in the presence of both Tamoxifen and RTK inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Although clinical findings regarding the molecular pathways downstream of RTKs have been thoroughly discussed in this review, further clinical studies are required in determining a consistency between preclinical and clinical findings. Discovering the best targets in preventing tumor progression requires thorough comprehension of estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent pathways during Tamoxifen resistance development. Indeed, exploring additional clinically-proven targets would allow for better characterized treatments being available for breast cancer patients.

Study of crystal-field excitations and infrared active phonons in TbMnO3

The Tb³⁺ (4f ⁸) crystal-field (CF) excitations and the infrared phonons in TbMnO₃ are studied as a function of temperature and under an applied magnetic field. The phonon energy shifts reflect local displacement of the oxygen ions that contribute to the CF energy level shifts below 120 K and under magnetic field. The CF polarized transmission spectra provide interesting information about the debated nature of the excitations at 41, 65, 130 cm^-1. We also evaluate the contribution of the charge transfer mechanism to the magnetoelectric process in TbMnO₃ under magnetic field.

Systematic investigation for underlying causes of recurrent infections in children: surveillance of primary immunodeficiency

Summary

Recurrent infections seem to be a common complaint in children who are referred to general practitioners and pediatricians offices. Detection of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) etiology is very important for achieving appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these patients. The absence of appropriate treatment could lead to subsequent complications, in a hospital inpatient and/or outpatient settings. This study was performed in a group of children with recurrent infections to identify patients with underlying PID. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the final clinical diagnosis obtained in 100 pediatric patients with a history of recurrent infections referred to Children s Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, during one year (2011-2012). History taking and physical examination, complementary laboratory tests including immunological investigations were done to confirm the main causes of disease according to our previously published stepwise approach to recurrent infections. Among all studied patients, 21% (11 males and 10 females) were diagnosed to have PID. Parental consanguinity (p = 0.001) and soft tissue infections (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in PID group, comparing to other causes of recurrent infections. Gender and location of infections were also linked to the type of PID including antibody deficiency, combined immunodeficiency and phagocytosis disorders. The real rate of PID as a cause of recurrent infection appears to be much higher than what is generally considered in a se-lected group of pediatric patients; so, following the suggested stepwise guideline can im-prove timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these patients.

Estrogen can restore Tamoxifen sensitivity in breast cancer cells amidst the complex network of resistance

Breast cancer-related deaths have been on the decline ever since the application of systemic therapies. Chiefly, endocrine therapy, such as Tamoxifen, enhances the survival of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patients. More than a decade has passed since the introduction of Tamoxifen, however, drug resistance, particularly to Tamoxifen, still remains a major challenge. It has been shown that not only does chronic Tamoxifen exposures induce resistance, but estrogen deprivation can as well. There are two Tamoxifen resistant cell lines, long term estrogen deprived (LTED) cells and cells that have acquired resistance due to long-term exposure to Tamoxifen (Tam-R). Despite having similar cytosolic pathways over-activated in Tam-R and LTED-R cells during the development of resistance, the administration of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) inhibitors fail to restore Tamoxifen sensitivity in LTED-Rs. This alludes to existing differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance. Surprisingly, despite estrogen being recognized as a breast cancer stimulator; it has recently been introduced as an apoptotic inducer in unresponsive cells. Furthermore, the addition of estrogen to the media of LTED and Tam-R cells triggers cell death, perhaps is functioning as an anti-proliferative agent. In this review, we outline the molecular pathways potentially facilitating estrogen-induced apoptosis in resistant cells.

MED1 may explain the interaction between receptor tyrosine kinases and ERα66 in the complicated network of Tamoxifen resistance

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology or ASCO's clinical practice guidelines, administration of Tamoxifen for hormone receptor positive patients improved outcomes. However, many studies have been conducted in this issue, with the rise of Tamoxifen resistance in recent decades. There are many alternative growth cascades that are activated in Tamoxifen resistant cells. The most common and well characterized components of such a resistant network are receptor tyrosine kinases, or RTKs, which can influence many other cellular processes. The interactions between estrogen dependent and independent pathways further complicate the networking. MED1, as a member of a mediator complex, which is activated by RTK growth pathways, plays role in co-activating ERα66 to transcribe genes and enhance cellular proliferation. Herein, we will discuss MED1, a novel biomarker which can explain how RTKs interact with ERα66 which results in Tamoxifen resistance.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli

Mobile phones and Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation are among the main sources of the exposure of the general population to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Previous studies have shown that exposure of microorganisms to RF-EMFs can be associated with a wide spectrum of changes ranged from the modified bacterial growth to the alterations of the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Our laboratory at the nonionizing department of the Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center has performed experiments on the health effects of exposure to animal models and humans to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons, magnetic resonance imaging, and Helmholtz coils. On the other hand, we have previously studied different aspects of the challenging issue of the ionizing or nonionizing radiation-induced alterations in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics. In this study, we assessed if the exposure to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from common Wi-Fi routers alters the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs generated either by a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a common 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router. It is also shown that exposure to RF-EMFs within a narrow level of irradiation (an exposure window) makes microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. This adaptive phenomenon and its potential threats to human health should be further investigated in future experiments. Altogether, the findings of this study showed that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter the inhibition zone diameters and growth rate for L monocytogenes and E coli. These findings may have implications for the management of serious infectious diseases.

Micro-Raman and infrared studies of multiferroic TbMn₂O₅

We have studied the Raman and infrared spectral response of TbMn2O5 under an applied magnetic field parallel to the easy magnetic a-axis at 4.2 K. Strong spin-lattice coupling in TbMn2O5 is evidenced by a frequency shift of Raman and infrared phonons as a function of magnetic field compared to the phonon response of BiMn2O5 that remains unaffected. The magnetic field behavior of the highest frequency phonons retraces the polarization switching in TbMn2O5 and shows an important frequency softening below 3 T that is modulated by the J 3 and J 4 exchange parameters. The role of the Tb(3+) spin alignment with H is interpreted in terms of a local lattice striction and the contribution of the charge transfer mechanism to the magnetoelectric process is evaluated.

Impact of Melatonin on Motor, Cognitive and Neuroimaging Indices in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

A series of preclinical and clinical studies have shown the immunomodulatory effect of  melatonin, especially in the state of chronic inflammation. A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed to study the tolerability and efficacy of supplemental therapy with melatonin (3 mg/day) in comparison to placebo in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients receiving once weekly interferon beta. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Primary outcomes consisted of the number of relapses, change in Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the number and volume of new T2 and gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions. Secondary outcomes included change in performance on Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) as well as change in fatigue and depression. The outcomes were evaluated every three months. Twenty-six patients (13 in each group) were recruited in the study. All participants, except for one patient in the placebo group, completed the study. No patient reported serious adverse events. There was no significant difference either in primary or secondary outcomes between melatonin and placebo arm. However, a trend for beneficial effect was observed for melatonin on change in MSFC performance and the cognitive subscore of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (p=0.05 and 0.006, respectively, not corrected for multiple comparisons). We found no significant effect for treatment with melatonin on measures of clinical and functional disability and development of brain lesions in our small sample-size study. Studies with higher statistical power and longer follow up are needed to further evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effect of melatonin in RRMS treatment.

Outcome of mucormycosis after treatment: report of five cases

Mucormycoses are serious infections caused by filamentous fungi of the order Mucorales. They occur most often in immunocompromised patients. We report five cases of mucormycosis in patients hospitalized in the Infectious Diseases Department in Sousse – Tunisia between 2000 and 2013. They were 4 males and one female, mean age 60 years. Three patients were diabetic and one patient had acute leukemia. The locations of mucormycosis were rhinocerebral, rhino-orbital, auricular, pulmonary and cutaneous. The Mucorales isolated were Rhizopus arrhizus in 3 cases and Lichteimia in 2 cases. All patients were treated with amphotericin B and 2 patients had, in addition, surgical debridement. Two patients died and 2 kept peripheral facial paralysis.

Multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of four seedborne spinach pathogens

AIMS

To develop multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assays for detection of spinach seedborne pathogens that cause economically important diseases on spinach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primers and probes were designed from conserved sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (for Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae and Stemphylium botryosum), the intergenic spacer (for Verticillium dahliae) and the elongation factor 1 alpha (for Cladosporium variabile) regions of DNA. The TaqMan assays were tested on DNA extracted from numerous isolates of the four target pathogens, as well as a wide range of nontarget, related fungi or oomycetes and numerous saprophytes commonly found on spinach seed. Multiplex real-time PCR assays were evaluated by detecting two or three target pathogens simultaneously. Singular and multiplex real-time PCR assays were also applied to DNA extracted from bulked seed and single spinach seed.

CONCLUSIONS

The real-time PCR assays were species-specific and sensitive. Singular or multiplex real-time PCR assays could detect target pathogens from both bulked seed samples as well as single spinach seed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The freeze-blotter assay that is currently routinely used in the spinach seed industry to detect and quantify three fungal seedborne pathogens of spinach (C. variabile, S. botryosum and V. dahliae) is quite laborious and takes several weeks to process. The real-time PCR assays developed in this study are more sensitive and can be completed in a single day. As the assays can be applied easily for routine seed inspections, these tools could be very useful to the spinach seed industry.

Study of crystal-field excitations and infrared active phonons in the multiferroic hexagonal DyMnO3

In hexagonal DyMnO3, Dy(3+) crystal-field excitations are studied as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field. They are complemented with the measurements of infrared active phonon frequency shifts under applied magnetic field at T = 4.2 K. Between TN = 68 K and T = 10 K, the absence of Dy(3+) Kramers doublet splittings at either the C3 or the C3v site symmetries indicates that the Mn(3+) magnetic order effective exchange field has no component parallel to the c-axis at either site. Below T = 10 K, the ground state Kramers doublet splits under the Dy(3+) internal effective field as well as the applied magnetic field. Also, relatively strong infrared active phonon energy shifts are observed in magneto-infrared reflectance measurements at T = 4.2 K, allowing the calculation of the induced electric polarization changes as a function of the applied magnetic field. Such changes are associated with a large magnetoelectric effect in DyMnO3, arising from a charge transfer between Dy(3+) and apical oxygen ions.

Magnetic and micro-Raman studies of hexagonal-DyMnO3

Dc-susceptibility measurements and Raman active phonon frequencies of hexagonal DyMnO(3) retrace the Mn(3+) ions antiferromagnetic transition at T(N) ~ 70 K and their spin reorientation at T(SR) ~ 48 K. The temperature evolution of Raman active mode frequencies and their over-hardening are associated with Dy(3+) and Mn(3+) ion displacements below T(N) and with a spin-phonon coupling that involves apical oxygen.

Uniform amorphous lactose microspheres formed in simultaneous convective and dehydration antisolvent precipitation under atmospheric conditions

A simultaneous convection-dehydration and antisolvent precipitation approach has been shown to produce uniform microsized lactose particles from aqueous droplet at atmospheric pressure. Microparticles with high uniformity having diameters of between 1.0 and 2.4 μm have been obtained. The precipitation of the microparticles is driven by a unique self-assembly mechanism that cannot be fully elucidated by supersaturation alone. Further analysis suggests that structural changes in the solvent/antisolvent mixture, due to hydrophobic hydration, could play a role in the precipitation process observed.

Nitric oxide delivery by core/shell superparamagnetic nanoparticle vehicles with enhanced biocompatibility

We report the synthesis of Fe(3)O(4)/silica core/shell nanoparticles and their functionalization with S-nitrosothiols. These nanoparticles are of immense interest because of their nitric oxide (NO) release capabilities in human alveolar epithelial cells. Moreover, they act as large storage reservoirs of NO that can be targeted magnetically to the specific site with a sustainable release of NO for up to 50 h. Such nanoparticles provide an enhancement of the biocompatibility with released NO while allowing intracellular accumulation ascribed to their small size.

Is there an association between HOST grades and sperm quality?

BACKGROUND

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the primary treatment for male infertility. However for this procedure, with the exception of visual morphological selection, there is no standardization for sperm selection. Recently, the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) has been proposed to potentially select sperm with intact membranes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of this technique to select functional sperm in terms of apoptosis and morphology, as well as nuclear integrity.

METHODS

A total of 20 semen samples were randomly collected from men who attended the Andrology Unit of the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. Semen samples were washed and exposed to hypotonic conditions, before being fixed and simultaneously assessed for membrane integrity as well as abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency by using Papanicolaou, TUNEL and CMA3 staining techniques, respectively. The remaining semen samples were washed with calcium buffer and stained by Annexin V, then exposed to hypotonic conditions before being assessed for early apoptosis along with membrane integrity.

RESULTS

HOST grade 'd', followed by grade 'c', showed the highest percentages of healthy sperm, whereas sperm of HOST grade 'g' in which anomalies in terms of apoptosis, abnormal head morphology or nuclear immaturity or membrane damage, were most frequently observed in the samples assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of HOST into the sperm selection procedure may provide a valuable tool for selection of functional sperm required for ICSI. According to this study, insemination of HOST grade 'g' sperm should be avoided during ICSI.

Income inequality and population health in Islamic countries

OBJECTIVES

To undertake a fresh examination of the relationship between income inequality and population health for a group of Islamic countries using recent information derived from data resource sites from the World Bank and Islamic countries.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional data on different measures of income distribution (prosperity, health care, women's role and environment) and indicators of population health were used to illuminate this issue.

METHODS

The relationship between income inequality and population health for a group of Islamic countries was tested using recent information derived from data resource sites from the World Bank and Islamic countries. After consideration of previous studies, seven dependent variables were determined and tested in six equation formats.

RESULTS

According to the equations, the urban population percentage and gross domestic product are the most important significant variables that affect life expectancy and the infant mortality rate in Islamic countries. The income distribution coefficient, regardless of the type of measure, was almost insignificant in all equations.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected Islamic countries, income level has a positive effect on population health, but the level of income distribution is not significant. Among the other dependent variables (e.g. different measures of income distribution, health care, role of women and environment), only environment and education had significant effects. Most of the Islamic countries studied are considered to be poorly developed.

A micro-Raman study of a Pr(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO(3) single crystal and thin films

We present a micro-Raman study of a high quality Pr(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO(3) single crystal and thin films on SrTiO(3) and LaAlO(3) substrates. Ten A(g) and seven B(2g) Raman-active modes (simplified symmetry: Pmma space group) have been observed and correlated to charge ordering around T(co) = 240 K and antiferromagnetic spin-orbital ordering at T(N)∼ 170 K. Our data reveal that coherent Jahn-Teller MnO(6) distortions prevail at T<T(N). Moreover, the temperature dependence of the frequency and linewidth of the A(g) mode corresponding to in-plane oxygen atom rotation (∼268 cm(-1)) is analyzed within a polaron-like scheme that reflects a strong charge ordering to lattice coupling. The close similarities between the single crystal and the thin films' phonon evolution confirm that the thin films growth conditions have been optimized.