The association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with breast cancer among Iranian women

Recent studies have reported that dietary antioxidants can influence the risk of breast cancer (BC). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with BC among Iranian women. This case-control study was conducted on 180 women with breast cancer and 360 healthy women who were referred to the cancer clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. The DAI score was calculated based on the intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals derived from the FFQ. The control group had a significantly higher intake of vitamin D (1.79±1.56 vs. 1.05±0.84 μg/d; P=0.01) and lower intake of calorie (2315±1066 vs. 2737±925 kcal/d; P=0.01), carbohydrate (311±170 vs. 402±124 g/d; P=0.01), iron (15.4±12.1 vs. 19.7±6.4 mg/d; P=0.01), thiamine (1.5±0.7 vs. 2.3±0.9 mg/d; P=0.01), niacin (18.2±9.2 vs. 24.3±7.9 mg/d; P=0.01), folic acid (465±308.7 vs. 673±205.2 μg/d; P=0.01), and selenium (82.6±41.7 vs. 98.7±40.8 μg/d; P=0.01) compared to the case group. No significant association was found between DAI with breast cancer after adjustments for age. DAI had a negative association with breast cancer after additional adjustments for BMI, the number of pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, menopause age, and total energy intake (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90-.93, and all P<0.001). The present study identified a negative association between DAI and the risk of BC, indicating the importance of antioxidants in preventing BC. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to confirm this association.

The effects of dietary supplements in patients with cervical cancer: a comprehensive systematic review

Background

Recent studies reported that complementary therapy including dietary supplements may has a beneficial role in cervical cancer. However, the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between cervical cancer and dietary supplements.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize and quantify the most recent findings on dietary supplement and cervical cancer. Several databases were checked for relevant publications published in English up to March 2023. Of the 32 articles identified, only 20 met the inclusion criteria and were included.

Results

Women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia may benefit from folate supplementation against oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin D may reduce oxidative stress and may have a therapeutic effect. Zinc promotes the clearance of the human papilloma virus and reduces the chance of viral infection. The use of probiotic supplements may improve the complications associated with chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy complications may also be reduced by omega-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion

Some dietary supplements including folate, vitamin D, zinc, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects in patients with cervical cancer. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results.

The association between vitamin D intake with inflammatory and biochemical indices and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide health issue with widespread hospitalization and dependence on the intensive care unit (ICU). Vitamin D has a key role in modulating immune cells and modulating the inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D supplementation with inflammatory, biochemical, and mortality indices in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted on critically ill COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU including the survived >30 day patients as the case group and dead patients as the control group. The status of vitamin D supplementation and inflammatory and biochemical indices of the patients were retrieved from the medical records. Logistic regression method was used to assess the association between 30 days survival and vitamin D supplement intake.

RESULTS

Compared to the group of COVID-19 patients who died in <30 day, the survived patients had a lower eosinophile level (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 6 ± 0.0, p < .001) and higher vitamin D supplementation duration (9 ± 4.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9 day, p = .001). Vitamin D supplementation had a positive association with survival in COVID-19 patients (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15-3.40, p < .05). The association remained significant after adjustments fot age, sex, underlying diseases, and smoking.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 has the potential to increase survivability within the first 30 days of hospitalization.

Interactions dietary components with expression level of breast cancer-related genes

Background

Dietary components can influence the effects of genetic background in breast cancer (BC). This review study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary components on the expression level of BC-related genes.

Methods

In this narrative review, Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane databases were used to collect the related papers with interactions of BC, genetics, and dietary intake. Appropriate keywords such as BC, gene expression, mutation, nutrient, and diet (alone and together) were applied for data collection.

Results

The association of BC with some genes including the BC1 gene (BRCA1), the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene can be affected by dietary components. Moderate B12 supplementation may be protective against BC in people with the inherited mutation of BRCA. The olive oil may have a protective effect against BC through several mechanisms such as suppressing HER-2 expression. Furthermore, high glycemic index foods may increase the risk of BC by the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway and the up-regulation of FTO gene expression.

Conclusion

There are interactions between BC, BC-related genes, and dietary intake. Dietary components such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals may regulate the expression level of BC-related genes. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the associations between BC-related genes and diet and to discover the underlying mechanisms.

The effect of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber

Background

Gene polymorphisms may explain the controversy on the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary fibers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 160 CRC cases and 320 healthy controls in Tehran, Iran. The participants' food intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The frequency of rs9939609 FTO polymorphism in the case and control groups was determined using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation (tetra-ARMS) method.

Results

In the participants with the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609, the cases had higher BMI and lower intake of dietary fiber compared to the controls (P = 0.01). Among A allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, the cases had higher BMI (P = 0.04) and lower intake of total fiber (P = 0.02) and soluble fiber (P = 0.02). An inverse association was found between CRC and dietary fiber intake among those with the AA/AT FTO rs9939609 genotype after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake (OR = 0.9, CI 95%:0.84-0.92, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study found a link between higher dietary fiber consumption and a lower risk of CRC in A-allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms of the association between CRC and dietary fibers in people with different FTO genotypes.

Effects of supplementation with low-dose group B vitamins on clinical and biochemical parameters in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

: This study aimed to check the effect of supplementation with low-dose group B vitamins on clinical and biochemical parameters on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD

: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 85 critically ill patients with COVID-19. All patients received high protein prescriptions of 30 kcal/kg/d by enteral nutrition. The intervention group (n = 40) received vitamin B complex, including thiamine (10 mg), riboflavin (4 mg), nicotinamide (40 mg), and dexpanthenol (6 mg). The control group received similar nutritional supports, except for group B vitamins. Assessments were carried out at baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS

: Vitamin B supplementation had no effects on the biochemical and pathological parameters including kidney function, arterial blood gas parameters, Glasgow coma scale, cell blood count, and serum electrolytes of the intervention group compared with the control group. The 30-day mortality was insignificantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (83.3% against 96.1%, P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 might be improved by low-dose vitamin B supplementation.

Effect of the plant probiotic bacteria on terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis pathway gene expression profiling, vinblastine and vincristine content in the root of Catharanthus roseus

BACKGROUND

Catharanthus roseus is the sole resource of vinblastine and vincristine, two TIAs of great interest for their powerful anticancer activities. Increasing the concentration of these alkaloids in various organs of the plant is one of the important goals in C. roseus breeding programs. Plant probiotic bacteria (PBB) act as biotic elicitors and can induce the synthesis of secondary products in plants. The purpose of this research is to study the effects of PBB on expression of the TIA biosynthetic pathway genes and the content of alkaloids in C. roseus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The individual and combined effects of P. fluorescens strains 169 and A. brasilense strains Ab-101 was studied for expression of the TIA biosynthetic pathway genes (G10H, DAT, T16H and CrPRX) using qRT-PCR and the content of vinblastine and vincristine using HPLC method in roots of C. roseus. P. fluorescens. This drastically increased the content of vinblastine and vincristine alkaloids, compared to the control in the roots, to 174 and 589 (µg/g), respectively. Molecular analysis showed bacterium significantly increased the expression of more genes in the TIA biosynthetic pathway compared to the control. P. fluorescens increased the expression of the final gene of the biosynthetic pathway (CrPRX) 47.9 times compared to the control. Our findings indicate the correlation between transcriptional and metabolic outcomes. The same was true for A. brasilense.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that seed treatments and seedling root treatments composed of naturally occurring probiotic bacteria are likely to be widely applicable for inducing enhanced alkaloid contents in medicinal plants.

Interactions of Colorectal Cancer, Dietary Fats, and Polymorphisms of Arachidonate Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Genes: A Literature Review

Objective

Genetics and dietary factors play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms of the interactions between CRC, gene polymorphisms, and dietary fat are unclear. This review study investigated the effects of polymorphisms of arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) genes in the association between CRC and dietary fat.

Methods

All the related papers published from 2000 to 2022 were collected from different databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochran using related keywords such as colorectal cancer, ALOX, COX, polymorphism, and dietary fat. Non-English and unrelated documents were excluded.

Results

Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX and COX genes, such as rs2228065, rs6413416, and rs4986832 in the ALOX gene, and rs689465 in the COX gene may play significant roles in the association between the risk of CRC and dietary fats. SNPs of ALOX and COX genes may influence the effects of dietary fatty acids on the risk of CRC.

Conclusion

Some polymorphisms of the ALOX and COX genes may have important roles in the effects of dietary fat on the risk of CRC. If future studies confirm these results, dietary recommendations for preventing colorectal cancer may be personalized based on the genotype of the ALOX and COX genes.

The Association Between Fasting Blood Sugar and Index of Nutritional Quality in Adult Women

Aim

It's unclear whether diet quality affects glycemic management. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) can examine diets both quantitatively and qualitatively (INQ). Hence, this study aimed to determine whether INQ and fasting blood sugar (FBS) are related among Iranian women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 adult Iranian women. Data were collected on the participants' general characteristics, medical history, anthropometric indices, physical activity, and dietary intake. For nutrient intake assessment, a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used, and INQ was then calculated using the daily nutrient intake.

Results

After adjusting for age, FBS was significantly inverse associated with INQ for vitamins A (B = −0.193, p < 0.01), magnesium (B = −0.137, p < 0.01), phosphor (B = −0.175, p < 0.01), zinc (B = −0.113, p < 0.01), vitamin K (B = −0.197, p < 0.01), manganese (B = −0.111, p < 0.01) and selenium (B = −0.123, p < 0.01). The association between FBS and INQ for Se and Mn was disappeared after further adjustment for gender, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, and total energy intake.

Conclusion

There was a significant inverse relationship between FBS and the INQ of vitamin A, manganese, phosphor, zinc, vitamin K, magnesium, and selenium. Prospective cohort studies should be conducted to establish a causal relationship between FBS and INQ.

Associations between the dietary inflammatory index with obesity and body fat in male adolescents

BACKGROUND

Obesity and body composition may be affected by the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory components of diets. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and body fat percentage (BF%) in male adolescents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 535 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran. Bio-impedance analyzer (BIA) scale was used to measure body mass index (BMI) and body composition. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure DII.

RESULTS

Participants with higher BF% (≥ 19.2%) had higher BMI (P < 0.001), DII, and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), compared with the participants with lower BF%. Participants with a lower DII had significantly higher intakes of fibers (P < 0.001) and lower intakes of fats, SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), oleic acid and linoleic acid (P < 0.05) compared with the participants with higher DII (P < 0.01). High BF% was positively associated to DII (OR = 1.6, CI 95%: 1.1-2.3, P = 0.019). Adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, mothers' marital status and educational level and the number of siblings did not change the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Following a diet with a low inflammatory index score was associated to lower BF% in male adolescents. Thus, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory factors may effectively improve body composition and prevent obesity in adolescents. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to verify these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The association among calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake with colorectal cancer: A case-control study

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by dietary components. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake and CRC in Iranian adults. This hospital‐based case–control study was performed on 160 patients with CRC and 320 healthy people. General and pathological data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The case group had a significantly higher intake of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin K, fluoride, and molybdenum and a lower intake of vitamin E, vitamin B1, beta carotene, biotin, folate, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and fiber (all p < .001). CRC was positively associated with the intake of carbohydrate (OR: 1.01, CI% 1.03–1.01, p = .001), and vitamin A (OR: 1.009, CI 95% 1.006–1.01, p = .001) and negatively associated with intake of fiber (OR: 0.67, CI 95% 0.59–0.76, p = .001), beta carotene (OR: 0.99, CI 95% 0.99–0.99, p = .001), vitamin E (OR: 0.27, CI 95% 0.15–0.47, p = .001), folate (OR: 0.98 CI 95% 0.97–0.98, p = .001), and biotin (OR: 0.83, CI 95% 0.77–0.90, p = .001). The associations remained significant after adjusting for age and sex. Further adjustments for physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking did not change the results. The results identified that the risk of colorectal cancer can be influenced by dietary intake. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of dietary components on the risk of colorectal cancer.

The effects of dietary fiber on common complications in critically ill patients; with a special focus on viral infections; a systematic reveiw

Background

Viral infections are mostly highly contagious and may cause widespread health problems. Some studies reported that the dietary fiber (DF) may be effective in reducing the complications of viral infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present review study aimed to investigate the effect of DF on common complications in critically ill patients with viral infections.

Methods

A literature review was conducted for the published papers in English from January 2001 to July 2021 using related keywords. Studies with clinical trial or case‐control design described the effects of fiber intake on the complications of viral infections in patients admitted to the ICU were collected.

Results

DF may reduce the mortality rate of viral infections through modulating inflammatory processes. A higher intake of DF intake may improve hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with viral infections. A high‐fiber formula in enteral nutrition was reported to reduce the risk of diarrhea in patients with viral infections.

Conclusion

DF may reduce the complications of viral infections such as inflammation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and mortality in critically ill patients. Future longitudinal studies on the amount and type of DF are warranted.

Comparison of the Index of Nutritional Quality in Breast Cancer Patients With Healthy Women

Background

The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is derived from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and is a method of quantitative and qualitative analysis of diet. This study aimed to compare the INQ for different dietary components between breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy control.

Methods

This case-control study was performed on 180 women with BC and 360 healthy women. Data on general characteristics, medical history, anthropometric indices, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive history, smoking, and dietary intake were collected. A valid FFQ was used to assess the intake of nutrients and the INQ was calculated based on the daily intake of the nutrients.

Results

There was a significant association between BC and INQ of vitamin A (OR = 0.07, 0.01–0.29), vitamin E (OR = 0.43, 0.20–0.93), vitamin B6 (OR = 0.003, 0.000–0.021), riboflavin (OR = 0.25, 0.11–0.59), vitamin K (OR = 0.58, 0.37–0.90), biotin (OR = 0.07, 0.02–0.26), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.32, 0.18–0.56), vitamin C (OR = 0.72, 0.55–0.95), zinc (OR = 0.020, 0.005–0.083), calcium (OR = 0.14, 0.04–0.54) and magnesium (OR = 0.003, 0.000–0.024). Further adjustment for BMI disappeared the association between INQ of vitamin C and BC. The results did not change after further adjustments for waist circumstance and total calorie intake

Conclusion

A significant association was observed between BC and the INQ of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, riboflavin, vitamin K, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. The INQ can be used as an indicator in assessing clinical nutrition-related problems. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

Glutamine Supplementation Enhances the Effects of a Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management

Background and Aims: Although irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders presented to gastroenterologists, therapeutic strategies are not yet well-established. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the possible superiority of adding glutamine supplement to low fermentable oligo- di- monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: Eligible adults were randomized to receive a low FODMAP diet either with glutamine (15 g/day) or a placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant reduction in IBS-symptom severity score (IBS-SSS). Secondary endpoints were changes in IBS symptoms, stool frequency, consistency, and quality of life.

Results: The study group enrolled 50 patients, among which 22 participants from each group completed the study protocol. The glutamine group had significant changes in total IBS-severity score, dissatisfaction of bowel habit and interference with community function (58% reduction; P < 0.001, 57% reduction; P < 0.001, 51% reduction; P = 0.043, respectively). Improvement in IBS-severity score of more than 45% was observed in 22 of 25 participants (88%) in the glutamine group, while it was only 15 of 25 participants (60%) in the control group (p = 0.015). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions: Our findings indicated the superiority of adding glutamine supplementation to a low FODMAP diet in amelioration of IBS symptoms while confirming the beneficial effects of a low FODMAP diet in IBS management.

Evaluation of a new radiolabeled bombesin derivative with 99mTc as potential targeted tumor imaging agent

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors are over-expressed in various human tumor including breast and prostate which can be targeted with bombesin for diagnosis and targeted therapy. High abdominal accumulation and the poor in vivo stability of radiolabeled bombesin analogues may represent a limitation for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy. In this study a new bombesin derivative was labeled with ^99mTc via HYNIC and tricine as a coligand and investigated further. The peptide HYNIC conjugate was synthesized on a solid phase using Fmoc strategy. Labeling with ^99mTc was performed at 100 °C for 10 min and radiochemical analysis involved ITLC and HPLC methods. The stability of radiopeptide was checked in the presence of human serum at 37 °C up to 24 h. Internalization was studied with the human GRP receptor cell line PC-3. The Biodistribution was studied in mice. Labeling yield of >98 % was obtained to correspond a specific activity of ~80.9 GBq/μmol. Radioconjugate internalization into PC-3 cells was high and specific (15.6 ± 1.9 % at 4 h). A high and specific uptake in GRP-receptor-positive organs such as mouse tumor and pancreas (2.11 ± 0.18 and 1.78 ± 0.09 % ID/g after 1 h respectively) was also determined.

Selection of bacterial antagonists for the biological control of Botrytis cinerea in apple (Malus domestica) and in comparison with application of thiabendazole

In this study fifteen strains of identified Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were investigated for biological control activity against Botrytis cinerea. P. fluorescens P-35 and B. subtilis B-16 showed the most inhibitory zone in dual culture assay against B. cinerea, In vitro. After ten days, P. fluorescens P-5 and B. subtilis B-3 showed the considerable results against B. cinerea on apple fruits and could reduce the grey mould from 100% to less than 35%. After twenty days, P. fluorescens P-5 and 8. subtilis B-16 decreased the disease from 100% to less than 65%. Also, application of thiabendazol at 1500 mg/litre was more effective and could reduce the disease from 100% to 30% and 60%, after 10 and 20 days respectively. Results indicated that there is no significant difference among the treatments (thiabendazol and bacterial strains). So, bacterial strains could not only control the disease but also be a reliable replacement instead of Thiabendazol.

Screening of Pseudomonas and Bacillus isolates for potential biocontrol of the damping-off of bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

In this study fifteen isolates of identified Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were investigated for control of bean damping-off disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. In vitro, P. fluorescens P-6 and B. subtilis B-3 showed the most inhibitory zone in dual culture assay against R. solani. The growth of P-6 (4.5 x 10(8) cfu/ml) was significantly higher than in the other treatments. In greenhouse condition, all of the isolates effectively controlled damping-off on bean. P. fluorescens P-5 and P-6 showed the considerable results against R. solani and could reduce the damping-off disease from 100% to less than 30%. P-5, P-6 (P. fluorescens) and 8-16 (8. subtilis) strains had the highest effect on fresh weight of bean.

Interaction of media on production and biocontrol efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis against grey mould of apple

The medium has a profound effect on biocontrol agents, including ability to grow and effectiveness in disease control. In this study, growth and antagonistic efficacy of strains P-5 and P-35 (P. fluorescens), B-3 and B-16 (B. subtilis) were evaluated in combinations of two carbon (sucrose and molasses) and two nitrogen (urea and yeast extract) sources to optimize control of Botrytis cinerea on apple. All of the strains were grown in different liquid media (pH = 6.9) including: sucrose + yeast extract, molasses of sugar beet + yeast extract in 2:1 and 1:1 w/w ratios, molasses of sugar beet + urea, molasses, malt extract and nutrient broth. Apples (Golden Delicious) were inoculated by a 25-microl suspension of 10(6) spores of B. cinerea per ml, wounding each fruit (in two sites separately). Then a 25-microl suspension of each strain, containing 2 x 10(8) cfu ml(-1) grown in each of the above culture media, was applied to each wound. Results indicated that Molasses + Yeast extract (1:1 w/w) medium supported rapid growth in all of the strains. The final growth of B. subtilis B-16 in Molasses + Yeast extract (1:1 w/w) medium was 5 x 10(9) cfu ml(-1). After ten days, all of the strains significantly inhibited pathogenicity of B. cinerea on apples. The biocontrol efficacy of B. subtilis B-3 in Molasses + Yeast extract (1:1 w/w) medium reduced the severity of grey mould from 100% (inoculated control) to less than 26.9%. After 20 days, Strain B-3 showed a considerable biocontrol efficacy in Molasses medium and reduced the severity of grey mould from 100% (inoculated control) to less than 38.2%. The results obtained in this study could be used to provide a reliable basis for the increase of population of biocontrol agents in fermentation process.

Bone marrow-derived cells present MHC class I-restricted tumour antigens in priming of antitumour immune responses

Many tumours express tumour-specific antigens capable of being presented to CD8+ T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Current models of antigen presentation predict that the tumour cell itself should present its own MHC class I-restricted antigens to T cells. Earlier cross-priming experiments have demonstrated that at least some MHC class I-restricted antigens may also be presented by bystander cells. There is no detectable presentation of MHC class I-restricted tumour antigens by the tumour itself during priming of tumour-specific responses. The tumour antigens are presented exclusively by host bone marrow-derived cells. These results imply that an efficient mechanism exists in vivo for transfer of MHC I-restricted antigens to bone marrow-derived antigen presenting cells. They also suggest that HLA matching may not be critical in the clinical application of allogeneic tumour vaccines.

Biocontrol of Phytophthora cactorum the causal agent of root and crown rot on apple (Malus domestica) by formulated Pseudomonas fluorescens

In this study 284 isolates were isolated of apple trees' rhizosphere from Iran and 128 isolates were obtained from the collection of Research Department of Biological Control of University of Tehran. Four strains (P60, P61, P96, and P97) of Pseudomonas fluorescens were selected for greenhouse trials. The results of greenhouse trials showed dipping the crown and root of apple seedlings (MM106) combined with soil drench was more effective than dipping the crown and root on reducing the disease. After 6 weeks, strain P60 in dipping method combined with soil drench with 70% control, exhibited greatest effect on reducing the crown and root rot and was more effective than the fungicide metalaxyl-mancozeb. After 12 weeks, strains P60 and P96 in dipping method combined with soil drench with 55.6% and 44.5% control respectively, exhibited greatest effects on reducing the diseases Study of media on growth rate populations of effective strains exhibited that the beet molasses yeast extract (1:1) had more effect than nutrient broth(NB) medium. The initial high populations of powder formulations of strains P60 and P96 decreased during the storage at 4 and 25 degrees C over a 150-day period. In addition, formulations of strains stored at 4 degrees C had longer shelf life than those stored at 25 degrees C. In glasshouse trials, after 6 weeks, formulation of strain P60 and unformulated P60, obtained from NB medium and formulated P60, obtained from molasses yeast extract medium, and metalaxyl-mancozeb had highest effect on reducing the disease on apple rootstocks. After 12 weeks, formulation of strain P60 and unformulated bacteria obtained from both media, and metalaxyl-mancozeb with 57.1% control showed greatest effect on reducing the disease.

Biological control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, the causal agent of white mold, by Pseudomonas species on canola petals

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an important pathogen on canola. Due to the public concern over pesticide use, alternative methods of disease control, such as biological control, should be considered. Several bacterial strains were isolated from canola and soja plants. Inhibition of S. sclerotiorum by bacterial strains in vitro was assayed on PDA medium in dual culture test. Eight Pseudomonas sp. strains (PB-3, PB-4, PB-5, PB-6, PB-7, PB-8, PB-10 and PB-11) caused inhibition zone against 5. sclerotiorum hyphal growth. The biocontrol potential of the bacteria was tested in a plant assay. Disease suppression was investigated using a petal inoculation technique. Canola petals were pretreated with bacteria, and then inoculated with 5. sclerotiorum ascospores 24 h later. Greenhouse experiment showed that application of Pseudomonas sp. strains (1 x 10(8) cfu ml(-1)) effectively suppressed S. sclerotiorum (1 x 10(5) ascospores ml(-1)) on petals and all of them achieved significant (P<0.01) disease suppression. Fourteen days after inoculation, strain PB-3 had 88/7% disease control and strain PB-4 had 69/9% disease control. Result from all studies indicates PB-3 to be effective biocontrol against S. sclerotiorum of canola. PB-3, PB-4, PB-7, PB-8, PB-10 and PB-11 were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar III. PB-5 and PB-6 was identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar II. Strains PB-3, PB-4, PB-6, PB-10 and PB-11 produced protease and HCN. Strain PB-5 produce protease; no HCN.

Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on growth and biological efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis against Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of bean damping-off

One of the most important environmental factors that regulate the growth and antagonistic efficacy of biocontrol agents is the medium. The aim of this paper was to find the nitrogen and carbon sources that provide maximum biomass production of strains P-5 and P-6 (Pseudomonas fluorescens), B-3 and B-16 (Bacillus subtilis) and minimum cost of media, whilst maintaining biocontrol efficacy. All of the strains were grown in seven liquid media (pH=6.9) including: sucrose + yeast extract, molasses of sugar beet + yeast extract in 2:1 and 1:1 w/w ratios, molasses of sugar beet + urea, nutrient broth, molasses and malt extract, at an initial inoculation of 1 x 10(5) CFU ml(-1). Cells from over night cultures used to inoculate soil at 1 x 10(9) CFU cm(-3) soil. At the same time, fungal inoculum (infected millet seed with Rhizoctonia solani) was added to soil at the rate of 2 g kg(-1) soil. Results indicated that growth of P-6, B-3 and B-16 in molasses + yeast extract (1:1 w/w) medium was significantly higher than in the other media. Molasses + yeast extract (1:1 and 2:1 w/w) media supported rapid growth and high cell yields in P-5. In greenhouse condition, results indicated that the influence of the media on the biocontrol efficacy of P-5, P-6, B-3 and B-16 was the same and Pseudomonas fluorescens P-5 in molasses and malt extract media reduced the severity of disease up to 72.8 percent. On the other hand, there were observed significant differences on bean growth after one month in greenhouse. P-5 in molasses + yeast extract (1:1 w/w) medium had the most effects on bean growth promotion. In this study molasses media showed good yield efficacy in all of the strains. The high sucrose concentration in molasses justifies the high biomass in all of the strains. Also, the low cost of molasses allows its concentration to be increased in media. On the other hand, yeast extract was the best organic nitrogen source for antagonist bacteria but it is expensive for an industrial process. So it should be replaced by another industrial product instead of yeast extract, which confirm by an economic and technological study. The results obtained in this study could be used to provide a reliable basis to increase the population of biocontrol agents in fermentation process.

Powder formulation of Burkholderia cepacia for control of rape seed damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani

Talc-based formulation of Burkholderia cepaci strain Bu1 was tested as seed and soil drenchs separately for its ability to control Rhizoctonia soloni the causal agent of rape seed damping-off in greenhouse and field trials. In general, the formulated bacteria was more effective to suppress the disease than the suspension of bacteria cells in carboxymethylcellulose solution (1% w/v), in both greenhouse and field trials. The formulation of strain Bul as soil and seed treatments had the greatest effect on reducing the rape seed damping-off in greenhouse and field trials (66.7, 53.3, 64.4 and 40% respectively). The formulation of strain Bu1 as soil and seed treatments were the most effective treatments to increase the root dry weights in the infected soil in greenhouse. The formulation of strain Bul as soil drench had the greatest effect on enhancement of the fresh weight of roots and stem fresh and dry weights. The formulation of strain Bu1 stored at 4 degrees C exhibited better shelf Life and efficacy in vitro than it's counterpart stored at 25 degrees C.

Effect of timing of application Pseudomonas fluorescens in suppression Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white mold in canola

Biological control of sclerotinia disease, as an important alternative to chemical control, has received considerable attention due to the lack of resistant varieties in most crop, and increasing concerns over fungicide resistance in population of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and fungicide residues in the environment. One biocontrol agent, Pseudomonas fluorescens PB-3, has been showed the antagonistic relationship between itself and S. sclerotiorum was investigated in this study. A petal infection technique was used to detect efficacy of timing of application strain PB-3 in the suppression of S. sclerotiorum on canola. Significant difference in disease severity (p<0.05) were found with respect to timing of ascospore applications in the control treatments (ascospores only). The superior competitive ability strain PB-3 was demonstrated by its complete suppression of disease severity when applied as a co-inoculation treatment or prior to ascospores inoculation. Analysis of effect of applying strain PB-3 after ascospores was indicated that treatment in which strain PB-3 was added to petals 48 or 24 h after ascospores, or when there were no bacteria present at all, had higher rates of disease progression. It would be appear that bacteria are able to significantly inhibit disease when applied before or even at the same time as ascospores. In a practical sense, this could mean that a field application of antagonist could be concurrent with infection by the pathogen.

Evaluation of production of some antifungal metabolites by fluorescent pseudomonads in vitro and their inhibitory effect on Penicillium digitatum in semi-commercial condition

Epiphytic fluorescent Pseudomonads isolated from the surfaces of citrus leaves and fruits collected from the citrus orchards located in the north of Iran were screened for antagonistic activity against Penicillium digitatum caused agent of green mold of citrus fruit. 9 isolates revealed antagonistic effect in dual culture and then evaluated for production of antimicrobial metabolites such as production hydrogen cyanide on King's B medium containing glycine, production of siderophore on blue CAS-agar medium and production protease enzyme on Skim Milk Agar (SMA) medium. About 28% strains produced hydrogen cyanide, 83% strains produced siderophore and 70% of them produced protease. Antagonistic effects of the screened 9 isolates were studied by inoculating of the infected orange fruits with the bacterium at the concentration of 10(8) cells/ml under sterilized condition at 20 degrees C. The three final screened antagonist isolates were more studied in semi commercial trails in cold storage with dipping of the orange fruits in the bacterial suspension at the concentration of 10(8) cells/ml and then 5 weeks storage at 4 degrees C. The isolate P39 showed to be the most effective for controlling of this disease and decreased the damage by 77.28% respectively.

Powder formulations of two strains of Bacillus subtilis for control of rape seed damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani

Talc-based formulations of Bacillus subtilis strains B1 and B2 were tested as seed and soil treatments separately for their ability to control Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of rape seed damping-off, in greenhouse and field trials. In general, the formulated bacteria was more effective to suppress the disease than the suspension of bacterial cells in carboxymethylcellulose solution (1%, w/v), in both greenhouse and field trials. The formulations of strain B1 as soil treatment and strain B2 as seed treatment in greenhouse, and the formulations of strain B2 as seed and soil treatments in field trials had the greatest effect on reducing the rape seed damping-off (66.7%, 73.3%, 41.3%, and 42.4%, respectively). The formulations of strain B1 as soil treatment and strain B2 as seed treatment were the most effective treatments to increase the root dry weights in the infected soil in greenhouse. The formulation of strain B2 as soil treatment had the greatest effect on enhancement of the fresh weight of roots and stem fresh and dry weights. The formulations of strains B1 and B2 stored at 4 degrees C exhibited better shelf life and efficacy in vitro than their counterparts stored at 25 degrees C. Long-term stability of the formulation of strain B1 was found to be better.

Biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of bean damping-off by fluorescent pseudomonads

Rhizosphere bacteria belonging to the fluorescent pseudomonads are receiving increasing attention for the protection of plants against soil-borne fungal pathogens. Among these pathogens, Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of bean damping- off is very important in bean fields of Iran. In this study, the antagonistic activity of 46 isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads (isolated from different area of Iran) and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 investigated against one isolate of R. solani. About 64% of isolates revealed antagonistic activity against R. solani. Production of antifungal metabolites such as HCN, siderophore and protease was evaluated. The results showed that 97.8%, 17% and 78% of isolates produced siderophore, HCN and protease respectively. There was no significant correlation between antagonistic activity and production of these metabolites. Isolates P-5, P-10 and P-32 with strain CHA0 were selected in order to investigate involvement of siderophore, volatile metabolites (HCN), and non-volatile metabolites in reducing mycelial growth of R. olani. Isolate P-5 showed much more inhibitory effect by production of volatile metabolites and siderophore. Non-volatile metabolites in isolates P-32 and P-5 completely inhibited mycelial growth of the fungus. After the primary labrotory tests, isolates P-14, P-35, P-30, P-5 and strain CHA0 were selected for in vivo experiments. These selected isolates with benomyl fungicide were used as seed coating and soil drenching in sterile soil under greenhouse condition. The result indicated that in seed treatment method, isolates P-30 by 66% had the most effect in disease reduction while in soil treatment method, strain CHAO by 60% had the most effect, such that this two isolates showed significant differences in comparison with plants inoculated with R. solani inoculums.

Composition and antifungal activity of essential oils of Mentha piperita and Lavendula angustifolia on post-harvest phytopathogens

The general antifungal activity of essential oils is well documented. The advantage of essential oils is their bioactivity in the vapor phase, a characteristic that makes them attractive as possible fumigants for stored product protection. Essential oils of aerial parts of Mentha piperita and Lavendula angustifolia were obtained with hydrodistillation and oils composition identified with GC-MS. Menthanol (36.24%) and menthone (32.42%) were the major compounds of the M. piperata essential oil. The essential oil of L. angustifolia was rich in linalool (49.2%) , linalyl acetate (12.3%), Lavendul acetate (6.5%), 4-terpineol (5.9%). Fungal toxicity of the essential oils were evaluated against three pathogenic fungi (Rhizopus stolonifer, Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus niger) in vitro. Plate assayes showed that the different concentrations of essential oils have antifungal activity against these fungi, and the essential oil of L. angustifolia showed stronger fungistatic activity. Lavendula oil exhibited complete growth inhibition of all pathogens at 1000 ppm and minimum EC50 (311.24 ppm) resulted on B. cinerea.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of three species of Artemisia on some soil-borne phytopathogens

Various species of the genus Artemisia are used for their pharmacological, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity. Three species of this genus, Artemisia scoparia, A. sieberi and A. aucheri are widely distributed in desert area of Iran. In order to identify the chemical composition, aerial parts of A. scoparia, A. sieberi and A. aucheri were collected from Bajestan (Khorasan province) at flowering stage. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation of air-dried samples and their chemical composition identified by GC-MS. Oxygenated monoterpens were the major components of the oils of three species. alpha-thujone (81.7%), beta-thujone (14.5%) and 1,8-cineol (1.9%) were the major compounds in the essential oil of A. scoparia. The essential oil of A. aucheri was rich in linalool (44.1%), gernyl acetate (10.7%), (E)-citral (9.7%) and (Z)-citral (7.7%), and the essential oil of A. sieberi was rich in beta-thujone (19.8%), alpha-thujone (10.5%), camphor (19.5%), verbenol (9.7%), p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol (6.4) and davanone (5.8%). The essential oils of the three species were tested for their antifungal activity against some soil-borne pathogenic fungi. Results of bioassay showed that the oils of A. aucheri and A. sieberi has stronger antifungal activity. Minimum EC50 (41.406 microL/L), resulted from A. aucheri on Rhizoctonia solani. The oil of A. sieberi showed fungistatic activity against, Tiarosporella phaseolina (MIC = 1000 microL/L, EC50 = 203.419 microL/L), Fusarium moniliforme (MIC=750 microL/L, EC50 = 211.072 microL/L), Fusarium solani (MIC = 750 microL/L, EC50 = 188.134 microL/L) whereas against R. solani (MIC = 250 microL/L, EC50 = 121.798 microL/L) exhibited high fungicidal activity.

Suppression of seed rot and preemergence of chickpea by seed treatments with fluorescent pseudomonads in Iran

Species of Pythium isolated from rotted chickpea seeds and damped-off seedlings and chickpea soils at experimental field of Agriculture faculty of Tehran University in Karaj area that caused seed rot and preemergence damping-off of chickpea were Pyhium ultimum var. ultimum. One of the most important of soilborne fungal pathogens of the chickpea in Iran is seed rot and preemergence damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum Trow. Consequently, growers can expect as much as > 80% reduction in stand and yield if measures are not taken to control Pythium. Currently, most commercial seeds of chickpea are treated with pesticides. Fluorescent pseudomonads applied to seed are known to reduce soilborne diseases of chickpea caused by Pythium spp. In this study rotted chickpea seeds and diseased seedlings and soil samples were collected from experimental field in Karaj. Soils and roots used as sources of bacteria were collected from field. Fluorescent pseudomonads were isolated by plating samples on S1 and King's Medium B (KMB). Bacteria were preserved in 0.1 M MgSO4 for long-term storage; and NAG (containing 2% glucose) slants and plates at 4 degrees C short-term storage. Of 20 fluorescent pseudomonads isolated on S1 medium, 2 isolates selected for next tests. All strains significantly increased emergence as compared to the infested control in greenhouse trial; isolate Pf-4 consistently provided the best protection against Pythium. Seedling emergence from all bacteria seed treatments was statistically lower than the chemical treatments. All strains significantly increased fresh weight of chickpea as compared to the infested control in greenhouse trial. Seed treatment with metalaxyl were statistically better than captan in sterilized soil. In nonsterilized soil collected from the field artificially infested with P. ultimum, all strains significantly increased fresh weight of chickpea as compared to the infested control in greenhouse trial. Seedling emergence from seed treatment with isolate Pf-1 was the least effective treatment on fresh weight of chickpea in nonsterilized soil infested with P. ultimum. Seed treatment with captan was statistically better than metalaxyl in nonsterilized soil.

Effect of fluorescent pseudomonades and Trichoderma sp. and their combination with two chemicals on Penicillium digitatum caused agent of citrus green mold

Citrus green mold (Penicillium digitatum) causes economic losses. Chemical fungicides such as imazalil provide the primary means for controlling green mold decay of citrus fruits. Continuous use of fungicides has faced two major obstacles- increasing public concern regarding contamination of perishables with fungicidal residues, and proliferation of resistance in the pathogen populations. The aim of this research was to determine if the attacks of green mold on orange could be reduced by usage of biocontrol agent alone or in combination with low dosage of imazalil or sodium bicarbonate. Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate PN, P. fluorescens isolate PS and Trichoderma virens isolate TE were evaluated as potential biological agents for control of green mold of oranges caused by P. digitatum. Increasing concentration of SB decreased spore germination of P. digitatum. In laboratory tests, a cell suspension (10(8) cells per ml.) of bacterial strains reduced the incidence of green mold. On fruits surface biocontrol activity of antagonistic isolates was significantly increased when combined with low dosage of imazalil (500ppm) or sodium carbonate (5%). Effect of Trichoderma virens on controlling P. digitatum was better than others with or without these chemicals.

Contribution of phlA and some metabolites of fluorescent pseudomonads to antifungal activity

Fluorescent Pseudomonas species are an important group of PGPR that suppress fungal root and seedling disease by production of antifungal metabolites such as 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), pyoluteorin, pyrolinitrin, siderophores and HCN. The compound 2,4-DAPG is a major determinant in biocontrol of plant pathogens. A 7.2 kbp chromosomal DNA region, carrying DAPG biosynthetic genes (phlA, phlC, phlB, phlD, phIE and phlF). Detecting the ph1 genes make them an ideal marker gene for 2,4-DAPG-producing fluorescent pseudomonad's. In this study we detected ph1A gene (that convert MAPG to 2,4-DAPG) using PCR assay with primers phlA-1r and phlA- f that enabled amplification of phlA sequences from fluorescent pseudomonad's from ARDRA group 1 and 3. We could detect phlA gene in P. fluorescens strains CHAO, Pf-44, Pf-1, Pf-2, Pf-3, Pf-17, Pf-62 and Pf-64, native isolates of Iran. The efficacy of this method for rapid assay characterizing rhizosphere population of 2,4-DAPG producing bacteria from soil of different area of Iran is in progress. We used a collection of 48 fluorescent pseudomonas strains in vitro, with known biological control activity against some soil born phytopathogenic fungi such as, Macrophomina phaseoli, Rhizoctonia solani Vericillium dahlia, Phytophthora nicotiana, Pythium spp. and Fusarium spp. and the potential to produce known secondary metabolites such as protease. Strains Pf-1, Pf-2, Pf-3, Pf-17, Pf-33 and Pf-44 showed the best antifungal activity against all fungi used in this study. Thirty-eight of 48 strains produced protease. The ability to rapidly characterize populations of 2,4-DAPG producers will greatly enhance our understanding of their role in the suppression of root disease.

Heterogeneity of the memory CD4 T cell response: persisting effectors and resting memory T cells

Defining the cellular composition of the memory T cell pool has been complicated by an inability to distinguish effector and memory T cells. We present here an activation profile assay, using anti-CD3 and antigenic stimuli, that clearly distinguishes effector and memory CD4 T cells and defines subsets of long-lived memory CD4 T cells based on CD62 ligand (CD62L) expression. The CD62L(low) memory subset functionally resembles effector cells, exhibiting hyper-responsiveness to antigenic and anti-CD3 mediated stimuli, high proliferative capacity, and rapid activation kinetics. The CD62L(high) memory subset functionally resembles resting memory cells, exhibiting hyporesponsiveness to anti-CD3 stimuli, lower proliferative capacity, and slower activation kinetics. Our results indicate that the memory CD4 T cell pool is heterogeneous, consisting of persisting effectors and resting memory T cells.

Effector CD4 T cells are biochemically distinct from the memory subset: evidence for long-term persistence of effectors in vivo

Memory T cell responses are believed to be mediated by long-lived memory T cells that arise directly from a subset of short-lived, activated effector T cells that have reverted to the resting state. Although widely accepted, definitive proof that memory T cells arise from effectors is lacking because of the inability to reliably distinguish these subsets based on known phenotypic or functional parameters. We have used a biochemical approach to distinguish effector and memory CD4 T cell subsets and follow the differentiative fate of effector cells in vivo. When examined biochemically, effector and memory CD4 T cells are strikingly distinct and exhibit qualitative and quantitative differences in tyrosine phosphorylation. These effector-specific patterns were identical in effectors derived either from naive CD4 T cells (primary effectors) or memory CD4 T cells (memory effectors). To monitor the fate of effector cells in vivo, Ag-activated CD4+ TCR-transgenic T cells were transferred into irradiated BALB/c mice. These TCR-transgenic CD4 T cells persisted in adoptive hosts for several months, gave a recall response to Ag, yet exhibited effector-specific biochemical profiles. These results suggest that a subset of effector CD4 T cells can persist in vivo and contribute to long-term immunity by mediating secondary immune responses.

The control of mitochondrial respiration in yeast: a possible role of the outer mitochondrial membrane

Mitochondrial respiration in yeast (S. cerevisiae) is regulated by the level of glucose in the medium. Glucose is known to inhibit respiration by repressing key enzymes in the respiratory chain. We present evidence that the early events in this inhibition include the closure of VDAC channels, the primary pathway for metabolite flow across the outer membrane. Aluminum hydroxide is known to inhibit the closure of VDAC. Addition of aluminum acetylacetonate to yeast cells, which should elevate the aluminum hydroxide concentrations in the cytoplasm, caused the inhibition of cell respiration by glucose to be delayed for up to 100 min. No significant effect of aluminum was observed in cells grown on glycerol. Yeast cells lacking the VDAC gene were also unresponsive to the addition of aluminum salt in the presence of glucose. Therefore, the closure of VDAC channels may be an early step in the inhibition of the respiration of yeast by glucose.

Immunization with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-transduced, but not B7-1-transduced, lymphoma cells primes idiotype-specific T cells and generates potent systemic antitumor immunity

Recently, genetically modified tumor cell vaccines have been described for nonhematopoietic cancers in which the relevant Ags are unknown. Several of these cell-based vaccine strategies have been shown to induce T cell-mediated systemic antitumor immunity, either by enhancing the processing and presentation of tumor Ags by host APCs or by facilitating effective Ag presentation by the tumor vaccine itself. These strategies were compared in a model B cell lymphoma, a tumor derived from APCs, which have the inherent capacity to activate Ag-specific T cells. Eradication of pre-established systemic lymphoma was achieved following immunization with lymphoma cells engineered to produce granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF, and to a lesser extent cells producing IL-4, whereas vaccination with lymphoma cells transfected with the genes encoding IL-2 or B7-1 had no effect. The systemic immunity generated by GM-CSF- or IL-4-transfected lymphoma required both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Previous immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of lymphoma have focused on the generation of Ab responses targeted to the unique Ig Id as a tumor-specific Ag. Anti-idiotypic Abs were undetectable in animals vaccinated with GM-CSF-transduced lymphoma cells. In contrast, such immunization did result in the induction of Id-specific T cell responses. This is the first demonstration that T cell responses specific for a native tumor Ag are generated by GM-CSF-transduced tumor cell-based vaccination, suggesting that B cell lymphoma may be a suitable disease for genetically modified tumor vaccine strategies.

Immunization with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-transduced, but not B7-1-transduced, lymphoma cells primes idiotype-specific T cells and generates potent systemic antitumor immunity

Recently, genetically modified tumor cell vaccines have been described for nonhematopoietic cancers in which the relevant Ags are unknown. Several of these cell-based vaccine strategies have been shown to induce T cell-mediated systemic antitumor immunity, either by enhancing the processing and presentation of tumor Ags by host APCs or by facilitating effective Ag presentation by the tumor vaccine itself. These strategies were compared in a model B cell lymphoma, a tumor derived from APCs, which have the inherent capacity to activate Ag-specific T cells. Eradication of pre-established systemic lymphoma was achieved following immunization with lymphoma cells engineered to produce granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF, and to a lesser extent cells producing IL-4, whereas vaccination with lymphoma cells transfected with the genes encoding IL-2 or B7-1 had no effect. The systemic immunity generated by GM-CSF- or IL-4-transfected lymphoma required both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Previous immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of lymphoma have focused on the generation of Ab responses targeted to the unique Ig Id as a tumor-specific Ag. Anti-idiotypic Abs were undetectable in animals vaccinated with GM-CSF-transduced lymphoma cells. In contrast, such immunization did result in the induction of Id-specific T cell responses. This is the first demonstration that T cell responses specific for a native tumor Ag are generated by GM-CSF-transduced tumor cell-based vaccination, suggesting that B cell lymphoma may be a suitable disease for genetically modified tumor vaccine strategies.

Leiomyoma of the seminal vesicle

We report on a 69 year-old patient with a leiomyoma of the seminal vesicle who presented with dysuria and pollakiuria. The rectal examination revealed a large, hard mass in an area corresponding to the seminal vesicle. The prostate was suspicious of malignancy, but transrectal needle biopsy specimens were negative. We managed the patient by prostatovesiculectomy. The pathological findings and the immunohistochemical staining pattern of smooth muscle with antibodies against beta-actin and desmin confirmed the diagnosis of a leiomyoma of the left seminal vesicle. To our knowledge, this kind of tumour is exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature.

Role of bone marrow-derived cells in presenting MHC class I-restricted tumor antigens

Many tumors express tumor-specific antigens capable of being presented to CD8+ T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Antigen presentation models predict that the tumor cell itself should present these antigens to T cells. However, when conditions for the priming of tumor-specific responses were examined in mice, no detectable presentation of MHC class I-restricted tumor antigens by the tumor itself was found. Rather, tumor antigens were exclusively presented by host bone marrow-derived cells. Thus, MHC class I-restricted antigens are efficiently transferred in vivo to bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells, which suggests that human leukocyte antigen matching may be less critical in the application of tumor vaccines than previously thought.

Use of a prototype 3-Fr needle electrode with flexible ureteroscopy for antegrade management of stenosed ureteroileal anastomosis

Stenosis at the site of ureterointestinal anastomosis requires a modified approach and surgical treatment. A 3-Fr needle electrode was used successfully with flexible ureteroscopy to manage complete ureteroileal anastomotic strictures.

Flap valve ureteral stent with an antireflux function: a review of 46 cases

During a 2-year period, 46 patients with upper urinary obstructions (intrinsic obstruction and extrinsic compression) underwent treatment with a flap valve indwelling double-pigtail stent. Our subsequent analysis suggests that a flap valve at the lower end of a conventional ureteral stent can effectively prevent reflux in the upper urinary tract, and reduce discomfort and pain in the flank region during micturition.

Clinical experience with subcutaneous urinary diversion: new approach using a double pigtail stent

Short-term results in 8 patients with ureteric obstruction and hydronephrosis who underwent subcutaneous urinary diversion show this procedure to be a simple and useful method of urinary diversion for uraemic cancer patients. This method has the additional advantage of avoiding the complications and social implications of other methods of palliative treatment.