The polymorphism of XRCC1 Arg399Gln (rs25487) and male infertility risk: a meta-analysis of 1,407 cases and 974 control studies.

X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is a scaffold protein and a key element in DNA base excision repair process. Although, the role of XRCC1 polymorphisms in male infertility has been studied broadly, it is still a matter of debate. Hence, in order to shed light on the problem, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the overall effect of XRCC1 polymorphisms in male infertility risk. Databases, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched until September 15, 2018. Afterwards, the genotypes' distribution, genotyping methods, and ethnicity groups were extracted, and overall analyses were conducted. A total number of five researches on 1,407 subjects and 974 controls were found to meet our criteria in this meta-analysis. The XRCC1 Arg399Gln (rs25487) polymorphism was analyzed. This is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association of XRCC1 polymorphisms (codon 399) and male infertility risk. Our results indicated that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was not associated with male infertility risk in the total studied populations (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 26). Keywords: meta-analysis; male infertility; polymorphism; XRCC1 Arg399Gln.

High prevalence of SCC mec-associated Phenol-soluble modulin gene in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant. Staphylococcus aureus.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the distribution of Phenol-soluble modulin-mec (psm-mec) gene and its relationship with biofilm formation in clinical methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). METHODS: In a descriptive study, a total of 94 cefoxitin-resistant S. aureus isolates were collected from patients and tested for antibiotic susceptibility testing, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) for detection of mecA and pvl genes, PCR for detection of psm-mec gene and SCCmec typing of psm-mec and pvl-positive isolates. Furthermore, isolates were tested by microtiter plate method for biofilm formation assay. RESULTS: Multiplex PCR for detection of mecA and pvl genes was performed for all cefoxitin-resistant isolates. The mecA gene was found in 92 (97.9%) isolates but none of the isolates carried the pvl gene. Sixty-five (69.1%) isolates harbored psm-mec genes and 95.4% of these isolates belong to SCCmec type III. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the presence or absence of psm-mec gene and biofilm production (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, more than half of the MRSA strains harbored psm-mec gene and almost one-fifth of them produced strong biofilm. Since the strains with strong biofilm formation have more antibiotic resistance and cause the long-lasting infection, for the suitable treatment of hospitalized patients with this kind of MRSA strains, we should be paid more attention to these strains.

Association between interleukin 4 (IL-4) VNTR, gene polymorphism, and breast cancer susceptibility in Iranian population: experimental and web base analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common types of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Epidemiological studies showed that BC is linked to genetic and environmental factors, and inheritance plays a key role in the pathobiology of this disease. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a key differentiation cytokine and is produced by Th2 and activates Th2 development. Hence the current study aimed to assess the possible association between interleukin 4 (IL-4) VNTR polymorphism, and BC susceptibility in a sample of Iranian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: IL-4 VNTR polymorphism was evaluated in 150 women with BC and 150 age-matched healthy women by polymerase chain reaction method. RESULT: Among 3 possible alleles for IL-4 gene, we only observed 2 alleles. Current findings indicate that RP2/RP2 genotypes can be regarded as potent protective factors against breast cancer (OR = 0.929 [95%CI, 0.929-0.995]). CONCLUSION: Our result showed that the RP2/RP2 genotype of the IL-4 VNTR polymorphism could be a protective factor for BC susceptibility (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 46).

Leptin gene G-2548A polymorphism in Iranian subjects with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem and one of the important risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease in developed countries. Adipose tissue is considered a secretory organ that releases a variety of molecules referred to adipocytokines such as leptin, so polymorphism of these protein genes may play an important role in development of MetS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the genetic varieties of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. METHODS: In this case-control study, the relationship between LEP G-2548A polymorphism and MetS was evaluated in Iranian participants, 200 patients (142 women and 58 men) and 200 controls (122 women and 78 men) who were randomly selected from Hamadan city. Blood samples were collected; moreover, routine biochemical analysis, DNA extraction, and serum leptin measurements were done. LEP G-2548A genotypes were identified by a PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: Our findings showed significant differences between biochemical factors and leptin concentration between two groups. Females show more serum leptin concentration than males. There was no significant difference in polymorphism of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. Although we cannot find any correlation between leptin concentration and BMI, some relation exists with LDL-C, HDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it is concluded that leptin probably has a key role in metabolic syndrome development and further research in this area is needed.

Oxazolone and ethanol induce colitis in non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency interleukin-2Rγ(null) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Oxazolone-induced colitis in mice has become a recognized model to study the efficacy of therapeutics targeting the immunological response underlying the development of inflammatory bowel disease. However, this model cannot be used when therapeutics designed to address human targets do not interact with the respective murine counterpart. In this study, we examined the induction of oxazolone mediated colitis in non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency interleukin-2Rγ(null) (NOD-SCID IL2Rγ(null)) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) derived from patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC), atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy volunteers. NOD-SCID IL2Rγ (null) mice were engrafted with hPBMC followed by challenge with oxazolone or ethanol vehicle. Mice developed the same symptoms as observed previously in immunocompetent mice. The clinical activity score increased and the colon architecture was characterized by the development of oedema, fibrosis, crypt loss and dense infiltration of predominantly T cells into the lamina propria. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of lymphocytes in the colon identified natural killer (NK) T cells as a major constituent. In contrast to studies with immunocompetent mice, we observed the same phenotype in the group challenged with ethanol vehicle. The phenotype was most pronounced in mice engrafted with PBMC derived from a patient suffering from UC, suggesting that the immunological history of the donors predisposes the engrafted mice to react to ethanol. The model described here has the potential to study the efficacy of therapeutics targeting human lymphocytes in a model which is more reflective of the human disease. In addition, it might be developed to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

The acute effects of combined static and dynamic stretch protocols on fitness performances in soccer players.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of different stretching methods on acceleration, speed, agility, power, and flexibility in different soccer positions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Therefore, 16 soccer players conducted 10 m, 20 m, shuttle run agility, vertical jump, and V-sit flexibility after static (SS), dynamic (DS), combined (static + dynamic) (CS), and no stretching (NS). Relative to the no-stretching condition, there were significant differences in fitness performances after (1) DS vs. SS, (2) DS vs. CS, and (3) CS vs. SS in defenders, midfielders, strikers, and also in all players (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it may be desirable for soccer players to perform DS during warm up prior to the performance of activities that require a high power output.

Evaluation of Hemostatic Behavior of Micro and Nano Gelatin/Silica Hybrid in Severe Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The pH variation of the injury site is an important factor in the failure of styptic and its structural damage. In this study, the behaviour of a gelatin-silica hybrid in severe bleeding was evaluated under different pH values. On the other hand, the effect of the hybrid particle size, which is one of the key physical properties of the hybrid, has been studied in rapid control of haemostasis. METHOD: The hybrid haemostatic behaviour varied drastically by changing the particle size, so that the hybrid containing SiO2 with the average particle size of about 1 micro-meter (Hyb Gel-MSiO2) demonstrated very poor ability in platelet adhesion in neutral pH, about 24%. Also, the aPTT was not shorter than the normal time, whereas reduction of the particle size beyond a certain limit (with nanometer SiO2 for Hyb Gel-NSiO2) led to both increasing platelet adhesion to 32% and very considerable reduction of aPTT. RESULTS: Alignment of all results showed that the particle size reduction improves the haemostatic behaviour of the hybrid toward its best performance by controlling excessive bleeding. By changing the pH for a certain particle size, structural integrity, and thereby the hybrid haemostatic behaviour changed dramatically. Therefore, the nano-hybrid showed the most blood absorption (around 470%) in natural pH and acceded to a coherent structure. The results demonstrated that in alkaline or acidic environment, the hybrid haemostatic behaviour was limited. Based on the results of this study, it was found that changes in the hybrid behaviour in acidic pH were much more drastic than in alkaline pH, and also the hybrid with the optimum particle size (Hyb Gel-NSiO2) can maintain the structural integrity with rapid haemostasis (<3 seconds). CONCLUSION: Based on the objective that the pH at the injury site change to the alkaline side, the resulting hybrid has an excellent ability to control excessive bleeding and can be proposed for further in vivo studies as a novel styptic.

An integrated CMOS high voltage supply for lab-on-a-chip systems.

Electrophoresis is a mainstay of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) implementations of molecular biology procedures and is the basis of many medical diagnostics. High voltage (HV) power supplies are necessary in electrophoresis instruments and are a significant part of the overall system cost. This cost of instrumentation is a significant impediment to making LOC technologies more widely available. We believe one approach to overcoming this problem is to use microelectronic technology (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, CMOS) to generate and control the HV. We present a CMOS-based chip (3 mm x 2.9 mm) that generates high voltages (hundreds of volts), switches HV outputs, and is powered by a 5 V input supply (total power of 28 mW) while being controlled using a standard computer serial interface. Microchip electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection is implemented using this HV CMOS chip. With the other advancements made in the LOC community (e.g. micro-fluidic and optical devices), these CMOS chips may ultimately enable 'true' LOC solutions where essentially all the microfluidics, photonics and electronics are on a single chip.

Effect of dose metrics and radiation risk models when optimizing CT x-ray tube voltage.

We investigated the effect of different CT dose metrics, as well as the implications of various radiation risk models, on the optimization of x-ray tube voltage (kV) in CT. Soft tissue attenuation characteristics and noise levels, obtained from CT scans of a Rando phantom, were used to compute contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) at x-ray tube voltages between 80 and 140 kV. Four CT dose metrics were evaluated: (a) CTDIair, (b) weighted CTDIw, (c) organ dose (Dorgan), and (d) effective dose (E). All doses were obtained using the ImPACT CT Dosimetry software package. Soft tissue CNR was adjusted by the modification of the mAs by assuming that CNR(2) was proportional to mAs. Optimization criteria were: (a) maintaining a constant CNR at each kV and identifying the value that minimizes patient dose; and (b) maintaining a constant dose at each kV and identifying the value that maximizes CNR. We also investigated the implication for optimization strategies assuming that radiation risk is proportional to En, with n varying between 0 and 2. Optimizing with respect to phantom measurements (i.e., CTDIair and CTDIw) could generate results that differed quantitatively and qualitatively from those obtained using patient doses (i.e., Dorgan and E). For head CT scans, 140 kV offered the lowest patient doses as well as the highest CNR, whereas in abdominal scans 80 kV was optimal. Use of an optimal kV for CT imaging over current practice of using 120 kV might reduce patient doses by 10-15%, or improve CNR by 5-10%. Assuming that the risk was proportional to En made no difference to the optimal kV for positive values of n up to 2. We conclude that (a) CT optimization with respect to kV should generally be performed with respect to the patient effective dose, (b) neither CTDIair nor the body CTDIw are appropriate for use in CT optimization, (c) the range of current radiation risk models should not affect the optimal kV value in CT imaging.

Fabrication of microporous polyurethane by spray phase inversion method as small diameter vascular grafts material.

Microporous polyurethane vascular prostheses with a 4 mm diameter and 0.3-0.4 mm wall thickness were fabricated by a spray phase inversion technique. In this study, the effect of distance between spray guns (SG) and rotating mandrel (RM), the effect of rate of rotating mandrel (RRM), and the type of nonsolvent on pore morphology of PU films were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. It was observed that when the distance between SG and RM was increased or the rate of RM was decreased, the porosity of PU films increased and consequently the tensile strength decreased and compliance value increased. Compliance was measured in vitro by volume and vessel diameter changes. Furthermore, when the coagulant (water) was changed to the water/methanol, the porosity of PU film increased and porous morphology changed to filamentous morphology. Attachment of anchorage dependent cells, namely L929 fibroblast cells, were investigated in stationary culture conditions. The cells adhesion and cells growth were studied using optical photomicrographs. The results show that by increasing the porosity content of PU films would consequently increase the cell ingrowths.

Fabrication of microporous thermoplastic polyurethane for use as small-diameter vascular graft material. I. Phase-inversion method.

Fabrication conditions of microporous thermoplastic polyurethane to be used in small-diameter vascular grafts are studied. Porosity variations due to various factors such as concentration of PU solution, composition of coagulation bath, effect of coagulant temperature, and effect of dissolved air in PU solution are discussed. The liquid-liquid phase-inversion process used for preparation of PU films and the mechanism for the formation of microporous films are discussed. Surface and cross-section morphologies of PU films are studied with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and porosity value and mechanical strength of PU films are also determined. SEM photomicrographs show that PU films prepared in an alcoholic coagulant have uniform porous structure compared to films prepared in water coagulant. Increasing the polymer concentration and coagulant temperature (>23 degrees C) decreases the macrovoid formation, as seen in cross sections of PU films. This enhances the tensile modulus of PU films. By using this process adjustment may be made on the morphology and compliance, as they are important factors in design and fabrication of small-diameter vascular grafts.

Effect of surface charge and hydrophobicity of polyurethanes and silicone rubbers on L929 cells response.

Wettability and zeta potential studies were performed to characterize the hydrophobicity and surface charge of virgin and oxygen plasma irradiated silicone rubbers and polyurethane (polyether and polyesther) samples and evaluate the effect of hydrophobicity and surface charge on fibroblast cells attachment and growth. The surface properties of polyurethanes and silicones and plasma irradiated surfaces were compared by water drop contact angle and zeta potential measurement. Using SEM photomicrographs to study the morphology of virgin and plasma irradiated samples surfaces and light microscopy for study the behavior of cell attachment on these surfaces. Water drop contact angle measurements show that in despite of the silicones, the polyurethanes become more hydrophobic and have stable surface than silicones. Results show that wettability of plasma treated silicones increase and after 48 h recovery take place. Zeta potential measurements noticed that plasma treated polyetherurethane surface is more negatively charge, and consequently attachment of the L929 fibroblast cells decreased whereas on silicones surfaces, negatively charge surfaces show increase cells attachment.

Validity and reliability of active shape models for the estimation of Cobb angles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Choosing the most suitable treatment for scoliosis relies heavily on accurate and reproducible Cobb angle measurement from successive radiographs. The objective is to reduce variability of Cobb angle measurement by reducing user intervention and bias. Custom software to automate Cobb angle measurement from posteroanterior radiographs was developed using active shape models. Validity and reliability of the automated system against a manual and semi-automated measurement method was conducted by two examiners each performing measurements on 3 occasions from a test set (N=22). A training set (N=47) of radiographs representative of curves seen in a scoliosis clinic was used to train the software to recognize vertebrae from T4 to L4. Images with a maximum Cobb angle between 20 degrees and 50 degrees, excluding surgical cases, were selected for training and test sets. Automated Cobb angles were calculated using best-fit slopes of the detected vertebrae endplates. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) showed high intra-examiner (ICC > 0.90, SEM 2-3 degrees) and inter-examiner (ICC > 0.82, SEM 2-4 degrees), but poor inter-method reliability (ICC=0.30, SEM 8-9 degrees). The automated method underestimated large curves. The reliability improved (ICC = 0.70, SEM 4-5 degrees) with exclusion of the 4 largest curves (>40 degrees) in the test set. The automated method was reliable for moderate sized curves, but did not properly detect vertebrae in larger curves. Optimization of constraints on scaling, rotation, translation, and iteration may improve reliability with larger curves.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and polydimethylsiloxane blend as acetabular cup material.

An acetabular cup shock absorber implant is formed from a composite of polymer materials. The cup consists of three zones such as the articulating surface of the implant is 100% ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (zone 1) and shock absorber of the cup contains of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (zone 3). Zone 2 which is designed for better adhesion between zone 1 and zone 2 consists of a blend of UHMWPE and PDMS is a cushion that from one side adheres to zone 1 and the other side to zone 2. PDMS and UHMWPE have been blended under conditions of shear and elevated temperature in order to form uniform, thermoplastic blends. When blends compared to pure UHMWPE, the blends show lowered tensile modulus and lowered mixing energies. The UHMWPE crystals are increased in quantity or else become more regular, even 50% blend shows no rubbery stage. The morphology and dynamic mechanical behavior of the blends were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanic thermal analysis (DMTA). In this study, the biocompatibility have evaluated in vitro the interaction of UHMWPE, silicone and PDMS/UHMWPE blends with L929 fibroblast cells.

Walnut consumption in hyperlipidemic patients.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is described as an anticancer, tonic, blood purifier, and detoxifier agent. It is said that nuts have favorable fatty acids and nutrients. This study was performed to determine the lipid-lowering properties of walnut in a population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. In a randomized case-control study, 52 volunteers were divided into 2 groups: Group A consumed walnuts, 20 grams per day for 8 weeks and the control group (group B) consumed no walnuts. Triglycerides, total high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were checked for each subject prior to, after 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after the beginning of the study. In group A, the mean plasma TG level dropped by 17.1% from the baseline and HDL cholesterol also increased significantly by 9%. It was shown that frequent consumption of nuts in the daily diet was associated with a potentially decreased risk of coronary artery disease by decreasing the level of triglyceride and increasing the level of HDL.

Effect of Emergency Primary Care Training Workshops: A Survey on 45 Iranian Dental School Interns.

BACKGROUND: Dentistry is a therapeutic health care profession that is related to people's health. Moreover medical emergencies often occur in dental offices that little awareness of the professional workers can have unpleasant consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this interventional study, a survey of 45 final year dental students was examined. To do so, a test in terms of knowledge was taken as a standard questionnaire, and in the practical part a test was taken as on objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE) test in three stations, before and after the workshop; identification of emergency instruments, the performance of intramuscular and intravenous injections and cardiopulmonary resuscitations before and after the workshop obtained data were analyzed using, SPSS version 16, Student's t-test and paired T. RESULTS: Using the t-test, mean score of the students' knowledge prior to and after the workshop were 51 ± 13.08 and 83.41 ± 8.65 respectively (P = 0.000). The practical score (OSCE) of dental students was 50.85 ± 13.09, which after the workshop came up to 85.73 ± 7.06 came up (P = 0.000). T-test of the performance before and after the workshop had a significant difference in each of the three stations. Significant differences between male and female students' knowledge and performance scores don't exist before and after the workshop (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge and performance of students were assessed as average, therefore, training courses and revised the curriculum units are required.

Visualization and prediction of porosity in roller compacted ribbons with near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI).

The porosity of roller compacted ribbon is recognized as an important critical quality attribute which has a huge impact on the final product quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) for porosity estimation of ribbons produced at different roll pressures. Two off-line methods were utilized as reference methods. The relatively fast method (oil absorption) was comparable with the more time-consuming mercury intrusion method (R(2)=0.98). Therefore, the oil method was selected as the reference off line method. It was confirmed by both reference methods that ribbons compressed at a higher pressure resulted in a lower mean porosity. Using NIR-CI in combination with multivariate data analysis it was possible to visualize and predict the porosity distribution of the ribbons. This approach is considered important for process monitoring and control of continuously operating roller compaction line.

Cell attachment to laser-induced AAm- and HEMA-grafted ethylene-propylene rubber as biomaterial: in vivo study.

With the purpose of improved tissue compatibility, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR)-based vulcanizates have been surface grafted with acrylamide (AAm) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) using CO2-pulsed laser as excitation source. Grafted surfaces were characterized by performing scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy to study the surface morphology and grafting. Surface hydrophilicity (measured by water drop contact angle) increased for the grafted samples. Fractal type of morphology is formed by the grafted poly(AAm) and poly(HEMA) chains on the surface of EPR, which provides both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sites. In vivo tissue compatibility was assessed by implanting test samples in the deep intramuscular and peritoneal layers of rabbits. After 8 weeks of implantation, comparative results indicate that the adhesion of macrophages to EPR samples modified with AAm and HEMA, with no respiratory burst and cellular damage, is significantly lower than their adhesion on unmodified surfaces which show an activated state of the attached macrophages. Also, no acute or chronic inflammatory reaction was observed at the site of implantation and a thinner fibrous tissue capsule formed around the modified samples, whereas foreign body giant cells adhered to unmodified EPR.

An evaluation of parenteral mecillinam in a chest hospital.

The efficacy of parenteral mecillinam was evaluated in 105 elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infections or urinary tract infections. Another antibiotic, usually amoxycillin, was given concurrently in cases of respiratory infection. An adequate response was note in 86% of chest infections and in all of the urinary tract infections assessed. Mecillinam proved to have a low toxicity profile and intramuscular injections were very well tolerated.

BHK cells behaviour on laser treated polydimethylsiloxane surface.

The surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was modified using a CO2-pulsed laser to evaluate the changes in physical and biological properties of the treated surface. Attachment of anchorage dependent cells, namely baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblastic cells, on PDMS surface was investigated in stationary culture conditions. BHK cell adhesion and growth on the PDMS surfaces were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. To evaluate the surface wettability, water drop contact angles were determined. The laser treated PDMS surfaces showed high hydrophobicity and low cell adhesion, no spreading and growth in comparison with the unmodified PDMS. It was found that both the wettability and surface structure of the PDMS surface control cell attachment and growth.