CRISPR-Cas9 technology: As an efficient genome modification tool in the cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally and is a major public health concern. Managing this disease is difficult due to its multiple stages and numerous genetic and epigenetic changes. Traditional cancer diagnosis and treatment methods have limitations, making it crucial to develop new modalities to combat the increasing burden of cancer. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has transformed genetic engineering due to its simplicity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and cost-effectiveness. It has been proposed as an effective technology to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies. This article presents the most recent discoveries regarding the structure, mechanism, and delivery methods of the highly powerful genome editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9. In terms of diagnosis, the article examines the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in detecting microRNAs and DNA methylation, and discusses two popular gene detection techniques that utilize the CRISPR-Cas system: DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR trans reporter and specific high sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking. Regarding treatment, the article explores several genes that have been identified and modified by CRISPR-Cas9 for effective tumorigenesis of common cancers such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. The present review also addresses the challenges and ethical issues associated with using CRISPR-Cas9 as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Despite some limitations, CRISPR-Cas9-based cancer diagnosis has the potential to become the next generation of cancer diagnostic tools, and the continuous progress of CRISPR-Cas9 can greatly aid in cancer treatment.

Prevalence of tobacco use among cancer patients in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of tobacco use among various cancer types in Iran remains a significant concern, necessitating a comprehensive analysis to understand the extent and patterns of consumption. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze existing literature to delineate the prevalence of tobacco use across different cancer types in Iran, thereby providing a robust basis for future interventions and policy formulations. METHODS: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature available in PubMed and Scopus databases. The initial search identified 351 records, out of which 44 studies were selected based on their relevance and design. These studies spanned various time frames, starting from the 2001s up until 2022, and encompassed diverse geographical locations and cancer types in Iran. To avoid bias and potential data overlap, we opted to incorporate a single comprehensive study from the Golestan Cohort, encompassing all data, while excluding 10 other studies. Our final analysis incorporated data from 34 studies, which accounted for 15,425 patients and 5,890 reported smokers. Statistical analyses were performed to calculate the overall proportion of tobacco consumption and to conduct subgroup analyses based on different variables such as cancer types, gender, geographical locations, and types of tobacco used. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a substantial prevalence of tobacco use among cancer patients in Iran, with an overall consumption rate of 43%. This rate varied significantly, ranging from 10 to 88% across individual studies. Subgroup analyses further highlighted disparities in tobacco consumption rates across different demographics, geographic areas, and cancer types. Notably, the 'ever' smokers category exhibited the highest prevalence of tobacco use. The study also identified a worrying trend of high cigarette smoking rates, along with variable consumption patterns of other forms of tobacco, including waterpipe, 'Naas', and 'Pipe'. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis underscores a significant association between tobacco consumption and various cancer types in Iran, with a prevalence rate among cancer patients being three times higher than the average Iranian population. The findings indicate substantial heterogeneity in tobacco use patterns, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address this pressing health issue. The study serves as a critical resource for shaping future policies and strategies aimed at curbing tobacco use and mitigating its adverse effects on cancer prevalence in Iran.

Calcitriol modulates cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits: A pilot study.

Vitamin D3 efficacy against cardiovascular disease prevention has been reported in many experimental studies. We aimed to investigate the effect of the calcitriol or active form of Vitamin D3 (1, 25(OH) 2D3) on serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. New Zealand white male rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol diet and randomly assigned into two groups (n = 6). The case group was administrated with 50000 calcitriol (IU/kg/per wk) and the control group which administrated with calcitriol solvent (sesame oil) for 2 months. Then, after two months the lipid profile, CETP and 25OHD3 levels were measured. The serum concentration of CETP was increased after treatment with calcitriol in case group as compared to the control group (41.75 ± 3.19 vs. 34.5 ± 2.3, ng/ml, P < 0.05). We also observed higher levels of the 25OHD3 in the calcitriol group at the 1st month (16.3 ± 1.64 vs. 12.8 ± 1.33 ng/ml) and the 2nd month (19.5 ± 2.14 vs. 12.5 ± 1.25 ng/ml) as compared with the control group. the significant increase in the level of HDL-C was observed in the case group than the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, serum levels of LDL- Cholesterol (LDL-C), Triglyceride (TG) were reduced after assessment at 1st and 2nd month after administration of calcitriol. Our research indicated the significant anti-atherogenic effects of calcitriol in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis. However, increased in CETP levels by calcitriol may know as an additional way, which interfere with the anti-atherogenic effects of calcitriol.

Dye/metal ion-based chemosensing ensemble towards l-histidine and l-lysine determination in water via different optical responses.

In this study, a novel simple type of label-free, ultra-sensitive, and highly selective UV-Vis absorption and naked-eye detection of histidine (His) and lysine (Lys) using a dye/metal ion ensemble is developed. The outcoming high sensitivity and selectivity for histidine and lysine were attained by changing the metal ions. The indicator is released due to its displacement from the murexide (Mure)/Cu2+ complex by histidine and the change in absorbance may be due to the further complexation of lysine with the additional coordination sites present in the zinc atom of Mure/Zn2+ complex. The label-free chemosensor provided sensitive and selective detection of l-histidine and l-lysine with detection limits of 9.1 and 9.4 nmol L-1, respectively. The protocol especially offers high selectivity for the determination of His and Lys among amino acids found in human urine samples. Furthermore, INHIBIT and NAND molecular logic gates were obtained using chemical inputs and UV-Vis absorbance signal output.

Fast and efficient removal of Pb(II) ion and malachite green dye from wastewater by using magnetic activated carbon-cobalt nanoparticles.

A high-surface-area and inexpensive activated carbon has been produced from lemon peel using chemical activation with H3PO4 at 500 °C in a N2 atmosphere. Afterwards, the synthesized cobalt nanoparticles using coprecipitation method were adsorbed on the activated carbon surface, and as a result magnetic activated carbon was obtained. Sample characterization has been assessed via X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and magnetic properties. It was found that magnetic activated carbon-cobalt nanoparticles (MAC/Co) synthesized had a high saturation magnetization. The MAC/Co revealed super-paramagnetic behaviors at room temperature, and have been readily isolated from solution by using an exterior magnet. Next, adsorption behavior of malachite green and Pb(II) onto the generated MAC/Co has been examined. Sorption kinetics and equilibrium have been studied using batch procedure. The kinetic and isothermal adsorption results were matched completely with the Elovich and Langmuir models, respectively. Based on the Langmuir model, the highest adsorption capacities of malachite green dye and Pb(II) ion respectively were 263.2 and 312.5 mg g-1 at room temperature. Based on the results, the MAC/Co is a probable economic and effective adsorbent that can be employed as a new adsorbent to remove malachite green dye and Pb(II) from wastewater.

A novel dye-based colorimetric chemosensors for sequential detection of Cu2+ and cysteine in aqueous solution.

An IDAs based chemosensing ensembles for sensitive and selective sequential detection of Cu2+ and cysteine (Cys) in 100% aqueous solution was designed on the basis of the complex formation between 4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR). In the first step, PAR was used for colorimetric detection of Cu2+ in aqueous solution by the obvious color change. The detection limit (31.0 nmol L-1) for Cu2+ much lower than the guideline (31.5 µmol L-1) of WHO in drinking water. In the second step the produced ensemble (PAR-Cu2+), sensitively and selectively detected a low concentration of Cys via indicator displacement assay system. The detection limit for Cys was determined to be 72 nmol L-1. The colorimetric detection operation is low-cost using PAR and copper ion and has a simple operation without any further modifications. Any enzymatic reactions, separation processes, chemical modifications, and sophisticated instrumentations are also not required in this experiment. It could find applications for the detection of analytes in environmental, biological samples based on these results, dual logic gates (IMPLICATION and INHIBIT) were obtained by controlling the chemical inputs.

Development of air-assisted dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction-based supramolecular solvent-mediated Fe3 O4 @Cu-Fe-LDH for the determination of tramadol in biological samples.

A simple method, air-assisted dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction-based supramolecular solvent was developed for the preconcentration of tramadol in biological samples prior to gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. A new type of carrier liquid, supramolecular solvent based on a mixture of 1-dodecanol and tetrahydrofuran was combined with layered double hydroxide coated on a magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3 O4 @SiO2 @Cu-Fe-LDH). The supramolecular solvent was injected into the solution containing Fe3 O4 @SiO2 @Cu-Fe-LDH in order to provide high stability and dispersion of the sorbent without any stabilizer agent. Air assisted was applied to enhance the dispersion of the sorbent and solvent. A number of analytical techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements were applied to assess the surface chemical characteristics of Fe3 O4 @SiO2 @Cu-Fe-LDH nanoparticles. The effects of important parameters on the extraction recovery were also investigated. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection and quantification were obtained in the range of 0.9-2.4 and 2.7-7.5 µg L-1 with preconcentration factors in the range of 450-472 in biological samples. This method was used for the determination of tramadol in biological samples (plasma, urine and saliva samples) with good recoveries.

Deep Eutectic Solvent Based Air Assisted Ligandless Emulsification Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Preconcentration of Some Heavy Metals in Biological and Environmental Samples.

In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on air-assisted ligandless emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction method (DES-AA-LL-ELLME) was considered for preconcentration and extraction of some metals (Cd, Ni, Pb and Cu). A 1:1 mixture of the synthesized DES and triethylamine was added as an extractant to extract metal ions in the absence of chelating agent. Tetrahydrofuran as the aprotic solvent provided a turbid state. To disperse the aggregated DES droplets into the aqueous phase, air-assisted was performed. The influence of several effective parameters was monitored. Under optimum conditions, limits of detection were found in the range of 0.31-0.99 µg L-1 with preconcentration factor from 67 to 69. The relative standard deviation (n = 10) was in the range of 2.1%-3.1% for all analytes. This procedure was applied to determine some metals in both biological and environmental samples with appropriate recoveries about 98.7%-106%.

Ultrasound-air-assisted demulsified liquid-liquid microextraction by solidification of a floating organic droplet for determination of three antifungal drugs in water and biological samples.

A novel ultrasound-air-assisted demulsified liquid-liquid microextraction by solidification of a floating organic droplet (UAAD-LLM-SFO) followed by HPLC-UV detection was developed for the analysis of three antifungal drugs in water and biological samples. In this method, 1-dodecanol was used as the extraction solvent. The emulsion was rapidly formed by pulling in and pushing out the mixture of sample solution and extraction solvent for 5 times repeatedly using a 10-mL glass syringe while sonication was performed. Therefore, an organic dispersive solvent required in common microextraction methods was not used in the proposed method. After dispersing, an aliquot of acetonitrile was introduced as a demulsifier solvent into the sample solution to separate two phases. Therefore, some additional steps, such as the centrifugation, ultrasonication, or agitation of the sample solution, are not needed. Parameters influencing the extraction recovery were investigated. The proposed method showed a good linearity for the three antifungal drugs studied with the correlation coefficients (R 2 > 0.9995). The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of the quantification (LOQs) were between 0.01-0.03 µg L-1 and 0.03-0.08 µg L-1, respectively. The preconcentration factors (PFs) were in the range of 107-116, respectively. The precisions, as the relative standard deviations (RSDs) (n = 5), for inter-day and intra-day analysis were in the range of 2.1-4.5% and 6.5-8.5%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to determine the three antifungal drugs in tap water and biological samples. The recoveries of antifungal drugs in these samples were 92.4-98.5%. Graphical abstract Ultrasound-air-assisted demulsified liquid-liquid microextraction by solidification of a floating organic droplet for the analysis of three antifungal drugs prior HPLC-UV.

Bovine lactoferrin ameliorates antioxidant esterase activity and 8-isoprostane levels in high-cholesterol-diet fed rats.

The main aim of the present study was to show the effect of bovineLactoferrin (bLF), an 80 kD iron-binding glycoprotein, its application on antioxidant esterase activities and 8-isoprostane changes in high-cholesterol-diet fed (HCD-Fed) rats. The 44 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned into four experimental groups. They were randomly assigned into four equivalent groups (n = 11). The groups included the control group which was fed with normal diet, bLF group, the third group which were made hypercholesterolemia by being fed with high cholesterol diet, and the last group which consisted of hypercholesterolemia rats treated with bLF (HCD + bLF) for 4 weeks (200 mg.kg-1 per day wt. dissolved in 0.9% normal saline).After 4 weeks, the serum Paraoxonase1 (PON1), Arylesterase (ARE) activity and 8-isoprostane with lipid profile were measured. Upon treatment with the bLF, the decrease in LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), Glucoses, Triglyceride (TG) and Total-Cholesterol (TC) levels and an increase in HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) level were observed. The co-administration of bLf for 4 weeks had decreased the 8-isoprostane levels significantly (P < 0.001) (86.36 ± 7.1 vs 117.18 ± 8.62) when compared to hypercholesterolemia-induced rats. Also, the Atherogenic Index (AI) in HCD + bLF group showed a significant decrease as compared to the HCD group (P < 0.001) (0.37 ± 0.07 vs 0.57 ± 0.09). The results indicated that bLF was effective against oxidative stress by its ability to increase PON1 activity and reduce the lipid peroxidation in high-cholesterol-fed rats.

Poly-Dianix Blue/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Modified Electrode for Detection of Levodopa in the Presence of High Concentrations of Ascorbic and Uric Acids.

A selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor was studied for determination of levodopa (LD) in the presence of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) using poly-dianix blue and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PDB/MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and chronoamperometry methods were applied to investigate the electrocatalytic oxidation of LD, UA and AA in aqueous solutions. By DPV technique, LD, UA and AA give oxidation peaks at 0.380, 0.520 and 0.180 V, respectively. Under the optimized experimental conditions LD, UA and AA give a linear response in the range of 0.09-75 µmol L-1, 0.3-110 µmol L-1 and 10-160 µmol L-1, respectively. Accordingly, the obtained detection limits were 0.003, 0.002 and 0.023 µmol L-1. The method provides a simple electrochemical sensor for successful determination of LD in human blood serum samples.

Gonadal vein tumor thrombosis due to renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) had a tendency to extend into the renal vein and inferior vena cava, while extension into the gonadal vein has been rarely reported. Gonadal vein tumor thrombosis appears as an enhancing filling defect within the dilated gonadal vein anterior to the psoas muscle and shows an enhancement pattern identical to that of the original tumor. The possibility of gonadal vein thrombosis should be kept in mind when looking at an imaging study of patients with RCC.

Computed tomography features of pulmonary nocardiosis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.

BACKGROUND: Nocardiosis primarily occurs in the setting of immunocompromising conditions. However, it may also occur in immunocompetent patients. We described computed tomography features of pulmonary nocardiosis and compared immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. MATERIAL/METHODS: CT images of 25 patients (Mean age of 39.5 years; 76% male) with pulmonary nocardiosis proved by bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy were reviewed by two experienced pulmonary radiologists and detailed findings were reported on. Fourteen patients (56%) were immunocompetent, while 44% had an underlying immunocompromising condition, including chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) (n=4), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=2), malignancy (n=2), HIV (n=1), concomitant CGD and DM (n=1), and steroid therapy for nephrotic syndrome (n=1). RESULTS: Most patients had bilateral involvement with no zonal predominance. Multiple pulmonary nodules (96%) were the most common CT findings, followed by consolidation (76%) and cavity (52%). Other findings included bronchiectasis (48%), pleural thickening (40%), ground glass opacity (32%), mass-like consolidation (20%), intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (16%), pleural effusion (12%), reticular infiltration (4%), and pericardial effusion (4%). There was no statistically significant difference in the CT findings of immunocompromised and immunocompetent groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary nocardiosis presents mainly as multiple pulmonary nodules, consolidations, and cavity in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. However, these features are more suggestive of nocardiosis in the setting of an underling immunocompromised condition.

Association of parental awareness of using schoolbags with musculoskeletal symptoms and carrying habits of schoolchildren.

The association between parental awareness of using schoolbags and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms and carrying habits of children was investigated in a cross-sectional study in Tabriz, Iran. Data on 454 students aged 11-14 years and their parents (n = 358) were analyzed. The awareness of the recommended weight limit, appropriate method of carrying schoolbags, and schoolbag strap adjustments was generally low among the respondents. A higher parental awareness of the schoolbag weight was associated with a lower prevalence of upper back and shoulder complaints among children and carrying loads less than 10% of their body weight. The findings suggest that parental awareness should have a more prominent role in changing the schoolbag carrying habits of children and particularly in reducing the weight of loads carried by them. This highlights the need to incorporate guidelines and recommendations into practice to ensure that the health and safety of schoolchildren are not compromised when using schoolbags.

Features of idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in high resolution computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Although the crazy-paving pattern on computed tomography is characteristic for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), it is not specific and has not been compared between idiopathic and secondary PAPs in the large studies. The aim of this study was to determine the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features of idiopathic PAP. MATERIAL/METHODS: HRCT images of 35 patients (mean age: 38±14years; 54.3% male) with idiopathic PAP (proved by bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy) were reviewed by two experienced pulmonary radiologist and detailed findings were reported. RESULTS: The predominant HRCT presentation of PAP was interlobular septal thickening (ILST;100%) and ground glass opacities (GGOs; 91.7%), resulting in crazy-paving pattern (83%). All patients had diffuse bilateral lung involvement that was symmetric in 97%. ILST and GGO without crazy-paving were seen in 17% and 14.7%, respectively. The overall extent of parenchymal involvement was 50 to 75% in 80% of patients. Thirty three cases (94%) had areas of geographic sparing within the affected lung. Peripheral sparing was seen in 85.7% of patients, including three patterns with some overlap: costophrenic angle (80%), apices (60%), and subpleural (57%) sparing. Other HRCT findings were: consolidation (63%), pulmonary nodules (31.4%), mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy (23%), mass-like consolidation (17%), pleural effusion (8.6%), and honey combing (5.7%). All female patients (n=16) had crazy-paving, while 13 out of 19 (68%) male patients had crazy-paving on their lung HRCT (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the predominant HRCT presentation of idiopathic PAP was interlobular septal thickening and ground glass opacities, resulting in crazy-paving pattern.

Ultrasound as a feasible method for the assessment of malrotation.

BACKGROUND: In malrotation the position of third portion of duodenum (D3) is always intramesenteric. Demonstration of normal retromesenteric-retroperitoneal position of D3 on ultrasound (US) can rule out malrotation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of US in demonstrating the retroperitoneal D3. MATERIAL/METHODS: Abdominal US study was done for various indications in 60 newborns and infants (mean age: 33 days [range: 4-100 days]; 56.7% male) by an expert pediatric radiologist. The position of D3 and its adjacent structures was evaluated in axial and longitudinal planes by linear and curved transducers. RESULTS: A normal retromesenteric-retroperitoneal D3 located between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta was seen on US in all patients, including those with extensive gas in the bowel. The mean time of D3 observation was 47.8 s (10-180 s). Ultrasound was also capable of demonstrating D3 structure, diameter, content, adjacent structures, relative position of the superior mesenteric artery and vein. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a simple, fast and highly accurate tool to confirm the retroperitoneal position of D3. Ultrasound can be used as a screening method for malrotation eliminating the need for unnecessary barium studies.

The spectrum of presentations of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in high resolution computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Various radiologic patterns of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) in X-rays have been reported for more than 20 years, and later, in computed tomography scans. The aim of the present study was to describe the spectrum of radiologic findings on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans in patients with COP. MATERIAL/METHODS: HRCT scans of 31 sequential patients (mean age: 54.3±11 years; 55% male) with biopsy-proven COP in a tertiary lung center between 2009 and 2012 were reviewed by two experienced pulmonary radiologists with almost perfect interobserver agreement (kappa=0.83). Chest HRCTs from the lung apex to the base were performed using a 16-slice multi-detector CT scanner. RESULTS: The most common HRCT presentation of COP was ground-glass opacity (GGO) in 83.9% of cases, followed by consolidation in 71%. Both findings were mostly asymmetric bilateral and multifocal. Other common findings were the reverse halo (48.4%), parenchymal bands (54.8%) and subpleural bands (32.3%). Pulmonary nodules were found in about one-third of patients and were frequently smaller than 5 mm in diameter. Both GGOs and consolidations were revealed more often in the lower lobes. CONCLUSIONS: The main presentations of COP on HRCT include bilateral GGOs and consolidations in the lower lobes together with the reverse halo sign.

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of dual-source CT and conventional angiography in detecting congenital heart diseases.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) is primarily used for coronary arteries. There are limited studies about the application of DSCT for congenital heart diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of DSCT in the cardiac anomalies. MATERIAL/METHODS: The images of DSCTs and conventional angiographies of 36 patients (21 male; mean age: 8.5 month) with congenital heart diseases were reviewed and the parameters of diagnostic value of these methods were compared. Cardiac surgery was the gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 105 cardiac anomalies were diagnosed at surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of DSCT were 98.25%, 97.9%, 98.1%, 99.07%, and 98.2%, respectively. The corresponding values of angiography were 95.04%, 98.7%, 97.8%, 98.1%, and 98%, respectively. Only one atrial septal defect (ASD) and two patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were missed by DSCT. Angiography missed two ASD and two PDA. DSCT also provided important additional findings (n=35) about the intrathoracic or intraabdominal organs. CONCLUSIONS: DSCT is a highly accurate diagnostic modality for congenital heart diseases, obviating the need for invasive modalities. Beside its noninvasive nature, the advantage of DSCT over the angiography is its ability to provide detailed anatomical information about the heart, vessels, lungs and intraabdominal organs.

The value of coronary artery calcium score assessed by dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography for predicting presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Measuring coronary artery calcium score (CACS) using a dual-source CT scanner is recognized as a major indicator for assessing coronary artery disease. The present study aimed to validate the clinical significance of CACS in predicting coronary artery stenosis and its severity. MATERIAL/METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 202 consecutive patients who underwent both conventional coronary angiography and dual-source (256-slice) computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) for any reason in our cardiac imaging center from March to September 2013. CACS was measured by Agatston algorithm on non-enhanced CT. The severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by Gensini score on conventional angiography. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the number of diseased coronary vessels and mean calcium score, i.e. the mean calcium score was 202.25±450.06 in normal coronary status, 427.50±607.24 in single-vessel disease, 590.03±511.34 in two-vessel disease, and 953.35±1023.45 in three-vessel disease (p<0.001). There was a positive association between calcium score and Gensini score (r=0.636, p<0.001). In a linear regression model, calcium score was a strong determinant of the severity of coronary artery disease. Calcium scoring had an acceptable value for discriminating coronary disease from normal condition with optimal cutoff point of 350, yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the strong relationship between the coronary artery calcium score and the presence and severity of stenosis in coronary arteries assessed by both the number of diseased coronary vessels and also by the Gnesini score.

Bioactive compounds of Punica granatum L. wastes by high performance liquid chromatography analysis.

The massive pomaces of Punica granatum L. exhibit a challenging losses exposure difficulty for the processing industries. The resent study was aimed to investigate the bioactive compounds of pomace extracts to introduce it to different industries such as pharmaceutical, food, medicinal, agricultural etcetera for optimum use. Four different extracts were prepared and the phenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC-DAD. Different amounts of phenolic compounds were detected in the samples including gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. Gallic acid was major compound in all studied extracts of pomaces, with the maximum amount belonging to water extract (at 60 °C). The average amount of gallic acid detected in water extract (at 60 °C) of Punica granatum L. was 11.25 mg g-1 dry weight, while it was 3.24 3.02 and 1.09 mg g-1 dry weight for the extracts obtained by distilled water, methanol and methanol 80%, respectively.