The roles played by IL-10, IL-23 and IL-17A in term delivery.

BACKGROUND: The immune system significantly participates in the development of the successful delivery process. The roles played by cytokine molecules in the induction of term delivery are yet to be clarified. The aim of this project was to explore the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-17A, and IL-23 in the mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy and their infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 60 samples were collected from either mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy or their infants, collectively 240 samples. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-17A and IL-23 were explored using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. RESULTS: IL-10 serum levels significantly decreased in the neonates with prolonged pregnancy when compared to their mothers. Serum levels of IL-23 were increased either in term or prolonged pregnancy neonates when compared to their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-23 significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the female in comparison to male in the prolonged pregnancy neonates. IL-10 also significantly decreased in the term mothers who had higher gravidity. CONCLUSION: Although, IL-17A does not play a key role in the delivery mechanism, IL-10 and IL-23 may be considered as potential factors in the modulation of term delivery.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification: a rapid molecular technique for early diagnosis of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae of stone fruits.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic bacteria cause significant economic damages in agriculture. The detection of such bacteria is considered as a continual interest for plant pathologists to prevent disease dissemination. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is one of the most important bacterial pathogens infecting yield and quality of stone fruits throughout the world. Biochemical assays such as a LOPAT and GATTa are common methods to detect this pathogen. Serological tests and culturing on King's B selective medium also used to isolate this bacterium. Selective media is composed of specific and effective ingredients to inhibit the growth of certain species of microbes in a mixed culture while allowing others to grow. These are used for the growth of only selected microorganisms. King's B medium can be used as a general medium for the non-selective isolation cultivation and pigment production of Pseudomonas species from foods, cosmetic samples, plants, etc. Nevertheless, the mentioned methods are not enough accurate to differentiate the strains. On the other hand, PCR-based techniques are sensitive and efficient in detecting plant diseases. However, these techniques are not practicable for those researchers who do not have access to a thermal cycler. We have used loop-mediated isothermal amplification to couple with a target. The amplification of syrD gene using loop and bumper primers can be used to prevent disease dissemination. RESULTS: The outcome of this investigation indicated more sensitivity of LAMP in comparison to PCR. The direct addition of SYBR Gold in microtube is more sensitive than gel in both LAMP and PCR byproducts so we can eliminate gel electrophoresis, while the LAMP showed high sensitivity and high specificity in comparison to results obtained by cultivation. The described molecular test could detect Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae type in nearly 1 h, and this is the first time that Lamp molecular detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae particularly on stone fruits is described and introduced. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data confirmed that LAMP is a fast, cheap, and high specific method for the rapid detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae to the comparison of PCR and culture.

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography to evaluate the effect of the eyelid speculum on corneal pachymetry during accelerated corneal cross-linking (9 mW/cm2).

PurposeTo investigate intraoperative anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to compare pachymetry changes between two methods (group 1: speculum-on, group 2: speculum-off during riboflavin instillation stage) during corneal cross-linking /CXL) (9 mW/cm2 for 10 min) in keratoconic patients.MethodsIn this interventional case series, 11 eyes (11 patients) in group 1 and 14 eyes (14 patients) in group 2 were enrolled. Pachymetry measurements by spectral domain OCT was performed at baseline, after epithelial removal, after 30 min of imbibition with riboflavin, and after UV irradiation. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the trend of changes in different stages of the procedure within and between two groups.ResultsThe corneal thinnest pachymerty (CTP) at baseline, after epithelial removal, 30 min of riboflavin instillation, and irradiation was 469.8±26.5, 438.0±27.1, 354.3±28.4, 367.1±31.8 microns in group 1 and 463.2±25.1, 438.0±27.1, 421.6±54.0, 386.9±34.0 microns in group 2, respectively. Group 1 showed a significantly greater decrease in the corneal pachymetry (P<0.001) during riboflavin instillation, while in group 2 a greater decrease in CTP was observed during the UV irradiation phase (P=0.002).ConclusionsUsing the intraoperative OCT, the speculum-off group had a more stable corneal pachymetry during riboflavin instillation time. Despite this, the effect was not lasting throughout the procedure; significant changes were noted in the corneal pachymetry at the end of operation in both groups; further highlighting the limitations imposed by corneal stromal shrinkage using isotonic dextran containing riboflavin solution for CXL.

The fallopian canal: a comprehensive review and proposal of a new classification.

INTRODUCTION: The facial nerve follows a complex course through the skull base. Understanding its anatomy is crucial during standard skull base approaches and resection of certain skull base tumors closely related to the nerve, especially, tumors at the cerebellopontine angle. METHODS: Herein, we review the fallopian canal and its implications in surgical approaches to the skull base. Furthermore, we suggest a new classification. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the anatomy and literature, we propose that the meatal segment of the facial nerve be included as a component of the fallopian canal. A comprehensive knowledge of the course of the facial nerve is important to those who treat patients with pathology of or near this cranial nerve.

The ventricular system of the brain: a comprehensive review of its history, anatomy, histology, embryology, and surgical considerations.

INTRODUCTION: The cerebral ventricles have been recognized since ancient medical history. Their true function started to be realized more than a thousand years later. Their anatomy and function are extremely important in the neurosurgical panorama. METHODS: The literature was searched for articles and textbooks of different topics related to the history, anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology and surgical considerations of the brain ventricles. CONCLUSION: Herein, we summarize the literature about the cerebral ventricular system.

Gabriele Fallopio (1523-1562) and his contributions to the development of medicine and anatomy.

INTRODUCTION: Gabriele Fallopio was one of the greatest anatomists of the sixteenth century. He discovered and named numerous parts of the human body. His name survives to this day as it is associated with several anatomical structures including the Fallopian canal, Fallopian hiatus, Fallopian valve, Fallopian muscle, and the Fallopian tube. CONCLUSIONS: Our current knowledge of human anatomy is based on giants such as Fallopio. His contributions to neuroanatomy laid the foundations for the development of this discipline.

Comparison of experimental and bioelectrical impedance analysis methods in calculation of dry weight in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: To optimize dialysis prescription and fluid balance of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, it is important to assess their dry weight accurately. The experimental evaluation is the method which is widely used in PD centers which needs continuous and controlled reduction of the postdialysis weight down to the point where patient does not show any signs of hypotension and volume overload. This study intends to indicate that the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method can be used as an alternative method to evaluate the dry weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The demographic data of 101 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients of Alzahra and Noor hospitals of Isfahan University (50 males and 51 females) who had been referred for periodical examinations from April 2009 to April 2010 were extracted from their files. The normal body volume was selected as the inclusion criteria and identified by an examiner group (a nephrologist, a general practitioner and a PD nurse). The patients' dry weights were calculated based on both methods. The bioelectrical impedance analysis method was done by the Maltron Bioscan ver916 and data were analyzed by SPSS program ver18. RESULTS: There were 49.5% males and 50.5% females with the mean age of 54.6±17 years. The mean dry weight in the experimental method was 63.4±13.3 kg in comparison to the other (61.5± 13.7 kg). There was a significant difference between the results (P value <0.001) depended on the gender t-test, but there was a 98% correlation between the results by two methods. No correlation observed between the patient's age, body mass index, blood pressure, previous hemodialysis history, PD duration time, and underlying disease. CONCLUSION: The study showed that there is significant difference between the two methods. However, there was 98% direct correlation between them. It is concluded that bioelectrical impedance analysis could be a better alternative for accurate evaluation of dry weight in PD patients because it is a fast and cheap method and does not depend on examiner's capability. Further studies based on the results of this method are recommended to consider this method as the gold standard.

Serum leptin level has a positive correlation with BMI and creatinine clearance in CAPD patients.

OBJECTIVE: In a cross sectional study, 75 patients (42 males and 33 females) on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were enrolled from October 2007 to February 2008. Serum levels of leptin, albumin, triglyceride, dialysis adequacy (total KT/V), renal creatinine clearance (Cr Cl), mid arm circumference and demographic findings were measured in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53±14.76. The history of hemodialysis was seen in 23 patients. Mean serum leptin level in women and men were 27±23µg/l and 16±13µg/l, respectively. A significant correlation of serum leptin level with body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) and renal Cr Cl (p<0.001) was found. There was no significant correlation of serum leptin level with KT/V, duration of renal failure, serum triglycerides (TG), serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and mid arm circumference (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is probably the first study to report that serum leptin level has a direct positive correlation with renal Cr Cl in CAPD patients. This may explain the increase in mortality in patients with lower serum leptin levels (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 25).

Immunosuppressive proteins isolated from spiral and coccoid cytoplasmic solutions of Helicobacter pylori.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative proteins that probably have a role in Helicobacter pylori evade of immune response and cause chronic infection disease and also to see if coccoid form had a role in its chronicity. H. pylori strain VacA s2/m2 positive and CagA negative, from a gastric biopsy of a patient with peptic ulcer disease, was isolated and cultured in brucella agar. Both spiral and coccoid forms were harvested and ruptured by sonication. The cytoplasmic solutions of both forms were collected and their fractions obtained by gel chromatography and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The fractions were analyzed by MTT assay for their antiproliferative activity. We isolated two proteins with a significant dose dependent antiproliferative activity that analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, one of them that was urease positive showed two bands with 61 and 27 kDa, which is resumed to urease of H. pylori, another consist of 57 and 63 kDa. Helicobacterpylori secret some proteins like urease that inhibit immune cells proliferation response against its antigens.

Flora, life forms and chorotypes of plants of Salok protected area (North Khorassan Province Iran).

Salok protected Area is located in the 37 degrees 15' to 37 degrees 08' of the North latitude and 57 degrees 16' to 57 degrees 06' of East longitude, in West North Esfarayen in North khorassan province. In this research 52 families, 174 genera and 213 species were identified. The largest plant family is Asteraceae (34 species), Poaceae (18 species), Brassicaceae (17 species) and Fabaceae (17 species), respectively. Chief life forms are Hemicryptopytes (49.29%), Therophytes 23.47% and cryptophytes (12.67%). The most of plants chorotype with 62.91% is influenced by Irano-Touranina elements. Among 213 identified species of this region and 15 species endemic of Iran contain 0.87% of total endemic species of Iran's flora.

High performance multilayered nano-crystalline silicon/silicon-oxide light-emitting diodes on glass substrates.

A low-temperature hydrogenation-assisted sequential deposition and crystallization technique is reported for the preparation of nano-scale silicon quantum dots suitable for light-emitting applications. Radio-frequency plasma-enhanced deposition was used to realize multiple layers of nano-crystalline silicon while reactive ion etching was employed to create nano-scale features. The physical characteristics of the films prepared using different plasma conditions were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, room temperature photoluminescence and infrared spectroscopy. The formation of multilayered structures improved the photon-emission properties as observed by photoluminescence and a thin layer of silicon oxy-nitride was then used for electrical isolation between adjacent silicon layers. The preparation of light-emitting diodes directly on glass substrates has been demonstrated and the electroluminescence spectrum has been measured.

Heavy metal concentrations in the soft tissues of swan mussel (Anodonta cygnea) and surficial sediments from Anzali wetland, Iran.

Concentrations of cadmium, copper, and lead were determined in surficial sediments and the soft tissues (foot and gills) of swan mussel Anodonta cygnea from two sampling sites in Anzali wetland, which is an internationally important wetland registered in the Ramsar Convention. The metal contents in the mussel species from the studied region were comparable to other world areas. In most cases, the levels of the metals either fell within the range for other areas or were lower. There were significant differences between the tissues for the accumulation of Cd and Pb. Only in the case of Pb accumulation in gills significant differences between the specimens from the selected sampling sites could be observed. Age-related correlations were found in the case of Cu accumulation in foot and Cd levels in gills. No weight-dependent trend could be observed for the accumulation of the three elements. There was significant negative width-dependent relationship in the case of Cu. A significant negative correlation was also found between the maximum shell height and Cu accumulation in the gills. The only association among the elements in the selected soft tissues was found between Cd and Pb. Highly significant differences could be found between the sampling sites from the concentration of the elements in sediments point of view. The pattern of metal occurrence in the selected tissues and sediments exhibited the following descending order: Pb, Cu>Cd for gills, Cu>Pb, Cd for foot, and Cu>Pb>Cd for sediments. The mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in the sediments from the study area were higher than the global baseline values and world average shale. In the case of Cu, our results were somewhat higher than the baseline values but well below the world average shale.

Brachial plexus blockade in elbow, arm or hand surgeries.

This study was performed to compare the transarterial (T) and paraarterial (P) approaches for brachial plexus block, in terms of success rate, onset time and duration of analgesia and complications. Hundred patients scheduled for elbow, arm or hand surgery at Tabriz Shohada hospital from October 2005 to December 2006, randomly allocated into two groups (n=50 per group), based on the approach chosen to block the brachial plexus. For local anesthesia each patient received 22.5 mL of 2% lidocaine with 17.5 mL distilled water (in total volume of 40 mL and total dose of 450 mg) and 1/200,000 epinephrine with a standard 23 gauge needle. All patients were sedated with 1 microg kg(-1) of fentanyl and 0.02-0.05 mg kg(-1) of midazolam. There was no statistical difference between the groups in duration of analgesia but the onset of anesthesia was significantly quicker in paraarterial technique (3.5 vs. 13.4 min, p < 0.001). Success rate was 86% in group T and 98% in group P (p = 0.03). Two percent of patients in group P and 6% in group T had total failure of the block and 8% of the group T required supplementary drug. Paraarterial method for axillary block is preferable due to quicker onset of blockade and higher success rate.

Kidney transplantation candidates and cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors among chronic renal failure (CRF) patients on the transplantation waiting list. METHODS: Fifty CRF patients on chronic hemodialysis who underwent evaluation for transplantation were compared with 60 hypertensive patients matched for age. We used Framingham scoring to calculate the absolute risk; relative risk was calculated based on the low-risk Framingham cohort. RESULTS: According to traditional risk factors, a significant difference was observed in systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol (greater in the hypertensive group), and in the prevalence of the male gender, smoking, and diabetes, which were greater in the CRF group. The latter had a greater degree of left ventricular hypertrophy, lower diastolic blood pressure, and a lower prevalence of familial history of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Patients with CRF had a greater relative risk compared with the Framingham control population, but it did not differ from that observed in the group of hypertensive individuals. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and traditional risk factors is high among renal transplantation candidates. The Framingham equations do not adequately quantify the real cardiovascular risk; other risk factors specific for that population probably contribute to their greater cardiovascular risk.

Mutation of Streptomyces griseoflavus in order to obtain high yield desferrioxamine producing fused cells.

Streptomyces griseoflavus PTCC 1130 was mutated by UV irradiation. Two mutants were obtained (C7031 and S7011). These two mutants were able to produce desferioxamine. Desferrioxamine was extracted from the culture broth of the two mutated strains and the thin layer chromatogram of the products showed the R(F) values of 0.461, 0.463 and 0.456 for S7011, C7031 and the standard, respectively. The protoplasts of mutated Streptomyces griseoflavus were isolated and fused together. Total numbers of 58 fusions were obtained and only 17 fusions showed significant resistance to sodium azide and crystal violet. In terms of production of desferrioxamine only fusion PF9 and PF10 increased 68.3 and 81.8% desferrioxamine production as compared to parent strain (PTCC 1130), respectively.

Comparison of zinc oxide and eugenol, and Vitapex for root canal treatment of necrotic primary teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate iodoform base materials for root canal treatment of necrotic primary teeth, and to compare them with traditionally used zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE). SAMPLE AND METHODS: Zinc oxide and eugenol and Vitapex (a premixed calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste) were compared for root canal treatment in 52 necrotic primary teeth in two groups of children with a mean age of 5 years and 8.4 months. All the patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically 3 months and 10-16 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall success rates of Vitapex and ZOE were 100% and 78.5%, respectively. Using Fisher's Exact Test, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both ZOE and Vitapex gave encouraging results. Vitapex, however, can be used more safely whenever there is a doubt about the patient's return for follow-up.

Spatially resolved spin-injection probability for gallium arsenide.

We report a large spin-polarized current injection from a ferromagnetic metal into a nonferromagnetic semiconductor, at a temperature of 100 Kelvin. The modification of the spin-injection process by a nanoscale step edge was observed. On flat gallium arsenide [GaAs(110)] terraces, the injection efficiency was 92%, whereas in a 10-nanometer-wide region around a [111]-oriented step the injection efficiency is reduced by a factor of 6. Alternatively, the spin-relaxation lifetime was reduced by a factor of 12. This reduction is associated with the metallic nature of the step edge. This study advances the realization of using both the charge and spin of the electron in future semiconductor devices.