[Inhibition of Autophagy by 3-MA Increases Oncolysis Effect of VSV in a Murine Model of Cancer].

Vesicular stomatitis virus has been known as a potent antitumor agent because of its selective replication and lysis of tumor cells and immune-stimulating properties. In response to cellular stress and enhanced metabolism, tumor cells activate autophagy, to provide energy for the cells and preventing tumor destruction. Inhibition of autophagy can increase the therapeutic potential of many antitumor methods. This study aimed to check the efficacy of combined VSV and three-methyl adenine (3-MA) in treating a tumor model in mice. TC-1, a line of C57BL/6 mouse lung cells transformed by HPV-16 E7 and E6 oncoproteins, as well as human Ras, were used for experiments. The viability after treatment with the optimized concentration of 3-MA with or without combination with VSV was assessed by MTT. C57BL/6 male mice were injected with TC-1, and after tumor formation, 3-MA and VSV alone or in combination in two different protocols were injected into tumor mice. Tumor size, tumor-specific CTL response, and apoptosis rate were evaluated. The results showed that 3-MA combined with VSV causes more lethality in tumor cells in vitro. In vivo studies also showed that combined VSV and 3-MA treatment inhibits the progression of TC-1 cancer cells with higher efficiency, especially in daily 3-MA treatment along with four doses of VSV injection with four days' intervals. In addition, the rate of apoptosis and cytotoxic T cells activity in the groups injected with 3-MA and the virus were higher than groups receiving each agent alone. In conclusion, the association of VSV with 3-MA increases its oncolysis activity and subsequently more stimulates the immune system against the tumor. This finding suggests a combinational approach for tumor therapy with therapy. Combining oncolytic VSV with 3-MA as an autophagy inhibitor agent can improve the efficacy of tumor treatment. This combination therapy approach enhances apoptosis in tumors as well as T cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

Testing CPT symmetry in ortho-positronium decays with positronium annihilation tomography.

Charged lepton system symmetry under combined charge, parity, and time-reversal transformation (CPT) remains scarcely tested. Despite stringent quantum-electrodynamic limits, discrepancies in predictions for the electron-positron bound state (positronium atom) motivate further investigation, including fundamental symmetry tests. While CPT noninvariance effects could be manifested in non-vanishing angular correlations between final-state photons and spin of annihilating positronium, measurements were previously limited by knowledge of the latter. Here, we demonstrate tomographic reconstruction techniques applied to three-photon annihilations of ortho-positronium atoms to estimate their spin polarisation without magnetic field or polarised positronium source. We use a plastic-scintillator-based positron-emission-tomography scanner to record ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilations with single-event estimation of o-Ps spin and determine the complete spectrum of an angular correlation operator sensitive to CPT-violating effects. We find no violation at the precision level of 10-4, with an over threefold improvement on the previous measurement.

Effects of Metformin on Experimental Varicocele in Rats.

The current study aimed to determine the effect of metformin (MET) on histopathologic evaluation and antioxidant enzyme activity in experimental varicocele-induced rats. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Group 1 (control) received no medication and underwent no surgery. In group 2 (sham), the rats received no medication and the abdominal cavity was opened; however, there was no varicocele induction. In group 3 (varicocele), the abdominal cavity was opened and the rats underwent varicocele induction and received no medication. In group 4, the abdominal cavity was opened and the animals received 25 mg/kg of MET for 42 days and were varicocele-induced. Groups 5 and 6 were similar to group 4 except that the animals received 50 and 100 mg/kg of MET, respectively. At the end of the 21st and 42nd days, the rats were euthanized and the left testis was removed for histological analysis and measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant status levels. According to the results, a dose-dependent difference was observed in testis damage grade in the MET treated groups, compared to that reported for the varicocele group (p <0.05). No difference was observed between 25 and 50 mg/kg of MET (P>0.05). Tissue MDA levels significantly increased in varicocele rats (p <0.05); however, MET (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner decreased varicocele-induced MDA (p <0.05). Experimental varicocele significantly decreased SOD activity, compared to that reported for the control group (p <0.05). The administration of MET (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased tissue SOD activity in varicocele rats (p <0.05). The MET (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner increased GPx activity in varicocele rats (p <0.05). There was no difference in MDA, SOD, and GPx levels between 25 and 50 mg/kg MET groups (P>0.05). The aforementioned findings suggested that MET treatment had beneficial effects on varicocele.

Neural adaptive fault-tolerant finite-time control for nonstrict feedback systems: An event-triggered mechanism.

The problem of event-triggered neural adaptive fault-tolerant finite-time control is investigated for a class of nonstrict feedback nonlinear systems in the presence of nonaffine nonlinear faults. The event-triggered signal is designed by using a relative-threshold to reduce communication burden. The dynamic surface control method is used to relax the assumption of the reference signal and deal with the computational complexity issue. Based on the finite-time stability, a new neural adaptive backstepping design method is developed. The event-triggered neural adaptive fault-tolerant control law is developed for the closed-loop system so that not only the semi-global practical finite-time stability is ensured, but also the tracking performance with a small residual set is guaranteed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is verified via simulation results.

Rod separation by sawtooth channel.

By applying entropic barriers, we present a rod separation mechanism that induces the movement of rods of different sizes in the opposite directions. This mechanism is based on the combination of the saw-tooth channel, a static force, and an oscillating driving force. The asymmetric shape of the channel and the elongated shape of the rod causesa complicated interaction effect between the rods and the channel walls which reduces the accessible configuration space for the rods and leads to entropic free-energy effects.

Performance assessment of the 2 γpositronium imaging with the total-body PET scanners.

PURPOSE: In living organisms, the positron-electron annihilation (occurring during the PET imaging) proceeds in about 30% via creation of a metastable ortho-positronium atom. In the tissue, due to the pick-off and conversion processes, over 98% of ortho-positronia annihilate into two 511 keV photons. In this article, we assess the feasibility for reconstruction of the mean ortho-positronium lifetime image based on annihilations into two photons. The main objectives of this work include the (i) estimation of the sensitivity of the total-body PET scanners for the ortho-positronium mean lifetime imaging using 2γ annihilations and (ii) estimation of the spatial and time resolution of the ortho-positronium image as a function of the coincidence resolving time (CRT) of the scanner. METHODS: Simulations are conducted assuming that radiopharmaceutical is labeled with 44Sc isotope emitting one positron and one prompt gamma. The image is reconstructed on the basis of triple coincidence events. The ortho-positronium lifetime spectrum is determined for each voxel of the image. Calculations were performed for cases of total-body detectors build of (i) LYSO scintillators as used in the EXPLORER PET and (ii) plastic scintillators as anticipated for the cost-effective total-body J-PET scanner. To assess the spatial and time resolution, the four cases were considered assuming that CRT is equal to 500 ps, 140 ps, 50 ps, and 10 ps. RESULTS: The estimated total-body PET sensitivity for the registration and selection of image forming triple coincidences (2γ+γprompt) is larger by a factor of 13.5 (for LYSO PET) and by factor of 5.2 (for plastic PET) with respect to the sensitivity for the standard 2γ imaging by LYSO PET scanners with AFOV = 20 cm. The spatial resolution of the ortho-positronium image is comparable with the resolution achievable when using TOF-FBP algorithms already for CRT = 50 ps. For the 20-min scan, the resolution better than 20 ps is expected for the mean ortho-positronium lifetime image determination. CONCLUSIONS: Ortho-positronium mean lifetime imaging based on the annihilations into two photons and prompt gamma is shown to be feasible with the advent of the high sensitivity total-body PET systems and time resolution of the order of tens of picoseconds.

Estimating relationship between the time over threshold and energy loss by photons in plastic scintillators used in the J-PET scanner.

PURPOSE: The time-over-threshold (TOT) technique is being used widely due to itsimplications in developing the multi-channel readouts, mainly when fast signal processing is required. Using the TOT technique, as a measure of energy loss instead of charge integration methods, significantly reduces the signal readout costs by combining the time and energy information. Therefore, this approach can potentially be utilized in J-PET tomograph which is built from plastic scintillators characterized by fast light signals. The drawback in adopting this technique lies in the non-linear correlation between input energy loss and TOT of the signal. The main motivation behind this work is to develop the relationship between TOT and energy loss and validate it by the J-PET tomograph setup. METHODS: The experiment was performed using a 22Na beta emitter source placed in the center of the J-PET tomograph. This isotope produces photons of two different energies: 511 keV photons from the positron annihilation (direct annihilation or through the formation of a para-positronium atom or pick-off process of ortho-positronium atoms) and a 1275 keV prompt photon. This allows the study of the correlation between TOT values and energy loss for energy ranges up to 1000 keV. Since the photon interacts predominantly via Compton scattering inside the plastic scintillator, there is no direct information of the energy deposition. However, using the J-PET geometry, one can measure the scattering angle of the interacting photon. Since the 22Na source emits photons of two different energies, it is necessary to know unambiguously the energy of incident photons and their corresponding scattering angles in order to estimate energy deposition. In summary, this work presents a dedicated algorithm developed to tag photons of different energies and studying their scattering angles to calculate the energy deposition by the interacting photons. RESULTS: A new method was elaborated to measure the energy loss by photons interacting with plastic scintillators used in the J-PET tomograph. We find the relationship between the energy loss and TOT is non-linear and can be described by the functions TOT = A0 + A1 * ln(E dep + A2) + A3 * (ln(E dep + A2))2 and TOT = A0 - A1 * A2[Formula: see text]. In addition, we also introduced a theoretical model to calculate the TOT as a function of energy loss in plastic scintillators. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between TOT and energy loss by photons interacting inside the plastic scintillators used in J-PET scanner is established for a deposited energy range of 100-1000 keV.

Effectiveness of incorporating occupational therapy in rehabilitation of hand burn patients.

One of the main goals in the rehabilitation process of patients with burn to their hands is their return to society and their professional occupation, which has a direct positive influence on these patients' quality of life. The goal of this research project was to investigate the effect of early intervention with occupational therapy in patients with burns to their hands. The study included 30 patients with second or third degree hand burns. Patients were added to the study 12 days after their burn wounds and grafted areas had healed. They had 3 sessions of occupational therapy per week for 8 weeks. These sessions included active and passive range of motion exercises, active resistive exercises, stretching exercises and practicing activities of daily living. Functionality of the hand was assessed before and after the 8 weeks of occupational therapy using the DASH questionnaire. The average initial DASH score before intervention with occupational therapy was 60.9, and after 8 weeks of occupational therapy it was 33.9 (average difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention DASH scores is 27 points, p < 0.001). After 8 weeks of occupational therapy, patients performed activities of daily living with a lot less difficulty, and an increase in functionality of the hands was observed. This study suggests that early intervention with rehabilitative therapies is advantageous and may result in improved hand function.

Un des buts de la rééducation des patients aux mains brûlées est la réinsertion à la société et au travail, ce qui a une influence directe sur leur qualité de vie. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer l'effet de l'introduction précoce de l'ergothérapie dans le programme de rééducation de 30 patients brûlés des mains (2ème et 3ème degrés). Ce programme, comprenant 3 séances d'ergothérapie hebdomadaires pendant 8 semaines, débutait 12 j après la cicatrisation. Les séances comportaient des exercices moteurs actifs et passifs, des exercices actifs contre résistance, des étirements et des exercices mimant les mouvements de la vie quotidienne. Les capacités fonctionnelles des mains étaient évaluées avant et en fin de programme, en utilisant le questionnaire DASH. Il était initialement de 60,9 et de 33,9 en fin de programme (différence 27 points, p< 0,001). Après 8 semaines d'ergothérapie, les patients avaient beaucoup moins de difficulté à réaliser les gestes de la vie courante et on observait une augmentation des capacités fonctionnelles des mains. Cette étude suggère que l'introduction précoce de l'ergothérapie peut permettre une amélioration de la fonction des mains brûlées.

Reducing pain at split thickness donor sites with silicone dressing compared to petrolatum gauze dressing.

Many modalities have been introduced to reduce devastating pain at the donor area. This is a prospective, randomized study to assess the effect of silicone dressing in reducing pain at split-thickness skin donor sites, and compare it with traditional petrolatum gauze. The patients were allocated to receive standard dressing (petrolatum gauze) or silicone dressing over skin donor sites. Pattern and severity of pain at the sites were assessed in both groups using the Visual Analog Scale for pain. Pattern of pain at the donor site during the postoperative period was consistently lower with silicone dressing (p<0.005). Regarding severity of pain, there were differences between the two groups (p.<005), but there were no significant differences between the two sexes regarding pattern and severity of pain (p>0.5). This study showed silicone dressing to be superior to petrolatum gauze in reducing severity and pattern of pain. It may increase patient satisfaction.

De nombreuses techniques ont été utilisées afin de réduire la douleur du site de prélèvement des greffes cutanées. Cette étude prospective randomisée a comparé la douleur à ce niveau après pansement à la paraffine (PP) ou à la silicone (PS). Le site de la douleur a été précisé, son intensité étant cotée par échelle visuelle analogique. La douleur du site donneur était significativement (p< 0,05) après PS, tous sexes confondus. En réduisant la douleur du site donneur, PS peut augmenter la satisfaction des patients.

A data-driven ground fault detection and isolation method for main circuit in railway electrical traction system.

Due to the complex and harsh operation conditions, like corrosion, aging cable and static electricity, of electrical traction drive system, ground fault will generate large short circuit current to harm the key components. Effective fault diagnosis is important, but also challenging. The conventional method used for ground fault detection only takes advantage of voltage measurements of DC-link. Other measurements onboard are also available, which are correlated with the voltage measurements. Taking the correlation into account will improve the detection performance. To this end, this paper presents a data-driven solution, which makes full use of the correlation between the voltage measurements with other measurements onboard. The proposed method consists of two components: (1) a canonical correlation analysis-based fault detection method, which takes into account the correlation within measurements; (2) a fault isolation method by means of the fault direction, which can be obtained with the available faulty data stored in the long-term operation. The developed method is applied to a traction drive system. It is shown that the proposed approach is able to improve the fault detection and isolation performance significantly with respect to three performance indicators, namely fault detection rate, detection delay and correct isolation rate, in comparison with the conventional method, which only uses the voltage measurements of DC-link.

Diabetes and foot burns.

The incidence of diabetes and diabetic foot burns is increasing worldwide. In the present study, we surveyed frequency, morbidity and mortality of diabetic foot burn patients in our centre. The study was a cross-sectional survey with one-year follow up of our adult diabetic patients with lower extremity burns. Data on demographics, cause of burn, time from injury to hospital, TBSA, presence of neuropathy and diabetic foot, treatment plan for controlling blood sugar, smoking, infection, morbidity, co-morbid diseases, amputation and mortality were gathered from patient files. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 21 software. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Of the 34,300 burn patients seen in a year, 2096 were admitted according to ABA criteria. 47 patients had diabetic foot burn. Half of them had diabetic neuropathy. 48.9% had type I diabetes and 51.1% had type II. 70.2% were male, 29.8% were female. Mean +/- SD age was 58 +/- 14 years; 14 patients were smokers and 40 had co-morbid diseases. Hypertension frequency was 44%, ischemic heart disease 25%, CVA 8.5% and renal failure 6.4%. Half of the patients had uncontrolled blood sugar. Mean +/- SD delay in admission was 2.5±1.5 (days). Mean +/- SD TBSA was 2.4 +/- 1.4%. Mean +/- SD length of stay was 11.4±6.1 (days). 8.5% underwent amputation and there were no deaths. Diabetic foot burn patients delay seeking medical attention, have a longer length of stay, more complications and more amputations than other burn patients (compared with our previous study on burn patients). Prevention and training programs are highly needed to prevent foot burns.

L'incidence du diabète et, concomitamment, des brûlures du pied chez ces patient, est en augmentation dans le monde. Nous rapportons la fréquence, la morbidité et la mortalité des brûlures du pied chez les diabétiques vues dans notre centre. Il s'agit d'une étude en cross-over avec suivi sur 1 an des adultes diabétiques avec une brûlure de l'extrémité distale des membres inférieurs. Nous avons relevé les données démographiques, les comorbidités, la cause et l'étendue de la brûlure, le délai entre brûlure et hospitalisation, le tabagisme, la présence de neuropathie et de pied diabétique, la stratégie d'équilibration glycémique, les infections, la nécessité d'amputation, la mortalité. Les analyses ont été réalisées avec SSPS 21, un p<0,05 étant considéré significatif. Deux mille quatre vingt seize des 34 300 patients vus ont été hospitalisés (en utilisant les critères de l'ABA). Quarante sept diabétiques (48,9% type 1 ; 51,1% type 2) avaient une brûlure de pied. Ils étaient âgés de 58 +/- 14 ans ; 70,2% étaient des hommes (29,8% des femmes). Quatorze étaient fumeurs, 40 avaient une pathologie associée (HTA 44%, coronaropathie 25%, insuffisance rénale 6,4%). La moitié d'entre eux avaient un diabète mal équilibré. Ils étaient admis après 2,5 +/- 1,5 jours et restaient 11,4 +/- 6,1 jours. La surface brûlée était évaluée à 2,4 +/- 1,4%. Une amputation a été nécessaire dans 8,5% des cas, aucun patient n'est mort. Les diabétiques avec un pied brûlé consultent plus tardivement, restent plus longtemps, ont plus de complications et sont amputés plus fréquemment que les autres brûlés (données d'une étude précédente). Des programmes d'éducation et de prévention sont réellement nécessaires vis-à-vis de ces patients.

Correlation of occurrence of infection in burn patients.

The study of burn flora is helpful in determining current antibiotic susceptibilities and locating development of multidrug resistant bacterial strains among the unit's usual flora. In this study, we aimed to determine the bacteriological pattern of blood, urine and sputum infections and their correlation with burn wound infections. We used data from our burn registry program. All data on demographics, burn wounds and burn wound infection, bacteria isolated, sensitivity to different antibiotics, burn wound culture, sputum culture, urine culture and catheter tip culture were recorded. We had 1721 hospitalized burn patients. Mean age was 26.3+/-20.25 years old. Mean hospital stay was 14.41 days (range 0-64 days). Mean (SD) TBSA was 16.48 (20.67) years. Mortality rate was 5.9%. Burn wound infection was present in 38.54%. The most frequent species was Staphylococcus spp. (55.1%), followed by Pseudomonas (14.29%), Enterococcus (12.24%), E. coli (4%), Klebsiella and Proteus (both 2%). Urine culture was positive in 27.9%, sputum culture was positive in 1.14%, catheter tip culture was positive in 12.3% and blood culture was positive in 7.6% of the cases. There were correlations between positive wound culture and blood and urine culture, most of them with one bacteria species. The most frequent disseminated bacteria was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the most sensitive antibiotic was Amikacin. More than 39.2% of our positive culture patients had 3 or more positive cultures, and 36.5% had similar culture results for one bacteria, which was a sign of disseminated infection.

L'étude de la flore de la zone brûlée est utile pour connaître les possibilités d'antibiothérapie et la colonisation par des bactéries multi-résistantes. Le but de cette étude était de colliger les bactéries responsables d'infections sanguines, urinaires, respiratoires et d'étudier leur corrélation avec les bactéries retrouvées dans les zones brûlées, relevées dans les dossiers des patients. Les données démographiques et bactériologiques (avec antibiogrammes) au niveau de la brûlures et dans les sites infectés ont été relevées, chez 1 721 patients hospitalisés, d'âge moyen 26,3 +/- 20,25 ans. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 14,41 jours (0-64). Une infection de la brûlure a été diagnostiquée chez 38,54% des patients. Le genre le plus souvent retrouvé était Staphylococcus (55,1%). Par ordre décroissant, nous avons isolé Pseudomonas æruginosa (14.29%), Enterococcus sp. (12,24%), E. coli (4%), Klebsiella et Proteus (tous deux 2%). Les infections urinaires représentaient 27,9% du total, les examens de crachats ont été positifs dans 1,14%, les cultures de cathéters dans 12,3% et une septicémie était en cause dans 7,6% des cas. Les isolements dans le sang et l'urine (monobactériens le plus souvent) corrélaient bien avec la flore cutanée. La bactérie le plus souvent retrouvée en sites multiples était Pseudomonas æruginosa, l'amikacine étant l'antibiotique le plus régulièrement efficace. Plus de 39% des patients ayant eu des cultures positives en avaient 3 ou plus positives, dont 36,5% au même germe, ce qui témoigne d'une infection disséminée.

LA50 in burn injuries.

Burn injuries put a huge financial burden on patients and healthcare systems. They are the 8th leading cause of mortality and the 13th most common cause of morbidity in our country. We used data from our Burn Registry Program to evaluate risk factors for mortality and lethal area fifty percent (LA50) in all burn patients admitted over two years. We used multiple logistic regressions to identify risk factors for mortality. LA50 is a reliable aggregate index for hospital care quality and a good measure for comparing results, also with those of other countries. 28,690 burn patients sought medical attention in the Emergency Department, and 1721 of them were admitted. Male to female ratio was 1,75:1. 514 patients were under 15 years old. Median age was 25 (range: 3 months - 93 years). Overall, probability of death was 8.4%. LA50 was 62.31% (CI 95%: 56.57-70.02) for patients aged 15 and over and 72.52% (CI 95%: 61.01-100) for those under 15. In the final model, we found that Adjusted OR was significant for age, female sex, TBSA and inhalation injury (P < 0.05). LA50 values showed that children tolerate more extensive burns. Female sex, burn size, age and inhalation injury were the main risk factors for death. Authorities should pay special attention to these variables, especially in prevention programs, to reduce mortality and improve patient outcome. Children have better outcome than adults given equal burn size. Suicide rates are higher for women than men in our country.

Les brûlures sont responsables d'une lourde charge financière pour les patients et les systèmes de santé. Elles représentent dans notre pays la 8ème cause de mortalité et la 13ème cause de morbidité. En utilisant les données de 2 ans du programme de surveillance des brûlures, nous avons évalué les facteurs de risque de mortalité (par régression logistique) et la surface létale 50% (SL50). Cette mortalité 50% est un bon indicateur d'efficacité de soins et de comparaison entre centres et pays. Le service d'accueil des urgences a pris en charge 28 690 patients parmi lesquels 1 721 ont été hospitalisés. Le ratio hommes/femmes était de 1,75/1. Cinq cent quatorze patients avaient moins de 15 ans. L'âge médian était de 25 ans (3-93). La mortalité globale était de 8,4%. La SL50 était de 63,31% SCT (CI95 56,57-70,02) au-delà de 15 ans et de 72,52% SCT (CI95 61,01-100) en deçà. Les facteurs de risque de mortalité étaient l'âge, le sexe féminin, la surface brûlée et l'inhalation de fumées, paramètres sur lesquels devraient s'appuyer les campagnes de prévention. Les brûlures volontaires sont, dans notre pays, plus fréquentes chez les femmes que chez les hommes.

Financial burden of burn injuries in iran: a report from the burn registry program.

Understanding the cost of burn treatment is very important for patients, their families, governmental authorities and insurance companies. It alleviates patient and familial stress, provides a framework for better use of resources, and facilitates better performance between burn centers. Hospital burn costs can provide a basis for authorities to budget for acute burn treatment, for further management of chronic complications, and for planning prevention and public educational programs in Iran. To identify costs we used data from our burn registry program. Over the two-year assessment period, we treated roughly 28,700 burn patients, 1,721 of whom were admitted, with a mortality rate of 5.9%. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1 (63% male; 37% female). Flame burns were most frequent (49.8%) followed by scalds (35.7%). Mean hospital stay was 14.41 days (range 0-64 days). Mean TBSA was 17.39%. Skin grafts were carried out in 65.4% of the patients, with a mean of 5.2 surgeries per patient. The total cost of all patient admissions over the two years was US$ 4,835,000. The maximum treatment cost for one patient was US$ 91,000. The mean cost per patient was US$ 2,810 (29,500,000 Rials). The mean cost for each percent of burn was US$ 162. The mean cost for a one-day stay in hospital was US$ 195. The mean cost of each operation was US$ 540. Patients who contracted infections endured longer hospital stays, meaning increased costs of US$ 195 per day. With comparable outcome and results, the cost of burn treatment in Iran is cheaper than in the US and Europe.

Connaître le coût du traitement d'un brûlé est très important pour les patients, leur famille, les autorités gouvernementales et les compagnies d'assurance. Ces informations peuvent rassurer les familles, donner des bases pour adapter les subsides gouvernementaux (pour la prise en charge initiale et celle des séquelles) et promouvoir une meilleure utilisation des ressources dans les services concernés. Afin de modéliser le coût de la prise en charge d'un patient brûlé, nous avons examiné les données de notre service. Au cours de deux ans d'évaluation, nous avons traité environ 28 700 patients brûlés, parmi lesquels 1 721 ont été hospitalisés, avec une mortalité de 5.9%. Le rapport hommes-femmes était de 1,7:1 (63% d'hommes; 37% de femmes). Le coût total global était 4 835 000$ (maximum pour un patient 91.000$), soit un coût moyen de 2 810$ (29,5 millions de rials). Le coût moyen par « pour cent brûlé ¼ était de 162$, de 195$ par journée d'hospitalisation et de 540$ par intervention chirurgicale, ce qui se révèle inférieur aux coûts observés aux États-Unis et en Europe.

Burn wound healing with injection of adipose-derived stem cells: a mouse model study.

Stem cells have shown promise with regard to the healing process of burn wounds. However, donor sites for these cells are still under investigation. The aim of this study is to review the efficacy of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in accelerating wound healing of third degree burns in a mouse model. To this end, forty healthy male inbred Balb/c mice were selected and set up as an experimental model for third degree burn wounds. They were randomly divided into 3 equally sized groups: the ADSCs group, the mechanically prepared adipose tissue group, and the control group. The wounds were examined daily until the mice were sacrificed for tissue sampling in the 3(rd) week. Our results showed that wound surface area and eschar thickness were smaller in the ADSCs group throughout the study period, although there was no significant difference between the groups for decreasing values of wound area characteristics. In terms of wound healing parameters, lymphocyte and macrophage cell counts were larger in the ADSCs group compared to the other groups. Fibroplasia, collagen synthesis and remodeling were more aberrant in this group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in either of these observed differences (p>0.05). Although enzymatically prepared ADSCs seem a potential treatment in wound healing, our study of a mouse model burn wound revealed no significant improvement in using this option.

Les cellules souches se sont révélées prometteuses en ce qui concerne le processus de cicatrisation des plaies de brûlures. Cependant, les sites donneurs de ces cellules sont encore sous enquête. L'objectif de cette étude est d'examiner l'efficacité des tissus adipeux de cellules souches dérivées pour accélérer la cicatrisation des plaies de brûlures du troisième degré dans un modèle de souris. À cette fin, quarante souris mâles consanguines sains de la race Balb/c ont été sélectionnées et mis en place comme un modèle expérimental. Elles ont été réparties au hasard en trois groupes de taille égale : le groupe de tissu adipeux de cellules souches dérivées, le groupe de tissu adipeux mécaniquement préparé, et le groupe de contrôle. Les plaies ont été examinées tous les jours jusqu'à ce que les souris ont été sacrifiées pour prélever des tissus dans la troisième semaine. Nos résultats ont montré que la zone de surface de la plaie et l'épaisseur de l'escarre étaient moins dans le groupe de tissu adipeux de cellules souches dérivées tout au long de la période de l'étude, mais il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les groupes pour diminuer les valeurs des caractéristiques de la surface de la plaie. En termes de paramètres de la cicatrisation, de lymphocytes et de macrophages comptages de cellules sont plus grandes dans le groupe de tissu adipeux de cellules souches dérivées par rapport aux deux autres groupes. La fibroplasie, la synthèse du collagène et le remodelage étaient plus aberrant dans ce groupe. Cependant, il n'y avait pas de différence statistiquement significative dans les différences observées (p> 0,05). Bien que le tissu adipeux de cellules souches dérivées et cela préparé enzymatiquement semblent un traitement potentiel dans la cicatrisation des plaies, notre étude d'un modèle de souris n'a révélé aucune amélioration significative dans l'utilisation de cette option.

Structure of vomeronasal organ (Jacobson organ) in male Camelus Domesticus Var. dromedaris persica.

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a tubular structure in the roof of nasal cavity. The important role of this organ is olfaction of sexual odour. In this study, position, anatomical structure and histology of VNO in Iranian camels (camelus domesticus var. dromedaris persica) were determined. Fourteen healthy male camel heads were collected from an industrial slaughterhouse in Tehran, Iran, for anatomical and histological studies (seven each). The length of VNO and width of dental pad and the number and width of palatine crests were measured. For anatomical studies, the mandible was removed, and maxilla and nasal cavity was cut longitudinally and transversely. For histological studies, the mandible was removed, and first 0.5 cm of initial part of VNO was cut. Then, nasal cavity was cut in some segments with 2 cm thickness. The width of VNO was 3.85 ± 0.31 cm and 1.57 ± 0.18 cm in front and distal parts, respectively. The length of VNO was 15.61 ± 0.59 cm. In histological examinations, VNO was surrounded by J-shape hyaline cartilage. The lining epithelium of lateral wall of VNO was originated from respiratory epithelium, while it had an olfactory epithelium origin in the medial wall. Lamina propria and tunica submucosa were a cavernous connective tissue with seromucous gland with abundant of serous secretory units. The lumen of VNO opens into nasal cavity. The presence of olfactory epithelium found in our study indicates an important role for VNO in pheromone perception and beginning of sexual behaviour.

Silver and zinc oxide nanostructures loaded on activated carbon as new adsorbents for removal of methylene green: a comparative study.

In this study, the removal of methylene green (MG) from aqueous solution based on two new adsorbents including silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanorods loaded on activated carbon (Ag-NP-AC and ZnO-NR-AC, respectively) has been carried out. The dependency of removal process to variables such as contact time, pH, amount of adsorbents, and initial MG concentration were examined and optimized. It was found that the maximum MG removal percentage was achieved at pH = 7.0 following stirring at 400 r min(-1) for 7 and 6 min for Ag-NP-AC and ZnO-NR-AC, respectively. Equilibrium data were well fitted with the Langmuir model having maximum adsorption capacity of 166.7 and 200 mg g(-1) for Ag-NP-AC and ZnO-NR-AC, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters of MG adsorption on Ag-NP-AC such as enthalpy and entropy changes, activation energy, sticking probability, and Gibbs free energy changes show the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the removal process. Among different conventional kinetic models, the pseudo second-order kinetics in addition to particle diffusion mechanism is the best and efficient model for the prediction and explanation of experimental data of MG adsorption onto both adsorbents.

Augmenting the expression of NKp44 molecule and the natural killer activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with malignant colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: NKp44 and NKG2D are of the main NK activating receptors involved in recognition and killing of tumors. Here we studied the stimulatory effects of PHA and/or K562 cell line on induction of NKp44 and NKG2D expression and the NK activity of PBMCs from patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 patients with CRC. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from each patient received a single stimulation with PHA or double stimulation with PHA and irradiated K562 cell line (iK562). The expression of CD56, NKG2D and NKp44 were detected by flowcytometry. The NK activity of PBMCs against a colorectal carcinoma cell line named as SW742 was determined with 51Cr-release assay. RESULTS: Double stimulation of PBMCs with PHA+iK562 significantly augmented the number CD56(+) cells compared to PHA alone and non-stimulated PBMCs (P<0.000, P<0.0000; respectively). A single stimulation of PBMCs with PHA resulted in an enhancement in NKG2D and NKp44 expression from 16.6±3.3% (for non-stimulated PBMCs) to 42±5.6% and 48.1±3.8% respectively (p<0.05). Double stimulation of PBMCs augmented the NKp44 expression significantly in comparison with single stimulation with PHA (73.6±12%, p<0.05). Double stimulation of PBMCs significantly enhanced the NK activity against SW742 target cells compared to single stimulation with PHA (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the mitogen and iK562 exposure to PBMCs can significantly improve NK activity which is co-related to the higher expression of NKp44 and NKG2D. These data may help to improve cancer immunotherapy protocols.

Epidemiology of outpatient burns in Iran: an update.

Burn injury remains a serious and devastating issue faced by developing countries. It is also true, however, that the developed world still tackles many of the challenges caused by burns. In order to reduce this problem through preventive programs, the characteristics of this type of injury must be studied and well documented in each setting. Our study aims to show the epidemiology, demographic distribution and clinical outcomes of burns patients referred to Motahari Burn Hospital, the burn care center that receives the most referrals in Iran. This cross-sectional study, from March 2009 to March 2010, included 6,910 patients with burn injuries who were managed as outpatients. The patient demographics along with the characteristics of the burn injuries and their outcomes were recorded for each case and then evaluated. A total of 6,910 burn patients with a mean ± SD age of 30.20 ± 19.11 years presented to our Emergency Department and were treated as outpatients. Of these, 2,900 were female (41.97%) and 4,010 were male (58.03%). Most of the patients were in the 25-35 year age group, with a prevalence of 1,148 (28.6% of total) males and 716 females (24.7% of total), followed by those aged <15-years-old. Most patients had been burned accidentally. An increase in the instance of self-immolation was identified with an increase in the TBSA burned. Mean follow-up was 30+/-5 months. The results revealed that burns were most likely to occur during housekeeping. Other high risk groups identified were males, those aged from 25 to 35 years-old, and those with lower socio-economic status.

Dans les pays en développement les brûlures sont un problème grave. Il est également vrai que le monde développé aborde encore de nombreux défis causés par des brûlures. Afin de réduire ce problème en développant un programme de prévention, les caractéristiques de ce type de blessure devraient être étudiées et bien documentées dans chaque paramètre. Notre étude vise à montrer l'épidémiologie, répartition démographique et les résultats cliniques de patients brûlés traitées à l'hôpital Motahari en Iran. L'étude transversale de Mars 2009 à Mars 2010 comprend 6.910 patients atteints de brûlures qui ont été gérées en ambulatoire. La démographie ainsi que les caractéristiques des brûlures et leurs résultats ont été enregistrés pour chaque cas, puis évalués. Un total de 6.910 patients brûlés avec un moyen âge de 30,20±19,11 années sont présentés à notre service d'urgence et ont été traités en ambulatoire. Parmi ceux-ci, 2.900 étaient de sexe féminin (41,97%) et 4.010 de sexe masculin (58,03%). La plupart des patients étaient dans le groupe âgé de 25-35 ans, dont 1.148 (28,6% du total) étaient des hommes et 716 (24,7% du total) des femmes, suivis par les patients avec moins de 15 ans. La plupart des patients avaient été brûlés accidentellement. Une augmentation de l'occurrence de l'auto-immolation a été identifié avec une augmentation de la surface corporelle totale brûlée. La période moyenne de suivi était de 30+/-5 mois. Les résultats ont révélé que les brûlures étaient les plus susceptibles de se produire lors de l'entretien ménager. D'autres groupes à haut risque identifiés sont: les hommes, les jeunes âgés de 25-34 ans et ceux ayant le statut socio-économique plus faible.

The burn registry program in Iran - First report.

Burn injury is still a major problem in Iran, resulting in many reports which are usually dispersed, uncoordinated and probably unreliable. We created a burn registry comprised of a data entry program with 222 variables for each admitted burn patient. This program was established in August 2010 at the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Motahari Burn Hospital. We had 14,277 burn patients from August 2010 to August 2011, 877 of whom were admitted to the hospital. Of the patients, 65.9% were male and 34.1% were female. The age was 28.85 years (SD = 19.77). The most prevalent cause of burn was flame 78.5% (pipe propane gas 57.2; kerosene 19.9%). The mean total body surface area (TBSA) involvement was 23%. A total of 77.8% of patients were discharged with partial recovery, while mortality was 8.9%. The mean hospital stay was 14.63 days (SD =11.07). The program is designed to help understand the scope of burn injury in Iran, providing information on patients, etiology, and course of treatment. It also highlights differences between various parts of the country in terms of the causes and frequency of burn injuries. Moreover, the burn registry provides a basis for further research and surveys for treatment and preventive programs. Our results showed that, although Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff are highly capable and well-trained, their coverage seems to be less than 50% and needs to be increased. Marriage status was shown to have no influence on the occurrence of burns, and among our patients, 57.0 % were poorly educated.

Les blessures par brûlure sont toujours un problème majeur en Iran, résultant dans de nombreux rapports qui habituellement sont dispersés, mal coordonnés et probablement peu fiables. Nous avons créé un programme de saisie de données de registre de brûlure avec 222 variables pour chaque patient brûlé admis. Ce programme a été créé en Août 2010 à l'Université des sciences médicales de l'Iran, à l'hôpital Motahari. A partir d'Août 2010 jusqu'à Août 2011 nous avons eu 14,277 patients brûlés, dont 877 ont été hospitalisés. Parmi les patients, 65,9 % étaient des hommes et 34,1% étaient des femmes. L'âge moyen était de 28,85 années (SD = 19,77). La cause de brûlure la plus courante était la flamme (en 78,5% des cas, dont 57,2 % étaiaent causés par le gaz tuyau de propane et 19,9% par le kérosène). La moyenne de la surface corporelle totale (SCT) brulée était de 23%. 77,8 % des patients ont reçu leur congé avec récupération partielle, tandis que la mortalité était de 8,9%. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 14,63 jours (SD = 11:07). Ce programme a été conçu pour aider à comprendre la portée des brûlures en Iran, fournissant des informations sur les patients, l'étiologie et le traitement. En outre, il met en évidence les différences entre les diverses régions du pays en termes de la fréquence et les causes des brûlures. En plus, le registre fournit une base pour des recherches et des enquêtes sur le traitement et la prévention des brûlures. Nos résultats ont montré que, bien que le personnel EMS sont très capables et bien formés, la couverture des EMS semble être inférieure à 50% et doit être augmentée. Selon les résultats, le statut de mariage n'a aucune influence sur la survenue de brûlures. Enfin, parmi nos patients, 57,0% étaient peu instruits.