Vibrational dynamics (IR, Raman, NRVS) and a DFT study of a new antitumor tetranuclearstannoxane cluster, Sn(iv)-oxo-{di-o-vanillin} dimethyl dichloride.

The vibrational dynamics of a newly synthesized tetrastannoxane was characterized with a combination of experimental (Raman, IR and tin-based nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy) and computational (DFT/B3LYP) methods, with an emphasis on the vibrations of the tin sites. The cytotoxic activity revealed a significant regression selectively against the human pancreatic cell lines.

Knowledge and attitude of donor cardholders toward organ and tissue donation and transplantation in an Iranian tissue bank: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Cadaveric organ shortage is the most important obstacle to more widespread provision of transplants. Many factors influence the donation rate: social factors, religion, familial relations, and especially knowledge and attitudes toward organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Increasing public awareness can reform the incorrect beliefs and myths about donation and transplantation. This study investigated knowledge and attitudes of donor cardholders toward organ and tissue donation as well as transplantation. METHODS: This case-control study was performed in 2006 among 178 donor cardholders and the same number of a control group who completed a questionnaire including 23 questions and demographic information. FINDINGS: Knowledge and attitude among the cardholder was significantly greater than the control group (P < .05). We observed a inverse correlation between age and a positive attitude toward donation and transplantation among cardholders. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the main reasons for refusal to donate organ and tissue were insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes due to misinformation regarding donation and transplantation. We believe that educating and motivating the public via the mass media can increase the rate of consent for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Kala-azar: liver fine needle aspiration findings in 23 cases presenting with a fever of unknown origin.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of liver fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of kala-azar with an atypical presentation. STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 23 patients (aged 18-37). All were admitted to Shiraz University Hospitals for the investigation of fever of unknown origin. The immunofluorescent antibody titer for kala-azar was positive (> 1:256 dilution). However, routine abdominal sonography revealed multiple small, hypoechoic lesions in the liver, more suggestive of metastatic tumor or miliary tuberculosis. The lesions were aspirated for cytologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The smears revealed many atypical hepatocytes, groups of epithelioid histiocytes and, in 15 patients, macrophages containing few to many Leishman bodies, allowing a diagnosis of kala-azar. The liver needle biopsy specimens confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of kala-azar and liver cell atypia. The patients were given glucantime therapy, and 21 recovered; 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 1 died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Liver FNA is a useful procedure for the diagnosis of kala-azar, particularly in cases with atypical clinical presentations.