Tritium Beta Spectrum Measurement and Neutrino Mass Limit from Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy.

The absolute scale of the neutrino mass plays a critical role in physics at every scale, from the subatomic to the cosmological. Measurements of the tritium end-point spectrum have provided the most precise direct limit on the neutrino mass scale. In this Letter, we present advances by Project 8 to the cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES) technique culminating in the first frequency-based neutrino mass limit. With only a cm^{3}-scale physical detection volume, a limit of m_{ß}<155 eV/c^{2} (152 eV/c^{2}) is extracted from the background-free measurement of the continuous tritium beta spectrum in a Bayesian (frequentist) analysis. Using ^{83m}Kr calibration data, a resolution of 1.66±0.19 eV (FWHM) is measured, the detector response model is validated, and the efficiency is characterized over the multi-keV tritium analysis window. These measurements establish the potential of CRES for a high-sensitivity next-generation direct neutrino mass experiment featuring low background and high resolution.

Adherence to healthy dietary patterns and its association with physical fitness in military personnel.

INTRODUCTION: Poor nutritional status might impact in unintentional weight loss and decreased muscle mass and strength. The levels of physical fitness (PF) is a predictor of chronic diseases in future years. Also, evaluation of fitness is an essential factor for duty in occupations which are sensitive to time and emergency reaction. Since there is no literature that study the association between dietary patterns and the PF level in physically strenuous occupations, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and the PF level in military staffs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in military zones of Iran. Typical dietary intakes were assessed by using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Mediterranean diet (MD) score and healthy diet indicator (HDI) score were calculated. PF tests were designed to test the muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness (CRF). RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 33.03±4.65 in the study. Referring to the performance in the PF tests, there was a correlation between tertiles of MD (OR 4.37, p=0.048) and HDI (OR 5.21, p=0.019) scores and suitable PF level in the crude and confounder adjusted models. Also, a negative relationship was found between body mass index and waist circumference with fitness score. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that accompanying a medium or high adherence to a healthy dietary pattern will have an impact on good level of PF and will result in a better working power and long-term health consequences among physically strenuous occupations.

Isolation and identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria from specimens of lower respiratory tract of transplanted patients based on the evaluation of 16SrRNA gene.

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are pervasive microorganisms and are often present as saprophytes in humans, animals, and the environment. Today, these bacteria are known as the most important environmental opportunists and, in the last decades, infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria have multiplied, due to increased immunodeficiency (cancer, transplant recipients, HIV). STUDY DESIGN: This study aimed to investigate the infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria in transplanted patients. METHODS: The study was performed on 57 samples from respiratory secretions of transplant recipients taken by standard methods. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were identified by culture method and molecular identities of clinical isolates were investigated by PCR amplification using 16SrRNA gene and sequence analysis and Blast of the sequences. Demographic data were evaluated by Spss software. RESULTS: The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in transplant patients was 22.8%, the age of patients was between 23 and 52 years. The most common involvement of nontuberculous mycobacteria in our transplanted individuals were 6 strains of M avium-intracellulare Complex (42.87%), followed by 2 strains of M marinum (14.29%) and 1 strain each (7.14%) of M xenopi, M chelonae, M intracellulare, M kansasii, M simiae. At the conclusion of the tests, one final strain was identified as M tuberculosis (7.14%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria indicates their importance in the fate of these patients. The identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria is a neglected part of microbiology laboratories, due to the lack of sufficient facilities and the risk associated with their culture. Therefore developing routine methods for the identification of these infections appears to be critical, especially in hospitals with the transplantation ward.

Development a smart edible nanocomposite based on mucilage of Melissa officinalis seed/montmorillonite (MMT)/curcumin.

The aim of the present study was, first to fabricate Melissa officinalis seed gum (MOSG)-based films incorporated with montmorillonite (MMT) at various concentrations and subsequently, evaluate of the physicochemical properties of the developed films. Afterward, the anti-bacterial and anti-mold activities of the developed nanocomposites were assessed. Finally, curcumin was incorporated into formulation of the fabricated film at optimal condition to sense pH changes. Incorporating MMT nanoparticles into MOSG-based films could reduce the thickness, water solubility and moisture content of the samples. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) values significantly increased with increase of MMT concentration. The nanoparticle addition specifically at higher levels resulted in increase of agglomeration. Neither anti-mold and nor anti-microbial activity were observed for the tested nanocomposites. The films containing curcumin had good antibacterial and anti-mold activities and can be used as smart package due to their ability to sense the pH change.

Bactericidal activity of gallium-doped chitosan coatings against staphylococcal infection.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a new class of gallium (Ga)-doped chitosan (CS) coatings fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in staphylococcal infection therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biofilm formation on EPD CS/Ga coatings by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the main strains involved in postarthroplasty infections, was assessed. The codeposition of an antibacterial agent was effective; Ga loaded into CS matrix reduces biofilm viability by up to 86% and 80% for S. epidermidis and S. aureus strains respectively. Lastly, the influence of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the bactericidal activity of CS/Ga coatings was investigated in vitro. To this end, the coatings were incubated with S. epidermidis and S. aureus and exposed to the PEMF using two different frequencies and times. Biofilm viability for S. epidermidis was decreased by 35-40% in the presence of low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) PEMF respectively. Biofilm viability by S. aureus was not further reduced in the presence of LF PEMF, but decreased by 38% at HF PEMF. CONCLUSIONS: This study has established that a combination of PEMFs with the antibacterial agent improves bactericidal activity of Ga against S. epidermidis strain 14990 and S. aureus strain 12600. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This new integrated approach could reduce the incidence of infection in orthopaedic implant applications. It also clearly demonstrates that the combination of Ga treatment with PEMF could aid biofilm-associated infection therapy due to improved Ga efficiency.

The effect of ω-fatty acids on mRNA expression level of PPARγ in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The antineoplastic role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligandshas previously been demonstrated in several gastric cancer cell lines. Activation of PPARγ by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) inhibits growth and proliferationof tumor cells. In this double-blind clinical study, we evaluate the effect of PUFAs on PPARγ mRNA expression in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 chemotherapy-naive patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled in the present study. According to treatment strategies, all subjects were divided into two groups, the first group (17 individuals) received cisplatin without supplements and the second group (17 individuals) received cisplatin plus orally administered PUFAs supplements for 3 weeks. The gastric biopsy samples were obtained from all participants before and after treatment, and PPARγ mRNA expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using validated reference genes. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that PPARγ mRNA expression is significantly upregulated in group II afterreceiving cisplatin plus orally administered PUFAs supplements for three weeks (p < 0.0001), whereas PPARγ mRNA expression did not show significant alteration in group I after receiving cisplatin alone. CONCLUSION: The results of the study evidence that PPARγ may act as a potential target for the therapy of human gastric adenocarcinoma.

Psychomotor effects of mixed organic solvents on rubber workers.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to organic solvents is common among workers. OBJECTIVE: To assess neurobehavioral effects of long-term exposure to organic solvents among rubber workers in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Across-sectional study was conducted on 223 employees of a rubber industry. The participants completed a data collection sheet on their occupational and medical history, and demographic characteristics including age, work experience, education level; they performed 6 psychiatric tests on the neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB) that measure simple reaction time, short-term memory (digit span, Benton), eye-hand coordination (Purdue pegboard, pursuit aiming), and perceptual speed (digit symbol). RESULTS: Workers exposed and not exposed to organic solvents had similar age and education distribution. The mean work experience of the exposed and non-exposed workers was 5.9 and 4.4 years, respectively. The exposed workers had a lower performance compared to non-exposed workers in all psychomotor tests. After controlling for the confounders by logistic regression analysis, it was found that exposure to organic solvents had a significant effect on the results of digit symbols, digit span, Benton, aiming, and simple reaction time tests. No significant effect was observed in pegboard test. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to organic solvent can induce subtle neurobehavioral changes among workers exposed to organic solvents; therefore, periodical evaluation of the central nervous system by objective psychomotor tests is recommended among those who are chronically exposed to organic solvents.

Acute effects of pistachio consumption on glucose and insulin, satiety hormones and endothelial function in the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Nut consumption has been found to decrease risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes and to promote healthy body weights possibly related to their favorable macronutrient profile. We therefore assessed the effect of pistachios on postprandial glucose and insulin levels, gut hormones related to satiety and endothelial function. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this randomized crossover study, 20 subjects with metabolic syndrome consumed five study meals over 5-10 weeks. The meals differed in fat type and quantity, but were matched according to available carbohydrates (CHOs). Three meals had 50 g available CHO: white bread (WB50g), white bread, butter and cheese (WB+B+Ch) and white bread and pistachios (WB+P). Two meals had 12 g available CHO: white bread (WB12g) and pistachios (P). RESULTS: Within each group of available CHO meals, postprandial glucose levels were the highest following the white bread-only meals, and glucose response was significantly attenuated when butter and cheese or pistachios were consumed (P<0.05). Postprandial insulin levels were highest after the WB+B+Ch meal (P<0.05), but did not differ between the white bread-only and pistachio meals. Both endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index) significantly increased after the white bread-only meals compared with the WB+B+Ch meal (all P<0.05). Insulin secretagogue levels were higher when butter and cheese or pistachios were consumed than when white bread only was consumed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with white bread, pistachio consumption reduced postprandial glycemia, increased glucagon-like-peptide levels and may have insulin-sparing properties. These effects could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: a neglected health concern among commercial motor vehicle drivers.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may develop following a trauma. Iranian commercial motor vehicle drivers experience many road traffic accidents during their working life; this may increase the probability for developing PTSD, which in turn may lead to increased human errors as well as decreased work efficiency. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors among a group of Iranian commercial motor vehicle drivers. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 424 drivers who referred to participate in an annually training program were selected using a simple random sampling technique. They were requested to complete the Persian version of PCL-C and a data collection sheet about their occupational and demographic features. RESULTS: 385 (90.8%) of 424 studied drivers completed the study. 265 (68.8%) of the drivers had first-grade driving license. The mean±SD on-the-job daily driving was 10.2±2.8 h. 74 of 385 (19.2%; 95% CI: 15.3%-23.2%) met the PTSD criteria. Higher age and job experience as a professional driver, and having past history or past familial history of psychiatric disorders, were independent predictors of developing PTSD. The disease was more prevalent among drivers with first-grade driving license. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD among Iranian commercial motor vehicle drivers is higher than the figures reported elsewhere. Measures to diagnose of such drivers and to ensure optimum follow-up of victims before return to professional driving should be considered.

Occlusion of the round window: a novel way to treat hyperacusis symptoms in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Conductive hyperacusis in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome occurs due to the presence of a 'third window' created by the dehiscence. Reversible blocking of the round window can, in theory, cause a reduction in the compression-related volume displacement, and thereby minimise symptoms of conductive hyperacusis. This study describes a technique of permeatal blocking of the round window. METHOD: The tympanomeatal flap is elevated and the round window niche is identified. The round window membrane is subsequently identified and occluded with bone wax, muscle and fascia, in three separate layers. Finally, the tympanomeatal flap is reflected, and an ear wick is inserted. RESULTS: Two patients who underwent the procedure reported a reduction in symptoms. Importantly, no Tullio phenomenon was reported post-operation. CONCLUSION: Blocking of the round window can be used to control symptoms of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome in patients who present solely with symptoms of conductive hyperacusis. This technique provides an alternative to resurfacing techniques. The procedure is simple to perform, reversible and can be undertaken as day-case surgery.

Metastatic breast carcinoma presenting as a sigmoid stricture: report of a case and review of the literature.

Metastatic spread of breast carcinoma to the colon and rectum is rare. We report the case of a patient treated for lobular breast carcinoma presenting 17 years later with metastatic breast cancer of the colon. A 63-year-old lady with a past history of right-sided invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast presented with persistent diarrhoea. Colonoscopy with biopsies revealed a benign-looking stricture at the rectosigmoid junction. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a benign-looking stricture in keeping with a probable diverticular stricture. A Hartmann procedure was performed and histology revealed a metastatic lobular carcinoma with oestrogen and progesterone receptor-positive status. Treatment was commenced with letrozole and the patient remains well under clinical surveillance. In a patient with a history of breast carcinoma who presents with gastrointestinal symptoms the possibility of gastrointestinal tract spread should always be considered. Endoscopic diagnosis may be misleading with pathological diagnosis only being made following surgical resection. A history of breast carcinoma must be declared to the histopathologist following surgical resection so that an accurate diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is commenced.

Comparison of nursing home hearing handicap index with audiological findings: a presbycusis study.

Hearing evaluation usually includes hearing threshold assessment, middle ear function, and word recognition tests that lead to an accurate result of peripheral and central auditory system. However, they have some limitations because they cannot fully encompass all aspects of hearing loss problems. Using self-assessment approach, via a questionnaire or telephone survey, is one of the easiest methods to study hearing loss in population. In this research, 60 nursing home residents (27 females and 33 males) ranging from 55 to 85 years with a mean age of 71 ± 5.5 were studied via completing self-assessment questionnaire by the elderly cases (NHHI self-version) and the other one was filled by the nursing home personnel (NHHI staff-version). The effects of the hearing loss level on the self- and staff-version scores indicated that there is a significant relationship between self- and staff-version with hearing loss levels (P < 0.05) in male and female. Results from this study demonstrate the usefulness of NHHI questionnaire for evaluating hearing handicap of aged people and it may be a useful adjunct in setting up treatment and determining proper care.

Evaluation of radioiodine therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer subjects with elevated serum thyroglobulin and negative whole body scan using 131I with emphasize on the thallium scintigraphy in these subgroups.

OBJECTIVE: Negative diagnostic 131I whole body scans with elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels are found in 20% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Empirical radioiodine treatment has been advocated by some researchers, but has had with controversial outcomes. This anterospective study was performed to examine this dilemma and also to determine the capability of thallium (201TI) scintigraphy in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients who had a history of DTC and elevated serum Tg levels, together with a negative diagnostic 131I whole body scans (WBS), were included in the study. All patients underwent posttreatment 131I WBS. Patients with negative posttreatment 131I WBS then underwent 201TI scintigraphy. RESULTS: The 21 included patients (9 women and 12 men) had a mean age of 53 +/- 14.17 years. The mean pretreatment and posttreatment Tg levels were 227.23 +/- 208.50 ng/ml and 163.43 +/- 282.57 ng/ml, respectively (p value <0.05). Eleven cases showed at least a 50% decrease in Tg value (remission group), 6 patients revealed less than a 50% decrease in Tg value (stable group), while 4 subjects demonstrated an increment in posttreatment Tg relative to pretreatment Tg value (progression group). The cumulative and last 131I doses in the remission, stable, and progression groups were not significantly different (p value >0.05). In the posttreatment 131I WBS, 10 patients showed abnormal findings in their images. In a follow-up scan after 201TI treatment, 7 out of 11 patients had positive scans. CONCLUSION: The study indicates a positive effect of RAI therapy in DTC patients with elevated Tg and negative 131I WBS. In addition, 201TI scintigraphy can be useful as an alternative modality to improve tumoral detection in this situation and when access to a PET system is limited.

The glycemic effect of nut-enriched meals in healthy and diabetic subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The intake of nuts has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes in large cohort studies. One potential contributing mechanism may be the ability of nuts to improve post-meal glycemic response. We, therefore, examined the effect of nuts alone and in combination with white bread on postprandial glycemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: 30, 60 and 90 g (approximately 1, 2 and 3 ounces) of mixed nuts were consumed with and without 50 g available carbohydrate from white bread by 10-14 normoglycemic and 5-10 type 2 diabetic subjects. Glycemic response (GR) was assessed by calculating the incremental area under the 2 h blood glucose curve. All three doses of mixed nuts, when fed alone, significantly reduced the glycemic response in both normoglycemic and diabetic patients. Furthermore, in the normoglycemic subjects, adding nuts to white bread progressively reduced the GR of the meal by 11.2 ± 11.6%, 29.7 ± 12.2% and 53.5 ± 8.5% for the 30, 60, and 90 g doses (P = 0.354, P = 0.031 and P < 0.001, respectively), while in subjects with type 2 diabetes, the effect was half of that seen in the non-diabetic subjects (P = 0.474, P = 0.113 and P = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Nuts alone have little effect on post-meal blood glucose response. Furthermore, when taken with bread, nuts progressively reduce the glycemic response in a dose-dependent manner. While these findings support a short-term benefit for nuts in postprandial glucose response, more studies are required to determine whether these acute benefits result in long-term improvements in glycemic control.

The impact of pistachio intake alone or in combination with high-carbohydrate foods on post-prandial glycemia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary strategies that reduce post-prandial glycemia are important in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). This may be achieved by addition of high-quality protein and fat contained in pistachio nuts, to carbohydrate-containing foods or meals. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 10 healthy volunteers (3 males, 7 females); aged 48.3±6.4 years; Body mass index (BMI) 28.0±4.8 kg/m(2) participated in two studies. Study 1 assessed the dose-response effect of 28, 56 and 84 g pistachios consumed alone or co-ingested with white bread (50 g available carbohydrate); Study 2 assessed the effective dose (56 g) of pistachios on post-prandial glycemia consumed with different commonly consumed carbohydrate foods (50 g available carbohydrate). Relative glycemic responses (RGRs) of study meals compared with white bread, were assessed over the 2 h post-prandial period. RESULTS: The RGRs of pistachios consumed alone expressed as a percentage of white bread (100%) were: 28 g (5.7±1.8%); 56 g (3.8±1.8%); 84 g (9.3±3.2%), P<0.001. Adding pistachios to white bread resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the RGR of the composite meal; 28 g (89.1±6.0, P=0.100); 56 g (67.3±9.8, P=0.009); 84 g (51.5±7.5, P<0.001). Addition of 56 g pistachios to carbohydrate foods significantly reduced the RGR: parboiled rice (72.5±6.0) versus rice and pistachios (58.7±5.1) (P=0.031); pasta (94.8±11.4) versus pasta and pistachios (56.4±5.0) (P=0.025); whereas for mashed potatoes (109.0±6.6) versus potatoes and pistachios, (87.4±8.0) (P=0.063) the results approached significance. CONCLUSIONS: Pistachios consumed alone had a minimal effect on post-prandial glycemia and when taken with a carbohydrate meal attenuated the RGR. The beneficial effects of pistachios on post-prandial glycemia could, therefore, be part of the mechanism by which nuts reduce the risk of diabetes and CHD.

The relation of low glycaemic index fruit consumption to glycaemic control and risk factors for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Sugar has been suggested to promote obesity, diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD), yet fruit, despite containing sugars, may also have a low glycaemic index (GI) and all fruits are generally recommended for good health. We therefore assessed the effect of fruit with special emphasis on low GI fruit intake in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This secondary analysis involved 152 type 2 diabetic participants treated with glucose-lowering agents who completed either 6 months of high fibre or low GI dietary advice, including fruit advice, in a parallel design. RESULTS: Change in low GI fruit intake ranged from -3.1 to 2.7 servings/day. The increase in low GI fruit intake significantly predicted reductions in HbA(1c) (r = -0.206, p =0.011), systolic blood pressure (r = -0.183, p = 0.024) and CHD risk (r = -0.213, p = 0.008). Change in total fruit intake ranged from -3.7 to 3.2 servings/day and was not related to study outcomes. In a regression analysis including the eight major carbohydrate foods or classes of foods emphasised in the low GI diet, only low GI fruit and bread contributed independently and significantly to predicting change in HbA(1c). Furthermore, comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of low GI fruit intake, the percentage change in HbA(1c) was reduced by -0.5% HbA(1c) units (95% CI 0.2-0.8 HbA(1c) units, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Low GI fruit consumption as part of a low GI diet was associated with lower HbA(1c), blood pressure and CHD risk and supports a role for low GI fruit consumption in the management of type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00438698.

Age pattern of the occurrence of breast cancer in the northwest of Iran.

Breast cancer represents 27% of the cancers and 19% of the cancer deaths in female population. The aim of this study was to document the age pattern of the incidence of breast cancer in Iranian female population in the northwest region of the country. The study subjects were 1764 patients with breast cancer diagnosed/registered in the six university clinics between 1988 and 2008 in the northwest of Iran. The highest occurrence rates were observed for the birth year cohorts 1940-1949 (for 59-69 years old), 1950-1959 (for 49-58 years old), and 1960-1969 (for 39-48 years old). Among these three cohorts, the highest rate was observed in 1950-1959 birth year cohort (284.38 per 100,000 female populations, 95% CI: 260-310). This rate was significantly higher compared with the similar rates of other birth cohorts. There was no statistically significant difference between various years in terms of the average age at the diagnosis of breast cancer in our study setting. Despite the previous research reports, we found no significant difference between the mean ages at diagnosis of breast cancer from 1988 to 2008 in Iranian female population.

Evaluation of Copper, Zinc, Cu/Zn, and VEGF in Patients with AML in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Copper and zinc are the elements with numerous physiological activities. Copper (Cu) has an important role in angiogenesis and acts by increasing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Serum levels of copper will be increased in cancer incidence, progression and recurrence. The aim of this study was to measure blood levels of copper, zinc, and the ratio of Cu /Zn, as well as VEGF levels before and after treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. METHODS: Thirty patients who were recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) in Shahid Ghazi Tabatabai oncology hospital enrolled in this clinical trial. On the first day, blood samples were taken for copper, zinc, and VEGF assay and flowcytometry. Treatment protocol was (7×3) regimen. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of copper, zinc, and VEGF. They were sent to Biochemistry Laboratory in medicine faculty for analysis. RESULTS: Amongst 30 AML patients, 14 (46.7%) were female and 16 (53.3%) were male. Patients of various ages ranged from 16 to 53 years, with a median age of 9.1±9.35 years. The mean serum level of copper, zinc, and mean Cu/Zn ratio before and after treatment showed significant difference (p<0.05) There was also significant difference between the mean VEGF level before and after treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is no significant relationship between copper, zinc serum levels, their ratio, and VEGF in AML patients. We hypothesize that increased serum copper is associated with increase of VEGF levels which can indicate the impact of copper in malignancies including AML.