The effect of chamomile odor on contractions of the first stage of delivery in primpara women: A clinical trial.

PURPOSE: In this study, the effect of chamomile odssor on some parameters of pregnancy was examined. METHOD: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted on 130 primpa women. In the group of aromatherapy, women smell chamomile essence. The investigator recorded duration, number and intensity of contractions and level of satisfaction after the delivery. RESULTS: Duration of contractions, number of contractions were similar in all times in intervention and control groups (p > .05). In dilatation of 5-7 cm, intensity of contractions in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (p = .004). Level of satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy using chamomile essence has no effect on the duration and number of contractions. It decreases the intensity of contractions in dilatation of 5-7 cm. Results also show greater satisfaction in women who received chamomile intervention.

In vitro and in vivo delivery of siRNA via VIPER polymer system to lung cells.

The block copolymer VIPER (virus-inspired polymer for endosomal release) has been reported to be a promising novel delivery system of DNA plasmids both in vitro and in vivo. VIPER is comprised of a polycation segment for condensation of nucleic acids as well as a pH-sensitive segment that exposes the membrane lytic peptide melittin in acidic environments to facilitate endosomal escape. The objective of this study was to investigate VIPER/siRNA polyplex characteristics, and compare their in vitro and in vivo performance with commercially available transfection reagents and a control version of VIPER lacking melittin. VIPER/siRNA polyplexes were formulated and characterized at various charge ratios and shown to be efficiently internalized in cultured cells. Target mRNA knockdown was confirmed by both flow cytometry and qRT-PCR and the kinetics of knockdown was monitored by live cell spinning disk microscopy, revealing knockdown starting by 4 h post-delivery. Intratracheal instillation of VIPER particles formulated with sequence specific siRNA to the lung of mice resulted in a significantly more efficient knockdown of GAPDH compared to treatment with VIPER particles formulated with scrambled sequence siRNA. We also demonstrated using pH-sensitive labels that VIPER particles experience less acidic environments compared to control polyplexes. In summary, VIPER/siRNA polyplexes efficiently deliver siRNA in vivo resulting in robust gene silencing (>75% knockdown) within the lung.

Folate receptor targeted three-layered micelles and hydrogels for gene delivery to activated macrophages.

New folic acid (FA) coupled three layered micelles (3LM) were designed to encapsulate DNA, and their application as delivery system that specifically targets activated macrophages was investigated for new treatment options in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FA coupled poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (FA-PEG-PLLA) was synthesized via the NHS-ester activated/amine coupling method. Fluorescein labeled folic acid was used for flow cytometric detection of the expression of functional folic receptor ß in LPS-activated and resting macrophages. FA coupled 3LM were formulated in a two-step procedure and characterized regarding hydrodynamic diameters and zeta potentials. The presence of the targeting ligand was shown not to increase the size of the 3LM compared to their non-targeted counterparts. Targeted and non-targeted 3LM were used in vitro to optimize uptake conditions in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The amount of FA coupled polymer in the final formulation was found to be optimal at 75% FA-PEG-PLLA and 25% PLLA-PEG-PLLA. Subsequently, transgene expression in vitro in RAW 264.7 cells and ex vivo in primary activated and resting mouse macrophages was determined as a function of FR-mediated internalization of 3LM encapsulating GFP expressing plasmid. FR-overexpressing activated cells, as successfully identified by internalization of FA-fluorescein, showed significantly higher GFP expression in vitro and ex vivo than resting macrophages with only a basal level of FR expression. Lastly, injectable hydrogels as depot formulation were formed by stereocomplexation, and their degradation, DNA release profiles, and dissociation into intact 3LM were found to be beneficial for potential in vivo application. Our findings confirm that FA-3LM are taken up by activated macrophages via folate receptor mediated endocytosis and that their hydrogels release intact 3LM for efficient transfection of primary macrophages. Therefore, FA-3LM could become a promising delivery system for receptor-mediated drug or gene delivery and novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis in an in situ forming gel formulation.

Knowledge, attitude, and performance of students toward skin cancer in Yazd, 2009.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), and skin cancers are the most prevalent cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of university students regarding skin cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 230 samples selected randomly from the students of Yazd universities. The reliability of the questionnaire was certified by specialists, validated by a pilot study, and confirmed by Alpha Cronbachs test (α = 0.8). SPSS software was used for data entry, manipulation, and analysis. RESULTS: The students studied had medium knowledge level related to skin cancer. Their attitude towards skin cancer was relatively good. The performance level of the population under study was moderate. Non-medical students had more poor knowledge, attitude, and performance than medical students. Overall results show a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance level of the population under study. CONCLUSION: Skin cancers are the most common form of cancers in our state, but my students do not have appropriate knowledge and performance levels about this disease. It is therefore proposed that related information should be given to them during continuous and regular educational programs.