Kopetdaghinanes, pro-apoptotic hemiacetialic cyclomyrsinanes from Euphorbia kopetdaghi.

Euphorbia kopetdaghi grows wild in the Northeast parts of Iran. Phytochemical study of its aerial parts led to the isolation of two undescribed cyclomyrsinol macrocyclic diterpenes with a new tetrahydrofuran oxidation pattern containing a hemiacetal group named: kopetdaghinane A and B. The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxic activity of kopetdaghinane A was evaluated using standard MTT assay against MCF-7 breast cancer and OVCAR-3 ovary cells. HUVEC cells were used as a normal cell line for calculation of the selectivity index. The MTT showed cyclomyrsinol diterpene has a significant cytotoxic effect with good selectivity indexes against both cell lines but with more selectivity against MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis induction by cyclomyrsinol treatment was confirmed by annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and caspase-6 activation. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of Bcl-2 was noticeably decreased in response to kopetdaghinane A treatment, while the expression of Bax protein was increased. Moreover, the apoptotic effect of cyclomyrsinol was shown to be related to ROS production, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Taken together, these results showed that kopetdaghinane A inhibits the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and may be considered as an investigational compound in breast cancer preclinical study.

Tobacco smoking and nicotine delivery alternatives: patterns of product use and perceptions in 13 countries.

Background: Smoking tobacco products remains a significant public health problem. The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World commissioned a 13-country survey to gain a clearer understanding of the current landscape of smoking behavior and preferences across the world. Methods: Over 17,000 participants in 13 countries, representing different regions and income groups, answered questions on their smoking patterns and product use, their social context, their motivation to smoke, quit, or switch, and their perception of risks of products and substances. Rim weighting was done for each country to align responses with population demographics, and an additional 200 smokers for each country were surveyed to achieve sufficient sample size for sub-analyses of smoker data. Results: The observed prevalence of smoking ranged from an age-adjusted high of 57.5% in Lebanon to 8.4% in New Zealand among men, with lower rates for women. The majority of smokers were between 25-54 years old, had daily routines and social patterns associated with smoking, used boxed cigarettes, and rated their health more poorly compared to never smokers. Among a range of products and substances, smokers tended to give both cigarettes and nicotine the highest harm ratings. Smokers in high income countries were largely familiar with electronic nicotine delivery systems; the most commonly given reasons for using them were to cut down or quit smoking. A majority of smokers had tried to quit at least once, and while many tried without assistance, motivations, intentions, and methods for smoking cessation, including professional help, nicotine replacement therapies or medications, or electronic cigarettes, varied among countries. Conclusions: Smoking is deeply integrated in smokers' lives worldwide. Although a majority of smokers have tried to quit, and are concerned for their health, they do not seek help. Smokers lack understanding of the harmful components of smoking tobacco products and the risk profile of alternatives.

Feasibility of corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry for direct analysis of samples extracted by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

The capability of corona discharge ionization ion mobility spectrometry (CD-IMS) for direct analysis of the samples extracted by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was investigated and evaluated, for the first time. To that end, an appropriate new injection port was designed and constructed, resulting in possibility of direct injection of the known sample volume, without tedious sample preparation steps (e.g. derivatization, solvent evaporation, and re-solving in another solvent…). Malathion as a test compound was extracted from different matrices by a rapid and convenient DLLME method. The positive ion mobility spectra of the extracted malathion were obtained after direct injection of carbon tetrachloride or methanol solutions. The analyte responses were compared and the statistical results revealed the feasibility of direct analysis of the extracted samples in carbon tetrachloride, resulting in a convenient methodology. The coupled method of DLLME-CD-IMS was exhaustively validated in terms of sensitivity, dynamic range, recovery, and enrichment factor. Finally, various real samples of apple, river and underground water were analyzed, all verifying the feasibility and success of the proposed method for the easy extraction of the analyte using DLLME separation before the direct analysis by CD-IMS.

Changes in hypertension treatment in the yaroslavl region of Russia: improvements observed between 2 cross-sectional surveys.

This prospective before-and-after survey of hypertensive patients visiting government-run outpatient health facilities in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia assessed blood pressure (BP)-related endpoints following initiation of a comprehensive health system improvement program for hypertension. Two cross-sectional surveys, one at baseline and the other approximately 1 year after program initiation, evaluated the primary measure of BP control rate. Secondary measures included mean BP levels and distribution, cardiovascular risk factors, and associated conditions, heart rate levels, and antihypertensive therapy. From the 2011 survey (n=1794) to the 2012 survey (n=2992), BP control rate (<140/90 mm Hg) significantly increased from 16.8% to 23.0%, reflecting a 37% relative improvement (P<.0001). Mean BP level was significantly reduced from 151/90 mm Hg to 147/88 mm Hg (P<.0001). Severe uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥180 mm Hg) was reduced from 9.7% to 6.4% (P<.0001). Implementing a guidelines-based treatment protocol with medical and patient education programs resulted in physician behavior change and improved patient BP control.