Reduce proliferation of human bone marrow cells from acute myeloblastic leukemia with minimally differentiation by blocking lncRNA PVT1.

PURPOSE: Acute myeloblastic leukemia with minimally differentiation (AML-M0) is a subtype of acute leukemia with poor prognosis. The recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in different cellular processes, such as cell cycle control and proliferation. Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) is one of those lncRNAs that is significantly upregulated in AML. LncRNAs could be downregulated or blocked by locked nucleic acids (LNA) which are oligonucleotide strands. METHODS: In this study, lncRNA PVT1 was blocked by antisense LNA GapmeRs in human bone marrow cancerous blast cells. Cells were transfected with PVT1 antisense LNA GapmeRs at 24, 48, and 72 h post-transfection. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was accomplished to evaluate the PVT1 and c-Myc expression. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and apoptosis and necrosis were assessed by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assay. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that the downregulation of PVT1 in blast cells could induce apoptosis, and necrosis and reduce cell viability. The expression of c-Myc was downregulated by blockage of PVT1 and it shows that the expression of these two genes are correlated. CONCLUSION: The findings declare that inhibition of PVT1 could be a new target in the treatment of AML-M0 and help to approach more to treatments with fewer side effects.

A polymorphism in the CCL2 chemokine gene is associated with asthma risk: a case-control and a family study in Tunisia.

Asthma is a complex genetic disorder characterized by chronic airway inflammation. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in chemokines and their receptors alter leukocyte mobilization and may thus influence the risk and severity of childhood asthma. Distributions of the chemokine CCL2-2578G, CCL2-927C, CCR2-V64I, CX3CR1-V249I and CX3CR1-T280M receptor polymorphisms were examined in a case-control study of 121 children with asthma and 226 age-matched healthy controls and then replicated in a family study of 99 simplex families (297 individuals). The case-control study revealed that the CCL2-2578G allele was less frequent in children with than in those without asthma (P=0.0012). No association with asthma was found for the CCL2-927, CCR2 or CX3CR1 polymorphisms. The finding in the family study that the CCL2-2578G allele was transmitted less often by heterozygous parents to their children with asthma (P=0.0016) confirms the association of CCL2-2578G with asthma risk. Biochemical studies indicated that plasma CCL2 concentrations were higher in both patients (P=0.0214) and controls (P=0.001) carrying the G allele than in subjects with other polymorphisms. Both case-control and family-based studies suggest a protective effect of allele CCL2-2578G in Tunisian asthmatic children.

Occurrence of purulent mandibular and maxillary osteomyelitis associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a sheep flock in south-west of Iran.

This report describes an outbreak of purulent mandibular and/or maxillary osteomyelitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a sheep flock located in the Khuzestan province, Iran. Jaw bones of almost 100 out of 500 mature sheep in a flock became severely deformed with a variably sized firm swelling, without any signs of inflammation in the surrounding soft tissues. The affected animals showed anorexia, depression, swelling of the mandibular and/or maxillary area, loss of cheek teeth and poor body condition. These animals were gradually culled in a period of 3 months. Postmortem examination showed a hard swelling of jaw bones with dirty greenish pus that filled alveolar molar teeth cavities. Histopathologic findings revealed necrotic areas surrounded by mixed population of inflammatory cells with exuberant fibrosis around some area of the lesions and irregular trabeculae of woven bone. In bacteriology, pure culture of P. aeruginosa was isolated from all of 7 sampled sheep. Based on clinical examination, radiography, histopathological features and bacteriology, the lesions were diagnosed as chronic suppurative osteomyelitis caused by P. aeruginosa. According to bacteriological results, the likely source of bacterial infection in this study was drinking water.

Effect of vitamin D on gastrointestinal symptoms and health-related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade mucosal inflammation and immune activation are involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, IBS symptoms are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress, which in itself results into an impaired quality of life (QoL). Vitamin D could ameliorate the symptoms of patients suffering from IBS through its beneficial effects on psychological factors and inflammation. METHODS: A total of 90 IBS patients participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly selected to receive either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 or a placebo fortnightly for a period of 6 months. Patients reported their IBS symptoms at the baseline and monthly during intervention periods. The IBS severity score system (IBSSS) and IBS-specific QoL questionnaires were used at the baseline and postintervention. KEY RESULTS: Over the 6-month intervention period, a significantly greater improvement in IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and distention, flatulence, rumbling, and overall gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (except dissatisfaction with bowel habits) was observed in the patients receiving vitamin D as compared to the placebo group. The IBSSS and the IBS-QoL scores in the vitamin D group significantly improved compared to the placebo group postintervention (mean IBSSS score change: -53.82 ± 23.3 vs -16.85 ± 25.01, p < 0.001, respectively; mean IBS-QoL score change: 14.26 ± 3 vs 11 ± 2.34, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Vitamin D seems to be an effective and safe option to improve QoL and symptoms of IBS. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02579902).

Photocurable, Antimicrobial Quaternary Ammonium-modified Nanosilica.

In this study, novel, quaternary ammonium methacrylate-modified silica nanoparticles (QMSNs) were synthesized for the first time and proposed as possible antimicrobial particles for free-radical, photocurable monomers. Such monomers have the potential to polymerize with other methacrylate monomers and create antimicrobial polymers. The silica nanoparticles were modified by quaternary ammonium methacrylate functionality and incorporated at 0 to 10 wt% into a 1:1 (by mass) bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin. Thermal stability of the pristine and modified silica nanoparticles was examined by thermogravimetric analyses. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the size distribution and topography of the nanoparticles. For evaluation of the mechanical properties of the samples, flexural strength was measured using a 3-point bending test method. The flexural strength of the composites containing QMSNs increased with increasing modified silica content. The antimicrobial activity of samples was investigated against some standard microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans), and then cytotoxicity and viability were quantified. Incorporation of 2.5% to 10% (by mass) QMSNs into BisGMA/TEGDMA demonstrated antimicrobial activity, but ≥5 wt% significantly reduced cell viability.

Automated monitoring of outcomes: application to treatment of drug abuse.

This paper suggests a new approach for lowering follow-up costs, improving the delivery of health care, and monitoring treatment outcomes. An automated telephone follow-up system that calls, identifies, and interviews clients is an alternative method for monitoring patients that may be both reliable and cost-effective. To test the viability of such a system, the authors monitored a patient population that has historically been shown to be difficult to follow: recovering drug users and alcoholics. Forty-two subjects were asked to call the computer and complete interviews on a weekly basis for five months. Clients answered 25 recorded questions by pressing the keys on their telephone pads. The computer automatically analyzed the clients' answers and estimated a probability of relapse for each client. In addition, the computer automatically called subjects who failed to complete interviews at the scheduled times. The study showed that self-reported data collected by a computer are as reliable as data obtained through a written questionnaire and that clients are more willing to respond to computer interviews than to mailed written questionnaires. This study also provides preliminary data on the predictive ability of a questionnaire for predicting relapse.

Histopathologic and Radiographic evaluation of the electroacupuncture effects on ulna fracture healing in dogs.

Acupuncture can affect bone healing by stimulation of sensory nerves and releasing of local and systemic neuropeptides. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on ulna fracture healing in dogs. In this study, 12 healthy dogs were randomly divided in to four equal groups, where group 1 was kept as control group and evaluated for 45 days, group 2: treatment group and evaluated for 45 days, group3: control group of 90 days and group 4: treatment group of 90 days. After induction of anesthesia, the ulna was cut with Gigli wire saw in each groups, 10 days after operation, the treatment (acupuncture) group was treated with 10 minutes electroacupuncture stimulations on the acupoints Kid1, Kid3, Kid6 and Kid7, for 10 days. Histopathologic samples of all dogs were harvested from bone osteotomized site in 45 and 90 days after surgery. Indices like, count of inflammatory cells, cartilaginous tissue, fibrotic tissue and deposition of collagen were evaluated on samples and classified with 0, 1, 2, and 3 degrees. Also, radiographic evaluation of the patients was applied using radiographic scoring system on days: 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 after surgery. This study revealed that, acupuncture had no effect on bone healing (p>0.05). Cause of non-significant difference changes between the control and treatment groups, and lack of complete healing in both groups may be due to lack of ulna bone fixation. Alternatively, selection of other acupoints in acupuncture could have a better healing role.

Clinical and radiological findings following continent urinary diversion with colonic segment in dog.

In order to assess clinico-radiological findings of urinary diversion, five adult healthy mongrel dogs of both sexes weighing between 25-40 kg and average age of 1.5 years, underwent continent urinary diversion surgery. In this approach fifteen centimeters of the descending colon with preservation of its mesenteric vessels was resected and this segment longitudinally was opened and flushed with an aqueous solution of povidin iodine 0.1% and the remaining colon re-anastomosed by seromuscular sutures. Then two ends of transected ureters were drawn into the resected colon by mosquito hemostatic forceps and simple interrupted sutures were placed between the ureter and the colonic mucosa for uretero-colonic anastomosis. The uretero-colonic part in a cap form transplanted to partially cystectomized bladder with one layer of cushing pattern suture. All animals survived after the operation. Clinically, all dogs were dull and depressed and passed blood tinged urine for first few postoperative days. There was pollakiuria in all of animals distinctly, but urinary incontinence was not observed. At the first few postoperative days, anorexia, nausea and vomiting were seen in three dogs. In all animals, polydipsia were seen and continued until the end of study. Intravenous urograms showed hydronephrosis and upper urinary tracts dilatation in all animals at 25th day but there were signs of improvement at 45th day distinctly. Unilateral ureteral obstruction was observed in two dogs. In regards to clinico-radiological findings can be concluded that this operation has some distinct sequela that some of them may be seen in radiographic assessments.

Cleft palate in a male water buffalo calf.

Congenital palatal defects are common in animals but there is only one report of water buffalo has been recorded in Iran. One died male water buffalo calf was examined after hysterotomy operation. At necropsy findings, brachygnathia, palate cleft and small lungs were diagnosed. It is the second report of water buffalo cleft palate in Iran.

A randomized trial of a telecommunications network for pregnant women who use cocaine.

OBJECTIVES: The authors describe computer services designed to make patients better informed and more motivated to participate in treatment. Patients use these services through their touch-tone telephone; access to a home computer or a modem is not needed. METHODS: The authors tested the impact of these computer services on the management of 179 pregnant women who had used cocaine during pregnancy or 1 month before pregnancy (as reported by the woman). Patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups; only the experimental group had access to the computer services. Patients were enrolled during the prenatal period and followed for 6 months after the birth of a live child. Self-reported data on the subjects' participation in drug treatment programs, health status (using the SF-36), and addiction severity (using the addiction severity index) were collected. The computer collected data on the frequency of the use of the service. The dependent variables were participation in formal treatment during the course of the project, and drug and alcohol use at exit interview. Multiple and logistic regressions were used to identify the effects of the intervention after controlling for demographic and baseline variables. RESULTS: Data showed that poor, pregnant, undereducated clients who use drugs and lived in multiple residences could use the services; about one-third of clients used the services more than three times a week. Access to the service did not lead to significant change in patients' health status, drug use, or utilization of services. Use of the services did lead to significant changes in participation in drug treatment: subjects who used the service more than three times a week were 1.5 times more likely to participate in formal drug treatment than subjects who used the service less often. Participation in formal drug treatment, however, was not effective in reducing the drug or the alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all patients used the computer services to some extent, but there seems to be a threshold after which the use of the services had a more positive impact.

Electronic self-help and support groups.

OBJECTIVES: The authors examined the impact of a voice bulletin board on the following: (1) participation in self-help efforts, (2) expression of emotional support, (3) development of solidarity within the group, (4) utilization of health-care services, and (5) health status of subjects. METHODS: Subjects were 53 pregnant women who abused drugs. A quasi-experimental design with matched control group and observations before and after intervention were carried out. Clients in the control group were asked to participate in biweekly face-to-face meetings. Clients in the experimental group participated in the voice bulletin board. Experimental subjects had previous experience with computer services. Subjects reported their level of drug use, health status, and utilization of health services. They also reported on their symptoms, attitudes toward use of physician services, loneliness, willingness to disclose information in groups, and sense of solidarity with their group. The content of the communication among the experimental group was recorded and the utterances were classified as to the type of communication. Exit interviews were done 4 months after baseline interviews were conducted. Clients were paid to complete the baseline and the exit questionnaires, and 94% completed the exit questionnaires. The dependent variables were utilization or health status at exit; the co-variate was utilization or health status at baseline; and the independent variable was the group in which the subject participated. RESULTS: Clients were eight times more likely to participate in the voice bulletin board than in the face-to-face meeting (alpha < 0.01). The majority of the comments left on the bulletin board (54.6%) were for emotional support of each other; no "flaming" or overt disagreements occurred. The more clients participated in the voice bulletin board, the more they felt a sense of solidarity with each other (alpha < 0.001). Members of the experimental group reported significantly lower rates of visiting outpatient clinics than members of the control group (alpha < 0.05). Lower utilization did not lead to poor health status or more drug use: There were no statistically significant differences in the health status and drug use between the experimental and the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Voice bulletin boards may be an effective method of providing support to mothers who have a history of drug use. Use of these services may lead to lower cost without worsening patients' health.

Computer reminders improve on-time immunization rates.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the effectiveness of computer-generated telephone reminders in improving infants receiving on-time immunizations. A computer called parents at home, reminded them of their child's visit, and asked if they could keep the appointment. If parents either canceled or failed to honor the appointment, the computer called back a few days later and asked them to reschedule. METHODS: A medical assistant recruited 124 consecutive mothers to receive automated computer reminders. These mothers' infants were younger than 6 months, were being seen at an outpatient clinic for a first visit, and were patients of three attending physicians and three nurse practitioners. These infants were compared to 89 infants from the same clinic, in the same age range, who were being seen for the first time during the same period by the same providers but not contacted by the medical assistant. Subjects were selected from mothers who brought their infants for their first visit in an outpatient urban clinic that serves predominantly minority clients. A research assistant reviewed patients' medical records and collected the infants' birthday, mothers' age, race, source of payments, and the immunization record of the infants. Immunization was considered to be late if, at the time of the first visit, it was more than 30 days past due for any of the recommended immunizations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, except for Hepatitis B vaccine which was not recommended at the time of the study. The dependent variable was on-time immunization. The independent variables were age of the mother at baseline, age of the child at baseline, and membership in either the comparison or the experimental group. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The participation rate for appointments for the experimental group was 82%, as compared to a 69% overall participation rate for the clinic providers. The on-time immunization rate for experimental subjects was 67.8%, whereas the comparison group had an on-time immunization rate of 43.4% (differences were significant at alpha levels less than 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computerized reminders sent to the parents led to an increase in participation rate at the clinic and an increase in on-time immunization for their infants.