Two-Dimensional Protein Micropatterning for Sensor Applications Through Chemical Selectivity Technique

Two-dimensional protein micropatterning with immobil-ization of IgG and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) on patterned Au and Si surfaces was performed through a new technique. The technique for micropatterning is based on a chemical selectivity method by creating chemical bonding between protein, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and substrates rather than physical means. The substrates used in this study are pre-fabricated with silicon wafer patterned with arrays of gold squares. The silicon regions of the substrate are modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to resist protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The gold regions on the substrate are first immobilized with bifunctional SAM layers that can covalently bound adhesion proteins for individual cell attachment against a PEG background. The surface coatings are characterized by contact angle measurement, ellips-ometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The patterns of fluorescence-labeled proteins are examined using fluorescence microscopy. Our study demonstrated that the PEG modified silicon region showed an effective protein reduction while the gold regions were successfully covalently bonded with proteins. This technique also demonstrated a combined feature of ensuring the activity, selectivity, and stability of the immobilized proteins. A simple lift-off microfabrication process was introduced in this study to pattern metal on silicon substrates without using expensive metal etching.     

Adverse events associated with neonatal exchange transfusion for hyperbilirubinemia

To estimate the incidence of blood exchange and determine causes and complication of blood exchange and identify strategies for risk reduction of Kernicterus in newborn with jaundice. From march 2004 to march 2006 in neonatal Department in children hospital, medical center Tehran, Iran,346 neonates were admitted as neinatal jaundice without sign and symptoms of infections. We identified causes and complications of exchange. Of 346 infants with jaundice who received phototherapy. 50, 14.45 percent cases underwent exchange transfusion with mean age 9.38+5.75 days. The mean total Serum billirubin level was 29.39+6.13mg/dl. ABO incompatibility was the most common cause for hyperbillirubinemia.the incidence of apnea was 12% there was no direct death from exchange transfusion. To make payment women aware to cbserve jaundice regularly after birth of their child and short breast feeding to control dehydretion.     

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30): translation and validation study of the Iranian version

The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). The English-language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian (Iranian language), and its final form was approved by the EORTC Study Group on Quality of Life before it was used in this study. The questionnaire was administered at two time points to a consecutive sample of 168 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and almost all of them (99%) found the questions easy to understand and acceptable. Crohnbach's alpha coefficient for multi-item scales (to test reliability) ranged from 0.48 to 0.95 at baseline and from 0.52 to 0.98 at follow-up administration of the questionnaire. Validity was checked using two methods: inter-scale correlation and known-groups comparison. Almost all inter-scale correlations were statistically significant in the expected direction. Known-groups comparison analysis showed that all functioning and symptom scales discriminated between subgroups of patients differing in clinical status as defined by their performance status and disease stage. In general, the findings of this study indicate that the Iranian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 is a reliable and valid measure of quality of life in cancer patients and can be used in clinical trials and studies of outcome research in oncology.     

A Novel Fortified Dairy Product and Sarcopenia Measures in Sarcopenic Older Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of daily consumption of fortified yogurt with beta-Hydroxy beta-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) and vitamins D and C on measures of sarcopenia, inflammation, and quality of life in sarcopenic older adults.DesignIn this 12-week randomized double-blind controlled trial, participants received either yogurt fortified with 3 g HMB, 1000 IU vitamin D, and 500 mg vitamin C in the intervention group (n = 33) or plain yogurt in the control group (n = 33).Setting and ParticipantsA total of 66 older adults with sarcopenia recruited from the community in Shiraz, Iran.MeasuresBody composition, muscle strength, and functionality were measured using Dual-energy-X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), hydraulic handgrip dynamometer, and usual gait speed, respectively. Serum concentrations of vitamin D, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde, and insulin were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was also evaluated using SF-12 questionnaire.ResultsConsumption of fortified yogurt was associated with improvement in handgrip strength [mean change (95% confidence interval) 4.36 (3.35–5.37) vs. 0.97 (?0.04 to 1.99)] and gait speed [0.10 (0.07–0.13) vs. 0.01 (0.00–0.04)] in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < .001). In addition, the results revealed a significant increase in vitamin D and IGF-1 levels in the intervention group (P < .001). The nutritional intervention significantly prevented any increase in the serum concentration of hs-CRP compared with the control group (P = .033). The results also showed a more significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level in the intervention group compared with the control (P = .008). Moreover, there were significant differences between the 2 groups regarding physical aspects of HRQoL (P = .035).Conclusions and ImplicationsA novel dairy product fortified with HMB, vitamin D, and vitamin C not only could enhance muscle strength and functionality, but also modulate anabolic and inflammatory conditions as well as quality of life. This study suggested that specific nutritional interventions alone could be beneficial, especially for those who are unable to exercise.     

The evolution into personalized therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: challenges and opportunities

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer related mortality in the United States in 2030, with a 5-year overall survival of less than 10% despite decades of extensive research. Pancreatic cancer is marked by the accumulation of complex molecular changes, complex tumor-stroma interaction, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. PDAC has proven to be resistant to many cytotoxic, targeted and immunologic treatment approaches.

Areas covered: In this paper, we review the major areas of research in PDAC, with highlights on the challenges and areas of opportunity for personalized treatment approaches.

Expert commentary: The focus of research in pancreatic cancer has moved away from developing conventional cytotoxic combinations. The marked advances in understanding the molecular biology of this disease especially in the areas of the microenvironment, metabolism, and DNA repair have opened new opportunities for developing novel treatment strategies. Improved understanding of molecular abnormalities allows the development of personalized treatment approaches.     

Short versus Standard Length Implants with Sinus Floor Elevation for the Atrophic Posterior Maxilla

Objectivesthe aim of this clinical study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of short dental implants inserted in pristine bone to standard length implants inserted in combination with sinus floor elevation.Materials and methodsFor this clinical study, the clinical and radiological outcome of 126 short dental implants (84 patients), inserted in pristine bone were compared with 312 standard length implants (156 patients), placed in combination with maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures.ResultsThe short implant group (test group [TG]; mean follow-up (± standard deviation (SD) 56.6 ± 42.9 months) and the augmented group (control group [CG]; mean follow-up 41.6 ± 37.6 months) showed cumulative survival rates of 91.8% and 92.4%. Cumulative 5-year implant survival rates were 91.8% for the TG and 90.7% for the CG (p=0.421). Mean marginal bone loss was significantly higher in the CG than in the TG, with a mean MBL of 0.70 ± 0.72 mm in the TG and 0.96 ± 0.91 mm in the CG (p<0.001). A comparable and promising oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was observed in the control and test groups.ConclusionsAfter over 3 years, short implants placed in the resorbed posterior maxilla obtained similar results to standard implants combined with maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures.     

Rituximab treatment in primary angiitis of the central nervous system

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis affecting the brain and spinal cord. Treatment with biological agents has revolutionised the treatment of many rheumatic conditions but there is scant literature regarding the use of biological agents in PACNS. We present three cases of PACNS treated with rituximab, including two cases of relapsed disease, and a literature review suggesting a role for rituximab in this condition.