Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer's disease

Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (APOE) influences Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. APOE ε4 alleles are the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset sporadic AD. The AD risk is dose dependent, as those carrying one APOE ε4 allele have a 2–3-fold increased risk, while those carrying two ε4 alleles have a 10–15-fold increased risk. Individuals carrying APOE ε2 alleles have lower AD risk and those carrying APOE ε3 alleles have neutral risk. APOE is a lipoprotein which functions in lipid transport, metabolism, and inflammatory modulation. Isoform specific effects of APOE within the brain include alterations to Aβ, tau, neuroinflammation, and metabolism. Here we review the association of APOE with AD, the APOE isoform specific effects within brain and periphery, and potential therapeutics.     

Surface-engineered liposomes for dual-drug delivery targeting strategy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

This study focused on the encapsulation of vancomycin(VAN) into liposomes coated with a red blood cell membrane with a targeting ligand, daptomycin–polyethylene glycol–1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, formed by conjugation of DAPT and Nhydroxysuccinimidyl-polyethylene glycol-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine.This formulation is capable of providing controlled and targeted drug delivery to the bacterial cytoplasm. We performed MALDI-TOF, NMR and FTIR analyses to conf...     

Snake modeling and distance transform approach to vascular centerline extraction and quantification

A new method for fully automated centerline extraction and quantification of microvascular structures in confocal microscopy (CM) images is presented. Our method uses the idea of active contour models as well as path planning and distance transforms for the three-dimensional centerline extraction of elongated objects such as vessels. The proposed approach is especially efficient for centerline extraction of complex branching structures. The method performance is validated in several CM images of both normal and stroked rat brains as well as simulated objects. The results confirm the efficiency of the proposed method in extracting the medial curve of vessels, which is essential for the computation of quantitative parameters.     

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk collected from traditional dairies in Morocco

A survey of the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out on eight traditional dairies belonging to four sectors of Fez city situated in the northern center of Morocco. Raw milk samples were collected between October 2009 and September 2010, and analyzed by LC-fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity purification. AFM1 was detected in 13 out of 48 samples (27%) at concentrations ranged between 10 and 100 ng/l. Within these positive samples, four (∼8% of the total) were above the European legislation limit of 50 ng/l. This study revealed a variation of contamination from one sector to another with a higher incidence in milk samples collected in autumn compared to those collected in other seasons suggesting a link between feeding practices, such as the use of silage and AFM1 contamination. This is the first report on AFM1 contamination in raw milk directly collected from Moroccan traditional dairies. The levels of contamination found justify more detailed and continuous monitoring to assess the public health implication and reduce consumers’ exposure to AFM1.     

First Report on Sergentomyia sintoni and Sergentomyia clydei (Diptera: Psychodidae): Their Natural Promastigote Infection and Some Aspects of Biology in Sistan-Baluchistan Province,Southeastern Iran

ObjectiveTo This paper has explained initial survey on two vectors of lizard leishmania promastigote in south-east of Iran.MethodsTotally 333 S. sintoni and 475 S. clydei were collected from rodent burrows by sticky traps in three villages of Chabahar County. Sand flies were dissected in a drop of normal saline.ResultsNatural leptomonad infection rate involved %2.1 S. sintoni and %5 S. clydei. The finding about seasonal variation was showed the highest infection rate in two vectors in the first week of August. The highest population of gravid and semi-gravid of main vectors of Lizard leishmaniasis, S. sintoni and S. clydei, were observed in the last week of September and the lowest were in the last week of July. The examination of accessory glands showed that the maximum population of parous was observed in the last week of September and the last week of July it was at least. This is the first report of leptomonad (promastigote) infection in S. sintoni and S. clydei in Sistan-Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran.ConclusionsA further study with more focus on biology of Sergentomyia genus is suggested.     

Breast Cancer Risk Perception,Benefits of and Barriers to Mammography Adherence Among a Group of Iranian Women

The study aimed to assess associations between Health Belief Model variables, stages of change, and participation in mammography for early detection of breast cancer in a sample of Iranian women. A total of 414 women, aged 40 to 73 years, were recruited by random sampling. The study took place in the winter of 2007, using a self-report questionnaire and structured interviews, designed to measure the five Health Belief Model constructs and stages of adoption for mammography. The study indicated that 45.8% of the women were in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages of a mammogram, and 29% of participants reported having had at least one mammogram. Screening behavior was associated with older age, familial history of breast cancer, history of breast disease, health insurance coverage, and living in an urban area. Furthermore, the perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, perceived benefits and barriers for mammography, and cues to action variables defined by the Health Belief Model were four factors related to having a mammogram. The study concludes that health care professionals must provide women with more fear appeals that outline vulnerability to developing breast cancer, remove cognitive barriers to seeking mammography, and apply effective guidance on the participation of women in breast cancer screening programs.     

Using quadratic inference functions to determine the factors associated with obesity: findings from the STEPS Survey in Iran

PurposeThe last study that had a representative sample of the Iranian population and examined the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with obesity used data from the 1999 to 2000 National Health Survey in Iran. Concern about the increased prevalence of obesity has heightened interest in the association between varieties of these factors with obesity among Iranian households.MethodsData (20,917 adults) were taken from the 2009 STEPwise approach to Surveillance survey in Iran that was conducted under the supervision of World Health Organization. Using quadratic inference function, we evaluated the relation of age, sex, physical activity, serving of fruit and vegetable, employment status, smoking, and place of residence with obesity.ResultsUsing 20–30 years as the reference group, the obesity odds ratios (ORs) were 2.48, 3.79, 3.52, and 3.15 for ages 30–40, 40–50, 50–60, and 60+ years, respectively. Obesity OR for female was 2.63, compared with male. Obesity ORs for smokers and ex-smokers were 0.64 and 1.18, respectively, compared with nonsmokers. Among Iranian adult, obesity ORs for the moderate and vigorous physical activity were 0.99 and 0.90, respectively, compared with low level. The estimated odds of obesity were 46% higher for rural adults. Obesity ORs for public and private employed were 0.79 and 0.76, respectively, compared with unemployed.ConclusionsOur results may provide better insights of the factors associated with obesity and can be used as a basis to reinforce health programs to prevent obesity in Iran.     

The Experience of Death Anxiety in Iranian War Veterans: A Phenomenology Study

Recognition of death anxiety experienced by patients who have survived violence and threats to life during war is of strong importance in delivery of best care for veterans experiencing health stressors. The aim of the study was to explore the death anxiety experience of veterans from the Iran–Iraq war. Using a phenomenological approach, 11 war veterans were interviewed related to death anxiety experiences. Four major themes included afterlife fears; alienated farewell; ambiguous separation; and physical dissolution. Patients who have been exposed to death trauma in the battlefield may carry added burden from unique cognitions and fears related to personal death.