Evaluation of the Accuracy of 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography of the Kidney Using an In Vitro Renal Model

Objective. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) has recently become a reality because of advances in ultrasound probes and machine processing ability. We have developed an anthropomorphic phantom of the human loin to assess both the accuracy of 3DUS of the kidney and its potential usefulness for training in ultrasonographically guided percutaneous renal intervention. Methods. The model was built with easily available and inexpensive materials such as agar and latex with known ultrasonographic properties. The accuracy of 2‐dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) and 3DUS was assessed by measuring the dimensions of the pelvicalyceal system (PCS) ultrasonographically (pelvis width and calyx diameters) and then comparing these with measurements obtained at the time of construction. Radiology interventional trainees then punctured the PCS with 2DUS and 4‐dimensional ultrasonographic (real‐time/time‐resolved 3DUS) guidance and reported the phantom's performance. Results. The 3‐dimensional nature of the model's PCS could be clearly visualized on 2DUS and 3DUS, and the scan characteristics were very similar to those in real life. Measurements using 3DUS proved to be closer to the true dimensions of the model's PCS than those using 2DUS. The mean error percentage for 2DUS measurements was ?10.2%, and that for 3DUS was ?2.2% (P < 0.0001). Interventional trainees were satisfied with the “tissue feel” and level of difficulty posed on puncturing the phantom. Conclusions. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography proved to be more accurate than 2DUS for intrarenal measurements using this in vitro renal model. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography has the potential to ease diagnostic renal scanning with the ability to further scrutinize and postprocess the scanned volumes. The model was realistic in its anthropomorphic properties and simulated human tissue during puncture.     

Oesophageal cancer in Golestan Province,a high-incidence area in northern Iran – A review

Golestan Province, located in the south-east littoral of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer (OC) in the world. We review the epidemiologic studies that have investigated the epidemiologic patterns and causes of OC in this area and provide some suggestions for further studies.Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes over 90% of all OC cases in Golestan. In retrospective studies, cigarettes and hookah smoking, nass use (a chewing tobacco product), opium consumption, hot tea drinking, poor oral health, low intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, and low socioeconomic status have been associated with higher risk of OSCC in Golestan. However, the association of tobacco with OSCC in this area is not as strong as that seen in Western countries. Alcohol is consumed by a very small percentage of the population and is not a risk factor for OSCC in this area.Other factors, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, N-nitroso compounds, drinking water contaminants, infections, food contamination with mycotoxins, and genetic factors merit further investigation as risk factors for OSCC in Golestan. An ongoing cohort study in this area is an important resource for studying some of these factors and also for confirming the previously found associations.     

Enhanced antitumor effect of targeted nanoliposomal bleomycin

Folate receptor (FR)‐mediated drug delivery is a promising approach for active targeting of drugs to the FR‐positive tumor cells. Bleomycin (BLM) is an antitumor antibiotic with poor therapeutic activity as a result of its limited diffusion into tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FR‐targeted PEGylated nanoliposomes (FPNL) can effectively deliver BLM to tumor cells and enhance its in vitro and in vivo efficacy. FPNL and PNL (non‐targeted) were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their physiochemical properties, cellular uptake, tissue distribution and tumor inhibitory effects were investigated. In Lewis lung cancer (LLC1) cells, FPNL containing BLM showed 2.38‐fold and 3.26‐fold higher cytotoxicity compared to PNL‐BLM and free BLM, respectively. Moreover, the uptake of FPNL by these cells was increased as compared to the PNL. Furthermore, FPNL showed significantly higher tumor distribution of BLM in the LLC1 cells and more tumor inhibition efficacy compared to free BLM and PNL. Both formulations of nanoliposomes had longer plasma half‐life than that of free BLM. Therefore, FPNL may be suitable carriers for targeted drug delivery to FR‐positive tumor cells.     

Dietary intake of fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer: A prospective study in U.S. men and women

The association between fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains inconclusive. Recent prospective studies suggest that the relationship may vary by gender, subsite and duration of follow‐up. We followed 123,529 US adults (76,386 women and 47,143 men) without a history of cancer at baseline for 24 to 26 years. Fish and PUFA intake was assessed at baseline and updated every 4 years by using a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. We found no overall association between fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 PUFA intake and CRC risk with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.20] comparing marine ω‐3 intake of ≥0.30 g/d versus <0.15 g/d among women and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.85–1.30) comparing intake of ≥0.41 g/d versus <0.16 g/d among men. However, fish and marine ω‐3 PUFA intake appeared to be positively associated with risk of distal colon cancer in both men and women and inversely with risk of rectal cancer in men. In an analysis based on a limited number of cases, marine ω‐3 PUFA intake assessed 12–16 years before diagnosis tended to be inversely associated with CRC risk in men (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.52–1.10). In conclusion, although no overall association between fish, ω‐3 or ω‐6 PUFA intake was observed with CRC risk, marine ω‐3 PUFA may be differentially associated with risk of distal colon and rectal cancers and a long latency may be needed for its protection against CRC in men.     

Prognostic Factors for the Long-Term Survival after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Objectives: This study investigated the possible prognostic factors for the long-term survival (Cure Rate) of Hodgkin Lymphoma patients who underwent HSCT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 116 Patients diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Auto-HSCT) between the years 2007 and 2014 and followed up until 2017. The information regarding patients’ survival had been collected using phone calls, and their pre-transplant information was available in the archived documents. Prognostic effects were investigated using long-term survival models. Results: Patients with obesity had five times higher odds of long-term survival (cure) than the others (P=0.06). Also, the recurrence experience after HSCT negatively impacted the curing potential by 78% (P=0.05). Also, with 32 years as the change point, patients younger than 32 had 76% fewer odds of surviving long-term (P=0.03), and Poor transfused stem cell dose of CD34+ (<0.16 × 106 cells/ml) reduced the odds of long-term survival by 92% (P=0.01). Conclusion: According to the statistical models used in this study, obesity can increase the curing potential of Hodgkin lymphoma after transplantation. Meanwhile, aging, poor transfused CD34+ cells, and recurrence after HSCT were associated with lower survival following HSCT.     

Manganese-responsive congenital carpus valgus in a calf (first report in veterinary literature)

A 4-day-old female Iranian cross-breed calf with a history of weakness, ataxia, difficulty in moving, and congenital abnormal position of forelimbs was referred to the Veterinary Clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. In clinical examination weakness, ataxia, difficulty in moving, and carpus valgus deformity were observed. Vital signs, hematological indices, and serum concentrations of electrolytes, minerals, total protein, albumin, and trace elements were normal, but serum concentration of manganese was low. Because of carpus valgus deformity and low level of serum concentration of manganese, congenital manganese deficiency was suspected. Manganese sulfate was administered orally at a dose rate of 50 mg/day for 2 weeks. After the treatment, all clinical signs subsided. Radiography of forelimbs after treatment revealed no abnormality. Carpus valgus due to manganese deficiency has not been reported previously, and this is first report in veterinary literature. In the present report, low serum concentration of manganese and response to manganese supplementation confirmed that the cause of carpus valgus was manganese deficiency. The pregnant cow (the mother of the present calf) had low serum concentration of manganese. She was fed on corn silage, which was low in manganese during pregnancy. The cause of carpus valgus is believed to be maternal manganese deficiency.     

Free fatty acids, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiometabolic stress.

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are non-esterified fatty acids thatcirculate in the bloodstream predominantly bound to albumin.FFAs are released from adipocyte triglyceride stores by lipolysisand from phospholipids by the action of phospholipases. Releaseof FFAs, as well as uptake of circulating FFAs by tissues suchas skeletal muscle and liver, is regulated by the action ofinsulin and modulated by adrenergic activity. FFAs representa significant energy source, being oxidized by myocardium, skeletalmuscle, liver, and kidney. Specific FFAs may also directly regulatecellular function, either by exchange with membrane phospholipidfatty acids or