Genetic and biochemical characterization of Malassezia pachydermatis with particular attention to pigment-producing subgroups.

The aim of the study was the characterization of Malassezia pachydermatis and its pigment-producing subgroup using biochemical tests and RAPD. It was of interest to determine whether particular RAPD patterns could be used to indicate pigment production, as well as a close genetic relatedness to Malassezia furfur. Therefore, 210 strains of M. pachydermatis were examined for morphology, catalase and ss-glucosidase activity, lipid and carbohydrate assimilation and the tryptophan-dependent synthesis of pigments. Of these, 114 strains were subjected to RAPD analyses. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to classify M. pachydermatis isolates regarding their pigment production by using genetic and biological parameters. Biological and RAPD findings showed a high biological and genetic diversity within the species M. pachydermatis and within pigment producers. RAPD analysis revealed 28 genotypes within 114 strains tested. Pigment producing strains could not be assigned to a common RAPD profile, but a genetic relatedness of pigment-producing M. pachydermatis with M. furfur can be assumed. A particular RAPD pattern allowed statistically significant probability of pigment production (P<0.001) and might be used as a tool to rapidly detect pigment producing M. pachydermatis, e.g. in Malassezia-associated pityriasis versicolor. The reported method is useful for identification of pigment producing M. pachydermatis isolates and has advantages over established tests.     

Development and physical characterization of a periodontal bioadhesive gel of metronidazole

To develop a localized drug delivery system that offers prolonged administration of metronidazole into the periodontal pocket, muccoadhesive gel formulations containing 5% w/w metronidazole were prepared using the bioadhesive polymers: carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyvinylpirrolidone, and carbopol. Increased concentrations of the polymers decreased the drug release rate and enhanced syringeability, yield value, and adhesiveness but decreased the spreadability. The bioadhesive properties of the gels were affected by pH and Ca 2+ concentration. The gel containing 20% hydroxyethylcellulose, 20% polyvinylpirrolidone, and 1% carbopol exhibited zero-order drug release kinetics and suitable physical properties for drug delivery to the periodontal pocket.     

Effect of folic acid in women with and without insulin resistance who have hyperhomocysteinemic polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of folic acid on homocysteine (Hcy) levels in women with insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a prospective clinical trial. METHOD: Of 210 women with PCOS, 70 were hyperhomocysteinemic; and of these, 32 were insulin resistant and 38 were not. The 70 women were treated with folic acid for 3 months. Baseline and serum levels of Hcy and insulin were measured in both groups. RESULTS: In both groups Hcy concentrations were significantly decreased following folic acid supplementation. The mean+/-SD levels before and after treatment were 14.03+/-1.5 micromol/L and 12.53+/-1.72 micromol/L in group 1 (P<0.001), and they were 12.07+/-0.87 micromol/L and 8.83+/-0.78 micromol/L in group 2 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Hcy levels of hyperhomocysteinemic women with PCOS were reduced after 3 months of folic acid supplementation, and the rate of reduction was higher among women without insulin resistance. No change was found in fasting insulin levels.     

Effect of low-dose aspirin on the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques in the women with PCOS,a randomized double-blinded clinical trial

Objective

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a major complication of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor for OHSS. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to study the effect of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on the development of OHSS and ART outcomes in PCOS during ART.

Toxicogenomics of cationic lipid-based vectors for gene therapy: impact of microarray technology

Implementation of the high-throughput microarray gene expression profiling technology towards "toxicogenomics" has advanced identification process for safer drugs in the century of 'omics' technology. Applying such technology, in fact, to identify mechanisms for cellular toxicity can provide a means to clarify safety liabilities early in the drug discovery and developments process. The underlying principle in gene therapy is primarily targeting a specific gene (e.g., for silencing). Hence, massive efforts have been devoted to validate the gene-based therapeutics, regardless of toxicogenomics potential of delivery systems. Of the gene delivery systems, viral and non-viral vectors, as two main paradigms, have so far been widely used for delivering of the genome-based therapeutics such as oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA and DNA. However, the use of viral vectors was narrowed due to the safety concerns. Non-viral vectors were utilized as safer alternatives for gene delivery in vitro and ex-vivo; though their success for in vivo gene therapy has been limited due to low efficiency and safety issues. Fundamental principle for gene therapy is to deliver gene-based therapeutics into target cells for specific gene targeting ideally with minimal cellular toxicity. Until now, few works have been conducted about geno-compatibility of delivery systems itself, including cationic lipid-based nanosystems. Inadvertent toxicogenomic impact of gene delivery systems (e.g., cationic lipids) may intrinsically affect the outcome of gene therapy, where often only a single desired genetic change is sought. Further, there exists a possibility that gene changes induced by the lipid delivery system itself could exacerbate, attenuate or even mask the desired effects of the gene-based therapeutics. This review will focus on toxicogenomics impact of the cationic lipid-based formulations for gene therapy.     

A prospective, randomized study comparing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy versus fenestration and coagulation in patients with endometriomas

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference between two laparoscopic methods for the management of endometriomas with regard to recurrence of signs and symptoms and pregnancy rate. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Infertility and gynecologic endoscopy units of two medical university hospitals. PATIENT(S): One hundred patients with endometriomas who had either infertility or pelvic pain. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were randomly divided into two groups; one group underwent cystectomy (group 1), and fenestration and coagulation were performed for the other (group 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A comparison of recurrence of signs and symptoms of endometriomas and pregnancy rates in two groups. RESULT(S): Fifty-two patients were studied in group 1 and 48 in group 2. The recurrence of symptoms, such as pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, was 15.8% in group 1 and 56.7% in group 2 after 2 years. The rate of reoperation was 5.8% in group 1 and 22.9% in group 2 and these differences were statistically significant. The cumulative pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group 1 (59.4%) than in group 2 (23.3%) at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION(S): Laparoscopic cystectomy of endometriomas is a better choice than fenestration and coagulation because the former technique leads to a lower recurrence of signs and symptoms and a lower rate of reoperation and a higher cumulative pregnancy rate than the latter.     

The promoter region (-800, -509) polymorphisms of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) gene and recurrent spontaneous abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is regarded as a common pregnancy complication in southern Iran. The exact causes of RSA are not yet known. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is produced by T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg), which play an important role in the physiology of pregnancy. Several polymorphisms of the TGF-beta1 gene have been reported, some with important correlation with disease severity. In this investigation, the polymorphism of the TGF-beta1 gene at promoter region positions -800 (G/A) and -509 (C/T) was studied in 111 RSA and 110 normal female subjects from southern Iran by PCR-RFLP. Results indicated that at position -800 (G/A) polymorphism, 75.7% of RSA cases and 77.3% of normals were homozygote GG. In addition, 23.4% of cases and 22.7% of normal individuals were heterozygote AG. Only one of the patients appeared to be homozygote AA. None of the normal individuals were found to be homozygote AA at this position. In the case of the -509 (C/T) polymorphism, 38.7% of patients and 28.2% of controls were homozygote CC. While 40.6% of cases and 50.9% of normal individuals were heterozygote CT, 20.7% of RSA cases and 20.9% of controls were homozygote TT. The results indicate that there are no statistically significant differences of genotype distribution and allele frequency between RSA cases and controls at both polymorphic sites. In conclusion, the promoter region polymorphisms of TGF-beta1 at positions -800 (G/A) and -509 (C/T) may not be associated with RSA.     

Assessing nursing staffing ratios: variability in workload intensity

In 2004, California became the first state to implement specific nurse-to-patient ratios for all hospitals. These mandated enactments have caused significant controversy among health care professionals as well as nursing unions and professional organizations. Supporters of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios cite patient care quality, safety, and outcomes, whereas critics point to the lack of solid data and the use of a universally standardized acuity tool. Much more remains to be learned about staffing policies before mature links may be made regarding set staffing ratios and patient outcomes - specifically, how nurses spend their time in terms of variability in their daily work. This study examines two comparable telemetry units with a 1:3 staffing ratio within a California hospital system to determine the relative rates of variability in nursing activities. The results demonstrate significant differences in categorical nursing activities (e.g., direct care, indirect care, etc.) between the two telemetry units (chi(2) = 91.2028; p < or = .0001). No correlation was noted between workload categories with daily staffing ratios and staffing mix between the two units. Although patients were grouped in a similar telemetry classification category and care was mandated at a set ratio, patient needs were variable, creating a significant difference in registered nurse (RN) categorical activities on the two units.