Plasma homocysteine concentration and blood pressure in healthy Iranian adults: the Tehran Homocysteine Survey (2003-2004)

Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its aetiology has not been fully elucidated. Recently, attention has been focused on the direct relations of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) to blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of Hcy with BP and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. This population-based study was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey and has been designed and conducted based on the methodology of the MONICA/WHO Project. A total of 1214 people aged 25-64 years were recruited using cluster sampling and assessed regarding standardized methods. BP was measured in seated position after a 10-min rest period. Blood samples were gathered and analysed according to standard methods. Variables were assessed in 1191 participants (416 men; 775 women). Mean age was higher in hypertensives compared to normotensives (P < 0.001). Mean Hcy was higher in hypertensives, but significant only in men (P < 0.031). Concurrent effects of Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 on hypertension indicated that Hcy acts as a risk factor and folate and vitamin B12 as protective factors; however, after adjustment, just vitamin B12 remained as a protective factor. Although we detected a simple correlation of Hcy with BP in Iranian adults, this relationship was no longer significant after applying an adjustment. In light of our observations, it is likely that the increased Hcy levels reported in hypertensive persons are concomitant rather than a precursor of hypertension.     

Malnutrition among preschool-aged autistic children in Oman

To assess prevalence of malnutrition indicators among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 Omani autistic children 3–5 years of age. Based on standardized z-scores, the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 9.2 per 100 preschool ASD children (95% CI 4.1, 11.6). The most common type of malnutrition was underweight (3.9; 95% CI 0.5, 7.3), followed by wasting (3.1; 95% CI 0.1, 6.1) and stunting (2.3; 95% CI 0.3, 5.0). Among boys, underweight and stunting were significantly higher than in girls, while wasting was more prevalent among girls. None of the participants showed evidence of overweight or obesity. The study indicates an overall tendency among autistic Omani children towards being malnourished.     

Scleral exposure alterations following Le Fort I osteotomy (with and without maxillary impaction) in skeletal class III patients: A before-and-after clinical trial

Purpose

Exposure of sclera below the iris in natural head positions is aesthetically undesirable. Studies on post-surgical changes in inferior scleral exposure following orthognathic surgery are scarce and mostly retrospective. The aim of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of Le Fort I osteotomy, a procedure for correction of malocclusion and maxillo-mandibular deformities, on the inferior scleral exposure and overall scleral surface area in skeletal class III patients.

Patient-provider interaction from the perspectives of type 2 diabetes patients in Muscat,Oman: a qualitative study

Background  

Patients' expectations and perceptions of the medical encounter and interactions are important tools in diabetes management. Some problems regarding the interaction during encounters may be related to a lack of communication skills on the part of either the physician or the patient.     

Pharmacological similarities between native brain and heterologously expressed alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors

1 We studied the pharmacological properties of native rat brain and heterologously expressed rat alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors immunoprecipitated onto a fixed substrate with the anti-alpha4 antibody mAb 299. 2 Immunodepletion with the anti-beta2 antibody mAb 270 showed that 89% of the mAb-299-precipitated rat brain receptors contained beta2. 3 The association and dissociation rate constants for 30 pM +/-[3H]-epibatidine binding to alpha4beta2 receptors expressed in oocytes were 0.02+/-0.01 and 0.03+/-0.01 min-1 (+/-standard error, degrees of freedom=7 - 8) at 20 - 23 degrees C. 4 The Hill coefficients for +/-[3H]epibatidine binding to the native brain, alpha4beta2 receptors expressed in oocytes, and alpha4beta2 receptors expressed in CV-1 cells (using recombinant adenovirus) were 0.69 - 0.70 suggesting a heterogeneous receptor population. Fits of the +/-[3H]-epibatidine concentration-binding data to a two-site model gave KD s of 8 - 30 and 560 - 1,200 pM. The high-affinity sites comprised 73 - 74% of the native brain and oocyte alpha4beta2 receptor population, 85% of the CV-1 alpha4beta2 receptor population. 5 The expression of rat alpha4beta2 receptors in CV-1 cells using vaccinia viral infection-transfection resulted in a more homogeneous receptor population (Hill coefficient of 1. 0+/-0.2). Fits of the +/-[3H]-epibatidine binding data to a single-site model gave a KD of 40+/-3 pM. 6 DHbetaE (IC50=260-470 nM) and the novel nicotine analogue NDNI (IC50=7-10 microM) inhibited 30 pM+/-[3H]-epibatidine binding to the native brain and heterologously expressed alpha4beta2 receptors equally well. 7 The results show that alpha4beta2-containing nicotinic receptors in the rat brain and heterologously expressed rat alpha4beta2 receptors have similar affinities for +/-[3H]-epibatidine, DHbetaE, and NDNI.     

Cyclopamine increases the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and radiation but not cisplatin and gemcitabine in Hedgehog expressing pancreatic cancer cells

Introduction: The hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh) is frequently over expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We studied the potential cytotoxic interactions between cyclopamine, a Hh pathway inhibitor and paclitaxel, cisplatin, gemcitabine and ionizing radiation (IR). Methods: In vitro clonogenic survival analysis was performed with cyclopamine alone or cyclopamine in combination with paclitaxel, gemcitabine, cisplatin and IR in Hh expressing human pancreatic tumor cells and Hh non-expressing colon cancer cells. Relative cytotoxicity was assessed in combination treatment compared with exposure to single agents. Assays of apoptosis (annexin V) were performed in the presence of cyclopamine, chemotherapeutic agents, and IR. Results: We report that cyclopamine increased the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and IR in Hh expressing pancreatic carcinoma cells. These effects were not observed in Hh non-expressing cells. Cyclopamine did not significantly increase killing by cisplatin or gemcitabine in Hh expressing pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusions: These data suggest strategies to combine Hh inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents, specifically paclitaxel and related compounds in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.Z. Shafaee and H. Schmidt contributed equally to this work.