Glial cell and fibroblast cytotoxicity study on 4026-cyclotene photosensitive benzocyclobutene (BCB) polymer films

Photosensitive benzocyclobutene (photo-BCB) is a class of polymers with the trade name Cyclotene. The photoimagable property of Cyclotene makes it suitable for the manufacture of microelectronic devices. The motivation behind this study is that we see an exciting application of photo-BCB as substrates in implantable microelectronic biomedical devices due to several desirable properties distinctive from other polymer materials. To our knowledge, however, photo-BCB has never been tested for biomedical implant applications, as evidenced by the lack reported data on its biocompatibility. This study takes the first step towards assessing photo-BCB biocompatibility by evaluating the cytotoxicity and cell adhesion behavior of Cyclotene 4026 coatings exposed to monolayers of glial and fibroblast cells in vitro. It can be concluded from these studies that photo-BCB films deposited on silicon wafers using microfabrication processes did not adversely affect 3T3 fibroblast and T98-G glial cell function in vitro. We also successfully rendered photo-BCB films non-adhesive (no significant fibroblast or glial cell adhesion) with surface immobilized dextran using methods developed for other biomaterials and applications. Future work will further develop prototype photo-BCB microelectrode devices for chronic neural implant applications.     

Differential expression of FIZZ1 and Ym1 in alternatively versus classically activated macrophages

Alternatively activated macrophages (aaMphi) display molecular and biological characteristics that differ from those of classically activated macrophages (caMphi). Recently, we described an experimental model of murine trypanosomosis in which the early stage of infection of mice with a Trypanosoma brucei brucei variant is characterized by the development of caMphi, whereas in the late and chronic stages of infection, aaMphi develop. In the present study, we used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify genes that are expressed differentially in aaMphi versus caMphi elicited during infection with this T. b. brucei variant. We show that FIZZ1 and Ym1 are induced strongly in in vivo- and in vitro-elicited aaMphi as compared with caMphi. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the in vivo induction of FIZZ1 and Ym1 in macrophages depends on IL-4 and that in vitro, IFN-gamma antagonizes the effect of IL-4 on the expression of FIZZ1 and Ym1. Collectively, these results open perspectives for new insights into the functional properties of aaMphi and establish FIZZ1 and Ym1 as markers for aaMphi.     

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: altered CD8(+) T-cell subsets and T(H)1/T(H)2 cytokine imbalance

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause benign papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas in the genital and respiratory tracts. Recurrent respiratory papillomas (RRP) generate a high level of morbidity and significant mortality because of their location, resistance to treatment, and relentless recurrence that can vary in frequency in a given patient and between patients. We have found that T-cells from these patients, when exposed to or isolated from autologous papilloma tissue, have an elevated percentage of CD8(+), CD28(-) T-cells, and that T-cells from many of these patients express an increase in T(H)2-like cytokine mRNA in response to autologous papilloma tissue. Furthermore, both of these immunologic findings correlate with disease severity. These observations suggest that patients with RRP, and possibly others with refractory HPV-induced lesions, are unable to manage their disease with an appropriate and effective HPV-specific, T-cell response. This immune imbalance may be responsible for the development and severity of HPV-induced respiratory papillomatosis.     

传统与欠矫手术治疗部分调节性内斜视的比较

目的：评估传统与欠矫手术治疗部分调节性内斜视患者的效果。 方法：将25例具有部分调节性内斜视和正常AC／A的患者随机分为两组，其中13例患者接受传统手术治疗，其余12例患者接受欠矫手术治疗。传统手术是基于远距远视完全矫正所测量的偏差上，而欠矫手术比传统手术标准低20％。所有患者均进行对称性双眼内直肌后退术，术后随访6mo。 结果：术后6mo，传统组与欠矫组手术成功率分别为46％和91％（成功标准定义为通过近距和远距远视的完全矫正斜视≤8^△）。传统组和欠矫组的手术过矫率分别为54％和9％，两组间差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。没有残余内斜视。手术成功率或欠矫率与患者的年龄、术前等效球镜均值、术前眼偏斜量无相关性。 结论：对于具有正常AC／A的部分调节性内斜视患者，欠矫的双眼内直肌后退术成功率较高，过矫率较低。     

Synthesis and free radical scavenging activity of coumarin derivatives containing a 2-methylbenzothiazoline motif

Coumarin and benzothiazole scaffolds can be found in a number of natural or synthetic antioxidants. In an effort to develop a novel radical scavenger and potential antioxidant, a series of coumarin derivatives containing 2‐methylbenzothiazoline motif and related compounds was synthesized and evaluated for their DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS^?+ (2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals scavenging activities. Among them, 7‐hydroxy‐3‐(2‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one ( 3e ) has shown a significant free radical scavenging activity. From the structure–activity point of view, it was found that phenolic coumarin ring and benzothiazoline moiety in target compounds may contribute to the scavenging activity against free radicals.     

Sagittal back contour and craniofacial morphology in preadolescents

The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation ratios between the sagittal back contour (flèche cervicale and lombaire, trunk inclination) and selected parameters of craniofacial morphology in children. The patient sample consisted of 66 healthy children with a mean age of 11.2 years (SD 1.6 years), of which 34 were male (mean age 11.5 years, SD 1.3 years) and 32 were females (mean age 10.9 years, SD 1.9 years). The children were recruited during the preparation of the initial orthodontic treatment records. Craniofacial morphology was analyzed by six angular measurements: facial axis, mandibular plane angle, inner gonial angle, lower facial height, facial depth and maxilla position. Rasterstereography was used for reconstruction of the spinal back sagittal profile. From the profile flèche cervicale, flèche lombaire and trunk inclination were determined and the correlations with the craniofacial morphology were calculated (Pearson and Mann–Whitney U test). Significant correlations were found with respect to the inner gonial angle and the flèche cervicale, the mandibular plane angle and the flèche lombaire, the inner gonial angle and the flèche lombaire, and the angular lower facial height and the flèche lombaire, as well as the inner gonial angle and the trunk inclination. The craniofacial vertical growth pattern, presented by mandibular plane angle, inner gonial angle and the angular lower facial height, and the correlation to flèche cervicale and lombaire as well as trunk inclination reveal correlations between growth pattern and sagittal back contour.     

Modifiable Risk of Breast Cancer in Northeast Iran: Hope for the Future. A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Its prevalence is increasing annually by 2%. The determination of modifiable risk factors has been the subject of various studies. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of breast cancer in women in Golestan Province. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted among women with breast cancer recorded in the cancer registry system between 2004 and 2006 (n = 134), and their age-matched healthy neighbors (n = 133). Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Age at marriage, menarche and pregnancy, breast feeding, positive family history, marital status, and educational level were not significantly correlated with risk of breast cancer, but age at menopause (< 46.6 years) was significantly correlated (95% confidence interval 1.15-7.37; p = 0.021). Live births, still births, and infant deaths were not significantly different between the 2 groups. For other variables, such as smoking history, no odds ratio was calculated. CONCLUSION: Results show that there is no significant correlation between variables and risk of breast cancer in our population, except for age at menopause. A large cohort study is recommended.     

Suprapubic prostatectomy with a novel catheter

PURPOSE: We evaluated the postoperative morbidity and technical complications of a new handmade catheter used for suprapubic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 146 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who had indications for open prostatectomy were enrolled in the study from January 2003 to August 2004. Of the patients 96 were treated with a novel technique without a urethral catheter but with a special handmade cystostomy catheter, while the other 50 underwent the traditional procedure using cystostomy and a urethral catheter. The same surgical team operated on the 2 groups. Clot retention episodes, hemoglobin decreases, irritative symptoms, voiding status after cystostomy removal and incontinence were evaluated postoperatively. Three months later we followed the patients with symptom score, maximum flow rate and cystoscopic examination. RESULTS: Preoperatively mean International Prostate Symptom Score was 31.6 in each group. Postoperatively none of the patients with the novel catheter complained of significant irritative urinary symptoms, clot retention and true or stress urinary incontinence. Of the cohorts 94% were satisfied with voiding but 86% of controls were satisfied. There was no report of urinary tract infection or epididymo-orchitis in the cohorts, while we found epididymo-orchitis in 4 controls (8%). Three months after the operation the mean International Prostate Symptom Score was 4.4 (range 1 to 7) and the mean maximum flow rate was 22.6 ml per second (range 14 to 25) in patients with the novel catheter, and 4.2 (range 1 to 7) and 22.5 ml per second (range 15 to 25), respectively, in those with the traditional catheter. At followup there was no bladder neck contracture but 4 patients (4.1%) showed some degree of membranous urethral stricture. We also noted 7 controls (14%) with urethral stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral prostate resection has been introduced as the surgical treatment of choice in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, open adenomectomy still has a place. Urethral catheter-free suprapubic prostatectomy can be safely applied with a low postoperative risk of infection, incontinence and stricture formation.     

Photodynamic therapy of head and neck basal cell carcinoma according to different clinicopathologic features

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to treat different pathologic types of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) using photodynamic therapy (PDT). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty lesions in six patients underwent PDT. The photosensitizer used was Photoheme, a hematoporphyrin derivative IX. It was injected intravenously at the dose of 2-3.25 mg/kg. After 24 hours, the lesions were illuminated by laser light (lambda = 632 nm, light exposure dose = 100-200 J/cm2). Lesions were evaluated pre and post-operatively and at follow-up sessions (of up to 6 months). RESULTS: After a single session of PDT, the average response rate in different histopathologic kinds of basal cell carcinoma (e.g., ulcerative, superficial, nodular, and pigmented forms) were 100%, 62%, 90%, and 14%, respectively. In patients who responded completely, the cosmetic results were excellent and there were no recurrence at 6th month of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although PDT seems to be an effective treatment modality for superficial, ulcerative, and nodular BCCs, it is not recommended for pigmented lesions.     

The association between obesity and migraine in a population of Iranian adults: a case-control study

Aim

To assess the association between obesity and risk of migraine with aura and features of migraine attacks among a population of Iranian adults.