Diagnostic Value of Risk Nomogram for the Prediction of Postpartum Hemorrhage Following Vaginal Delivery

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is considered as one of the major causes of maternal mortality worldwide. The most effective risk factors have been suggested in various studies on risk nomogram for the prediction of PPH. Aim: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of the risk nomogram for the prediction of PPH. Method: This study was performed prospectively using diagnostic methods on 600 women admitted to Omolbanin Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, from May to October 2017. The researcher measured and recorded the loss of blood volume in mothers using plastic blood collection bags and pads within 4 h after delivery. Subsequently, risk nomogram was completed for each study sample and the probability score for PPH was calculated by the researcher’s assistants. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version 25). Ultimately, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of risk nomogram was plotted in this study. Results: The PPH occurred in 33.3% (n=200) of deliveries in this study. The area under the ROC curve was estimated at 81.2%. The point of 0.1 with 85.5% sensitivity and 51.5% specificity was also selected as the proposed cut-off point for this nomogram. Implications for practice: According to the results, the risk nomogram was considered as an appropriate method for the prediction of PPH. Therefore, it was recommended as a simple and noninvasive approach in childbirth for the prediction of PPH

KLF9 and JNK3 Interact to Suppress Axon Regeneration in the Adult CNS

Neurons in the adult mammalian CNS decrease in intrinsic axon growth capacity during development in concert with changes in Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLFs). KLFs regulate axon growth in CNS neurons including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Here, we found that knock-down of KLF9, an axon growth suppressor that is normally upregulated 250-fold in RGC development, promotes long-distance optic nerve regeneration in adult rats of both sexes. We identified a novel binding partner, MAPK10/JNK3 kinase, and found that JNK3 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3) is critical for KLF9\u27s axon-growth-suppressive activity. Interfering with a JNK3-binding domain or mutating two newly discovered serine phosphorylation acceptor sites, Ser106 and Ser110, effectively abolished KLF9\u27s neurite growth suppression in vitro and promoted axon regeneration in vivo. These findings demonstrate a novel, physiologic role for the interaction of KLF9 and JNK3 in regenerative failure in the optic nerve and suggest new therapeutic strategies to promote axon regeneration in the adult CNS

Establishment and Characterization of Primary Cultures from Iranian Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients by Enzymatic Method and Explant Culture

Objectives: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cancer worldwide. It is known as the eighth most common cancer in men and as the fifth most common cancer in women. Cytogenetic and biochemical studies in recent decades have emphasized the necessity of providing an appropriate tool for such researches. Cancer cell culture is a useful tool for investigations on biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological characteristics of different cancers, including oral cancer. Here, we explain the establishment process of five primary oral cancer cells derived from an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: The specimens were obtained from five oral cancer patients. Enzymatic, explant culture and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) methods were used for cell isolation. After quality control tests, characterization and authentication of primary oral cancer cells were performed by short tandem repeats (STR) profiling, chromosome analysis, species identification, and monitoring the growth, morphology and the expression of CD326 and CD133 markers. Results: Five primary oral cancer cells were established from an Iranian population. The flow cytometry results showed that the isolated cells were positive for CD326 and CD133 markers. Furthermore, the cells were free from mycoplasma, bacterial and fungal contamination. No misidentified or cross-contaminated cells were detected by STR analysis. Conclusions: Human primary oral cancer cells provide an extremely useful platform for studying carcinogenesis pathways of oral cancer in Iranian population. They may be helpful in explaining the ethnic differences in cancer biology and the individuality in anticancer drug response in future studies.