Therapeutic potential of quercetin on human breast cancer in different dimensions

Background: There has been an extensive range of incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC), and the comprehensively available treatments for BC have not been completely successful in achieving satisfactory outcomes up to date. Hypothesis: Recently, we are watching intense attention paid to the utilization of natural compounds as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Quercetin, a dietary flavonol in a large group of commonly consumed foods, is widely illustrated to apply inhibitory effects on cancer progression through several mechanisms including apoptosis enhancement, cell cycle arrest, metastasis and angiogenesis inhibition, antioxidant replication and estrogen receptor modulation. Methods: We reviewed the most relevant papers published from 2009 to 2018 (except 15 articles), using �pub med� and �web of science� and the search terms �Quercetin�; �Breast cancer�; �Flavonoid�; �Apoptosis�; �Cell cycle�; �chemotherapy�; �Drug resistance�; �Metastasis; �Oxidative stress�, �Breast cancer receptors� and �Quercetin derivatives�. We selected studies on the association of quercetin with breast cancer in different dimensions. Results: Despite the remarkable number of studies on quercetin�s efficacy, multiple aspects of this herbal compound have not been clarified well and this review provides a summarized update of the recent evidence on biologically available efficacies of quercetin which would establish a further biological basis for the potential therapeutic acquisition of quercetin as an anticancer drug. Conclusion: Basic, epidemiological and genetic studies point to the potential role of quercetin in the treatment of breast cancer, but randomized and controlled trials are of great importance to establish the clinical efficacy of quercetin in ill or at-risk subjects. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Molecular pathology of 6 novel GJB2 allelic variants detected in familial and sporadic Iranian non syndromic hearing loss cases

Background: Mutations of GJB2 gene encoding connexion 26 are the most common cause of hearing loss in many populations. A very wide spectrum of GJB2 gene mutations associated with hearing loss have been detected but pathogenic role has been tested only for a part of them. In this study, we have provided genetic evidence on the pathogenicity of our previously reported novel GJB2 allelic variants. Methods: The pathogenic role of GJB2 allelic variants were assessed using co segregation of each allelic variant with hearing loss in family members, absence of the allelic variants in control populations, coexistence with a second GJB2 mutation, nature of the amino acid substitution and evolutionary conservation of the appropriate amino acid. Results: The GJB2 allelic variants including 363delC, 327delGGinsA, H16R and G200R have been co segregated with autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss in five families and are not found in control subjects. The G130V and K102Q were found in heterozygous state in two deaf individuals. G130V results in an exchange a residue highly conserved among all the connexins but was found with a rate of 1% in control subjects and K102Q results in an exchange a residue not conserved among all the connexins and not identified in control subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that, 363delC, 327delGGinsA, H16R and G200R may be pathogenic. However, the pathogenicity and inheritance of K102Q and G130V can not be assessed clearly and remains to be identified

First Detection of Leishmania major DNA in Sergentomyia (Spelaeomyia) darlingi from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Foci in Mali

Leishmania major complex is the main causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in the Old World. Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus duboscqi are recognized vectors of L. major complex in Northern and Southern Sahara, respectively. In Mali, ZCL due to L. major is an emerging public health problem, with several cases reported from different parts of the country. The main objective of the present study was to identify the vectors of Leishmania major in the Bandiagara area, in Mali. Methodology/Principal Findings: An entomological survey was carried out in the ZCL foci of Bandiagara area. Sandflies were collected using CDC miniature light traps and sticky papers. In the field, live female Phlebotomine sandflies were identified and examined for the presence of promastigotes. The remaining sandflies were identified morphologically and tested for Leishmania by PCR in the ITS2 gene. The source of blood meal of the engorged females was determined using the cyt-b sequence. Out of the 3,259 collected sandflies, 1,324 were identified morphologically, and consisted of 20 species, of which four belonged to the genus Phlebotomus and 16 to the genus Sergentomyia. Leishmania major DNA was detected by PCR in 7 of the 446 females (1.6%), specifically 2 out of 115 Phlebotomus duboscqi specimens, and 5 from 198 Sergentomyia darlingi specimens. Human DNA was detected in one blood-fed female S. darlingi positive for L. major DNA. Conclusion: Our data suggest the possible involvement of P. duboscqi and potentially S. darlingi in the transmission of ZCL in Mali

The influence of anisotropy in numerical modelling of orthogonal cutting of cortical bone

Cutting operations in bone are involved in surgical treatments in orthopaedics and traumatology. The importance of guaranteeing the absence of damage in the living workpiece is equivalent in this case to ensuring surface quality. The knowledge in this field is really far from the expertise in industrial cutting of mechanical components. Modeling of bone cutting is a challenge strongly dependent on the accurate modeling of mechanical behaviour of the bone. This paper focuses on modeling of orthogonal cutting of cortical bone. The intrinsic anisotropic nature of the cortical bone that makes it comparable to a composite material is taken into account. The influence of anisotropy is analysed comparing this behaviour with an isotropic approach. It is shown that both chip morphology and temperature are affected by the anisotropy of the cortical bone that acts as a workpiece.The authors acknowledge the financial support for the work to the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain under the Project DPI2011-25999 and DPI2013-46643-R.Santiuste, C.; Rodríguez Millán, M.; Giner Maravilla, E.; Miguélez, H. (2014). The influence of anisotropy in numerical modelling of orthogonal cutting of cortical bone. Composite Structures. 116:423-431. doi:10.1016/j.compstruct.2014.05.031S42343111

Effect of cutting speed parameters on the surface roughness of Al5083 due to recrystallization

In the present study, the effect of machining parameters and recrystallization on surface quality of Al5083 has been investigated. In order to achieve minimum surface roughness of aluminum 5083 samples, statistical test design method of "full factorial" was used. In order to achieve the phenomenon of recrystallization, aluminum 5083 samples were set under 50 % cold rolling mechanical operations. Then, the rolled samples were annealed for 2.5 to 240 min at 250 °C. The stress-strain curves were obtained from tensile tests. Then, dry machining was carried out on the original and crystallized samples under the same conditions. Results of surface roughness, tensile, and microstructure tests indicated the reduction of surface roughness in the crystallized sample

Head lice prevalence and associated factors in primary schools in Karun County, Khuzestan Province, Iran

Head lice infection is one of the most common diseases of all ages and has a global spread. The disease is more common in areas with high population density and lack of public health. Population growth and poor health are factors that exacerbate this infestation. It is transmitted through two main mechanisms; direct contact from one host to another, or through objects, of course, the main way of transmission is through head-to-head contact. Studies of children around the world show that the prevalence of head lice infection is less than 10, sometimes as high as 40 or more. According to the World Health Organization, Iran is one of the most infested regions in the world. Due to the fact that the prevalence of pediculosis capitals in primary schools in the county of Karun (southwestern Iran) has not been studied so far and due to the health importance of this disease, the need for this study was felt. For this purpose, a study was conducted to determine the rate of head lice infection in primary school pupils in this county and the factors influencing it in 2017. In this descriptive-analytical study, 751 male and female pupils were examined. Pupils were selected by a stratified cluster random sampling. Using the questionnaire, information about pupils' personal and family characteristics and other related information were completed. The hair on the head, back of the neck, and around the students' ears was examined to find out nits or live lice. Analysis was done by Chi-square I tests using SPSS software, version 18. A P- value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. At the time of the study, 217 pupils (28.9) were infested with head lice. The prevalence of infestation in girls (37.6) was significantly higher than in boys (20.3). The rate of nit infestation was 61.3, and in 38.7 of cases both live lice and nits were found. In this study, 37.2 of pupils reported itching in the head and statistically, there was a significant relationship between Pediculosis capitis and itching in the head. Furthermore, this significant relationship was observed between head lice infestation and each of these factors: gender, pupil grade in all schools, grade in all-girls schools, father's educational level and occupation, family size, connection to piped water, presence of a hygienic bathroom at home, number of showers per week, co-sleeping, awareness of head lice infestation, presence of a health educator at school, infestation in the family, previous history of infestation, access to healthcare services, appearance of pupils with respect to hygiene, use of a shared comb, frequency of combing per day, use of a shared towel or of a shared scarf, type, length, density and color of hair, dandruff and head itching. The relatively high prevalence of head lice among students in Karun County requires inter-population cooperation between the Department of Education and health service centers. It seems necessary to teach health education to students in various fields of health, especially personal hygiene in order to physically fight the spread of this infestation

Descriptive-Analytical Evaluation of Scorpion Sting Incidence in Masjed-Soleyman County, Southwestern Iran

Scorpions are dangerous for humans due to having deadly and toxic sting. Scorpion sting is a major public health challenge in many countries. The south and southwest of Iran with about 95 species of scorpions are the most heavily occupied regions in the country. Khuzestan Province is highlighted for its scorpions and scorpionism amongst the provinces of Iran. Khuzestan with 19 species of scorpions is one of the most important regions in terms of scorpionism problem in the southwestern Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of survey epidemiology of scorpion sting in Masjed-Soleyman County from 2015 till 2017. This research is a descriptive - analytical study. All the scorpionism cases who were referred to the 22-Bahman Hospital of Masjed-Soleyman during the study period were included in this research. The required information was extracted from the patients' recorded data in the hospital. Information for each case were recorded in a special checklist and imported into the computer for statistical analysis. Epidemiologic and demographic data were analyzed using the software SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage were used for data analysis. The Chi square test (X-2) and the T test were used to compare variables. P- values of 0.05 or less were considered statistically significant. Out of 11685 cases of scorpionism, 5894 cases were women (50.5 ) and 5791 cases were men (49.5). Most cases (25 and 24.3) were in the age groups between 10- 24 and 25-34 years old, respectively (P<0.01). Scorpion sting cases took place throughout the year, however the highest frequency happened in May (1637, 14) (P<0.05). Moreover, results showed that the highest rate of scorpion stings cases occurred in summer (36.5) followed by spring (35.4) (P<0.05). The place of residence was rural district in 3551 (30.3) patients and the urban in 8134 (69.7) (P<0.05). Among 11685 cases of scorpion sting, 4538 (38.8) were found on hand, and 3956 (33.8) on leg. About 31.3 of scorpion cases did not receive any the antiscorpion venom vaccine. The rest of the stung patients received the antiscorpion venom vaccine within 6 hours after the sting. No cases were exposed to multiple stings. Nocturnal and diurnal stings accounted for 78.2 and 21.8 of stings, respectively (P<0.05). All scorpion sting cases have gotten better throughout the study and one death (a five- year- old girl, stinged by Androctonus cradssicauda from the leg in 2015) have been reported. Scorpionism information are able to guide responsible persons to reduce the cases of scorpion sting. Considering that the highest percentage of scorpion stings have been reported in urban regions accordingly, training prevention methods of scorpion sting to urban people and also development and improving human dwellings can greatly reduce the scorpion sting

Epidemiological analysis of snakebite victims in southwestern Iran

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of snakebites and associated epidemiologic factors in Khorram-shahr County, Iran, between 2013 and 2017.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. Information was collected and recorded via questionnaires. Snakebite data included gender, age, occurrence regions, bite site, time of being bitten, month and season. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and t-tests with SPSS version 18.Results: A total of 102 cases of snakebites occurred in Khorram-shahr County of Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. There were 75 men (73.5) and 27 women (26.4), without significant difference in incidence. The highest frequency of snakebites was observed in the age group of 41-50 years with 28 cases (27.4). In total, 58 cases (56.9) occurred in urban areas and 44 cases (43.1) in rural areas. No statistically significant difference was observed between the age groups or residential areas. Snakebites occurred in May with 19 cases (18.6), spring with 45 (44.1) and summer with 45 (44.1). The results showed significant difference among different seasons and months of the year. Snakebites were in feet in 62 cases (60.8) and hands in 36 cases (35.3) which were bitten more than other organs, respectively, with significant difference among different bite sites in the body. The highest and lowest frequencies of snakebites were observed between 18:00 and 24:00 with 43 cases (42.2) and between 6:00 and 12:00 with 14 cases (13.7), with a significant difference among different hours of the day.Conclusions: Useful information about snakebites, venomous snakes, their hazards, prevention of bites and the importance of early hospital referral and treatment of victims should be provided to people using different educational tools