Conjugates of B cells and platelet microparticles in the human peripheral blood

Background: Activated platelets shed microparticles (MPs) in vivo and certainly in vitro under storage. Like platelets, platelet-derived MPs contribute to hemostatic and inflammatory responses. We sought to determine the interactions between platelet MPs and peripheral B lymphocytes in the healthy blood circulation to propose a possible role for platelet MPs in the functioning of B cells. Materials and Methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established to determine the normal interactions between human peripheral blood B lymphocytes and platelet MPs. B cells were isolated and bound to the wells of microtiter plates using coated anti-CD19. Then the presence of attached MPs was surveyed. Also, platelet MPs were separated from human platelet concentrates and applied to confirm the new binding capacities of B cells for these microvesicles. Results: Platelet MPs were recognized in the wells of ELISA in which only B cells were isolated. So MPs were bound with peripheral blood B cells. Furthermore, using this method, the role of CD40/ CD40L interaction was displayed for the binding. Conclusion: It seemed that the binding of platelet MPs to B cells normally took place in vivo and a percent of B cells circulate in blood in connection with platelet MPs

In Vitro Evaluation of Cell-Mediated Immunity to Epstein Barr Virus

This study was conducted to measure cell-mediated immune response in healthy Epstein Barr virus (EBV)–seropositive individuals using a tissue culture "growth inhibition" assay (regression assay) where peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were tested for their ability to inhibit the outgrowth of the autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Inhibition of the outgrowth of the autologous LCLs was seen after 4 weeks by the addition of PBLs from healthy EBV seropositive donors. The regression phenomenon was never seen when the donors of peripheral blood lymphocytes were EBV- seronegative. Regression assay showed that EBV- specific memory T cells were stable in healthy EBV seropositive over many years, which indicates the persistent nature of EBV infection

Assessment of Clindamycin and Erythromycin Resistance, and Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in Streptococcus Group B Isolated from Urinary Samples of Outpatient Women in Tehran

Background: Streptococcus group B (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is typically associated with neonatal disease and infection in pregnant women. Mortality of GBS sepsis in neonates is over 50% and is particularly high in preterm infants. GBS also causes invasive infection in pregnant and non-pregnant women including urinary tract infection (UTI). Penicillin-derived antibiotics remained as choice drugs for treatment of GBS infection; however, Erythromycin and Clindamycin are useful in cases of allergic to Penicillin. The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance to Erythromycin and Clindamycin, especially inducible Clindamycin resistance, in GBS isolated from urinary samples of women who attended medical offices in Tehran, Iran.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 5000 urine samples from Jan. 2011 to Oct. 2012 that 104 GBS were isolated. The isolates were identified as GBS using laboratory criteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by Erythromycin disk 15µg and Clindamycin disk 2µg for observation inducible resistant D-zone test by double-disk diffusion method with Erythromycin and adjacent Clindamycin.Results: Among the 5000 urine samples 104 (2.08%) were Beta hemolytic GBS. Of the 104 isolated GBS, 22 (21.2%) were resistance, 24 (23%) were intermediate, and 58 (55.8%) were susceptible to Erythromycin; however, 24 (23%) were resistance, 5 (4.8%) were intermediate, and 75 (72.2%) were susceptible to Clindamycin. Of the 22 Erythromycin-resistant isolates, 10 (9.5% in total GBS isolated) displayed the D zone; it means they have inducible Erythromycin resistant to Clindamycin.Conclusion: Various studies in other countries report lower rates of inducible Clindamycin resistance; it indicates the use of more macrolides in the treatment of UTI

Stimulatory effect of methyl jasmonate and squalestatin on phenolic metabolism through induction of LOX activity in cell suspension culture of yew

Cell suspension cultures of Taxus baccata were treated with 2 elicitor compounds, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and squalestatin (S), individually and in combination for 7 days to determine if they mediated the enhancement of biosynthesis of endogenous jasmonate through induction of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total antioxidants, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and LOX activities in 5-month-old yew cell cultures were studied. Our results showed that MeJA and S could stimulate production of phenol derivatives in cell suspension cultures of T. baccata. In parallel to the induction of phenolic production in elicited cells, results showed that activities of PAL and PPO enzymes and total antioxidants significantly increased in Taxus cells in response to MeJA and S. Maximal activities of lipoxygenase were obtained 48 h after treatment with MeJA (100 mu M), S (0.1 mu M), and the combination of the 2 elicitors. Results showed that MeJA and S are effective elicitors for increasing phenolic production in Taxus cell suspension cultures, likely through increasing LOX activity followed by an increase in endogenous jasmonate

Squalestatin-induced production of taxol and baccatin in cell suspension culture of yew (Taxus baccata L.)

Various elicitors have already been reported to enhance the production of taxol and related taxanes. In this study, effects of a fungal metabolite, squalestatin, on production of taxol and baccatin III were studied. Expressions of 4 key involved genes, ts, dbat, bapt, and dbtnbt, in suspension cultures of Taxus baccata were also detected using qPCR. Results showed that application of squalestatin significantly increased taxol and baccatin III yields. Increased expressions of the genes were in accordance with measures of taxol and baccatin accumulations in cells and medium. Production of H2O2 has significant positive correlations with both gene expression and taxanes, indicating that the increase in H2O2 might be involved in the upregulation of the taxane production in yew under squalestatin treatment. Our results suggest that H2O2 is a key signaling component in the stimulation of taxane production in T. baccata cells induced by squalestatin

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer — a feasibility study using cervical injection of radiotracer and blue dye

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection using preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intra-operative gamma probe/blue dye for endometrial cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty four consecutive patients with endometrial cancer were recruited. All patients underwent lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy using combined intracervical radiotracer and blue dye injections. Pelvic lymph node dissection was performed for all patients. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was done in high risk patients. All SLNs were examined by frozen section and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) permanent sections. RESULTS: Pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy showed at least one SLN in 21/24 patients. Intra-operatively, at least one SLN could be harvested by gamma probe and/or blue dye methods. A total of 95 SLNs were detected. Four SLNs were detected only by blue dye, 42 only by radiotracer, and 49 were hot/blue. Median number of SLN per patient was 3. Three patients had positive pelvic lymph nodes. All of them had positive SLN (no false negative case). Frozen section could identify SLN involvement in two of three patients with positive pathology. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy is feasible and accurate in endometrial cancer patients using combined radiotracer and blue dye methods. Frozen section accuracy was lower and underscores the importance of expert pathologists for SLN mapping technique.

Formulation and Evaluation of Rose Oil Nanoemulsion %0.1 on Skin Properties

Introduction: One of the causes of the skin drying is lack of oil secretion by sebaceous glands in skin. Then this can make skin sensitive to environmental factors and some substances. Ancient Iranians have used rose water for washing the face and increase moister of skin. Nano-emulgel Due to its high stability, biocompatibility and proper solubility in water are considered as good carriers for targeted drug delivery, and have a good potential for drug delivery because they have the properties of nanoparticles of colloids and hydrogels simultaneously. In this research, effects of rose oil nanoemulgel %0.1 are evaluated on the normal and dried skin. Methods and Results: Different formulations of rose oil were evaluated using suitable surfactants. Then the best ratio of nano-emulgel Red flowers and sustainability criteria were determined. Rose oil components were identified by GC/MS. Clinical studies were conducted for an eight-week on 60 healthy volunteers in two groups. A nano-emulgel %0.1 rose oils and other non-essential emulgel with the same basic materials were used and the amount of sebum secretion, melanin, skin redness, hydration and elasticity of the skin and also complications were determined. Quantitative data analysis was done by using Chi-square test and P≤0.05 were considered significant. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the rose oils in skin hydration. Two groups with other characteristics such as the skin secretion of sebum, elasticity, pigmentation , and redness have shown similar effects. However, both groups did not show any complications. Conclusions: In this study, the main ingredient of essential oil is alcohol. The most important terpene alcohols are, 31% Nonadecane, 38% Citronellol, 23% Linalool , and 17% Heneicosane. The good effectiveness of Rose oil on increasing of skin moisture is the appropriate treatment of skin drying

Evaluation of synergistic therapeutic effect of shark cartilage extract with artemisinin and glucantime on visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice

Objective(s): Because leishmaniasis is related to the impaired functioning of T-cells, the use of an immunomodulator can increase the efficacy of antileishmanial therapy in visceral leishmaniasis. In this study, we used shark cartilage extract with artemisinin and glucantime against visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice, and evaluated the synergistic therapeutic effect. Materials and Methods: The culturing method and quantitative real-time PCR by using the kDNA gene was used to detect parasite loads in the spleen and liver. INF-γ and IL-4 cytokine levels and survival rates were assayed.Results: The drug therapy with target drugs reduced parasite burden in the spleen and liver significantly. Although parasite burden was lower in the artemisinin treated group than in the glucantime treated group (

Leiomyosarcoma with Unusual Macroscopic Features: A Case Report

Uterine sarcoma is a rare tumor of mesodermal origin, accounting for 2-6% of uterine malignancies. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) has been reported in only 1% of all uterine malignancies and is regarded as the most common primary uterine sarcoma. Herein, we present a case of LMS with unusual macroscopic features. The patient was a 61-year-old woman with LMS, which consisted of a large cystic mass (88×136 mm), containing six liters of brownish fluid on the right side of the pelvis and abdomen. The fundus of the uterus was ruptured by the solid part of the tumor. For treatment, total hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy and the optimal resection of tumoral parts were carried out. Overall, the distinctive biological behavior and poor overall survival of uterine sarcoma challenge the post-operative management of this tumor. According to the one-year follow-up, the patient was disease-free. Unfortunately, no further information is at hand beyond this period

The Therapeutic Effect of Endoscopic Tumor Resection on Acromegalic Cardiomegaly in Patients With Pituitary Adenoma

Background: Acromegaly defines as chronic elevations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH), which results in enlargement of organs and soft tissues. Cardiovascular complications of acromegaly such as cardiomegaly, hypertension contributing to a high risk of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to identify the determinants of the prevalence of cardiomegaly as cardiovascular comorbidity of acromegaly and the potential effect of the curative intervention.Methods: A total of 160 patients with acromegaly due to pituitary adenoma participated in this study. Acromegaly diagnosed was based on clinical manifestations, age-adjusted plasma IGF-I, and elevated plasma GH levels, not suppressible during an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g). Electrocardiogram and chest X-ray obtained in all patients. Treatment approaches included transsphenoidal surgery and hormonal evaluation performed before and six months after surgery.Results: The GH serum level was elevated in all patients before surgery, with a mean of 33.7 ng/mL that reached 5.7 ng/mL after surgery. Mean IGF-1 was 794.1 ng/mL that reached 395.6 ng/mL postoperatively. The prevalence of cardiomegaly was 15% that improved in 5% of patients after trans sphenoidal surgery.Conclusion: Appropriate surgical intervention in acromegaly that complicated by cardiomegaly may result in significant improvement of the cardiac structure