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Supplementation of sperm cooling medium with helpful additives is a reasonable method to conserve sperm fertility potential during cooling storage process. This study was aimed to determine the effect of sperm cooling medium supplementation with Zinc and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NZn and NZnO) on rooster semen quality and fertility efficiency during storage periods. Semen samples were diluted in the Lake medium and assigned into five equal aliquots. The first was Control group and the other groups received 50 µg/ml NZn, 50 µg/ml NZnO, 100 µg/ml NZn and 100 µg/ml NZnO. Then, the samples were cooled at 5 °C and conserved up to 45 h. Total motility, progressive motility, mitochondrial activity, viability, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation of samples were analyzed during 0, 22 and 45 h post-cooling. Artificial insemination was also performed using 22- hrs cooled semen. No difference was found among groups during quality evaluations at 0 h storage. Extender supplementation with 100 µg/ml NZn and NZnO presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, mitochondrial activity, viability, membrane integrity and lower lipid peroxidation compared to other groups during 22 and 45 h cooling storage. Fertility rate of 22-h cooled-stored semen samples was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in groups contained 100 µg/ml NZn and NZnO compared to the Control group. In conclusion, addition of 100 µg/ml NZn and NZnO to the sperm storage medium could be introduced as an effective method to preserve rooster semen quality during cooling storage period.

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Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of sugar beet hairy roots expressing single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was exploited to evaluate the efficacy of four antibody-based constructs for interfering with the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus infection. The scFv specific to a major coat protein of virus, p21, was targeted to various cellular compartments including the cytosol (pIC and pICC constructs), apoplast (pIA), and mitochondrion (pIM). After mechanical virus inoculation, most of the hairy root clones expressing scFv in the cytosol displayed low virus titers while the majority of transgenic hairy root clones accumulated antibody in outer membrane of mitochondria or apoplast were infected. This hairy root system provided an efficient and rapid approach to initially investigating root disease resistance like rhizomania prior to transform whole recalcitrant plants such as sugar beet.

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The spread of graphene in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) improves LDPE/graphene nanocompounds' thermal/mechanical/electrical characteristics. The images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verify full graphene exfoliation at 1000 °C. Inclusion graphene develops crystallinity; increases the local order of lattice and thermal stability of LDPE/graphene nanocompounds. The consistent distributions and further inclusion of graphene caused the great heat breakdown strength, increasing heat breakdown activation energy and a superior melting point (Tm) for LDPE nanocompounds. Percolation occurs with the graphene incorporation of 0.5 wt%. The complex viscosity test showed Newtonian behavior for LDPE at a very low frequency. But, graphene inclusion to LDPE changed the viscosity performance from liquid-like to solid-like which caused a decrease in the melt flow rate (MFR) values for all LDPE/graphene nanocompounds.

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Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly skin cancers, and, in its advanced stages, accounts for > 80% mortality. The incidence of melanoma is increasing worldwide; however, beyond surgical removal of the tumour, there is currently no curative therapy available, especially for its advanced stages. This may, in part, be owing to incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the initiation and/or progression of melanoma to metastasis. The molecular mechanisms leading to the development and progression of melanoma are the focus of intense investigation, and many genetic/epigenetic alterations affecting melanoma progression and development have been identified. microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important causal modulators in the development and progression of melanoma. The understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of tumours has grown immensely over the last few years, as it has been understood to regulate most biological processes. Here, we review the currently available data on miRNAs associated with melanoma, highlighting those deregulated miRNAs that target important genes and pathways involved in the progression of melanocytes to primary and metastatic melanoma. We also review their potential clinical utility as biomarkers and potential use in targeted therapy.

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The last few years have witnessed the dawn of the molecular era in melanoma treatment. With the advent of successful therapy targeting mutant BRAF, melanoma is leading the field of cancer research in the molecular approach to therapy of advanced disease. Attempting to keep pace with advances in therapy are advances in the molecular assessment of melanoma progression, facilitated by the availability of genome-wide approaches to interrogate the malignant phenotype. At the DNA level, this has included approaches such as comparative genomic hybridization. At the RNA level, this has consisted of gene expression profiling using various assay methodologies. In certain instances, markers identified using these platforms have been further examined and developed using fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis. In this article, we will review recent progress in the development of novel molecular markers for melanoma that are nearing clinical application. We will review developments in the molecular classification of melanoma, in the molecular diagnosis of melanoma, and in the molecular assessment of melanoma prognosis.

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Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct that has been linked with obesity. To explore profiles of impulsive behavior potentially associated with adolescent weight status, we measured multiple dimensions of impulsivity (delay discounting, sustained attention, and behavioral disinhibition) using laboratory behavioral tasks in a sample of adolescents (N=61). For comparison purposes, we also assessed self-reported impulsive behavior with the BIS-11-A. Participants differed in body mass index: obese (n=21), overweight (n=20), and healthy-weight (n=20). Obese and overweight adolescents were more impulsive on the measure of delay discounting than healthy-weight adolescents, but no difference was found between obese and overweight adolescents on this measure. Obese adolescents also were more impulsive on the measure of inattention compared to overweight and healthy-weight adolescents, who did not differ on this measure. Behavioral disinhibition had no association with weight status, nor did the self-report measure of impulsivity. The additive pattern of these findings for certain laboratory behavioral measures indicates that obese adolescents are more impulsive than their healthy-weight counterparts on two dimensions of behavior, whereas overweight adolescents are more impulsive on only one dimension. Consequently, adolescents who are impulsive on two dimensions of behavior (i.e., delay discounting and sustained attention) may be at greater risk of becoming obese rather than overweight compared to adolescents who are impulsive on only one dimension of behavior (i.e., delay discounting).

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OBJECTIVE: Accurate and rapid diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is of major medical and economic importance. The objective of this study was to identify unstimulated whole saliva creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in patients with acute MI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in 30 normal healthy individuals and 30 patients with acute MI were hospitalized in CCU of Kamkar hospital, Qom, Iran. CPK levels were assayed in serum and unstimulated whole saliva at the first and the second days of acute MI by IFCC method. Statistical analysis of the Student's t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. RESULTS: The mean saliva and serum levels at both the first and the second days of acute MI were significantly higher in patients with acute MI compared with healthy individuals. They were significantly greater in the first day than in the second day. Saliva CPK concentration correlated significantly with serum CPK level in the first day (r = 0.442, P < 0.01) and in the second day of acute MI (r = 0.268, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that salivary CPK can be used as an alternative to serum CPK for diagnosis and monitoring of myocardial infarction.

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WHAT IS KNOWN: Herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia but with variable response. Crocus sativus (saffron) may inhibit the aggregation and deposition of amyloid ß in the human brain and may therefore be useful in Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of saffron in the treatment of mild to moderate AD. METHODS: Forty-six patients with probable AD were screened for a 16-week, double-blind study of parallel groups of patients with mild to moderate AD. The psychometric measures, which included AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), and clinical dementia rating scale-sums of boxes, were performed to monitor the global cognitive and clinical profiles of the patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive capsule saffron 30 mg/day (15 mg twice per day) (Group A) or capsule placebo (two capsules per day) for a 16-week study. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, saffron produced a significantly better outcome on cognitive function than placebo (ADAS-cog: F=4·12, d.f.=1, P=0·04; CDR: F=4·12, d.f.=1, P=0·04). There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of observed adverse events. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggests that at least in the short-term, saffron is both safe and effective in mild to moderate AD. Larger confirmatory randomized controlled trials are called for.

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In this research, total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) and collective dose (CD) are calculated for the most adverse potential accident in Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant from the viewpoint of radionuclides release to the environment. Calculations are performed using a Gaussian diffusion model and a slightly modified version of AIREM computer code to adopt for conditions in Bushehr. The results are comparable with the final safety analysis report which used DOZAM code. Results of our calculations show no excessive dose in populated regions. Maximum TEDE is determined to be in the WSW direction. CD in the area around the nuclear power plant by a distance of 30 km (138 man Sv) is far below the accepted limits. Thyroid equivalent dose is also calculated for the WSW direction (maximum 25.6 mSv) and is below the limits at various distances from the reactor stack.

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The altered expression of both p53 and erbB2 is strongly related to the disease status and the outcome of bladder cancers. We examined the antitumor efficacy by the modulation of these genetic alterations with a newly designed dual-gene-expressing adenovirus (Ad-p53/erbB2Rz), which expresses p53 and anti-erbB2 ribozyme simultaneously in human bladder cancer cells. Cell growth inhibition efficacy along with biological responses of this virus was compared with other viral vectors (Ad-p53, which expresses wild-type p53 cDNA, and Ad-erbB2Rz, which expresses anti-erbB2 ribozyme, solely or in combination). Sufficient transgene expression in targeted cells and the altered expression of the targeted genes and their encoded proteins were obtained by each therapeutic vector. Each of the three therapeutic viral vectors inhibited bladder cancer cell growth, and the putative additive antitumor effect was shown by the combination of two of the therapeutic vectors. Furthermore, Ad-p53/erbB2Rz had superior therapeutic efficacy when the same titers of viruses were infected. Nonspecific vector-related toxicity was minimized by reducing the total amount of viral titers by using the dual-gene-expressing adenovirus. Modulation of multiple genetic abnormalities might enhance the therapeutic efficacy, and vector-related toxicity could be minimized when the total amount of viral titers are reduced.

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Due to the interesting anti-proliferative properties of copper-thiosemicarbazone complexes, the production of a (61)Cu-labeled thiosemicarbazone, i.e. 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (APTS) was investigated. Copper-61 (T(1/2)=3.33 h) was produced via the (64)Zn(p,alpha)(61)Cu nuclear reaction using a natural zinc target irradiated with 22 MeV protons for 500 microAh. The (61)Cu was separated from the irradiated target material by a two-step method and converted to acetate; this yielded a final activity of 222 GBq (6.0 Ci), with a radiochemical yield of >95%. The (61)Cu-acetate was mixed with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone for 30 min at room temperature to yield [(61)Cu]APTS with a radiochemical yield of more than 80%. Colorimetric methods showed that residual chemical impurities in the product were below the accepted limits. Radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC) showed a radiochemical purity of more than 99% after C(18) column chromatography. A specific activity of about 370-740 MBq/mmol (10-20 Ci/mmol) was obtained. The stability of the final product was checked in the absence and presence of human serum at 37 degrees C for up to 3 h. The partition coefficient of the final complex was also determined.

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Selenium-75 (t1/2 = 120.4d; 100% EC) was prepared in no-carrier-added form by 22MeV proton-bombardment of natural arsenic(III) oxide powder held in a copper-aluminum drawer target (highest yield, 35 microCi/microAh; maximum current, 6 microA), followed by oxidation to [75Se]selenium(IV) oxide. No-carrier-added [75Se]5-ethoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-1,2,3-selenadiazole was prepared in one step from ethylacetoacetate semicarbazone with [75Se]selenium(IV) oxide in glacial acetic acid at 50 degrees C. Column chromatography of the final solution afforded the desired labeled compound in 30% yield and greater than 98% radiochemical purity.

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Bacteroides forsythus has emerged as a crucial periodontal pathogen with possible implications for systemic disease. The aim of this study was to isolate the S-layer from B. forsythus and examine its virulence potential as a part of efforts to characterize virulence factors of B. forsythus. The role of the S-layer in the haemagglutinating and adherent/invasive activities was evaluated. It was observed that the S-layer alone was able to mediate haemagglutination. In adherent and invasive studies, transmission electron microscopy clearly revealed that B. forsythus cells were able to attach to and invade KB cells, showing the formation of a microvillus-like extension around adherent and intracellular bacteria. The quantitative analysis showed that five different B. forsythus strains exhibited attachment (1.9-2.3 %) and invasion (0.4-0.7 %) capabilities. It was also observed through antibody inhibition assays that adherent/invasive activities of B. forsythus are mediated by the S-layer. Furthermore, an in vivo immunization study adopting a murine abscess model was used to prove that the S-layer is involved in the infectious process of abscess formation. While mice immunized with purified S-layer and B. forsythus whole cells did not develop any abscesses when challenged with viable B. forsythus cells, unimmunized mice developed abscesses. Collectively, the data obtained from these studies indicate that the S-layer of B. forsythus is a virulence factor.

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The results of treatment for pulmonary abscess and gangrene in 565 patients are analyzed. The treatment was conducted according to peculiarities of clinical course of the disease. The method of first choice is complex conservative treatment with performance of draining and delayed operations according to the indications.

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Oral and subgingival samples from periodontal lesions were collected from 54 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and 20 HIV-negative patients and cultured for yeast species. Of the 54 samples cultured from HIV-positive patients, 44 (82%) were positive for yeast species, of which 29 (66%) were subgingival. A total of 19 (48%) patients were positive for Candida dubliniensis, of which 15 (79%) were colonized in subgingival sites. Seven isolates of Candida glabrata, two isolates of Candida parapsilosis, and one isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were recovered. This study reports for the first time the recovery of C. dubliniensis from subgingival intraoral sites and confirms the presence of Candida species in sites of periodontal disease associated with HIV.

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BACKGROUND: Despite refinements in the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), since 1979 there have been no changes to the staging of CTCL used to classify mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the current staging of CTCL and examined the usefulness of a new staging scheme for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. METHODS: We determined overall survival of 450 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome using the current and modified staging classifications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between survival of patients with stage IB (patches/plaques involving greater than 10% body surface area) and IIA (peripheral adenopathy) disease and of patients with stage IIB (tumor) and III (erythroderma) disease. There was a significant difference in survival between patients with extensive patch versus extensive plaque stage disease. Modification of the current classification by splitting T2 into patch versus plaque stage disease and incorporating tumors and erythroderma into stage III proved superior to the current scheme in predicting overall survival. CONCLUSION: Modification of the current staging classification for CTCL yields subgroups useful in the prognostic assessment of CTCL.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of vascular invasion as a prognostic factor in melanoma. DESIGN: Retrospective survival analysis. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: A total of 526 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma from the University of California, San Francisco, Melanoma Center database with 2 years of follow-up or documented relapse. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Presence of vascular involvement defined as vascular invasion with tumor cells within blood or lymphatic vessels; or uncertain vascular invasion, with melanoma cells immediately adjacent to the endothelium. (2) Percentage with metastasis or death and relapse-free and overall survival. RESULTS: The presence of either type of vascular involvement significantly increased the risk of relapse and death and reduced the survival associated with melanoma. The impact of vascular involvement on these outcomes was similar to that of ulceration. In a multivariate analysis, vascular involvement was the second most important factor (after tumor thickness) in the primary tumor in predicting survival. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular involvement is an important independent predictor of metastasis and survival in melanoma. The phenomenon of uncertain vascular invasion describes an earlier step than definite vascular invasion in tumor progression.

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BACKGROUND/AIMS: The decision to operate on a patient with acute abdominal pain comes to the mind of the surgeon if routine investigations fail to identify the cause. A negative laparotomy may have complications, while laparoscopy appears to be a valuable way to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of acute abdominal pain and offers a promising modality of treatment. METHODOLOGY: The study included 100 patients with provisional diagnosis of acute abdomen after clinical examination and conventional diagnostic aids. All the patients have been subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy. RESULTS: Eight cases (8%) were managed by laparotomy following diagnosis by laparoscope (disturbed ectopic pregnancy), while 92 cases (92%) were managed laparoscopically which resulted in 81 cases (81%) of successful laparoscopic procedure (31 appendectomies, 19 cholecystectomies, 12 ovarian cyst accident, and others) and 11 cases (11%) were converted to open surgery (4 gallbladder empyema, 2 appendicular mass, 2 intestinal obstruction, and others). Postoperative complications were two cases of wound infection managed conservatively (perforated appendix). The postoperative follow-up for six months was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic management of acute abdomen is a safe and effective method with the advantages of small scar, short hospital stay and early recovery.

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Merkel cell or cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma is a malignant tumor with a propensity toward local and systemic recurrence. A new surgical technique, intraoperative lymphatic mapping and selective sentinel lymph node dissection (SSLND), has been demonstrated to have a high predictive value for the detection of metastatic disease in the regional lymphatic basin in cutaneous melanoma. The use of this technology may be particularly useful to accurately stage patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) because this tumor has a frequent propensity toward regional nodal metastases. Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and SSLND were performed on 6 patients with biopsy-proven MCC. Three patients with MCC had positive disease in the sentinel lymph node(s). SSLND is a feasible technique with minimal procedural morbidity to detect clinically occult disease in patients with MCC.

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