Advanced Biomedical Research
Volume:7 Issue: 11, Nov 2017

Many previous studies showed that maternal forced exercise can reduce some central disorders in offsprings, but its clear mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the role of 5-HT2 and D2 receptors in neuroprotective effects of maternal forced exercise in offspring neurodevelopment and effect on some behaviors were evaluated.

Forty-eight pregnant rats were trained by forced exercise, and some behavioral assays in their offspring were performed in the presence and absence of 5-HT2 and D2 receptor antagonists in various experimental groups.

Our data showed that maternal forced exercise caused increase in latency of pain perception in offsprings in hot plate test, writhing test (WT), and tail fl ick test. Furthermore, a decrease in intensity was shown by WT. On the other hand, treatment of mothers by forced exercise in combination with 5-HT2 and D2 receptor antagonists could inhibit these effects of forced exercise and cause disturbances in pain perception and intensity.

Our data suggested that maternal forced exercise causes protective effects on offspring pain perception and intensity, and in this effect, 5-HT2 and D2 receptors are probably involved.

One of the most common orthopedic clinic visits involves direct and indirect knee trauma leading to rupture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Endobutton and Rigidfi x are most frequent treating methods that used by orthopedic surgeons. Thus the aim of this study was compare the clinical results of reconstructing arthroscopic ACL of the knee through two methods namely Rigidfi x and Endobutton.

In a clinical trial study, a total of 40 patients with rupture of ACL were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The groups were treated through fi xation procedures either Endobutton or Rigidfi x. Prior to surgery and then at least 2 years after surgery, the patients were under physical examination in terms of knee range of motion, knee stability, knee pain, ability to perform daily activities and exercises and compared between the two groups.

The knee range of motion in Endobutton and Rigidfi x were 135.73 ± 2.63 and 129.87 ± 7.14° resprectively (P = 0.06). comparing two groups, during last month in Endobutton and Rigidfi x the frequency of knee pain were 2.5 ± 1.4 and 3.4 ± 1.4 respectively (P = 0.08). Moreover, the pain intensity score were 2.9 ± 1.5 and 2.6 ± 1.1 (P = 0.49). But there was a signifi cant difference observed in patients’ satisfaction and ability to perform sports activities.

The two fi xation methods namely Endobutton and Rigidfi x are not preferred over one another. But patients’ satisfaction and ability to perform sports activities in Endobutton was better than the Rigidfi x

A serious challenge to educate health staff for public health is to appear encouraging enough to persuade them for learning issues on this fi eld and implementing new educational methods and innovative ways. Iran International Public Health Summer School (IPHS) made an effort to provide medical sciences students with a fortune to get familiar with and involved in public health. This study intended to evaluate the effi cacy of this event.

This cross-sectional study was performed in March–April 2015 by the help of an electronic self-administered questionnaire fi lled out by 49 Iranian participants 6 months after IPHS2014. The questionnaire assessed the main goals in seven main domains: Interest, activities, and general knowledge in the fi eld of public health, general skills, educational methods, educational and executive schedules, and general satisfaction.

Average scores of all domains were >3 (the mean), and all were statistically signifi cant. The highest average score belonged to educational methods (3.92) and the lowest was calculated for the item regarding participants’ activities on public health (3.5). No signifi cant difference was found between positive answers of individuals who were interested or active in public health prior to the event and those who had no background.

We believe IPHS was a unique instance in Public Health Education in Iran. Considering the level of success of this program to reach its goals for both students’ with or without any previous background on public health, it is recommended as a general model to be simulated in other developing countries.

Angiogenesis plays a major role in endometrial receptivity and thickening of the endometrium immediately before implantation. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antiangiogenic properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea in angiogenesis of endometrium.

In this study, forty adult female NMARI mice randomly divided into four groups. Control group received vehicle; human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (HMG/HCG) group received 7.5 IU HMG intraperitoneal (IP) and 48 h later 7.5 IU HCG was injected (IP) for ovarian stimulation; HMG/HCG + EGCG group received HMG and HCG in the same manner as the previous group and also received 5 mg/kg EGCG at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection of HMG; and the group EGCG received 5 mg/kg EGCG. A male mouse was kept with two female animals in the same cage for mating. Mice were dissected 96 h after administration of HMG (immediately before implantation) and tissue processing was carried out for the uterine specimens. CD31-positive cells were counted by use of histological and immunohistochemical methods.

Angiogenesis in EGCG-treated group was less than that of control and gonadotropin group (P < 0.05). The number of endothelial cells was counted by CD31 marker under a light microscope and showed signifi cant differences between all groups (P < 0.05).

EGCG signifi cantly inhibited the angiogenesis in endometrium (in natural cycles) through antiangiogenic effects.

To determine the effects of knee taping in combination with exercise and medical treatment on functional outcome and pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

In a randomized single-blinded clinical trial, 36 patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to two study groups. Both groups received exercise and medical therapy for 6 weeks. In addition, the fi rst group (20 patients) received taping in the fi rst 3 weeks. Pain severity (assessed by visual analog scaling), weekly amount of analgesics consumption, timed get up and go test (TUG), and step tests were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks after the treatment and were further compared between two study groups.

There was no signifi cant difference between two groups in pain severity score (P = 0.228), step test score (P = 0.771), TUG test score (P = 0.821) and weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.873) at baseline. After 3 weeks, weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.006), pain severity (P < 0.001) was signifi cantly lower in taping group whereas step test score (P = 0.006) was signifi cantly higher in the taping group. After 6 weeks, patients in taping group had signifi cantly lower pain severity (P = 0.011) and higher step test score (P = 0.042). However, there was no signifi cant difference in TUG test score (P = 0.443) and weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.270) between two groups.

Therapeutic knee taping may be an effective method for short-term management of pain and disability in patients with knee OA.

In this study, we compare the level of two inflammatory markers, high sensitive C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), in pregnant women with mild and severe preeclampsia (PE) and women with normal pregnancy.

In this case–control study, normal pregnant women and pregnant women with PE were enrolled. Pregnant women with diagnosed PE were selected as case group and classified into two groups with mild and severe PE. Serum samples for measurement of hs‑CRP and PCT were obtained and compared in studied groups.

In this study, 50 normal pregnant women and 59 pregnant women with PE, 26 (44.1%) mild, and 33 (55.9%) severe were studied. Mean of hs‑CRP and PCT was higher in pregnant women with PE than normal pregnant women (7.71 ± 6.19 vs. 5.44 ± 3.94, P = 0.02 for hs‑CRP and 0.05 ± 0.03 vs. 0.04 ± 0.01, P = 0.001 for PCT). Area under curve for hs‑CRP and PCT was 0.611 and 0.646, respectively. The optimal cut‑off point for hs‑CRP was 5.24 with a sensitivity of 62.7% and a specificity of 56%. The optimal cut‑off point for PCT was 0.042 with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 54%.

The findings of this study indicated that higher level of hs‑CRP and PCT in pregnant women with PE than those with normal pregnancy could potentially explain the exaggerated inflammation in PE. Regarding significantly increased level of hs‑CRP in severe PE than mild PE, we could suggest that hs‑CRP is more appropriate marker for investigating pregnant women with severe PE, and its clinical usefulness is superior to PCT in this regard.

Limited spatial nasal cavity in children, make pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) a diffi cult surgical procedure. We apply a limited approach to pediatric DCR and follow them for their consequences.

An experimental study was done in pediatric DCR with limited approach (age < 14-year-old). After written consent, with general anesthesia, with nasal endoscopic surgery, lacrimal bone is exposed and extruded. In contrast with routine procedure, ascending process of maxillary sinus reserve; and marsupialization and wide exposure to lacrimal sac was done only by lacrimal bone defect; and cannulation preserve with temporary silicone tube.

Between 2006 and 2012, 16 pediatric DCR was done by a unique surgeon in 2 otorhinolaryngologic centers. Before surgery 14 (87.5%) had epiphora, 3 (18.8%) had eye discharge, and 3 (18.8%) had eye sticky eye. Two (12.5%) had history of facial trauma, and 10 (62.5%) had congenital nasolacrimal duct insuffi ciency. Five (31.3%) had history of dacryocystitis. Patients were followed for 17 ± 9 months. Silicone tube stayed for 4 ± 2.5 months. We could follow 7 patients and minimal improvement or need to revision surgery considered as technical failure. After surgery, 3 patients had no epiphora with complete improvement; 2 had very good improvement with confi dence of the patients and parents; 2 cases had unsuccessful surgery in our patients, who needs to another surgery. One of them had several probing and surgery before our endoscopic DCR.

Limited approach in endoscopic DCR of pediatrics can be done in noncomplicated patients, with minimal manipulation, more confi dence, and acceptable results

Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2) and associated parasite genetic diversity which varies between malaria-endemic regions remain a limitation in malaria vaccine development. Pro-infl ammatory cytokines are important in immunity against malaria, understanding the infl uence of genetic diversity on cytokine response is important for effective vaccine design.

P. falciparum isolates obtained from 300 Nigerians with uncomplicated falciparum malaria at Ijede General Hospital, Ijede (IJE), General Hospital Ajeromi, Ajeromi (AJE) and Saint Kizito Mission Hospital, Lekki, were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reaction of msp-2 block 3 while ELISA was used to determine the pro-infl ammatory cytokine response to describe the genetic diversity of P. falciparum.

Eighteen alleles were observed for msp-2 loci. Of the 195 isolates, 61 (31.0%) had only FC27-type alleles, 38 (19.7%) had only 3D7-type alleles, and 49.3% had multiple parasite lines with both alleles. Band sizes were 275–625 bp for FC27 and 150–425 bp for 3D7. Four alleles were observed from LEK, 2 (375–425 bp) and 2 (275–325 bp) of FC27-and 3D7-types, respectively; 12 alleles from AJE, 9 (275–625 bp) and 3 (325–425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively; while IJE had a total of 12 alleles, 9 (275–625 bp) and 3 (325–425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively. Mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.54. Heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.77 to 0.87 and was highest for IJE (0.87). Cytokine response was higher among <5 years and was signifi cantly associated with MOI (P > 0.05) but with neither parasite density nor infection type.

P. falciparum genetic diversity is extensive in Nigeria, protection via pro-infl ammatory cytokines have little or no interplay with infection multiplicity

Angiogenesis which occurs mandatory in solid tumors, is a critical step in malignancy progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is mainly responsible for angiogenesis process and facilitates the formation of new vessels. Distribution of monoclonal antibodies against VEGF or VEGF receptor (VEGFR) into the solid tumors is limited because of their huge dimensions. Moreover, many investigations have demonstrated the usefulness of immunotoxins to halt angiogenesis in solid tumors.

We designed, expressed and evaluated the cytotoxicity of a novel nano-immunotoxin composed of VEGF splice variant containing 121 amino acids (VEGF121) and truncated the exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PE38-KDEL). The fusion protein VEGF121-PE38 was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by Ni+ 2 affinity chromatography. The fusion protein was subsequently subjected to refolding using the reduced and oxidized glutathione.

The expression level of the fusion protein reached to 1 mg/ml. The VEGF121-PE38 immunotoxin showed a 59 KDa MW which had cytotoxic effect on HUVEC and 293/KDR cells as low and high expressing VEGFR2 cells, respectively. But the cytotoxicity on 293/KDR was 100 folds more than that of VEGFR2 low expressing cell HUVEC.

The designed immunotoxin showed more selectivity for higher VEGFR2 expressing cells in vitro.

Long-term anesthesia applied in some operations, especially in neurosurgical operations leads to unwanted complications. This study aimed to compare the effect of intraoperative labetalol and lidocaine injection on the rate of changes in postoperative blood pressure and heart beat in patients undergoing brain operation.

This is a simple double-blind randomized clinical trial study conducted in Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals on 90 patients' candidate for craniotomy operation with the age range of 18–65 years, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≥13 before anesthesia, physical class of American Society of Anesthesiologists I, II, insensitivity to labetalol who were divided into two groups of 45 individuals in the random allocation method. To start anesthesia, fentanil 1.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, midazolam 5 mg, propofol 2 mg/kg and then, atracurium 0.15 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg were used. The rate of patients' bucking and blood pressure were checked at GCS time after operation and in patients' recovery in terms of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min after arrival in the recovery room and 1 h later.

There was no significant difference in terms of hemodynamic parameters during the period of operation and recovery and at the time of extubation and during the study, no case of bradicardia, hypotension, tachycardia or hypertension was observed in the patients of both groups.

Using labetalol in craniotomy surgery is helpful for two main reasons that are the proper control of intraoperative and postoperative blood pressure and prevention of postoperative reactions, especially cough and if there is no contraindication for using it, it is recommended.

Vitamin D insuffi ciency is a globally widespread issue. Recent studies have reported a high prevalence of Vitamin D defi ciency in Middle-East countries. Studies have shown negative effects of Vitamin D defi ciency on endothelium and related diseases such as ischemic brain stroke. Here, we assessed Vitamin D status in patients with different types of ischemic brain stroke and control group.

Seventy-fi ve patients (49.3% small vessel, 50.7% large vessel) and 75 controls, matched for age (68.01 ± 10.94 vs. 67.64 ± 10.24) and sex (42 male and 33 female) were recruited. 25(OH) D levels were measured by Chemiluminescence immunoassay. 25(OH) D status was considered as severely, moderately, or mildly defi cient and normal with 25(OH) D levels of less than 5, 5-10, 10-16, and >16 ng/ml, respectively.

Mean ± standard error concentration of 25(OH) D in cases and controls were 17.7 ± 1.5 and 26.9 ± 1.6 (P = 0.0001), respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe Vitamin D defi ciency were observed in 10.8%, 32.4%, 8.1% vs. 34.3%, 31.5%, 9.5% of small vessel and large vessel group, respectively. 21.7% of the controls were Vitamin D defi cient. Vitamin D defi ciency was signifi cantly associated with higher risk for ischemic stroke, (P = 0.000, OR = 7.17, 95% confi dence interval: 3.36–15.29). 25(OH) D levels were signifi cantly higher in control group comparing to small vessel (26.9 ± 1.6 vs. 20.59 ± 2.6 P < 0.05) and large vessel (26.9 ± 1.6 vs. 13.4 ± 1.3 P < 0.001) stroke patients. Small vessel group had signifi cantly higher levels of Vitamin D than large vessel (P < 0.05).

Vitamin D defi ciency signifi cantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke, favoring the types with the pathogenesis of large vessel strokes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a severe challenge for antimicrobial therapy, due to the chromosomal mutations or exhibition of intrinsic resistance to various antimicrobial agents such as most β-lactams. We undertook this study to evaluate the existence of SME, IMP, AIM, and VIM metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) encoding genes among P. aeruginosa strains isolated from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran.

In a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted between March 2012 and April 2013, a total of 48 strains of P. aeruginosa were collected from clinical specimens of bedridden patients in ICU wards. Susceptibility test was performed by disc diffusion method. All of the meropenem-resistant strains were subjected to modifi ed Hodge test for detection of carbapenemases. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of blaVIM, blaIMP, blaAIM, and blaSME genes.

In disk diffusion method, imipenem and meropenem showed the most and colistin the least resistant antimicrobial agents against P. aeruginosa strains. Of the 48 isolates, 36 (75%) were multidrug resistant (MDR). Amplifi cation of β-lactamase genes showed the presence of blaVIM genes in 7 (%14.6) strains and blaIMP genes in 15 (31.3%) strains. All of the isolates were negative for blaSME and blaAIM genes. We could not fi nd any statistically signifi cant difference among the presence of this gene and MDR positive, age, or source of the specimen.

As patients with infections caused by MBL-producing bacteria are at an intensifi ed risk of treatment failure, fast determination of these organisms is necessary. Our fi ndings may provide useful insights in replace of the appropriate antibiotics and may also prevent MBLs mediated resistance problem.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological problem during childhood. This study aimed to evaluate multiple intelligences profiles of children with ADHD in comparison with non‑ADHD.

This cross‑sectional descriptive analytical study was done on 50 children of 6–13 years old in two groups of with and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were referred to Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, in 2014. Samples were selected based on clinical interview (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and parent–teacher strengths and difficulties questionnaire), which was done by psychiatrist and psychologist. Raven intelligence quotient (IQ) test was used, and the findings were compared to the results of multiple intelligences test. Data analysis was done using a multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS20 software.

Comparing the profiles of multiple intelligence among two groups, there are more kinds of multiple intelligences in control group than ADHD group, a difference which has been more significant in logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the other kinds of multiple intelligences in two groups (P > 0.05). The IQ average score in the control group and ADHD group was 102.42 ± 16.26 and 96.72 ± 16.06, respectively, that reveals the negative effect of ADHD on IQ average value. There was an insignificance relationship between linguistic and naturalist intelligence (P > 0.05). However, in other kinds of multiple intelligences, direct and significant relationships were observed (P < 0.05).

Since the levels of IQ (Raven test) and MI in control group were more significant than ADHD group, ADHD is likely to be associated with logical‑mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal profiles

Since thin and high-quality fl aps produce more satisfactory surgical outcomes, fl aps created by mechanical microkeratomes are more economical as compared with femtosecond lasers, and no Iranian study has concentrated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) fl ap peculiarities between Moria Sub-Bowman keratoplasty (SBK) microkeratomes and LDV femtoseconds, the present study compares and contrasts them.

This cross-sectional study was done on all patients who underwent LASIK surgery 1-month before this study. Thirty eyes were divided into per group. Flaps in the fi rst group and second group were created, respectively, using Moria SBK microkeratome and LDV femtosecond laser. The other stages of LASIK were done equally in both groups. One month after surgery, the thickness of fl aps was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography in fi ve regions of fl aps. Corneal anterior density was calculated and recorded 1-month after surgery using pentacam and by employing optical densitometry in a distance in the limit range of 0–6 mm from cornea center. Densitometry measurements were obtained and expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSUs).

Postsurgery densitometry results reveal that anterior densities of cornea in limit range of 0–2 mm in groups of LDV femtosecond laser and Moria microkeratome are 21.35 ± 0.87 GSU and 22.85 ± 1.25 GSU, respectively. Accordingly, these two groups are signifi cantly different in this regard (P < 0.001). Moreover, anterior densities of the cornea in the limit range of 2–6 mm in these groups are 19.66 ± 0.99 GSU and 20.73 ± 1.24 GSU, respectively. Accordingly, these two groups are signifi cantly different in this regard (P = 0.04). There is a lower mean of fl ap thickness in the case of LDV femtosecond laser.

Femtosecond laser method is greatly preferred as compared with Moria microkeratome because of greater homogeneity in fl ap thickness, smaller thickness, and lower density in optical zone.

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematous is one of the most serious complications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment decisions based on clinical symptoms and renal biopsy on the outcome of patients with recurrent lupus nephritis.

This descriptive study was conducted in 2012–13 in the Alzahra hospital on patients with lupus nephritis who had referred to the rheumatology clinic of this center due to lupus nephritis relapse. All lupus nephritis patients were diagnosed with renal biopsy and had gone into remission by treatment but due to the discontinuation of treatment and other causes had relapsed. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 26, the fi rst group was treated without renal biopsy and based on clinical and laboratory symptoms and the second group was re-biopsied through considering the ethical points. Then their relationship with laboratory fi ndings (BUN, Cr, ANA, ds-DNA, C3, C4, CH50, U/A, cast, and proteinuria), treatment and recurrence outcome were compared between the two groups.

The mean of SLEDAI-2K index before initial treatment, after the fi rst round of treatment and after the second round of treatment in single biopsy group and twice biopsy group is not signifi cantly different (P = 0.27).

Treatment decisions based on clinical and laboratory fi ndings or re-biopsy of the kidney in patients who relapsed after initial treatment had no signifi cant effect on the recovery of patients. Adoption of a treatment plan in patients with lupus nephritis is recommended based on clinical and laboratory fi nding and the discretion of the physician and if possible, kidney re-biopsy should be avoided.

Acute pelvic infl ammatory disease (PID) is a common reason for infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency distribution of endometritis in women with unexplained infertility and comparison with frequency distribution of endometritis in anovulatory infertility to identify the importance of endometritis due to subacute PID evaluation in the case of infertility.

This case–control study was done on 100 women with unexplained infertility and ovulatory infertility who referred to Shahid Beheshti clinic in 2013 in Isfahan, Iran. They were divided into two groups of unexplained infertility and anovulatory infertility. Endometrial samples were given from all the patients by Pipelle biopsy under sterile conditions, and then prepared samples were sent to the pathology laboratory to evaluate the existence of plasma cells by a pathologist to diagnose endometritis.

Frequency distribution of acute PID history among the patients in both groups showed a signifi cant difference (P < 0.05). Prevalence of endometritis in unexplained infertility group was 34% and in anovulatory group was 21% (P < 0.05). Prevalence of vaginitis was 46% in unexplained group and 40% in anovulatory group (P < 0.05), and prevalence of PID was 4% in unexplained infertility group and 0% in anovulatory infertility group.

The prevalence of endometritis and vaginitis was more in the unexplained infertility group rather than the anovulatory infertility group that may reveal the importance of endometritis evaluation in the cases of unexplained infertility

This study aims to evaluate the effect of some factors, including birth weight, sex, age, waist circumference, family history of obesity, as well as some lifestyle factors as frequency of breakfast days and physical activity, on the body mass index among a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents by using bootstrapping regression.

This study was conducted as the third survey of a school-based surveillance system (CASPIAN-III study). Total participants were 5570 school students, aged 10-18 years, selected by multistage random cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 27 provinces of Iran. Multiple linear regressions was used to evaluate the effect of various factors on obesity, but in our data the assumptions of this model violated, and possible solutions were not appropriate, therefore the bootstrapping regression based on the observations and errors resampling approaches was used as an alternative.

The tests of signifi cance showed that the effects of sex, age, waist circumference, family history obesity and frequency of breakfast days were clearly signifi cant (P < 0.001). The effect of vigorous level of physical activity was signifi cant in comparison to mild physical activity (P = 0.01). In comparison to low birth weight, medium and high birth weight had signifi cant effect on obesity.

Bootstrap method is preferable in linear regression because of some theoretical properties like having any distributional assumptions on the residuals and hence allows for inference even if the errors do not follow normal distribution or constant error variance.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in the world. Ultrasound evaluations of breast have come into attention as an alternative route. Ultrasound features of benign lesions such as fi broadenoma can be overlapping with those in a malignant tumor. Here, we assessed the reports of breast ultrasound in patients with pathologic diagnosis of fi broadenoma.

We conducted a cross-sectional study and enrolled female patients with confi rmed histologic diagnosis of fi broadenoma. Ultrasound studies were performed on the participants to see which sonographic patterns are more frequent in such lesions.

In 92 patients with 40.4 ± 9.2 years of age, all participants were classifi ed as stage 4 on Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System scale. The mean ± standard deviation of size for the lesions was 167.4 ± 101.4 mm2. Upper outer quadrants in the breasts had the most number of lesions. Almost lesions were round with only 2.2% were oval. When assessed for the margin defi nition, 57.8% were circumscribed. Noncircumscribed masses were reported in 21.7%. About 91.3% of cases were hypoechoic in the ultrasound evaluation. Lobulated masses were in 28.3% of the cases. 8.7% of the masses were spongy whereas 9.8% and 2.2% of them had calcifi cation and heterogenic appearance, respectively.

The most frequent features include a hypoechoic mass with a circumscribed border; however, complex presentations that overlap malignant masses are also detectable including noncircumscribed margin, lobulation, presence of a posterior shadow, heterogenicity, and micro calcifi cation.

The present study tries to compare the unintended outcomes of the Catania stent versus Xience stent in patients undergoing angioplasty.

In a three month, follow-up, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 83 patients undergoing angioplasty, who met the inclusion criteria were entered into the study. After randomization 43 patients were treated with the Xience stent and 40 patients with the Catania stent. Stent-related outcomes such as Cardiac and Non-Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR), Stent Thrombosis (ST), Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Peripheral vasculopathy, and Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) were compared between the groups.

There was no statistically signifi cant difference in the incidence rate of complications and clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of MI, TLR, CABG operation, peripheral vasculopathy, or CVA was not observed in any patient and there was no statistically difference in mortality (4.7% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.527) and stent thrombosis (2.3% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.735).

All in all, the present study could not fi nd the signifi cant differences between the Catania stent and Xience stent in terms of clinical outcomes during the follow-up period.

Gene editing technology has created a revolution in the fi eld of genome editing. The three of the most famous tools in gene editing technology are zinc fi nger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and CRISPR-associated systems. As their predictable nature, it is necessary to assess their effi ciency. There are some methods for this purpose, but most of them are time labor and complicated. Here, we introduce a new prokaryotic reporter system, which makes it possible to evaluate the effi ciency of gene editing tools faster, cheaper, and simpler than previous methods.

At fi rst, the target sites of a custom ZFN, which is designed against a segment of ampicillin resistance gene, were cloned on both sides of green fl uorescent protein (GFP) gene to construct pPRO-GFP. Then pPRO-GFP was transformed into Escherichia coli TOP10F’ that contains pZFN (contains expression cassette of a ZFN against ampicillin resistant gene), or p15A-KanaR as a negative control. The transformed bacteria were cultured on three separate media that contained ampicillin, kanamycin, and ampicillin + kanamycin; then the resulted colonies were assessed by fl ow cytometry.

The results of fl ow cytometry showed a signifi cant difference between the case (bacteria contain pZFN) and control (bacteria contain p15A, KanaR) in MFI (Mean Fluorescence Intensity) (P < 0.0001).

According to ZFN effi ciency, it can bind and cut the target sites, the bilateral cutting can affect the intensity of GFP fl uorescence. Our fl ow cytometry results showed that this ZFN could reduce the intensity of GFP color and colony count of bacteria in media containing amp + kana versus control sample.