Arch Iran Med
-
Cancer-testis antigens are tumor antigens that their expression is almost limited to male germ cells in the testis. Some of cancer-testis antigens are also expressed in the ovary and in trophoblasts. Recently their expression has been seen in different types of tumors. ⋯ So, testis is considered as an immune-privileged site, and testis-specific genes, if expressed in cancers can be immunogenic. For this reason cancer-testis antigens are promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy and have become a major focus for the development of vaccine-based clinical trials in recent years. In addition, these antigens can also be used as biomarkers for early detection of cancers.
-
To promote organ transplantation in Iran, organ procurement from deceased donors should be supported. For this policy, some organ procurement units have been established in university hospitals. Further researches in these activities are warranted to better elucidate the role of cadaveric organ transplantation in Iran. ⋯ Other variables were not changed during this period. Donor characteristics such as age, sex, blood group, and causes of brain death impacted on the organ yield. This study showed that organ procurement units can improve organ yield and both experience and donor characteristics influence on the number of harvested organs.
-
Comparative Study
Intra-dorsal hippocampal microinjections of lithium and scopolamine induce a cross state-dependent learning in mice.
Lithium, a mood stabilizer, may exert adverse effects on memory. We have previously shown that lithium induces state-dependent learning. Cholinergic systems of the brain may play an important role in memory function and mood regulation. In the present study, the effects of intra-dorsal hippocampal (intra-CA1) injections of lithium and scopolamine on memory and cross state-dependent learning between the two drugs were investigated. ⋯ The results suggest that microinjections of both lithium and scopolamine induce state-dependent memory and there may be a cross state-dependency between the two drugs.
-
Assessment of nasal airway is helpful in understanding nasal breathing function. Acoustic rhinometry is one of the most commonly-used objective measurements of nasal airway. This test has the ability to measure the volume and the cross-sectional area of the nose in different distances. ⋯ There was a significant increase in volume and cross-sectional area after decongestion. Because of the differences in volume and minimal cross-sectional area in various races, measurement of these values in Iranian population is a proper way for diagnosis of rhinologic diseases and planning the appropriate treatment (medical or surgical). It is also helpful for comparison of preoperative and postoperative results after nasal surgeries.