جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « پلی اتیلن گلیکول » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Colonoscopy is the main method of colon examination. Acceptable bowel preparation plays an effective role in examining the bowel. Diagnosis and treatment of colon polyps or non-bulging lesions such as vascular malformations and serrated polyps depend on the degree of intestinal cleanliness at the time of assessment. On the other hand, insufficient preparation makes the evaluation more difficult, the evaluation is incomplete, increases the time of colonoscopy and the need to repeat the procedure, and this increases the cost. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine and prepare the large intestine for colonoscopy with pidrolox produced in Iran with and without Senagraf syrup in two centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

In the present prospective, double-blind descriptive study conducted in 2016 on 273 patients in need of non-emergency colonoscopy referred to Shahid Motahari and Shahid Faqihi clinics of Shiraz, Iran, 227 patients were randomly selected into two drug (111) and control groups. (116) were categorized and studied. The effect of adding Senagraf to pidrolox manufactured in Iran with pidrolox along with placebo on the level of intestinal readiness (based on Ottawa scoring) in eligible patients (20-78 years old) who were willing to enter the study was investigated and compared. Collected data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square statistical tests.

The average score of intestinal cleanliness in whole and as well by different parts, in the drug group, was lower than the control group, which confirms better preparation (p=0.001). Compared to older people, younger people had cleaner intestines (p=0.001). The level of bowel preparation in female patients was also better than male patients (p=0.001). The travel time from the rectum to the cecum and the return time from the cecum to the rectum were significantly less than the control group (p=0.001). No significant side effects were observed in both groups.

Adding senna to Iranian polyethylene glycol (PEG) before colonoscopy increased bowel preparation and reduces colonoscopy time, without causing additional side effects.

Cancer is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in developed and under-developed countries. Different strategies are under evaluation for cancer therapy including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, the treatment can be affected because of the lack of the desired effect and severe side effects. For these reasons, discovering an improved cancer therapy strategy has been one of the most important research efforts worldwide. Cisplatin is considered one of the most effective used chemotherapy agents in the treatment of a variety of tumors. However, its use is limited because of its toxicity to normal cells. In addition, non-specificity and high dosage of drugs are the other important reasons which practically limit their application. Drug delivery systems can overcome these challenges by enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the adverse effects of anticancer agents. The application of nanoparticles as drug carriers has been widely studied for more than a decade (3). Magnetic nanoparticles are popular candidates in therapeutic systems and diagnostic applications that approved for clinical use by the Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) (5). In this study, we prepared superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles Fe3O4 (SPIONs) that were modified through triblock poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (e-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol) nanoparticles. These modified nanoparticles have been utilized for Cisplatin delivery on the lymphoma cell line (U937).

Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method in the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ (9). In order to synthesize the polymer, ε-caprolactone and polyethylene glycol were polymerized by a ring-opening polymerization method. Triblock copolymer PCL-PEG-PCL was prepared through the ring-opening polymerization method (10). Magnetic iron nanoparticles were also prepared and confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction spectrum (XRD). Superparamagnetic nanoparticles modified with PCL-PEG-PCL copolymers loaded with cisplatin were developed using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method (11). The encapsulation efficiency of cisplatin loaded in nanoparticles was evaluated through UV spectroscopy at 280 nm (12). Synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of particle size and morphology by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. In addition, the chemical structure of PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymer and superparamagnetic nanoparticles modified with PCL-PEG-PCL copolymers loaded with cisplatin was confirmed using FTIR and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Finally, the effect of synthesized nanoparticles on the lymphoma cell line (U937) was investigated using MTT assay (13).

Magnetic iron nanoparticles were confirmed using FTIR and XRD. The size and shape of the nanoparticles were evaluated using DLS and SEM. The results show that the particle size was around 100-130 nm and the synthesized nanoparticles had uniform dispersion without aggregation. High entrapment of cisplatin was achieved using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method (98/07%). The hysteresis curves of iron magnetic nanoparticles and cisplatin-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles PCL-PEG-PCL exhibited that in the presence of a magnetic field with an intensity up to 8000 Gauss, these particles have shown the magnetic properties (about 70 emu/g). When the magnetic field was removed, these nanoparticles lost their magnetic properties (0 emu/g). So, in the presence of a magnetic field, a magnetic orientation was demonstrated. The results of the cell viability assay using MTT dye showed that IC50 of free Cisplatin and Cisplatin-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles PCL-PEG-PCL on the U937 cancerous cell line is 119.70 ± 4.46 µg/ml, 17.35 ± 1.48 µg/ml, 13.58 ± 1.59 µg/ml and 29.67 ± 1.99 µg/ml, 11.24 ± 0.82µg/ml, 7.10 ± 1.37µg/ml respectively for 24, 48 and 72 hours incubation time.  The anti-proliferative effect of cisplatin encapsulated in magnetic nanoparticles was more significantly cytotoxic on the cancerous target cells than free cisplatin.

Over the last decade, scientists have tried to develop new strategies for enhancing the therapeutic index while reducing side effects. In this regard, nanotechnology is considered one of the most effective strategies to which a huge share of research in this area is dedicated (3). Among all the nanoparticles SPIONs have attracted significant attention in cancer therapy because of their unique properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of chemical modification (5). The results of the study demonstrated that superparamagnetic nanoparticles modified with PCL-PEG copolymers efficiently delivered cisplatin into the U937 cells and demonstrated potent in-vitro anticancer activity which had a significant cytotoxic effect against lymphoma cell line (U937). Therefore, this delivery system can potentially be applied for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs and holds a great promise as an effective strategy for cancer treatment.

Fracture fixation components and implants are widely used in orthopedic surgery as well as dentistry. The use of metal stabilizers is very common, which imposes the need for a second surgery to remove the implant from the body. One of the most common implants is the interference screw, which is used in many bone injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to obtain an optimal sample for use as an interference screw, and for this purpose, nanocomposites with different percentages of nanomaterials were made.

This study was conducted as a research study and 9 samples were made and examined. For this purpose, hand injection molding, was designed to prepare screws in laboratory scale, first. For making samples, poly (L) lactic acid, nano hydroxyapatite as reinforce and polyethylene glycol as plasticizer were used. These samples were made by combination of solvent casting and melt processing methods. Adding nano hydroxyapatite and polyethylene glycol together lead to improve tensile and percent elongation of samples. After doing different tests like tensile, rheology, biodegradability and biocompatibility, the optimized sample was chosen. Data were obtained as mean ± standard deviation (MEAN ± SD) and for statistical analysis SPSS software (version 16) was used and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, the level of significant differences with P< 0 / 005 was calculated.

It was found that the simultaneous addition of nanohydroxyapatite and polyethylene glycol increased the strength and elongation at break of the samples. The optimal Young's modulus was 589/93 ± 43/912 MPa and the Young's modulus of the polymeric matrix was 615/4± 48/421. Although the polymer matrix has a higher Young's modulus, it is not suitable for use in areas under load due to its inherent fragility and also has low bioactivity. The rate of increase in elongation at break of the optimal sample was 13/39 ± 2/731 and for the polymeric matrix was 11/01± 1/348.

Findings obtained from this study showed that the optimal sample of this study (1051) with 1% hydroxyapatite and 5% polyethylene glycol. Because it has the highest percentage of elongation and the lowest degree of fragility and can be an optimal formula for biodegradable interference screws.

Colonoscopy is performed in order to examine the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used to evaluate the patients who suffer from certain medical conditions including chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology, occult bleeding, and anemia. The first essential step in performing an effective colonoscopy is adequate bowel preparation.

The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved 180 patients who underwent colonoscopy and were referred to the colonoscopy unit of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. It was conducted in a three-month period of time. The samples of the study were selected randomly. The demographic information questionnaire and the Boston preparation scale were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software.

The quality of the patients’ bowel preparation was assessed based on the Boston bowel preparation scale. The obtained results showed that 26.1% of the subjects had inadequate bowel preparation. Moreover, based on the results of the study, the lowest frequency of referral to hospital for colonoscopy was related to the weight loss. On the other hand, the highest frequency of these referrals was related to positive occult blood test. Furthermore, the analysis of the results showed that the mean bowel preparation score in all of the samples was 6.4 with a standard deviation of 2.61. Finally, the left colon had the highest mean preparation score (2.33) and the right colon had the lowest mean preparation score (1.86).

According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that bowel preparation is affected by various factors that influence the quality and the results of colonoscopy, cause misdiagnosis, and increase the treatment costs for the patients and health system. Therefore, considering the importance of the issue, educating patients, and using up-to-date knowledge about the patients’ bowel preparation can play an important role in the provision of solutions to these problems.

In recent years, iron oxide nanoparticles have been used in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing a wide range of diseases. In order to provide biocompatibility and prevent the toxicity of the nanoparticles, using organic or inorganic coating around these nanoparticles is important for their application. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of bilayer inorganic (aluminosilicate) and organic (polyethylene glycol) coating around the iron oxide nanoparticles on magnetic resonance imaging contrast.

Iron oxide- aluminosilicate- polyethylene glycol nanocomposite with the size of 170-200 nm was prepared. Magnetic resonance imaging for different concentrations of the nanocomposite was carried out by the use of similar repetition time and different echo times. Mean signal intensities were measured based on applied concentrations, and the curves of spin-spin relaxation times plotted. Transverse relaxivity value was obtained using the slope of spin-spin relaxation rate versus concentration.

Reduction of signal intensity with increasing echo time was observed for all concentrations. The spin-spin relaxation time decreased as a function of the concentration. The transverse relaxivity as a parameter to show magnetic resonance imaging contrast was calculated to be 80.73 s-1.mM-1.

Iron oxide nanoparticles with bilayer aluminosilicate and polyethylene glycol coating can provide negative contrast for magnetic resonance images due to the porous structure of the aluminosilicate, and the possibility of using the nanocomposite for drug delivery according to the presence of polyethylene glycol.

One of the scenario for separation of biotechnology products is the application of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) rather than traditional extraction by using solvent. The ATPSs are applicable method for separation and purification of biomolecules mixture. The ATPS can be applied for protein purification of biomolecules from suspension broth. The goal of the present research is the study of partitioning of -amylase in polymer-salt aqueous two-phase system composed of polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 1000 and tri-sodium citrate salt as a biocompatible salt.

The aim of this research is to study partitioning of α-amylase enzyme in an aqueous two phase system. The system consists of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weight of 1000 and tri-sodium citrate that is a biocompatible salt.

The results for partitioning of enzyme in ATPS has been modeled and statistically analyzed; and indicated that the partition coefficient of -amylase in the system has the maximum amount of 2.681.

In this research it has been proved that ATPS components concentration has an effect on the enzyme partition coefficient. Using experimental results, -amylase has a great tendency to be placed in the PEG rich phase.

Human growth hormone (hGH) use is increasing due to its important biological functions and therapeutic applications, the use of growth hormone for the treatment of obesity, short stature, burns and the importance of this hormone for athletes. Nowadays, the short half-life of hGH is a major challenge associated with the usage of this drug in the world. PEGylation is an effective approach to increase half-life and stability of biopharmaceutical proteins. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) due to high aqueous solubility is considered as a versatile candidate for pharmaceutical protein conjugation. Accordingly, in this study the PEGylation of human growth hormone and its plasma half-life and stability were carried out.
hGH was PEGylated by using Methoxy PEG Succinimidyl Carbonate (mPEG-SC) at 8 °C for overnight. In this study, SDS-PAGE, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and ELISA techniques were used to prove PEGylation reaction.
The SDS-PAGE results showed high yield PEGylation of hGH under aqueous conditions. The zeta-potential, as an indicator of the Surface charge of PEGylated hGH, was analyzed by DLS technique. The ELISA results shown the increase half-life of pegylated hGH to 12 times.
In the present study, we demonstrated that the PEGylation of lysine and/or histidine residues significantly increased the half-life of the human growth hormone.

Toxicity is ability of chemicals to cause harm. One of the principles of dealing to poisoned patients is bowel decontamination via using laxatives or purgatives to wash out poison‐activated charcoal complex quickly. This study aimed to determine gastrointestinal transit time fallowing administration of magnesium hydroxide, lactulose and polyethylene glycol in poisoned patients referred to emergency ward of Noor hospital, Isfahan, Iran, in 2015. 140 patients were randomly divided into four equal groups of magnesium hydroxide (30 ml with 2‐4 glass of water every 1 hour), lactulose (30 ml with 2‐4 glass of water every 1 hour), polyethylene glycol (70 g with 1 liter water every 20 minutes) and activated charcoal with water. In all patients, the time of taking the first dose of laxatives until to defecation were obtained. The results were compared to each other using SPSS software. There were no significant differences in term of age, sex and toxicant types. The mean time between the first dose of laxative until to defecation was significantly different between the 4 groups (P < 0.001). Between the 3 studied laxatives, polyethylene glycol and then, magnesium hydroxide were more efficient in decreasing mean transit time. The difference in mean transit time between the 3 laxatives was not significant; but, in comparison to activated charcoal with water, the laxatives showed significant difference which was remarkable.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that their surface hydrophilicity has been modified are important vehicles in drug delivery and diagnostic application. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of original and functional CNTs on human cells. In an interventional study, lateral surfaces of single wall-carbon nanotubes were coated by polyethylene glycol, as an amphiphilic polymer, via charged functional groups (the amine or carboxylic group). Original and functional carbon nanotubes were exposed to human hepatoma (HEPG2) cells, as a cellular model of liver. Exposure times were 24, 48 and 72 hours and CNT suspension applied in concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 600µg/ml. Morphologic changes of cells were analyzed using an inverted microscope. Viability percentage of HEPG2 cells was also evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The naked CNTs after 72 hours exposure showed toxicity on HEPG2 in concentrations more than 100 µg/ml, while surface modification of CNTs with amine or carboxylic polyethylene glycol (PEG) led to a better biocompatibility of CNTs to 200 and 400 µg/ml, respectively. In 400µg/ml concentrations of CNTs and more, PEG-CNTs via carboxilic functional groups showed severe morphological changes in the HEPG2 cells, while amine mediated PEG-CNTs, in the same experimental time were more biocompatible. The results of the MTT test showed that carboxylic PEG-CNTs in concentrations more than 200 µg/ml, and amine PEG-CNTs in more than 400 µg/ml decreased viability of HEPG2 cells significantly (P<0.05). Accumulation of charged functional groups on the surface of CNTs can be an interesting pathway to render CNTs as biocompatible nanoparticles for application in drug delivery and diagnostic systems.

Crown fracture is one of the most prevalent dental problems. With the development of composites and adhesives, Conservative approaches is proposed to treat this type of fractures. The aim of this in-vitro study was to investigate the effect of the one fiber tape on the fracture resistance of the incisal composite restoration with different thicknesses. In this In vitro Experimental study forty extracted upper incisor were selected and randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 and 3 were prepared by cutting 3 mm of the incisal edges horizontally and restored with hybrid composite. Group 2 and 4 were prepared by cutting 4mm of the incisal edges horizontally and restored with hybrid composite and fiber in the mid-palatal surface. All specimens were mounted in acrylic blocks and after that they thermocycled. All the restored teeth were set as 135 degree angle and statically loaded by Zwick until they fractured. The data were analyzed using Two way ANOVA statistical analyze. The mean fracture resistance of the groups 1 to 4 were: 436±242, 492±195, 917±353, 1053±254. Results showed that the fracture resistance between groups with thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm weren’t statistically significant Regardless of the presence or absence of fiber tape (P=0.263) but The restorations with fiber showed significantly higher fracture resistance than non-reinforced restorations. (P=0.000) Based on the findings of this study can be concluded that placement of fiber tape in the incisal edge composite restoration of anterior teeth Can be effective in increasing the fracture resistance of these restorations.

The prevalence of constipation in childhood is 0.7% to 29.6%. Inorganic causes are considered as the most common cause of constipation in children. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most effective and safest laxatives which is usable in children in the long-term. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of PEG treatment and probiotic bacilluscoagulans and bifidobacterium and probiotic to enhance the growth of probiotics. In this double blind clinical trial study(interventional study), 120 children aged 2-16 years with chronic functional constipation enrolled the study based on ROME III criteria. The bowels became empty by using liquid paraffin. Then, children were randomly divided into three groups of polyethylene glycol+placebo and Probiotics+placebo and polyethylene glycol+probiotics recipients. After 6 weeks of treatment, treatment success rates between the three groups were compared before and after the study Data analyzed by SPSS 20 software. The results of the study conducted on the three groups for treatment of constipation showed that the effect of polyethylene glycol and probiotic on treatment was considerable before and after treatment; but the levels of effect was similar in the comparison of groups. The simultaneous use of two drugs was more effective than a single drug. Overall, the results of our study showed that concurrent use of polyethylene glycol and probiotics is much more effective in the treatment of constipation.

Dendrimers are three-dimensional nanostructures that have numerous applications in medicine, including drug delivery and imaging. Although anionic dendrimer polyethylene glycol–citrate has a high potential to increase solubility of water-insoluble drugs and drug delivery, its multi-step synthesis procedure is time consuming. In addition, toxic substances such as dichloromethane are used in its synthesis procedure. In this study, we have developed a simple one-step synthesis method using green chemistry. We examined four different methods to improve the synthesis method of this dendrimer. Products were characterized by FTIR, LC-MS and DLS. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the XTT method. We synthesized a G2 polyethylene glycol–citrate dendrimer in one-step without purifying G1. This process was chosen as a beneficial method for synthesis of the G2 dendrimer. When compared with previous methods, this procedure had higher efficiency and greatly reduced response. This procedure used nontoxic materials. XTT assay results showed that this dendrimer created by green chemistry had no cytotoxicity in Hela and Vero cells up to a concentration of 800 µM. One-step synthesis of anionic polyethylene glycol-citrate G2 dendrimer is a simple, beneficial production method. The dendrimer is biocompatible and can be used as a suitable carrier for drug delivery purposes.

Cell therapies have attracted attention as treatments for central nervous system disorders. However, such research has been severely limited by poor cell survival. Cell carriers improve transplanted cell viability by providing protection following transplantation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels are ideal candidates for this purpose. In this study the survival rate and neural differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were evaluated on PEG hydrogel. BMSCs were isolated from adult rats, passaged and cultured in MDEM/F12 containing B27, EGF and bFGF to generated NSCs, which were harvested to produce NSCs. Subsequently, NSCs encapsulated in 3D PEG hydrogel and cultured for 7 days. Here, we attempted to use live/dead assay kit for assessment of cell viability and differentiation was assessed by immunocytochemical analyses of neural marker expression. The results showed that NF68, NF160 and NF200 are highly expressed in NSCs after 7 days culture in 3D PEG hydrogel differentiation medium and viabilty of NSCs was about 98.24%, but GFAP and Nestin were highly expressed in 2D culture medium and viability of NSCs was about 71.70%. These findings suggest the importance of strategies to control the chemical microenvironment surrounding cells in three-dimensional biomaterials that are being designed as cell culture platforms.

Constipation is one of the most common medical problems in the childhood period. Several therapeutic regimes are available in management of constipation، but still considerable numbers of patient have not shown enough response to these modalities. In this challenging situation، physician should pay enough attention to important aspects of this disease and review each one carefully. In this article، we have described the three major confounding cause of hard to treat constipation. The first one is incorrect diagnosis; although The most common causes of constipation in children are Hirschsprung''s disease and functional constipation، less common causes like anal problems، abnormal neuromuscular condition، pseudo-obstruction، spinal cord abnormalities، drugs side effects، electrolyte and endocrine abnormalities should be considered in these patients. The second cause is incomplete adherence of both patient and parents to recommended therapeutic regime and the third important point is inadequate therapeutic modality. There are several drugs prescribed for constipation، but the most preferred medication is Polyethylene Glycol: PEG، the dose of drugs should be increased as need to induce tow soft defecation per day، and then reduce the dose of drug gradually during months. Drugs with unacceptable side effects like bloating، abdominal pain، vomiting or have unpalatable taste should not be prescribed for long lasting use and may lead to treatment failure.

Due to the lack of efficient anti-HIV vaccine، anti-HIV pharmaceuticals play an important role in controlling HIV infection. Also significant rise in drug resistance and drug toxicity has caused increased interest in finding new anti-HIV agents. In this study، a nano-sized version of lamivudine based on PEGylated chitosan was synthesized.

In this research، nanoparticles of chitosan were efficiently PEGylated for increasing their stability in water and then the anti-HIV drug، lamivudine، was loaded on these PEGylated nanoparticles. After purification and lyophilization of new synthesized nanoparticle، the raw materials and final product were sampled and FTIR، HNMR and CHN analyses were done.

Results of HNMR spectroscopy showed that chitosan nanoparticle was successfully PEGylated. HNMR data confirmed FTIR results and indicated that lamivudine was conjugated on chitosan nanoparticle. In addition، CHN analysis data also confirmed both HNMR and FTIR data، and demonstrated that a high yield of chitosan nanoparticle PEGylation (approximately 97%) was done and illustrated a high capacity of lamivudine conjugation on nano-sized PEGylated chitosan (30% W/W chitosan).

In this study، lamivudine drug was successfully synthesized، based on PEGylated chitosan nanoparticle.

Due to recent advances in nanotechnology it is now possible to accumulate high atomic-number nanomaterial such as gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in cancerous cells and take advantage of their absorbed dose enhancement property as radiosensitizing agents. This study aimed to investigate the absorbed dose enhancement factor due to the presence of PEGylated GNPs under the irradiation of an MCF-7 cancerous cell line using orthovoltage X-ray beams. We synthesized GNPs with an average diameter of 47 nm and joined them to polyethylene glycol. A total of 50 μg/mL of the pegylated GNPs were incubated with MCF-7 cells for 1، 2، 6، 12، and 24 hours، after which we compared their cytotoxicities. Then، PEGylated GNPs (50μg/mL) were incubated with MCF-7 cells for 12 and 24 hours and their radiosensitizing effect during 2Gy delivery of 120، 180 and 200 kVp X-ray beams were compared by the MTT assay. Cytotoxicity studies showed no significant effect of GNPs on cell viability. Significant differences in cell survival were observed between the groups irradiated with and without GNPs، which lead to an average absorbed dose enhancement factor of 1. 22±0. 06. According to the results، there was no radiosensitization difference due to the usage of 120، 180 and 200 kVp X-ray beams. However increased incubation time increased the dose enhancement factor. By using PEGylated GNPs we can decrease the prescribed X-ray dose، yet maintain the same level of cancerous cell killing.

The aim of this study was preparation of polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles targeted with anti-TAG72 nanobody for delivery of t-Bid gene construct into the human colonic adenocarcinoma cells. First of all، purified recombinant nanobody was verified by SDS-PAGE، western blotting and ELISA. Targeted polyplexes were constructed by reacting polyethylene glycol (PEG) with PEI and covalent bonding of nanobody to nanoparticles. Surface charge and size of the resulting nanoparticles were evaluated by Malvern zeta sizer and nanosight instruments. Efficiency of constructed gene vector for killer gene delivery into the colonic adenocarcinoma cells was assessed using real time PCR assay. Production of nanoparticles with the average size of 168 nm and +7. 18 surface charge was confirmed by nanosight and Malvern zeta sizer. Gel retardation assay verified the efficiency of carrier for pDNA complexation. Real time PCR results confirmed the targeted gene expression in the cancerous cell lines. Results of this study confirmed the efficiency of targeted polyplexes in gene delivery and their potency for targeted gene delivery into the cells.

Introduction & Bowel mechanical preparation is a routine procedure before colorectal surgeries. Anorectal procedures are most prevalent procedures in general surgery. To reduce risk of infection and better performance, all authors insist on bowel preparation before anorectal surgeries. The aim of this study is the comparison of the mechanical bowel preparation with polyethylenglycol (PEG), saline enema or no prep before anorectal surgery (hemorrhoid and fistula). In a randomized clinical trial 150 cases of candidates for elective hemorrhoid or fistula in general surgery ward of hospital enrolled came under study: 50cases in PEG group (1), 50 cases in saline enema (2) and 50 cases with no prep or control (3). After surgery surgeon's satisfaction, pain after first defecation and post operative complications were evaluated and analyzed by SPSS 16, ANOVA and chi-square test. The mean of age, gender and procedure type were not different significantly between groups. Surgeon's satisfaction was 26% in group 1, 28% in group 2 and 0% in group 3; difference was significant (P-value.

One of the primary desirers of couples, especially in Asian countries, is to have a male offspring. This wish is generally higher in fertile than infertile couples. One of the tech-niques used in infertility centers for separating the spermatozoa containing Y or X chromosomes, is the Ericsson method that is simple, cheap and practical with application of no toxic material. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of sex selection with sperm separation using albumin gradient technique in fertile and infertile couples under IUI treatment cycles. This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 32 couples (30 fertile and 2 infertile couples) were enrolled for sex selection techniques (31 asking for male and one for female offsprings) using Ericsson method. Following sperm evaluation, the sperm samples were prepared with Ericsson technique in less than 2 hours. Through a transfer catheter400-500μl of the fluid, containing more than 1×106 spermatozoa, was transferred into uterine cavity. All candidates had been super-ovulated for IUI cycles. The data were analyzed using χ2, t-test and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Out of 32 couples under study, 30 individuals already had one child. The rate of pregnancy after IUI plus albumin gradient was 34.4%. The pregnancies of 4 couples were aborted. The live birth rate was 21.8% and achieving the desirable offspring was 71.4% among the born babies. The findings also showed that two sperm parameters of fast and slow motilities and normal morphology, following sperm separation with albumin gradient, were significantly increased (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). In addition, the rate of sperm progressive motility and normal morphology was higher in subjects who gave birth to male offsprings than other candidates. Only one couple had asked for a female offspring, but the process resulted in a normal male infant. The separation of spermatozoa by albumin gradient technique, which was introduced by Ericsson, is a suitable technique for sex selection of offsprings. However, the applicability of this technique for infertile couples needs further studies. The aforementioned technique is considered safe, since it neither requires toxic materials during sperm separation, nor involves embryo manipulation.

Prolactin exists in three different molecular forms, i.e., monomeric, big and big big (macroprolactin) in human serum. Macroprolactin is a complex of prolactin and IgG and may account for a significant proportion of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Its biological activity is considered low or absent, but it is measured alongside free prolactin in common immunoassay methods, thus can wrongly lead to high prolactin detection, expensive explorations and ineffec-tive treatments. Conventionally, the diagnosis of macroprolactinemia has been done by gel filtra-tion chromatography, which could not be used routinely. Recently polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been employed to precipitate macroprolactin, allowing its detection rapidly, trustworthily and inexpensively. The objectives of the present study have been to evaluate the prevalence of macroprolactinemia in infertile women with hyperprolactinemia through identification with PEG and to compare the clinical (Galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea) and radiological findings (Sella turcica MRI). 17 infertile women with hyperprolactinemia were investigated for macro-prolactin by using PEG. Prolactin was measured before and after precipitation of macroprolactin by PEG. A prolactin recovery >60% after precipitation was an indicator of macroprolactinemia. The results were analyzed by SPSS software and p<0.05 was considered significant. Macroprolactinemia was diagnosed in six (35%) women. In true hyperprolactinemic women (11women), galactorrhea occurred in 81.8% and oligomenorrhea in 90.9% of them, but in macroprolactinemic women galactorrhea occurred in 33.3% and oligomenorrhea in 16.6%. In addition, normal pituitary images were found in 45.5% of the patients who had true hyperpro-lactinemia; however, 100% of the women with macroprolactinemia had normal pituitary images. Macroprolactinemia evaluation by PEG in infertile women with hyperprolactinemia is recommended before extensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.