The advance anticancer role of polymeric core-shell ZnO nanoparticles containing oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer

We evaluated the activity of core-shell ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs@polymer shell) containing Oxaliplatin via polymerization through in vitro studies and in vivo mouse models of colorectal cancer. ZnO NPs were synthesized in situ when the polymerization step was completed by co-precipitation. Gadolinium coordinated-ZnONPs@polymer shell (ZnO-Gd NPs@polymer shell) was synthesized by exploiting Gd's oxophilicity (III). The biophysical properties of the NPs were studied using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and z-potential. (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)−2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) was used to determine the antiproliferative activity of ZnO-Gd-OXA. Moreover, a xenograft mouse model of colon cancer was exerted to survey its antitumor activity and effect on tumor growth. In the following, the model was also evaluated by histological staining (H-E; Hematoxylin & Eosin and trichrome staining) and gene expression analyses through the application of RT-PCR/ELISA, which included biochemical evaluation (MDA, thiols, SOD, CAT). The formation of ZnO NPs, which contained a crystallite size of 16.8 nm, was confirmed by the outcomes of the PXRD analysis. The Plate-like morphology and presence of Pt were obtained in EDX outcomes. TEM analysis displayed the attained ZnO NPs in a spherical shape and a diameter of 33 ± 8.5 nm, while the hydrodynamic sizes indicated that the particles were highly aggregated. The biological results demonstrated that ZnO-Gd-OXA inhibited tumor growth by inducing reactive oxygen species and inhibiting fibrosis, warranting further research on this novel colorectal cancer treatment agent.     

Signet-ring cell lymphoma. Report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology

A case of signet-ring cell lymphoma initially diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is described. Immediate evaluation of air-dried smears showed a mixture of large and small lymphoid cells, including some signet-ring forms. Immunocytochemical studies of Cytospin preparations of the remaining aspirate yielded a diagnosis of a large-cell-type B-cell signet-ring lymphoma. Subsequent bone marrow biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of a low-grade lymphoma. The advantages of on-site evaluation in aspiration cytology are discussed.     

Sperm biology and control of reproduction in sturgeon: (I) testicular development, sperm maturation and seminal plasma characteristics

Sturgeon (Chondrostei, Acipenseriformes) are threatened or endangered species due to overfishing and environmental degradation causing disruption of natural reproduction. Commercial sturgeon aquaculture and conservation program requires broodfish management as well as biogeographical and biological knowledge. Therefore, control of sturgeon reproduction in captivity can become as a valid tool in the field of sustainable development. The main objectives of the present review were to summarize, describe and synthesize available data about neuroendocrine control of testicular development, spermiation induction, seminal plasma characteristics and factors affecting sperm quality. In sturgeon, puberty usually occurs late in life and adult males do not spawn on an annual basis. Gonadal differentiation and spermatogonia proliferation occurs at 1?C2 and 2?C3?year-old, respectively. In spermatogenesis, environmental stimuli affect hypothalamus to release GnRH, which induce FSH release from pituitary stimulating testicular androgenesis, which is involved in spermatogonial proliferation and spermatogenesis. At spawning season, GnRH stimulates LH production from pituitary, regulating 17??,20??-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one production in testis, which control sperm maturation. In captivity, hormonal treatment is essential to induce spermiation. Chemical and biochemical compounds of the seminal plasma are important to protect viability, motility and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. Several kinds of acrosomal enzymes have been identified in sturgeon seminal plasma; higher concentrations reported in the frozen/thawed than fresh sperm suggesting their origination from spermatozoa. Moreover, there are numerous factors that influence on sperm quality including temperature, methods for spermiation induction, stripping frequency and stress.     

External damage and changes in blood parameters in female tench, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tinca tinca</Emphasis> (L.) retained in anglers’ keepnets

The effect of keeping female tench in two different types of keepnets for 24 h after landing was tested. The first type, fine knotted nylon mesh, was placed in two different positions in the edge: (a) anglers position, anchored on one side and (b) stretch position, anchored on both ends of the keepnets. The second type was made of dense fine and soft textile net in black color and anchored on both ends in a stretch position. After capture by rod the fish were landed by hand, the hook was removed and the damage to the body and fins checked before confining the fish inside the keepnets. After confinement, blood samples were collected and the number, disposition and extent of wounds checked. The retention in the keepnets did not produce significant changes in plasma cortisol, glucose and osmolality. Fine knotted nets caused more injuries than the soft textile one. As a consequence, the use of this latter type is recommended for tench retention.     

Supportive family relationships and adolescent health in the socio-cultural context of Iran: a qualitative study

Parents have a critical role in adolescent health. The association of adolescents'' perceptions of family relationships with adolescent health was investigated using a sample of 67 female adolescents who participated in eight focus group discussions, utilising a purposeful sampling method. All tape-recorded data were fully transcribed and content analysis was performed. Three themes were identified, namely emotional support, responsible parents and well-informed parents. With regard to some of the challenges in Iranian adolescents'' relationships with their parents, it is necessary to educate parents to be alert to their role in adolescent health.