bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes of Infertility in Women with Diabetes: Literature Review
Authors: Anna Garnytska
Published: December 2023

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic disease, resulting from long-term hyperglycemia can lead to various complications. Complications of DM are associated with changes occurring in blood vessels and nerve fibers. Diabetes can affect a woman's reproductive function and lead to infertility. Decreased fertility in women with DM can be caused by various factors related to this disease. To date, the final mechanisms of reduced reproductive function in these women have not been fully elucidated, but it is known that the leading role belongs to chronic hyperglycemia. Purpose: Based on these literature sources, to investigate the possible causes of infertility in women with diabetes. Object: reduced fertility in women as a result of diabetes. Research methods: a review of literary sources. Results: There are quite a few causes of infertility and reduced fertility in women with DM, these include complications of diabetes (diabetic polyneuropathy); insulin resistance and, as a result, polycystic ovary syndrome; obesity; autoimmune and genetic factors; disorders of the menstrual cycle and hormone balance; low quality of egg cells due to oxidative stress and the formation of glycation products; reduction of cervical mucus due to hormonal disbalance, dehydration and inflammatory processes of the genital organs; psychogenic factors (phobias, fear of childbirth, future changes both in the body and in life). Conclusions: Based on the study of literary data, it can be said that the main causes of infertility in women with DM are caused by chronic hyperglycemia, and as a result, the development of pathological conditions that lead to disorders in the reproductive system. In addition, the causes of infertility in women with DM include disorders of the menstrual cycle and hormone balance, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, and autoimmune and genetic mechanisms. Taking this into account, glycemic control, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, lifestyle modification, nutrition, and psychological health support are necessary.
Benefit of the Combined use of Three-Dimension Anatomical Mapping and Intracardiac Echocardiography in Catheter Ablation of Premature Ventricular Contraction Coming from the Moderator Band of the Right Ventricle: A Case Report
Authors: Eugenia Amrein
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The moderator band connects the anterior papillary muscle of the tricuspid valve with the free wall of the right ventricle. It is associated with sudden cardiac death risk. Radiofrequency ablation is the treatment of choice for this type of arrhythmias. Description: An 18-year-old patient with no structural heart disease, 17% of premature ventricular contraction in holter. An ablation using three-dimension electroanatomical system was performed with recurrence after 48 hours. Due to the absence of response to antiarrhythmic drugs a new catheter ablation was performed combining three-dimension electroanatomical system and intracardiac echocardiography. The arrhythmia was interrupted 6 seconds after the start of the application. During follow-up, 48 hours Holter monitoring demonstrated no ventricular arrhythmias at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Conclusion: It is very important to combine the use of three-dimension anatomical mapping system and intracardiac echocardiogram while performing premature ventricular contraction ablation originated in the moderator band in order to obtain better outcomes in this type of arrhythmias, associated with risk of sudden cardiac death.
Development of a Skin Scaffold for Wound Healing Using a Polymer Blend
Authors: Gokarneshan N.
Published: December 2023

Native skin consists mainly of epidermal and dermal layers. Here in this work, we have constructed an artificial skin scaffold mimicking the bilayered structure of the native skin using electrospinning technique for wound healing. Polyurethane (PU) and Gelatin (Ge) were used for developing the epidermal layer and the dermal layer respectively. Ciprofloxacin HCl (Cip. HCl) a fluoroquinolone antibiotic was incorporated in both the layers for rapid wound healing. Morphology of the skin scaffold was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and the chemical characterization was performed using FTIR spectroscopy. Water vapor transmission rate test and oxygen transmission rate test was conducted to evaluate the barrier properties of the scaffold. Thermal stability of the skin scaffold was evaluated using DSC and TGA while an understanding of the exudate absorbing capacity and degradation behavior of the scaffold was obtained from water absorption studies and in vitro degradation studies respectively. In vitro drug release study and drug release kinetics was explored to understand the release mechanism of Cip. HCl from the scaffold. Both the layers showed nano and micropores when analyzed using SEM. The dermal layer showed comparatively more water absorption capacity and degradation, hence providing a moist environment for the wound. The skin scaffold was permeable to water vapor and oxygen, and hence will speed up the process of wound healing. In vitro release for Cip. HCl showed a non-Fickian swelling type release with zero-order kinetics. Disk diffusion test conducted on the bilayers proved the antibacterial activity of the membrane. Hence the electrospun PU-Ge skin scaffold containing Cip. HCl is a promising candidate among modern day wound healing materials.
Periprosthetic Comminuted High Energy Fracture of The Proximal Femur Three Months After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Young Male. A Case Report
Authors: Erceg Marinko
Published: December 2023

A 40 years old male patient had surgery on his right hip in 2010. when primary total cementless hip prosthesis was implanted because of posttraumatic arthrosis. Three months later he had a car accident and he got dislocation of the hip prosthesis with multiple femoral fractures of the proximal part of the femur around and below the femoral stem. The stem of the prosthesis was loose while acetaulum was stable. The patient had also fracture of the left acetabulum and ishial bone, without big dislocations. He underwent a new surgery on the right hip. Revisional long uncemented femoral stem was implanted, with cerclages and screws on multiple bone fragments. We met patient 8 years later with a very good function of his right hip. He has a problem with his left hip because of pseudarthrosis of the upper and lower part of the ischial bone. We think that this is an interesting case of periprosthetic femoral fracture, because of so many bone fragments around and below the femoral stem of the hip prosthesis, resulting in a very good function.
Effect of Covid19 Pandemic on Preventive Vaccinations Among Patients with The End Stage Kidney Disease At New York Harbor VA Medical Center
Authors: Preis Jana
Published: December 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed challenges and barriers in achieving high preventive vaccination rates. This study aimed to explore the effects of the pandemic on vaccination rates in patients with end stage kidney disease (kidney dialysis) patients in New York City. These patients compose a challenging cohort as their transplant optimization includes routine vaccinations including pneumococcal, flu, Hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, H flu, HPV, Tdap, RZV, and Covid. Materials and Methods: This study population consisted of 142 participants from two Veteran Affairs hospitals in New York City. Vaccination and demographic information were compiled via EMR and compared to long term US vaccination rates using exact binomial tests. Secondary analysis using generalized estimating equations was used to compare vaccination rates pre- and post-pandemic within the Brooklyn VA population controlling for demographic variables. Results: The combined vaccination rate for the post-pandemic period was found to be significantly lower than the pre-pandemic rate in the general US population for several vaccines, including Hepatitis A (CI: 0.088, 0.098; p<0.001), Influenza (CI: 0.68, 0.69, p<0.001), Meningococcal (CI: 0.34, 0.35; p<0.001), MMR (, CI: 0.51, 0.52; p=0.001), and TDAP (CI: 0.18, 0.20; p<0.001). Secondary analysis using generalized estimating equations controlling for age, race, and time on dialysis within the Brooklyn VA population revealed increases in post-pandemic vaccination rates for Shingles (subunit; B=1.03; 95% Wald CI: .178, 1.87; p=.018) and Hepatitis B (B=-.739; 95% Wald CI: .084, 1.39; p=.027), while a significant decrease was observed for Hep A (B=-2.65; 95% Wald CI: -4.4, -.90; p=.003). Conclusion: This data demonstrates that post-pandemic vaccination rates in VA dialysis patients is lower than the past 10-year US average for several vaccines including Hepatitis A, Influenza, Meningococcal, MMR, and TDAP. Mixed effects of pre- and post-pandemic vaccination rates within the Brooklyn VA were also found with a decreased vaccination rate for Hepatitis A, and increased rates for Shingles and Hepatitis B. Further study is needed to evaluate pandemic’s effect on these rates, disease prevention, and identify the reasons contributing to vaccine hesitancy vs. acceptance.
Nutritional Intervention and Lifestyle in Gout or Pseudogout - Case Study
Authors: Camelia-Florina Ştefănescu
Published: December 2023

The present case study reported a patient, 47 years old, with a 3-month history of articulation aches, initially only in the right ankle, later in the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the same lower limb. The symptomatology is identical to that of gout, although the crisis episodes have never been determined by the increase in the level of uric acid in the blood. The patient, having obesity of the first degree, followed an empirical diet based on starvation, losing 5 kg in the last 3 weeks, until he contacted our office. He was prescribed Aflamil, taken temporarily and without obvious results. He self-assessed as a daily alcohol user. The presented biochemical profile was normal, except for increased levels of fibrinogen (617 mg/dl; normal between 200-400 mg/dL, ESR (18 mm/h; normal < 15 mm/h), ferritin (320; normal up to 300 µg/l) and low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (20 ng/mL; normal between 30-100 ng/mL). The case study aimed at weight loss, understanding the importance of lifestyle change, and finding a behavioral alternative food for controlling the feeling of permanent hunger, eliminating joint symptoms, and normalizing laboratory parameters.
Amended Diagnosis and Description of a New Species of the Genus Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae)
Authors: KABACA Alper , SAK Serdar
Published: December 2023

A new species of the monotypic genus Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) was discovered among the interstitial samples collected from the Kumada Coast in the Sea of Marmara. The new species can be distinguished from the type species T. spelaea (Chappuis, 1938) by the following characters: (i) female 6-segmented antennule, (ii) P3 exp terminal segment with 7 setae, (iii) female P5 exopodal lobe with 5 setae, (iv) female P5 baseoendopod with 3 setae on endopodal lobe, (v) surface ornamentation of swimming legs, (vi) male P5 baseoendopod distal seta ornamentation, and (vii) male P5 exopod setal ornamentation. The type material of T. spelaea does no longer exist and its diagnosis is concise. Therefore, the generic diagnosis has been updated to include the characters displayed by the new species. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis including other genera related to the Troglophonte was conducted using parsimony. The results obtained from the phylogenetic analysis were generally consistent with the previous studies.
Impact of dividends and capital intensity of labour on real wages in post-communist economies
Authors: Pikhart Zdeněk , Procházka Pavel
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to verify gains and losses from foreign direct investment as well as outflow of capital in the form of dividends from Central and Eastern Europe. The topic of dividend outflow is currently at the centre of political as well as media interest. At the same time, it is prone to simplistic interpretations and possible political intervention might exert a significant negative social impact. The contemporary economic theory and empirical research are in relative consensus on the positive effects of foreign investment. Most notably, it increases capital endowment of labour. However, the questions that have not yet been resolved are the rate of intensity, phases and channels of foreign capital flows. The effect of foreign investment during the different phases of foreign life-cycle is practically unexplored. The need for this type of research does not arise in Western Europe’s economies as they are in a position of creditor compared to Central and Eastern Europe. Therefore, the article examines whether the outflow of dividends is associated with the deterioration of aggregate demand or an increase of export capacities. Through the panel regression method, these relationships are captured in Western Europe’s economies and compared with the Central and Eastern Europe’s economies. The effect of capital intensity and dividend outflow on real wages in the post-communist countries was examined. The findings break down the myth portrayed in the media concerning the cost of dividend outflow and, on the contrary, they confirm substantial benefits stemming from the capital inflow. Late stages of foreign investment cycle connected with dividend outflow do not bear any adverse effects. The high profitability of foreign-controlled enterprises is in line with the favourable wage development of domestic labour force.
Art in protest discourses – on the example of the Belarusian anti-government protest movement
Authors: Kiklewicz Aleksander , Mazurkiewicz-Sułkowska Julia , Pociechina Helena
Published: December 2023

In protest discourses the problem of using aesthetic and artistic elements lies in the centre of attention. The authors draw empirical material from the Belarusian protest movement, especially the anti-government protests of 2020. In the current study the problem of the use of aesthetic elements in protest discourses is considered in two aspects: 1) in the aspect of artistic activism, i.e. the involvement of artists in resistance activities; 2) in terms of the use of aesthetic speech acts in various forms of protest activity, i.e. as a special rhetorical tool with emphatic and persuasive function, but also as a means of expression with the satisfying function. As a result of this dichotomy, the article is divided into two parts. The authors point out that even though public art is not developed in Belarus (e.g. in the field of visual arts), aesthetic creativity is a very characteristic feature of both street poster discourses and forms of protest in the Internet.
FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNING SOLUTIONS FOR RENTAL HOUSING FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
Authors: Lialiuk Andrii , Lialiuk Olena
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis and formation of effective strategies in the field of construction and planning of rental housing for young families. The emphasis of the work is on studying the features of urban infrastructure, taking into account the needs of young people in comfortable and functional spaces, as well as considering practical examples and innovative approaches in the field of housing construction. The research aims to determine optimal housing models for young families that meet modern living standards and contribute to the sustainable development of the city. The formation of construction and planning solutions for rental housing for young families has a multifaceted nature. Taking into account their needs, ensuring functionality, environmental friendliness, manufacturability and social adaptation become the key directions of the development of modern residential construction. The conducted studies emphasize that: "the dissatisfaction of young families with their housing conditions is associated with the following factors: the high cost of renting housing; living with parents or other relatives; small living space; poor technical characteristics of housing. Providing young families with the opportunity to have quality, affordable and functional housing is an important step in creating a stable and healthy society. Taking into account the needs of young families, rational housing should be designed using all energy-saving technologies. So that the purchase of such housing and its further operation corresponded to the family budget.

It was established that the development of rental houses in Ukraine is impossible without the participation of private investors, for whom their construction will be profitable only if the state provides preferential conditions for construction. The results of the work can be used as a basis for the development of city strategies and programs aimed at improving living conditions for young people and the overall development of the city.
FILLERS FOR CONSTRUCTION MIXTURES FROM RECYCLING PRODUCTS OF SOLID INORGANIC WASTE
Authors: Khrystych Oleksandr V.
Published: December 2023

The substantiation of the need to develop and implement new resource-saving technologies for the production of construction mixtures using aggregates obtained as a result of complex processing of solid inorganic construction waste is provided. Analytical studies of technogenic waste processing technologies for obtaining building materials have been conducted. The results of the study of the experience of construction scrap processing are presented, with confirmation of the expediency of the fact that the technology of recycling accumulated construction scrap dumps in the territory where the destroyed buildings were located does not require any new specialized measures. The projected volumes of building materials in the composition of residential construction objects with various quantitative parameters of the constituent components of the elements of the fencing structures are presented. Analytical studies have established that the accumulated volumes of construction scrap from the destruction of elements of buildings and structures in the vast majority include the remains of concrete, reinforced concrete, expanded clay concrete, brickwork made of ceramic and silicate products. Experimental series of aggregate samples were made using experimental samples of construction scrap, their granulometric characteristics were determined and physical parameters were investigated. With the use of regulatory and technical literature, the predicted prescription parameters of the concrete mixture using a new variety of aggregates obtained by re-processing of construction scrap were compiled. The presence of reactive substances on the surface of the obtained aggregates was substantiated and the presence of increased physical and mechanical characteristics of the samples with a decrease in the binder content was confirmed. Recipe and technological parameters for the production of wall building materials using the obtained multicomponent building mixtures are proposed. The results of tests of physical and mechanical characteristics of test samples of concrete using aggregates from solid inorganic waste are presented.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS ANTI-STRIPPING AGENTS ON THE WATER STABILITY OF ASPHALT CONCRETE
Authors: Borziak Olha S. , Zhuravel Vitalii V.
Published: December 2023

Asphalt concrete, being a pivotal material in road construction, has its water stability intricately tied to the road's service life and safety. In engineering practice, an ASA is commonly employed to enhance the water stability of asphalt concrete. This investigation aims to scrutinize the impact of various ASAs on the water stability of asphalt concrete by selecting three frequently used ones. The investigation is conducted through the Marshall water immersion test. Experimental outcomes indicate that cement, AASA, and NASA effectively bolster the water stability of asphalt concrete, with NASA demonstrating the most superior performance.
Prevalence of Levodopa-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Parkinsonâ€™s Disease and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Yazdchi Marandi Mohammad , Ayromlou Hormoz , Pezeshki Zakaria , Asadi Rogayye , Najmi Safa
Published: December 2023

Background: Parkinsonâ€™s disease (PD) is one of the widespread neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, a few studies have suggested that treatment with levodopa and vitamin B12 deficiency may have some role in developing peripheral neuropathy (PN) among PD patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate PN in patients suffering from PD under long-term treatment with levodopa and also vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty PD patients who received levodopa for at least two years, 30 levodopa-naÃ¯ve PD patients, and 30 age-matched controls individuals were included. The participants were subjected to electrodiagnostic tests and the level of vitamin B12 was measured. The prevalence of neuropathy was determined according to electrodiagnostic criteria and compared among the three groups. Results: Overall, 23.3% of cases in levodopa receivers, 3.3% in the levodopa-naÃ¯ve group, and 3.3% in control group had PN (odds ratio=8.8, 95% confidence interval=1.7-45.6). Levodopa group had significantly lower serum vitamin B12 than the other two groups (P=0.006). Vitamin B12 insufficiency was detected in 36.6% of patients in the levodopa group, which was significantly higher than other groups (23.3% in the levodopa-naÃ¯ve and 6.6% in the control groups, P=0.02). A significantly negative correlation was noticed between the duration of levodopa exposure and serum level of vitamin B12 (r=-0.31, P=0.016). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin B12 insufficiency and PN in PD patients under treatment with levodopa. Also, our results advocate the role of levodopa in PN development through the vitamin B12 derangement. [GMJ.2021;10:e1837]
Assessment of Kinesio Taping Versus Phonophoresis for the Treatment of Painful Hallux Valgus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Maghroori Razieh , Taheri Parisa , Heidari Aidin
Published: December 2023

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a deformity that affects the quality of life and function in a negative manner causing disturbed balance and walking and even alters the foot kinematics. Conservative treatments are the choice for mild to moderate HV, but the question about the best method has not been responded yet. In the current study, it is aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of kinesiotaping (KT) versus phonophoresis (PH) for the treatment of painful HV. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial has been conducted on a total number of 37 toes (37 toes of a total number of 24 patients) randomly divided into two subgroups of either KT or PH with 1% hydrocortisone among which the total numbers of 31 toes from 20 patients fulfilled the study protocol. The variables including pain (using VAS score), function (using Manchester-Oxford Foot questionnaire)(MOXFD), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were assessed and compared between two groups before and after two months following the interventions. Results: The pain score decreased significantly within the time in both groups (P-value<0.001), while the comparison of KT with PH revealed insignificant difference (P-value=0.08). MOXFD assessments showed significantly improved status within two months for both interventions (P-value<0.001) with no remarkable difference between the groups (P-value=0.55). The IMA and HVA altered following both of the techniques. KT was superior to PH for the correction of HVA, but not for IMA (P-value>0.05). Conclusion: We found both of the KT and PH techniques could successfully rehabilitate the patientsâ€™ pain and improve function, however the KT was slightly better than PH due to HVA reduction. [GMJ.2021;10:e1888]
Psychological Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Sarraf-Razavi Mahdiyeh , Tabatabaei Seyyed Mohammad , Eslamzadeh Mahboubeh , Moradi Marjan , Feyzi Zhaleh , Talaei Ali , Fayyazi Bordbar Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

The infection caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) started from China and spread out to the whole world, and became a pandemic as the world health organization declared. COVID-19 has caused many challenges in all aspects of life, including mental health for the entire human beings. The current study has reviewed some important strategies based on individual care and social support. Maintaining healthy lifestyle and doing regular life activities such as enough sleeping, doing art, listening to music, doing yoga, and meditation could be practical for individual care. Some social support strategies may include talking to trusty people or counselors to share emotions, keeping in touch with family, friends, and colleagues, supporting people via calls and texts warmly, and taking care of the elderly, children, and especially medical workers. [GMJ.2021;10:e2008]
Prevalence of JAK2V617F, CALR in Philadelphia Positive and Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasm
Authors: Ramzi Mani , Abedi Elham , Karimi Mehran , Cohan Nader , Haghpanah Sezaneh , Yaghobi Ramin , Azarpira Negar , Moghadam Mohamad , Bayat Elahe , Farokhian Farnoush , Mohammadi Hamid , Razmara lak Elahe , Golafshan Habib allah
Published: December 2023

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are heterogeneous disorders with a variety of genetic abnormalities. We aim to assess the prevalence of Calreticulin (CALR) and JAK2 mutations in Iranian MPNs. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, CALR and JAK2 mutations among 130 MPNs patients, including 78 Philadelphia chromosome-negative (MPN-) and 52 Philadelphia chromosome-positive (MPN+) as well as 51 healthy control subjects, were investigated by GAP-PCR. Results: In MPN- group JAK2 and CALR gene mutations were found in 64.1% and 7.7%, respectively, that 5.1% were positive for both mutations, and 2.6% had only CALR mutation. In polycythemia vera (PV) patients 90% had JAK2 mutation, which was significantly higher than other MPN- or MPN+ patients. Most of the MPN+ patients had neither mutation in CALR nor JAK2 (70% CALR-/JAK2-). Among all patientsâ€™ groups, the prevalence of CALR+ mutation in either rs1450785140 (4 cases) or rs765476509 (5 cases) position was not statistically different. Conclusion: These results showed a low prevalence of CALR mutations in all types of MPNs in the Iranian population that its frequency may influence by ethnicity and genetic diversity. CALR mutation may be seen in JAK2 negative cases, also. The PV had the highest JAK2 mutation with a 90 percent positivity rate among MPNs cases. [GMJ.2021;10:e2127]
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among Patients with Dyspepsia by Stool Antigen and Serology Tests
Authors: Mirzaei Mahsa , Jafari Sattar , Abdollahi Sabet Somayeh , Mansouri Saeed
Published: December 2023

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection globally and is the underlying cause of many disorders, including dyspepsia. Also, the prevalence of gastric cancer in Zanjan city is high. Therefore, this study investigates the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia by the H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients over 18 years of age who were referred to Shafieieh Special Clinic in Zanjan with dyspepsia during 2019-2020. First, the HpSA test was examined for H. pylori infection. Since the results of two separate tests are needed to prove that H. pylori infection is negative, the serological test was used in the patients with HpSA negative results. Results: Based on the demographic information of the present study, most patients (70.1%) were under 40 years old, and most (55.1%) were women. Smoking, alcohol, drug, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in patients were 16.5%, 6.3%, 7.9%, and 39.4%, respectively. The highest and lowest symptoms were abdominal pain (44.9%) and burp (22%), respectively. Except for the relationship between positive serological results and age (PË‚0.001), no significant relationship was found between other variables (Pâ‰¥0.05). Based on the HpSA test, H. pylori infection was seen in 56.7% of patients. By the serological test, another 29 patients had H. pylori infection. Therefore, the total number of patients was 101, and the overall prevalence of H. pylori increased to 79.5%. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was high compared to previous studies. Also, above the age of 40 years, female gender in HpSA test and male gender in serology test, higher education level, and the presence of risk factors (smoking, alcohol, and NSAIDs) have a higher positive test for H. pylori.
Simultaneous Treatment with P53 Overexpression and Interferon Î³ Exerts a Dramatic Increase in Apoptosis Induction of U87 Cells
Authors: Abbasy Zahra , Zaferani Arani Hamid , Ale-Ebrahim Mahsa , Moodi Vihan , Nematian Javad , Barati Mojdeh , Shafaie Saba , Madjid Ansari Alireza , Hashemi Atousa , Davoodi Poorya , Javidi Mohammad Amin
Published: December 2023

Background: Gliomas possess low immunogenicity, which is an inevitable hinder in front of cancer immunotherapy. Different interferons (IFNs) may proceed apoptosis instead in p53-dependent or independent pathways. P53 induces the anti-inflammatory programmed cell death in cancer cells; on the other hand, IFN gamma (IFNÎ³) is a modulatory/pro-inflammatory cytokine. There are contradictory reports of whether this cytokine can possess an anti- or pro-cancerous impact on tumors. Hence, we aimed to investigate the possible cooperative apoptotic effect of the P53 and IFNÎ³ over expressions on the U87 glioblastoma cell line. Materials and Methods: The P53 expressing vector was amplified by Escherichia coli BL21. This vector was confirmed by the aid of sequencing. At the next step, U87 cells were transfected using lipofectamine. Cells were treated with P53 vector and/or IFNÎ³. The type of cellular death investigated by flow cytometry and the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 protein was also precisely demonstrated by western blotting. Results: Sequencing results revealed that inserted P53 was identical with human P53. Western blot results revealed that both IFNÎ³ and P53 overexpression could up-regulate cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in this cell line. Interestingly, flow cytometry data determined that concurrent treatment with P53 exogenous overexpression and IFNÎ³ induces about 70% apoptosis in U87; more than the sum of cell death occurs after IFNÎ³ or P53 overexpression alone (~18%+21%=39%). Conclusion: The present study results showed that p53-overexpression and IFNÎ³ could ultimately induce up-regulation of the caspase-3 and ultimately significant apoptosis increasing in the U87 cell line. Although IFNÎ³ is believed to be a pro-inflammatory cytokine and P53 is an anti-inflammatory agent, our results demonstrated that they could act synergistically to induce apoptosis in U87 cells. [GMJ.2021;10:e2270]
The Combination Neuroprotective Abilities of Resveratrol and Naringenin in Attenuation of Sleep Deprivation Complications in Rats
Authors: Zaferani Arani Hamid , Abbasy Zahra , Atashi Hesam Adin , Agatha Felicia , Mirparsa Fatemeh , Gaeini Amirhossein , Hashemi Atousa
Published: December 2023

Background: Sleep loss is one of the most important health problems in the world, and about 30 to 40 percent of ordinary people suffer from it. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the combination of resveratrol and naringenin in attenuation of sleep deprivation (SD) complications in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three main groups, including control, sham, and 7-days SD group. Each of its main groups consisted of three subgroups, including without drug, vehicle, and combination therapy groups (naringenin [100 mg/kg], resveratrol [100 mg/kg]). The day after the latest injection, the fear conditioning memory tests, locomotor activity test, hot plate, and forced swimming tests (FST) were carried out on all rats, and then sham and SD groups were induced 48 hours of non-REM SD (device off and on, respectively) and these behavioral tests were repeated for all rats again. Finally, the brains of all rats were removed and histopathologically examined, and stained with nissl and TUNNEL. Results: To assess fear condition memory, the rate of latency to first freezing in the visual and auditory phase increased in sham and SD rats that received vehicle or no drug (P<0.001), which indicates memory corruption. Injection of the combination of naringenin and resveratrol reduced the latency to first freezing (P<0.001), which means improved memory. In the FST test, injection of naringenin and resveratrol reduced the rate of immobility (P<0.001), which means improved depressive behavior. The naringenin and resveratrol reduced the pain perception threshold. Also, the naringenin and resveratrol reduced apoptosis compared to the control and vehicle groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: The combination of naringenin and resveratrol compared to other groups could improve memory and mood as well as reduce apoptosis, depression, and pain perception threshold. [GMJ.2021;10:e2315]
Serotonin-related Mechanisms in the Etiology and Pharmacotherapy of Social Phobia, A Review: Serotonin and Social Phobia
Authors: Arjmandi Ghandashtani Malihe , Poudineh Sahar , Sarlak Alireza , Eghbali Mohammadreza , Barghgir Behnaz , Poudineh Maryam , A A , A A
Published: December 2023

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), known as social phobia, is considered a prevalent psychiatric disorder characterized by a constant fear of social positions. Frequently, social phobia occurs with other mental disorders including depression and substance abuse conditions. Although SAD is considered one of the most common types of mental disorders, proper management may be compromised in recurrent psychiatric comorbidity due to clinicians’ focus on secondary complications. Moreover, despite the description of social phobia as a polygenic and complex condition, few altered genetic and epigenetic factors are identified as causative agents. Over the past decades, several studies have suggested polymorphisms in serotonergic and dopaminergic-related genes as the etiology of social phobia. Serotonin, on the other hand, as a necessary neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), is involved in a variety of disease processes including social phobia. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of serotonin-dependent development of the disease and the efficacy of suggested pharmacotherapies are not fully understood. The current study aimed to review the serotonin-dependent mechanisms by which SAD develops and discuss the current suggested strategies that are based on serotonin metabolism.
Post Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Roshanzamir Sharareh
Published: December 2023

The modern stroke rehabilitation programs focuses on specific bio-physiological targets. Modern rehabilitation programs mainly make use of its potential plasticity to compensate for injury. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), bilateral arm training, and task specific training of the paretic limb, are examples of rehabilitation techniques promoting brain neuro-plasticity. There are many tasks other than locomotor function to be addressed by rehabilitation team. Sensory deficits, speech deficits, dysphagia, memory loss, post stroke central pains and bowel and bladder derangements are among the most important of these challenges that makes a multidisciplinary approach to stroke patients necessary.Â
Preparation and Characterization of Myristoylated Chitosan Nanogel as Carrier of Silibinin for Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Entezari Maliheh , Atabi Fereshteh
Published: December 2023

Background: Biopolymer has been known to have compatibility; nontoxic nature and degradation behavior. Chitosan (CS) is being widely used in various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications and serves as a drug carrier. Nanotechnology has emerged as tumor cell target therapy and increase drug bioavailability. One of the most common and important models of cancer in women is breast cancer, which is the fifth most common death reason. Silibinin (SIL) as a flavonolignan, has demonstrated anticancer effects against various human cancer cells, such as breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Myristoylated CS (MCS) nanoparticles were prepared on the base of 9:1 ratio related to CS: Myristate and loaded with SIL, for the first time. Then in vitro loading and releasing capacity of nano drug were evaluated. The nanogel structure and its derivatives were characterized by different biophysical methods. The MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cell lines were incubated with 100, 150, and 200Î¼g/ml of SIL and nanoSIL. Afterward cell cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) or IC50 was measured by Pharm software. Results: Compared to HUVEC as normal cells, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells were significantly inhibited (P<0.01) by SIL and nano-SIL in a concentration-related manner in defining times (P<0.05). SIL-loaded nanogels were more effective than SIL alone (P<0.01). The mean size of MCS particles was about 20nm. The MCS nanogels were spheral and homogen with a dense surface. The loading efficiency was obtained about 85-95%. Conclusions: It seems the obtained MCS nanogel can play a real and important role as a suitable drug carrier with a high loading capacity to treat cancerous cells with the least side effect. [GMJ.2017;6(2):136-44]
A Rapid and Cost-Effective Protocol for Isolating Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Human Amniotic Membrane
Authors: Aboutaleb Nahid , Razavi Tousi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Amirizadeh Naser , Nasirinezhad Farinaz , Nikougoftar Mahin , Ganjibakhsh Meysam
Published: December 2023

Background: Regarding the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine, many studies have been conducted to isolate these cells from various sources. In this study, a method was developed which will use only one enzyme and in the shortest time MSCs will be isolated from the amniotic membranes and expanded. Materials and Methods: The amniotic membrane (AM) was mechanically separated from the underlying membrane called chorionic. Then, the AM was sliced into tiny pieces and to isolate MSCs, it was digested only using collagens I instead of applying various enzymes. The isolated cells were cultured in Dulbeccoâ€™s Modified Eagleâ€™s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum. The expression profiles of several markers at isolated cells were determined by flow cytometry. To assess the differentiation potential, the isolated cells were cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic induction media. Results: The results indicated that cells isolated from the AM expressed markers of CD44, CD105 and CD166 mesenchymal cells, but did not express CD34 and CD45 hematopoietic markers. The osteoblastic differentiation of the isolated cells was proven by alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining methods, whereas the adipogenic differentiation of the isolated cells was proven by Oil Red-O staining. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the isolated cells were of the MSCs family. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that MSCs can be obtained easily only by spending a short time and using one enzyme.[GMJ.2017;6(3):217-225] DOI: 10.22086/gmj.v0i0.670
Trend of Risk Factors Changes for Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly Population in Iran
Authors: Shamsi Afzal , Kameli morandini Morteza , Ebadi Abbas , Mousavi Seyed Qasem
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the elderly living in nursing homes in Tehran during 2009 and 2015. Materials and Methods: Samples were selected and evaluated from among the elderly population living in nursing homes in Tehran in two time periods of 2009 (n=310) and 2015 (n=310). Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire through a face to face interview and measurement of variables of blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar and blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Results: The prevalence of heart disease, physical inactivity, overweight, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes and smoking were significantly increased during a 7-year period, respectively by 19.9, 24.7, 20.8, 17.1, 13.6, 6.7, 4.7, 3 and 1.1% (P = 0.000). Conclusions: In this study, it was found that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors is high and is on the increase in geriatric sanatoriums in Tehran. Therefore, a detailed and comprehensive planning seems necessary in order to identify, prevent and control the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.[GMJ.2017;6(3):240-248] DOI:10.22086/gmj.v6i3.781
Efficacy of Traditional Persian Medicine-Based Diet on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Mosavat Seyed Hamdollah , Ghayour Razmgah Gholam Reza , Hosseini Seyed Mousal-Reza , Nematy Mohsen , Esmaily Habibollah , Yousefi Mahdi , Kamalinejad Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Background: Regarding the preventive approaches of traditional Persian medicine (TPM) in the management of chronic diseases such as fatty liver, we evaluated the effect of a TPM-based nutritional style on liver enzymes levels and fatty liver grade in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a three-month TPM-based diet as the intervention group or received the low-fat, low-calorie diet as the control group. The primary outcome measure was changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Secondary outcome measures were changes in fatty liver grade (fatty tissue infiltration in liver by using ultrasound imaging) and changes in patientsâ€™ body mass index (BMI). All outcome measures were evaluated at the baseline, at six weeks, and at three months after intervention. Results: Regarding within-group changes in outcome measuresâ€™ mean values, there was a significant reduction in ALT serum level, AST, BMI, and fatty liver grade after intervention, compared with baseline in both groups of study (P< 0.001). The results of between-group analyses showed significant decreases in both mean body mass index and mean fatty liver grade between the intervention group compared to the control group at the end of intervention (P<0.037 and P<0.003, respectively). Conclusion: This randomized open-label controlled clinical trial demonstrated that the traditional Persian medicine-based nutritional style, used as a non-pharmacological remedy, could reduce body weight and improve fatty liver grade in patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. [GMJ.2017;6(3):208-216] DOI:10.22086/gmj.v6i3.813
Spermatogenesis after Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Azoospermic Guinea Pigs: A Histological and Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Hajihoseini Mehrdokht , Mehrabani Davood , Vahdati Akbar , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Tamadon Amin , Dianatpour Mehdi , Rahamanifar Farhad
Published: December 2023

Background: The purpose of this research was to determine histomorphometric changes in busulfan-induced azoospermia after transplantation of AdSCs in guinea pig. AdSCs were isolated from adipose tissue around the testes of guinea pigs and characterized for mesenchymal properties.
Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs were allocated into three groups, including the control group without any intervention. To induce azoospermia, groups 2 and 3 received a dose of 40 mg/kg of busulfan with 21 days interval. Group 3 received 1Ã—106 AdSCs in their seminiferous tubules of left testes, 35 days following last busulfan injection, while right testis in the group was considered for comparison as controls. Sixty days following transplantation of cell, histomorphometric and histopathologic changes of the experiments were assessed.
Results: After AdSCsâ€™ transplantation, normal spermatogenesis appearance was noticed compared to busulfan-induced azoospermia and AdSCs recovered spermatogenesis, and our findings can be added to the literature in treating azoospermic infertilities.
Conclusion: The transplanted AdSCs could induce production of germinal cells using testicular seminiferous tubules and were an effective source in treating azoospermia.[GMJ.2018;7:e1000]
Effects of Apigenin and Apigenin- Loaded Nanogel on Induction of Apoptosis in Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Hashemi Mehrdad , Samadian Nooshin
Published: December 2023

Background: Diet plays an important role in cancer prevention. Apigenin, a flavonoid with thechemical formula C15H10O5, is abundantly present in vegetables. Vegetarian foods containing flavonoids are rich sources of bioactive compounds. Flavonoids have been utilized in herbal treatment. Nanogels are drug delivery systems based on polymers and are used in tissue engineering and for drug delivery. This study was conducted to compare the effects of apigenin and a nanodrug on the viability of the K562 cell line of chronic myeloid leukemia at different durations under laboratory conditions. Materials and Methods: Chitosan was first dissolved in 1% acetic acid, andÂ  ethylene dichloride EDC and NHS were added to the solution. Then, the nanodrug was prepared by loading apigenin into stearateâ€“chitosan nanogel (scs nanogel), and its physical and morphological characteristics were evaluated by TEM, DLS, and FTIR. Trypan blue staining, MTT assay, and flow cytometry were used to analyze the effects of various concentrations of apigenin and apigenin-loaded chitosanâ€“stearate nanogel (APGâ€“SCS) at 24, 48, and 72 h after they were applied to the K562 cell line. Results: The diameter of the nanodrug particles was measured using DLS and confirmed by TEM. The K562 cells treated with APGâ€“SCS and with apigenin exhibited significant differences compared with the control (P < 0.05). Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Conclusion: This study showed that the toxic effects of apigenin and the nanodrug improved with increasing concentrations and exposure durations compared to those in the control.The toxic effect of apigenin loaded into the stearate-chitosan nanogel was greater than apigenin, and the toxic effects of both materials were greater compared to the control under laboratory conditions.[GMJ.2018;7:e1008]