bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo da frequência de dispensação de medicamentos fitoterápicos em farmácia magistral
Authors: Franco Taila Caroline , Baldo Mateus Amaral
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Desde os primórdios o homem sempre buscou nas plantas o alívio para as suas enfermidades, principalmente em medicamento fitoterápico. Erroneamente, ao falar de fitoterápicos, passa-se a imagem de que é um “produto natural” e que não faz mal, mas as plantas podem apresentar efeitos adversos, toxicidade e interagir com outros medicamentos. Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento da frequência da dispensação de fitoterápicos, trazendo informações sobre a população usuária e automedicação. Métodos: Foram coletados dados dos arquivos de dispensação em uma farmácia magistral na cidade de Monte Santo de Minas – MG, no período de um ano, os quais foram analisados e colocados em forma de resultados. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que fitoterápicos representam 27,71% de todas as dispensações. Porém somente 15,6% do total eram prescritos por profissionais da saúde. Observou-se também que mulheres entre 30 e 50 anos são as principais consumidoras, tendo um maior destaque para a faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos. Dentre as cinco plantas mais dispensadas, em ordem decrescente, estão o Ginkgo biloba, o Maracujá, o Hipérico, a Valeriana e a Melissa, e, com exceção do Ginkgo biloba, as demais plantas apresentam uma indicação terapêutica comum, o tratamento da ansiedade. Conclusão: O Brasil é um país muito rico em biodiversidade e conhecimentos regionais, mas necessita de educação básica e orientações de profissionais da saúde para o manejo de medicamentos, pois ainda ocorrem muitos casos de intoxicação e uso sem nenhuma orientação.
Comportamento epidemiológico da hanseníase em Roraima após as estratégias de eliminação da Organização Mundial de Saúde
Authors: Silva Alexandre F. da , Benedetti Maria Soledade Garcia
Published: February 2023

Introdução: A hanseníase é uma doença infectocontagiosa, crônica e de grande morbidade que gera prejuízo funcional à população e é um problema de saúde pública global. Periodicamente, a Organização Mundial de Saúde lança estratégias globais para eliminar a doença. Objetivo: Esse estudo visa analisar o comportamento epidemiológico da hanseníase no estado de Roraima após as estratégias globais de eliminação da doença entre os anos de 2001 e 2017. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e retrospectivo com coleta de dados na plataforma online do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e na Coordenadoria de Vigilância em Saúde do Estado de Roraima a partir da base de dados local. Resultados: No período analisado, observou-se queda nos valores das taxas de prevalência e de detecção de casos. Porém o indicador de detecção em menores de 15 anos aumentou e o indicador de proporção de cura nunca alcançou uma classificação definida como boa, acima de 90%. Conclusão: Existe uma tendência à eliminação lenta da doença, prevalência oculta e focos de transmissão. O Ministério da Saúde precisa fomentar ações políticas para que esse objetivo seja alcançado.
Project-based learning: video game development as a tool to integrate ecology, genetics, evolution and informatics
Authors: Bernini Maria A. M. , Carvalho Adolfo L. , Carlos-Bender Jaqueline
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Active, student-centered learning encourages the development of 21st century skills and competences. Many of them encourage, in addition to autonomy, interdisciplinarity. Therefore, the participation of students in the creation and not only the stimulation of the use of technologies is extremely relevant. Considering the importance of multidisciplinarity that must envolve the learning process, new approaches such as Project Based-Learning have been developed, seeking greater involvement of the students in learning-related decisions. Objective: Aiming the interdisciplinarity that the integrated educational system requires, the purpose of this study was to analyze the development of games as an integration tool, between biology and computing area. The games have been developed along with the subjects of Entrepreneurship and Practical Projects III. Methods: Classes have been held so that high school students could grasp the contents of Evolution, Genetics and Ecology, which would be the central themes of the games. Results: Groups who have chosen Evolution to work with had greater difficulty in understanding the contente whereas those who have worked with Ecology and Genetics outdid the formers. The Game Maker program stood out being the most used tool for the game’s making process. Conclusion: The acceptance of the project by the students leads to the conclusion that innovative methodologies such as project-based learning is a great tool in education, so that the groups could be more involved in class and the subjects could be linked together.
Fontes de ruídos em unidade neonatal sob a ótica dos profissionais de saúde
Authors: Casimiro Cintia Freitas , Pires Bruna Hellen Vaz
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Loud noises in neonatal units negatively influence the development of the newborn, especially if it is premature, so it is essential that the health team promotes a peaceful environment, with little amount of sound and light stimuli. Objective: To know the perception of health professionals working in a neonatal unit about the sources of noise in this environment. Methods: This is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach conducted with 24 health professionals during the months of May to July 2019 in the city of Boa Vista - RR. In the data analysis, the sequence of steps recommended by Bardin was adopted. Results: The results show that the main sources of noise present in the unit are due to equipment and work dynamics, conversations between professionals and other sources, such as the crying of the newborn and high flow of people passing through the sector. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement in the neonatal unit measures to reduce noise, such as periodic maintenance of equipment and education activities with the health team.
Interação do NLRP3-Inflamassoma com doenças autoimunes: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Ferreira Caíque L. S. , Bottão Daniela V. , Bachur Gabriela A. , Gomes Gabriela S. , Oliveira Lylyssany A. , Tefé Cristiane Silva , Zoccal Karina Furlani
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Dentre os mecanismos de proteção do sistema imunológico, está o complexo proteico-inflamassoma. Este complexo intracelular atua como sensor e mediador de sinais de perigo, sendo formado por três estruturas básicas: receptor do tipo NOD, proteína adaptadora ASC e pró-caspase1. Uma vez ativado, é capaz de induzir a maturação e a secreção de interleucinas, principalmente, IL-1β e IL-18. No entanto, a desregulação dessa plataforma molecular tem sido associada ao desenvolvimento e progressão de muitas doenças inflamatórias e autoimunes. Métodos: Revisão bibliográfica utilizando como bases de dados o Google acadêmico, Medline, Center for Biotechnology Information (PubMed) e a biblioteca eletrônica Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). A busca foi realizada em artigos publicados no período de 2000 a 2020, em português e/ou inglês, com as palavras-chaves inflamassoma, doença autoimune, artrite reumatoide, diabetes melittus tipo I, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e esclerose múltipla. Desenvolvimento: Foi evidenciado uma relação etiológica das doenças autoimunes com a ativação do inflamassoma. Estudos demonstraram a importância do complexo proteico na regulação da imunidade inata e seu significado nas doenças autoimunes. Conclusão: Esta análise demonstrou que a perda da autotolerância envolvidas nas doenças autoimunes está substancialmente relacionada a produção exacerbada de citocinas IL-1β e IL-18 devido aos genes alterados decorrentes à ativação do complexo-NLR-Inflamassoma.
Produção comparativa de etanol da cana-de-açúcar, batata inglesa e beterraba por fermentação
Authors: Cardoso Luciana F. , Oliveira Daniele , Oliveira Fábio F. , Gullo-Luzente Fernanda P.
Published: February 2023

Introdução: A busca por combustíveis de fontes renováveis é de extrema importância para o meio ambiente, uma vez têm menor liberação de gases tóxicos durante a combustão. O etanol é um exemplo de combustível de fonte renovável e pode ser obtido pelo processo de fermentação de leveduras da espécie Saccharomyces cerevisiae e matérias-primas que possuem açúcar como cana-de-açúcar e beterraba, ou matérias-primas amiláceas como a batata. Objetivo: TEste trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a produção de etanol a partir da fermentação do caldo de cana-de-açúcar, beterraba e batata inglesa e comparar o teor de etanol obtido por cada substrato. Métodos: Foi realizada a fermentação em erlenmeyer com substratos marcerados e fermento biológico, na proporção 1:10 e nas seguintes condições 30º C, 8 horas, sob agitação. Para o substrato batata, foi adicionada a etapa de sacarificação com uma solução de ácido sulfúrico 1 % v/v. Em seguida, as amostras repousaram em temperatura ambiente por 15 horas para a dosagem de etanol, o qual foi realizado por densímetro e comparado o teor alcóolico dos três processos de fermentação. Resultados: Os dados obtidos demonstraram que a cana-deaçúcar apresentou uma média de rendimento em etanol de 9,83%, seguido da batata com uma média de 1,7%, e a beterraba com média de 1,24%. Conclusão: Desta forma, a cana-de-açúcar mostrou melhor fonte para produção de biotenol, tanto pelo maior teor alcóolico obtido, quanto pela facilidade na produção.
Biomedical Professionals in Brazil: the need and training of human resources for health development
Authors: Oliveira Carlo José Freire , Menezes-Silva Luísa , Faria Laura Caroline , Oliveira Waldir César Ferreira
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The undergraduate course in Biomedical Sciences has existed in Brazil since 1966. It has expanded strongly in the last two decades and is responsible for training professionals to diagnose and research the causes, effects, and pathological mechanisms of diseases that affect the population. Even after decades of implementation and considering the reasons that led to the creation of the course, the evaluation in which areas these professionals are working is still incipient. Objective: Our aim is to know if the Biomedical Sciences graduates are being absorbed by the market job and in which areas. Methods: The present work is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study, based on the data of the students who had graduated in the Federal University of the Triangulo Mineiro, Brazil, from the first class of the course in 2003, until the second half of 2018. Results: The study has shown that the course of Biomedical Sciences of a Federal institution in Brazil has low evasion and that most of the graduates migrated to post-graduation (62.3%). Moreover, the majority of the professionals are located in the Southwest region of the country and most of them work in one of the specific áreas linked to the course (70.3%). In addition, these professionals are more prone to ingress in the academic area. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that, despite being disproportionately distributed in the country, there is still demand for these professionals and clearly indicate the importance of the Biomedical Sciences egresses to teaching and research in Brazil.
Potencial do tratamento fitoterápico no climatério versus terapia hormonal
Authors: Corrêa Douglas Henrique , Ferreira Isabela Gobbo , Oliveira Isadora Sousa de Oliveira , Arceni Beatriz Suellen , Jacob Beatriz de Cássia da Silva
Published: February 2023

Introdução: A menopausa é um marco na vida da mulher, caracterizado ao final do ciclo reprodutivo, antes e após a menopausa, a mulher passa por alterações hormonais drásticas denominadas climatério, que repercutem em sua vida significativamente. Os fitoterápicos podem ser empregados no tratamento destes sintomas. Sua eficácia está relacionada a metabólitos secundários, como a isoflavona, presente na Cimicifuga racemosa, Glycine max e Morus nigra, estas apresentam mecanismos de ação distintos porém, resultados satisfatórios em relação à reposição hormonal. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica utilizando artigos de revistas científicas, livros, com o uso de ferramentas de busca como PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e Google Acadêmico. Desenvolvimento: Em relação ao tratamento do climatério, a efetiva terapia hormonal, pode gerar riscos à saúde como acidente vascular encefálico hemorrágico ou isquêmico, maior chance de câncer e tromboembolismo não justificando o seu uso. Sendo assim, a terapia fitoterápica se destaca por sua efetividade e segurança, já demonstrada por estudos, empregados aos fitohormônios similares aos hormônios endógenos. Conclusão: O tratamento hormonal muitas vezes se faz necessário aos sintomas apresentados pelo climatério, mas os avanços dos estudos com tratamento fitoterápico demonstram que estes podem ser viáveis e seguros à saúde das mulheres. Entretanto, para a implementação do tratamento ainda é necessário realizar pesquisas mais específicas com objetivo de padronizar e comprovação da eficácia definitivamente.
Cloroquina para o tratamento da covid-19 no Brasil: Entre a ciência e a necessidade emergencial
Authors: Maciel Jackeline C. , Kuyat Soraya Uevelin
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Considerando o cenário pandêmico, causado pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2), pesquisadores de todo o mundo passaram a realizar estudos de reposicionamento de fármacos, que seria o meio mais rápido para encontrar um tratamento eficaz. Entre os medicamentos avaliados, estão a cloroquina (CQ) e hidroxicloroquina (HCQ), a partir disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi discutir o uso da CQ/HCQ no tratamento de pacientes com Covid-19. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica, desenvolvida com base em artigos publicados em periódicos e documentos de órgãos oficiais do governo brasileiro. Desenvolvimento: O uso das medicações deve acontecer de forma racional considerando os seus efeitos, muito embora haja uma previsão para o uso em indicação não prevista em bula, devendo esta considerar a comprovação de eficácia ou em situações onde os potenciais benefícios superem os riscos. No caso da utilização da CQ/HCQ para o tratamento da covid-19 os estudos tem apontado riscos superiores aos benefícios, como por exemplo a predisposição a arritmias devido ao prolongamento do intervalo QTc, especialmente quando em uso concomitante de azitromicina, além do risco de desenvolvimento de retinopatia, cardiomiopatia e neuromiopatia. E ainda assim o uso das referidas medicações tem sido defendido pelas autoridades brasileiras, fundamentando em justificativas empíricas. Conclusão: A CQ/HQC são medicamentos de eficácia e segurança comprovadas para outras doenças e não para a Covid-19. Dessa forma, qualquer uso não registrado pode ser considerado não seguro, representando riscos para a população.
Indicadores de vigilância de sarampo e rubéola e as repostas à vacinação no estado de Roraima, 2018-2020
Authors: S. Rodrigues Lanna Jeniffer , D. Medeiros Alice , De A. C. Barreto Tárcia Millene , Barreto Fabricio
Published: February 2023

Introdução: O sarampo é uma morbidade de origem viral, infecciosa aguda, potencialmente grave, demasiadamentetransmissível. A vacinação é a forma mais eficaz para sua prevenção, por isso a recomendação é que cobertura vacinal mínima seja 95% para as vacinas com o componente sarampo e 70% de homogeneidade nos municípios, todavia observa-seuma crescente entre não vacinados. Objetivo: Apresentar o contexto epidemiológico vivenciado pelo estado de Roraima, segundo os indicadores de vigilância sarampo e rubéola, assim como a avaliação das coberturas vacinais do imunobiológicotríplice viral. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, cunho quantitativo, baseado nos registros de casos notificadosde sarampo e rubéola, inseridos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), pelos municípios do estado de Roraima, nos anos de 2018 a 2020. Resultados: Os dados obtidos nesta analise são referentes ao ano de 2018 até asemana epidemiológica 41 de 2020. No ano de 2018 o estado vivenciou um surto de sarampo, quando foram registradas580 notificações, destas 363 foram confirmadas, com maior frequência em crianças do sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 1a 4 anos. No ano de 2019 houve uma redução do número de casos onde foram inseridas 58 notificações de casos suspeitosde sarampo e apenas 1 confirmado. Não ocorreram casos confirmados de rubéola no período. Conclusão: As coberturas vacinais foram maiores no ano de 2018, quando foram empreendidas ações de controle ao surto de sarampo instalado emfevereiro. Nos anos seguintes as coberturas e homogeneidade reduziram significativamente. Evidenciou-se fragilidades noregistro de informações no SINAN e SIPNI.
Cuidados de enfermagem na cateterização vesical de demora de pacientes em unidades de terapia intensiva de Roraima
Authors: Lima de Oliveira Emily , Barreto Fabricio , De A. C. Barreto Tárcia Millene
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Os cuidados de enfermagem no processo de cateterizarão vesical apresentam-se de suma importância para evitar complicações do quadro clínico do paciente em UTI. O estudo foi desenvolvido no Hospital Geral de Roraima e pretende analisar os cuidados de enfermagem no processo de cateterização vesical de demora de pacientes internados nas UTIs adultas. Objetivo: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, desenhada para avaliar a qualidade da cateterização vesical dos pacientes nas UTIs adultas de um hospital de referência em Roraima. Métodos: A população alvo do estudo foram os profissionais enfermeiros que trabalham nas UTIs adultas do Hospital Geral de Roraima. O presente estudo fez a utilização do método da técnica de análise de conteúdo de Laurence Bardin (2016). Resultados: Entrevistaramse 13 (treze) enfermeiros: 10 do sexo feminino; 3 do sexo masculino; a faixa etária de idade variou entre 25 e 53 anos, o tempo de contribuição no setor de UTI entre 6 meses e 28 anos e, dos treze entrevistados, 3 (27,3%) possuem especialização ou residência em outra área da saúde, 8 (54,5%) têm titulação, especialização ou residência na área de UTI, 2(18,2%) possuem titulação de mestre. Conclusão: Portanto, através da exposição das fragilidades espera-se que o estudo contribua para reflexões aos profissionais sobre seus cuidados na sondagem vesical, além de despertar o meio científico para novas pesquisas voltadas a temática em nossa região.
Relato de experiência da produção de EPIs por alunos de curso de graduação em saúde no estado de Roraima
Authors: M. M. Araújo Alexia , L. Moreira Adriana , Marques de Luna Ana Cecília , De Sousa Resende Joana , Rodrigues Tizolim Marycassiely , Ribeiro Balmante Lourival Lucas , Melo Pereira Camila , Pacheco de Souza Fernanda , Rebeca Costa Natalie , Oliveira Lima Lucas
Published: February 2023

Introdução: A pandemia do COVID-19 é considerada um problema de saúde pública, uma vez que é um vírus respiratório com alta velocidade de disseminação, sem intervenção medicamentosa eficaz comprovada. No contexto mundial, essa característica propiciou um colapso financeiro e assistencial da capacidade dos sistemas de saúde, devido ao aumento de internações hospitalares prolongadas. A fim de proteger os profissionais em contato com o Coronavírus, a Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia recomenda a utilização de EPIs. Objetivo: Diante desse cenário, o presente relato objetiva demonstrar a viabilidade da confecção de EPIs artesanais de baixo custo, como tentativa de minimizar os impactos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa aberta online das diversas experiências de produções artesanais de EPIs com posterior seleção e adaptação do modelo. Resultados: Os protótipos tiveram custo significativamente menor que os preços atuais do mercado, além apresentarem eficiência comprovada em testes. Conclusão: A produção não deve substituir a N95, mas poupar máscaras e protetores faciais para os profissionais atuantes na linha de frente contra o COVID-19.
Depressão em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: uma breve revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: N. L. dos Santos Lucas , L. S. Santana Matheus , Mendonça de Moraes Cléria
Published: February 2023

Introdução: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é uma enfermidade caracterizada pela obstrução do nível aéreo persistente ou parcialmente reversível associados a comorbidades. É uma doença evitável e pouco associada à deficiência genética. Diversos fatores aumentam a sua incidência, como poluição ambiental e ocupacional, tabagismo e a demora de implementação das políticas públicas visando a prevenção. Objetivo: Compreender os impactos na qualidade de vida dos portadores de DPOC, analisar e compilar conteúdos de conhecimentos científicos que discorram sobre a temática investigada. Métodos: Este artigo é uma revisão integrativa sobre DPOC e foi realizada por meio de consulta das publicações indexadas no banco de dados eletrônicos: Scielo, PubMed, Medline, UpToDate e o Google Acadêmico no período de 2011 a 2021 com os descritores em saúde: Ansiedade; Depressão; Qualidade de vida, DPOC. Resultados: Após análise minuciosa, cinco artigos foram selecionados, o processo utilizado para a selecionar os artigos foi a relevância da COPD na qualidade de vida do paciente. Conclusão: A DPOC é uma pneumopatia incapacitante que repercute no cotidiano, a maioria dos pacientes foi classificada com nível grave de ansiedade e níveis moderados de depressão. Esse trabalho visa despertar a atenção e contribuir com a comunidade médica no diagnóstico, na descrição das características clínicas e laboratoriais da DPOC, além de elucidar sobre tratamentos e melhores condutas a serem seguidas pelos profissionais da saúde. Pesquisas futuras poderão ser propostas a fim de investigar os efeitos do envolvimento de cuidadores familiares na melhor recuperação dos pacientes com DPOC.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration between Bench and Bedside in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sanjari Moghaddam Hossein , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: February 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Cell Surface Vimentin Detection in Cancer Cells by Peptide-Based Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Sadeghi Niloufar , Fazli Ghazaleh , Bayat Ali Ahmad , Fatemi Raminasadat , Ebrahimnejhad Nasim , Salimi Ali , Zarei Omid , Rabbani Hodjattallah
Published: February 2023

Background: Vimentin is a prominent Intermediate Filaments (IFs) protein expressed in different mesenchymal origin cell types. Besides a wide range of cellular function roles associated with vimentin expression, its dysregulation and cell surface expression in the induction of malignancy properties have been reported extensively, making it a promising cancer-specific target. Therefore, this study aimed to generate and characterize anti-vimentin monoclonal antibodies.
Methods: A 14-mer synthetic peptide from vimentin was conjugated to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) and used for immunization of Blab/C mice and monoclonal production by conventional hybridoma technology. The monoclonal antibody was purified using affinity chromatography of supernatants from the selected hybridoma cells. ELISA, Immunoprecipitation-Western blotting (IP-WB), Immunocytochemistry (ICC), and flow cytometry were employed to characterize the produced monoclonal antibody in terms of interaction with vimentin immunizing peptide as well as vimentin protein.
Results: Amid the several obtained producing anti-vimentin antibody hybridomas, the 7C11-D9 clone (IgG1 isotype with kappa light chain) showed higher reactivity with the immunizing peptide, and led to its selection for purification and characterization. The purified antibody could detect vimentin protein in IP-WB, ICC and flow cytometry of the normal and cancerous cells with different origin. No vimentin expression was found in normal healthy Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC).
Conclusion: Taken together, 7C11-D9 anti-vimentin monoclonal antibody might be used as immune diagnostic or immune therapeutic tool where detection or targeting of vimentin in a wide range of organisms is required.
Development of a High Sensitive Multiplex Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) System for Rapid Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Amini Masoomeh , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Faridi-Majidi Reza
Published: February 2023

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a worldwide concern as an epidemic bacterium and a cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. One of the major problems in the prevention and treatment of infections caused by MRSA strains is their multi-drug resistant trait, which causes the spread of infections and increases the mortality rate. Therefore, a rapid and accurate method is needed to identify MRSA strains, initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy, and control its infection. The aim of this study was to develop a twin lateral flow immunoassay system to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods: First, BSA blocked AuNPs-anti-peptidoglycan antibody and AuNPs-anti-BSA antibody were used to detect Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Then, AuNPs-anti-PBP2a antibody was used to specifically detect MRSA. Sensitivity, specificity and limit of detection of this twin immunoassay system were assessed using MRSA, methicillin susceptible S. aureus and clinical samples. Results were compared to those of cefoxitin disc diffusion (FOX30) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as gold standards.
Results: The Limit of Detection (LOD) of this twin system were 103 and 104 CFU/ml for the first and second strips, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of this innovative assay in detecting MRSA were 92.30 and 97.36%, compared to FOX30 and PCR, respectively.
Conclusion: High rates of sensitivity and specificity of this initiative system show its high potentials for rapid and accurate detection of MRSA.
Study of DACH1 Expression and its Epigenetic Regulators as Possible Breast Cancer-Related Biomarkers
Authors: Nasirpour Mohammad Hossein , Salimi Mahdieh , Majidi Faezeh , Minuchehr Zarrin , Mozdarani Hossein
Published: February 2023

Background: Breast carcinogenesis involves both genetic and epigenetic changes. DNA methylation, as well as micro-RNA regulations, are the significant epigenetic phenomena dysregulated in breast cancer. Herein, the expression of DACH1 as a tumor suppressor gene and its promoter methylation status was analyzed in breast cancer tumors. Also, the expression of three micro RNAs (miR-217, miR-6807-3p, and miR-552), which had been previously reported to target DACH1, was assessed. 
Methods: The SYBR green-based Real-Time reverse transcription-PCR was used to determine DACH1 and micro-RNAs (miR-217, miR-6807-3p, and miR-552) expression in 120 ductal breast cancer tumors compared with standard control. Also, the promoter methylation pattern of DACH1 was investigated using the Methylation-specific PCR technique.
Results: DACH1 expression was significantly down-regulated in breast tumors (p< 0.05). About 33.5% of tumors showed DACH1 promoter hyper-methylation. The studied micro-RNAs, expression was negatively correlated with DACH1 expression. The highest expressions of miRNAs and higher DACH1 promoter methylation were observed in advanced cancer situations. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that the overall survival was significantly poor in higher miRNAs and lower DACH1 expression in breast cancer patients (p<0.002).
Conclusion: DACH1 down-regulation may be associated with a poor breast cancer prognosis. The DACH1 down-regulation may be due to epigenetic regulations such as promoter methylation, especially in triple-negative cases. Other factors, such as micro-RNAs (miR-217, miR-6807-3p, and miR-552), may also have an impact. The elevated expression of miR-217, miR-6807-3p, and miR-552, maybe candidates as possible poor prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer management for further consideration.
Human T2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor Expression and COVID-19: From Immunity to Prognosis
Authors: Bethineedi Lakshmi Deepak , Baghsheikhi Hediyeh , Soltani Afsaneh , Mafi Zahedeh , Samieefar Noosha , Sanjid Seraj Shaikh , Khazeei Tabari Mohammad Amin
Published: February 2023

Background: Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptor (T2Rs or TAS2Rs) found on ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells have a role in respiratory tract immunity. T2Rs have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the innate immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline the current sphere of knowledge regarding this association.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was done by searching (T2R38 OR bitter taste receptor) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) keywords in PubMed and google scholar.
Results: T2R38, an isoform of T2Rs encoded by the TAS2R38 gene, may have a potential association between phenotypic expression of T2R38 and prognosis of COVID-19. Current studies suggest that due to different genotypes and widespread distributions of T2Rs within the respiratory tract and their role in innate immunity, treatment protocols for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases may change accordingly. Based on the phenotypic expression of T2R38, it varies in innate immunity and host response to respiratory infection, systemic symptoms and hospitalization.
Conclusion: This review reveals that patients’ innate immune response to SARS-COV-2 could be influenced by T2R38 receptor allelic variations.
Comparison of Cytotoxicity between Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Mixed with Chlorhexidine and Common Endodontic Regeneration Medicaments on Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: an in Vitro Study
Authors: Ghabraei Sholeh , Afkhami Farzaneh , Shamshiri Ahmad Reza , Mohammadi Zahra
Published: February 2023

Objectives: The combination of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) has been recently introduced as an intracanal medicament. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxic effects of MTA mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and compare it with other common endodontic regeneration medicaments.
Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of six experimental groups against Enterococcus faecalis was determined. The study groups consisted of RetoMTA mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel (MTA+CHX), calcium hydroxide (CH), CH mixed with CHX gel, two concentrations of double antibiotic paste, and 2% CHX. The direct cytotoxic effect of minimum bactericidal concentration was evaluated by MTT on PDLSCs on days 1, 3, and 7. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for data analysis (P<0.05).
Results: The viability of cells treated with MTA+CHX decreased significantly over time (P<0.05) making this group the most cytotoxic intracanal medicament on the 3rd and 7th days of treatment. On day one, the highest viability percentage was detected in the CH+CHX group followed by the CHX group. On day 3, CH+CHX and CHX groups displayed the highest viability percentage. On day 7, the highest viability was observed in the CHX group, which showed no significant difference with the control group (P=0.12).
Conclusion: Regarding the antimicrobial potency of intracanal medicaments at minimum bactericidal concentration levels, CHX gel appears to be the least cytotoxic drug, while MTA+CHX shows the highest reduction in viability percentage.
Itraconazole Improved Bronchial Wall thickness in Severe Persistent Asthma: A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aligolighasemabadi Farnaz , Mirsadraee Majid , Sadeghdoust Mohammadamin , Ghaffari Shadi , Sarafraz Yazdi Mohammad , Naghibi Saeed , Hashemi Attar Amirhossein
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 months of treatment with itraconazole on airway wall thickness in patients with severe persistent asthma.
It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (IRCT20091111002695N9). Seventy-five subjects with severe persistent asthma received itraconazole (100 mg), prednisolone (5 mg), or placebo twice a day for eight months in three treatment groups (n=25 in each group). The primary objective was to improve the right upper lobe apical segmental bronchus (RB1) wall thickness percentage measured by high-resolution computed tomography scan of the lungs. Other morphometric measurements of RB1, asthma control test (ACT) score, presence of wheezing, dyspnea severity, rate of asthma exacerbation, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were set as the secondary outcomes.
Wall thickness percentage reduced significantly from 46% to 43.7% from pre- to post-treatment in the itraconazole-treated subjects. Similarly, lumen area and radius increased significantly in both the prednisolone and itraconazole groups. Itraconazole led to a significant improvement in wheezing, dyspnea severity, FEV1, ACT score, and FeNO. Although prednisolone was also effective in improving pulmonary function tests and ACT scores, it was associated with significantly more side effects than itraconazole.
Long-term treatment with itraconazole resulted in a significant reduction in bronchial wall thickness and improvements in clinical findings and pulmonary function tests. Thus, itraconazole could be a helpful add-on treatment option for severe persistent asthma patients to achieve better disease control.
Association of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Genes and their HLA Ligands with Susceptibility to Takayasu Arteritis in the Iranian Population
Authors: Beigmohammadi Fereshteh , Aslani Saeed , Kavosi Hoda , Javinani Ali , Mostafaei Shayan , Pournazari Mehran , Tasorian Baharak , Farhadi Elham , Hajiabbasi Asghar , Zayeni Habib , Khabbazi Alireza , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Shenavar Masooleh Irandokht , Tamartash Zahra , Vojdanian Mahdi , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: February 2023

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis in the intima that commonly occurs in the aorta. In many damaged sites in TA patients, natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to be hyperactivated and produce inflammatory cytokines and toxic components. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are found on NK cells and interact with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands to activate or suppress NK cells. The present study assessed the possible role of KIR and their HLA ligand genes in susceptibility to TA in Iranian patients.
This case-control study included 50 TA patients and 50 healthy subjects. DNA was extracted from whole peripheral blood samples, and polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was performed to recognize the presence or absence of polymorphism in 17 KIR genes and 5 HLA class I ligands in each participant.
Among the KIR and HLA genes, a significant decrease was detected in the frequency of 2DS4 (full allele) in TA patients (38%) compared with healthy controls (82%) (OR=0.13, 95%
CI=0.05–0.34). However, none of the KIR and HLA genotypes or the interactions between these genes were associated with susceptibility to TA.
The KIR2DS4 gene might be involved in the regulation of activation as well as the production of cytotoxic mediators of NK cells in patients with TA.
Immunosuppressive Effects of Two Probiotics, Lactobacillus Paracasei DSM 13434 and Lactobacillus Plantarum DSM 15312, on CD4+ T Cells of Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Chakamian Khadijeh , Robat-Jazi Behrouz , Moghadasi Abdorreza Naser , Mansouri Fatemeh , Nodehi Masoumeh , Motevaseli Elahe , Izad Maryam , Yekaninejad Saeed , Shirzad Mahdieh , Bidad Kiana , Oraei Mona , Ansaripour Bita , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali Akbar
Published: February 2023

T cells play an important role in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. In the present study, the immunomodulatory impacts of two Lactobacillus strains, L paracasei DSM 13434 and L plantarum DSM 15312, on the frequency and cytokine production of CD4+ T cells in MS patients were explored.
Thirty MS patients were enrolled in this study. The CD4+ T cells were isolated, cultured, and exposed to the media containing cell-free supernatants of L plantarum (group1), L paracasei (group 2), the mixture group of cell-free supernatants of both probiotics (group 3), and vehicle (control) group (group 4). The frequencies of T helper (Th) 1, Th17, Th2, and T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells and mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of the associated cytokines were assessed using flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) cytokines in supernatants of all groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
The percentage of Th1 cells and the MFI of IFN-γ in Th1 cells (CD4+ IFN-γ+) in all three probiotic treatment groups were significantly decreased compared to the control group. However, no significant changes were observed in the proportion and MFI of Th2, Th17, and Tr1 cells. A
significant decrease was observed in IL-17 secretion in the supernatant of cultured CD4+ T cells in all three treatment groups in comparison with control. The levels of TGF-β and IFN-γ were not significantly different among any of the study groups. 
Collectively, cell-free supernatants of the lactobacilli showed an in vitro anti-inflammatory effect. However, further studies are needed to prove the real effects of probiotics on MS.
MicroRNA-122 Is More Effective than Rapamycin in Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and mTOR Signaling Pathway in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ghalavand Majdedin , Dorostkar Ruhollah , Borna Hojat , Mohammadi-Yeganeh Samira , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

The fundamental mechanism responsible for the aggressiveness of metastatic cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In cancer microenvironments, the Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)-Akt- mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating the EMT mechanism. The current study focuses on the impacts of rapamycin, a newly retargeted chemotherapeutic agent against mTOR, and MicroRNA (miR)-122 on the aggressive behavior of TNBC. 
The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of rapamycin on 4T1 cells was determined using an MTT assay. Also, miR-122 was transiently transfected into 4T1 cells to study its effect on the pathway. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to assess the expression level of central mTOR and EMT-related cascade genes. Moreover, cell mobility and migration were evaluated using scratch and migration assays, respectively.
Both rapamycin and miR-122 significantly decreased the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, as well as ZeB1 and Snail genes. However, no significant change was observed in Twist gene expression. Furthermore, scratch and migration assays revealed that the migration of 4T1 cells was markedly reduced, especially following miR-122 induction. Our experimental findings and gene enrichment studies indicated that miR-122 mainly operates on multiple metabolic pathways, as well as EMT and mTOR, while rapamycin has restricted targets in cancer cells.
Consequently, miR-122 can be considered a potential cancer microRNA therapy option, which can be validated in the future in animal studies to demonstrate its efficacy in cancer control.
MicroRNA-124 Enhances T Cells Functions by Manipulating the Lactic Acid Metabolism of Tumor Cells
Authors: Khakpoor-Koosheh Mohammad , Rostamian Hosein , Masoumi Elham , Jafarzadeh Leila , Fallah-Mehrjardi Keyvan , Tavassolifar Mohammad Javad , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Mirzaei Hamid Reza , Hadjati Jamshid , Rezaei Nima
Published: February 2023

High production of lactic acid is a common feature of various tumors. Lactic acid is an immunosuppressive molecule with crucial roles in tumor cells' immune escape, which could largely be attributed to its negative effects on the T cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Strategies that decrease the glycolysis rate of tumor cells could enhance immunosurveillance and limit tumor growth. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key enzyme in the glycolysis pathway, and it plays a vital role in lactic acid buildup in the TME. MicroRNA (miR)-124 has been shown to be able to decrease tumor cell lactic acid synthesis indirectly by reducing PKM2 levels.
In this study, we first overexpressed miR-124 in the tumor cells and evaluated its effects on the PKM2 expression and lactic acid production of the tumor cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and spectrophotometry, respectively. Then, we cocultured miR-124–treated tumor cells with T cells to investigate the effects of miR-124 overexpression on T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and apoptosis.
Our results demonstrated that miR-124 overexpression could significantly reduce the amount of lactic acid produced by tumor cells by manipulating their glucose metabolism, which led to the augmented proliferation and IFN-γ production of T cells. Moreover, it rescued T cells from lactic acid-induced apoptosis.
Our data suggest that lactic acid is a hindering factor for T-cell–based immunotherapies; however, manipulating tumor cells' metabolism via miR-124 could be a promising way to improve antitumor responses of T cells.
Correlation of Expression of MMP-2, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 Genes with Lymphopenia for Mild and Severity of COVID-19
Authors: Ghezelbash Behrooz , Rostami Mehdi , Heidarvand Mohammad , Mafi Alireza , Chegni Hamid , Eskandari Nahid
Published: February 2023

Some risk causes may be associated with the severity of COVID-19. The central host-pathogen factors might affect infection are human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and SARS-CoV-2 surface spike (S)-protein. The main purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the expression the metalloproteinases-2  (MMP-2), MMP-9, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 genes and their correlation with lymphopenia in the mild and severe types of the COVID-19 patients.
Eighty-eight patients, aged 36 to 60 years old with the mild (n=44) and severe (n=44) types of COVID-19 were enrolled. Total RNA was isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The changes of MMP-2, MMP-9, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression in PBMCs from mild and severe COVID-19 patients were examined by the real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay and, compared between the groups. Data were collected from May 2021 to March 2022.
The mean age of the patients in both groups was 48 (interquartile range, 36–60), and there were no appreciable differences in age or gender distribution between the two groups. The present study showed that a significant increase in the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes in the severe type of the COVID-19 patients compared, to the mild type of the COVID-19 patients.
Overall, it suggests the expression levels of these genes on the PBMC surface in the immune system are susceptible to infection by SARS-COV-2 and therefore could potentially predict the patients’ outcome.
Changes in PD-1- and CTLA-4-bearing Blood Lymphocytes in ICU COVID-19 Patients Treated with Favipiravir/Kaletra or Dexamethasone/Remdesivir: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Jamaati Hamidreza , Dezfuli Neda K. , Sheikhzade Hakime , Hashemian Seyed MohammadReza , Roofchayee Neda Dalil , Dastan Frazaneh , Tabarsi Payam , Folkerts Gert , Garssen Johan , Mumby Sharon , Adcock Ian M
Published: February 2023

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, requires new approaches to control the disease. Programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) play important roles in T-cell exhaustion in severe COVID-19. This study evaluated the frequency of whole blood lymphocytes expressing PD-1 and CTLA-4 in COVID-19 patients upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (i.e., severe) or infection ward (i.e., moderate) and after 7 days of antiviral therapy.
COVID-19 patients were treated with either favipiravir or Kaletra (FK group, 11 severe and 11 moderate) or dexamethasone plus remdesivir (DR group, 7 severe and 10 moderate) for 7 days in a pilot study. Eight healthy control subjects were also enrolled. The frequency of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ lymphocytes in whole blood was evaluated by flow cytometry.
Patients on DR therapy had shorter hospital stays than those on FK therapy. The frequency of PD-1+ lymphocytes in the FK group at baseline differed between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, while the frequency of both PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ cells increased significantly 7 days of FK therapy. The response was similar in both moderate and severe patients. In contrast,the frequency of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ lymphocytes varied significantly between patients and healthy controls before DR treatment. DR therapy enhanced PD-1+ but not the CTLA-4+ frequency of these cells after 7 days.
We show that the frequency of PD-1 and CTAL-4-bearing lymphocytes during hospitalization was increased in Iranian ICU COVID-19 patients who received FK treatment, but that the frequency of CTLA-4+ cells was higher at baseline and did not increase in patients who received DR. The effectiveness of DR treatment may reflect differences in T-cell activation or exhaustion status, particularly in CTLA-4-expressing cells.
New Presentation of CD27 Deficiency; Coronary Ectasia and COVID-19
Authors: Golchehre Zahra , Sharafian Samin , Momtazmanesh Nader , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Karimi Abdollah , Abolhassani Hassan , Kazemi Aghdam Maryam , Vahidshahi Koroush , Hashemimoghaddam Seyedehatefeh , Kosari Farid , Khafafpour Zahra , Shamsian Bibi Shahin , Keramatipour Mohammad
Published: February 2023

CD27 is a costimulatory receptor involved in the maturation of the innate and adaptive immunity. CD27, through interaction with CD70, plays a role in the control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. CD27 deficiency leads to an immune dysregulation disease characterized by EBV susceptibility. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) might put patients with primary immunodeficiency at risk for adverse outcomes.
Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) study was performed to detect EBV in the lymphoma tissue. Genetic analysis of the patient was done with Whole Exome Sequencing and detected variant was confirmed with PCR-Sanger sequencing.
Here we report a 20-month-old boy with CD27 deficiency who developed lymphoma and coronary artery ectasia and had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Clinical and laboratory findings
were incompatible with atypical Kawasaki syndrome or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
As CD27 deficiency is a rare immune defect, publishing clinical data about the identified patient(s) can shed light on our knowledge about the related phenotype and the spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with CD27 deficiency. Thus, our findings expanded the spectrum of manifestations beyond EBV infection, highlighting this unusual cardiac sequela that could be related to EBV infection, lymphoma, or an underlying disease.