Showing 15 results for Ms
Pedram Torabian, Dr Vahid Erfani-Moghadam,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
For decades, researchers have tried to develop non-invasive mechanisms for monitoring pathological conditions within the body of patients. Emerging nanotechnology enabled us to reach this aim. Scale of nano has the potential to increase early detection of pathological conditions among abnormal cells before diseased tissue or tumor development can be considerable which is helpful in disease treatment. In recent years, “Theranostics” has been emerged as a novel nano approach which performs diagnostic detection, therapy and follows up simultaneously. Therefore, Theranostics can be considered as an appropriate therapeutic approach for personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics and molecular imaging which can open a gate to develop novel therapies. Additionally, with a deeper molecular understanding, choosing drugs that are more effective will be possible. Finally, researchers believe that Theranostics has the potential to monitor treatments by increasing drug effectiveness and preventing inappropriate treatments and consequently reducing the cost of national health burden. In this review, structure and some applications of Theranostics and nano drug delivery systems have been discussed briefly.
Maedeh Sadat Alavi, Sheida Jabal Ameli,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the interventions used in the treatment of chronic medical conditions such as MS in recent years. Hence, this study was designed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on emotional control of MS patients in the city of Isfahan.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental research which was conducted by using a pretest-posttest design with the control group. The study population consisted of all members of the MS Society of Isfahan in 2016-2017. Using the available sampling method, 30 subjects were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (15 subjects for each group). Both groups completed Williams and Chambless emotional control questionnaire as the pre-test. After eight sessions (two one-hour sessions per week for four weeks) of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the posttest was performed for the groups. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics including univariate covariance analysis in the SPSS 20 software.
Results: The study participants included 16 married women and 14 married men. The mean age of the participants in the experimental and control groups was 30.23 ± 7.06 and 29.34 ± 7.15, respectively. The results of the univariate covariance analysis showed that a significant difference in the mean scores of emotional control from the pre-test to the post-test stage between the experimental group and the control group (P = 0.001). Thus, in the experimental group, the mean total score of emotional control in the pretest and post-test phases was equal to 71.66 and 31.33, respectively, while these values in the control group in the pre-test and post-test phases were 67.06 and 62.93, respectively. Also in the experimental group, the scores of four sub-scales of anger, depressed mood, anxiety, and positive emotions revealed significant differences between the post-test stage and the pre-test stage (P =0.001). Therefore, the cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective in improving the emotional control of MS patients.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, we recommended the use of this therapeutic method to improve the emotional control of the patients with MS.
Majid Amini Khorasgani , Parisa Mohammady Nejad, Mohammad Mehdi Moghani Bashi,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: One of the latest studies in the genetics field is the evaluation of role of micro-RNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and emerges in the form of numerous small and large plaques in white matter in the brain and spinal cord. This disease could be associated with several complications, including reduced vision, spasticity and imbalance, and impaired sphincter control. MiR-202-3p is an intronic miRNA located in the ADA (Adenosine Deaminase) gene, which is the main enzyme involved in the pathway for the conversion of adenosine into inosine. Moreover, ADA regulates the inflammatory response and protection of tissue from damage as a strong complementary mechanism. This study aimed to evaluate the expression level of miR-202-3p in individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and healthy individuals in Isfahan, Iran.
Methods: This analytical-observatory study was performed on 49 RRMS patients and 52 healthy individuals with no history of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Total RNA was extracted from blood lymphocytes by Ficoll and Trizol. Afterwards, cDNA was formed using a special miRNA cDNA kit, followed by the application of Real-time RT PCR to measure the expression of miR-202-3p in healthy individuals and patients.
Results: According to the results, the miR-202-3p expression was higher in patients, compared to healthy individuals (P=0.006). In addition, the sensitivity and diagnostic value of this miRNA in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were equal to AUC=0.80 (area under the curve).
Conclusion: In line with other studies, our findings demonstrated that miR-2023p can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of MS. In addition, it seems that miR-202-3p acts as an immunosuppressant by inhibiting ADA gene, which regulates various processes related to inflammatory response and maintenance of tissue from damage.
Masoomeh Gholami, Majid Najafzadeh, Naser Behnampour, Zahra Abdollahi, Farzaneh Sadeghi Ghotbabadi, Farhad Lashkarboluki, Mohammad Reza Honarvar,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Iran was reported in the high-risk group of World Food Security Map in 2008 .Identifying food insecurity is first step for executing interventions. Measuring household food security is its cornerstone. SAMAT System was designed to provide a variety of GIS-based reports to policy makers and managers in the field of food security.
Methods and Materials: SAMAT system was developed by a team working with various specialties. The system was analyzed using Rational Unified Process methodology and after optimization and normalization process, centralized database was formed. SQL Server 2014 software was used for its implementation. SharpMap open source engine was used to render spatial data and display maps on the web, and many parts of the engine were coded specifically to meet different organizational needs. The system was designed using the WEB GIS engine.
Results: SAMAT system was executed in nine provinces of the country in different periods. SAMAT dashboard provides a variety of information for executive managers. Based on demographic data, the state of food insecurity can be identified at different levels from city to village, in a variety of graphs. A spectrum from the urban distribution to the local distribution of food insecurity can be identified on the GIS map. Zooming in on different areas can help to identify more food insecure neighborhoods within the village or town, thus giving managers the priority of food insecurity interventions at the neighborhood or village level. One can view household characteristics and the results of questionnaire information .
Conclusion: SAMAT system can be useful for managing food security at the national, provincial, city and even rural or urban levels. we recommend periodically prioritizing points, Identifying the provinces and re-evaluating the effectiveness of interventions through the SAMAT-based system after comprehensive implementation of food insecurity reduction
Abdol Kheder Keshtvarz, Maghsoud Peeri, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Seyed Ali Hosseini,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and objective: Exercise and nutrition are two factors influencing the improvement of inflammatory markers in patients with colon cancer. Aim of present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training (AT) with Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Seed (PS) on toll like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and TLR-4 in colon tumor tissue of rats with colon cancer.
Methods: In this experimental study 30 adults rats were divided into five groups of six rats including: 1) healthy control, 2) control, 3) training, 4) PS, and 5) training + PS. Colon cancer induced by intra-peritoneal injection of azoxymethane in groups 2- 5. During eight weeks, groups 3 and 5 performed AT for five sessions per week also groups 4 and 5 received 75 mg/kg PS intra-peritoneally. TLR2 and TLR4 protein levels were measured by ELISA method. For review the normal distribution and data Shapiro- wilk was used and for statistical analysis of data one way ANOVA with Tukey’s post- hoc tests were used (P≤0.05).
Results: Training had not significant effect on TLR-2 (P=0.91) and TLR-4 (P=0.95); PS and training + PS significantly decreased TLR-2 and TLR-4 (P=0.001) also training + PS had more favorable effect on decrease of TLR-2 compare to training and PS alone (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Although PS alone can improve TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels in colon tumor tissue of adult rats with colon cancer, nevertheless it appears that AT along with PS have more favorable effects on improvement of TLR-2 compare to training and PS alone.
Mahtab Moshref Javadi, Mohammad Abdolahad, Neda Soleimani,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Cancer immunotherapy combined with other common treatments can be an effective way to overcome cancerous cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Freund Adjuvant on breast cancer in the BALB/c model of mice.
Material and Methods: Twenty female inbred 6–7-week-old- BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two groups of Test and Control, each containing 10 mice. Breast cancer was induced by injecting106 4T1 cells into the right flank region of mice. After the tumors were palpable; animals were immunized three times by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Freund adjuvant in the test group and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in the control group at same condition. During the study; tumor growth, body weight, and survival percentages in mice were measured by using the caliper method, and mortalities were recorded. Results were tabulated using Excel, and Graphpad Prism Version 8. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and T-test and the significance level for statistical tests was considered p≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that tumor mice given Freund Adjuvant had a significant reduction in tumor size compared to the control group (P=0.01) and no significant weight difference was observed between the two groups (P=0.4). Furthermore, Kaplan Meier showed that the survival of the mice in the Freund Adjuvant group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P=0.009).
Conclusion: This study showed that Freund Adjuvant may play an important role in improving the function of the immune system for cancer immunotherapy.
Mahmood Poorjam, Zeinab Mohammadi, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Various investigation has shown the magnitude role of adenosine receptors in cancer development. The A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 G-protein-coupled cell surface Adenosine Receptors (ARs) are found to be upregulated in many types of cancers. The adenosine receptor function has been affected by specific ligands such as agonists and/or antagonists regulated cancer (Neoplasms) cells proliferation via signaling pathways. Adenosine not only is an important intermediate metabolite but also acts as the essential ligand of adenosine receptors in physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, many studies have shown that adenosine receptors expression has increased in many types of cancer. In this review, we first describe adenosine's role in physiological condition and in cancer development. We further, discuss the type of adenosine receptors, distribution, expression, and their roles in cancer.
Seyyed Moein I Ebrahim, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Despite significant advances in treatment, breast cancer remains a medical problem and the most common cancer leading to death among women worldwide. The most common breast cancer treatments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually expensive and can cause severe side effects and low response rates due to drug resistance. To overcome these problems, medicinal plants can be the best alternative to chemotherapy drugs with fewer side effects and cost-effectiveness. Sesquiterpene lactones are compounds of the Asteraceae plant family that has significantly impacted various aspects of breast cancer cells. This review focused on the biological properties of Sesquiterpene lactones and their potential processes in breast cancer, leading to enhanced anticancer effects.
Seyedeh Almas Fahim Yeganeh, Hanieh Raghimi, Mohammad Reza Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Seyedeh Almas Fahim Yeganeh1 
,
Hanieh Raghimi2 
,
Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
3
Background: Severely contagious, a beta coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread worldwide since December 2019, a life-threatening disease that leads to high mortality.
Methods: This study had 200 cases referred and admitted to 5th Azar Hospital in May and June 2020. Treatment started based on signs and symptoms and confirming positive CT scan findings. RT-PCR test is done for all of them. Patients are categorized due to age, underlying diseases, CT scan findings, and mortality.
Results: Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most frequent underlying disease (35%), following hypertension (23.5%) and cardiovascular problems (9.5%). Although the severity of CT scan findings within the expired patients’ group was more than survived, the relation was insignificant (P=0.247). The mean age of cases who died was at least ten years more than survived. There was a mortality risk of 5.9 folds in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients comparing patients free of CVD.
Conclusion: In dealing with involved COVID-19 patients considering their age and co-morbidities will help manage earlier and pay more attention to these cases.
Fatemeh Abbasi , Nazanin Mortazavi , Nasser Behnampour , Masoud Mohammadi, Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third most common cancer in developing countries. Early detection of oral cancer can reduce mortality in several ways. The aim of the present study was to combine the quantitative results of various studies concerning serum and salivary microRNAs for early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guideline. We searched all the relevant English studies in international databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Embase, and Wiley until February 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. A total of 672 articles were found. After screening, 93 articles were approved for systematic review. Finally, 5 completely relevant articles were examined in the meta-analysis.
Results: Considering all studies regarding miRNAs, the combined results indicated that AUC = 0.73, with a sensitivity of 71.68% and a specificity of 69.95%, could be used for HNSCC diagnosis. Due to the moderate sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs, they may be able to confirm or exclude suspected cases of this disease, enhancing their utility as clinical diagnostic indicators.
Conclusion: The available data provide evidence that miRNAs, especially MiR-31 expression in the saliva, serum, or plasma, can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for HNSCC patients. However, controlled clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to validate different miRNAs.
Samaneh Heidarzadeh, Seyedehsamira Ashrafmansouri,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common neoplasm and the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. Incidence rates vary widely and depend on risk factors, epidemiological factors, and carcinogenesis patterns. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Previous studies have reported that fascin overexpression, an actin-binding protein, promotes cell motility and invasion in cancers by bundling actin filaments. Therefore, inhibiting this protein can be a major step in treatment.
Methods: In this prospective study, the protein structure of fascin was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the HyperChem 7.0 software, the chemical structure of cytochalasin H as a small molecule inhibitor was designed. Rigid docking studies between cytochalasin H and fascin protein were performed using the AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software, and the obtained results were analyzed using LigPlot+ v.1.4.5, Discovery Studio 4.5, and PyMOL v.1.9 software.
Results: According to the analyses and the obtained results, cytochalasin H and fascin protein have an effective interaction with an optimal energy level.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytochalasin H may be developed into a potential chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of gastric cancer by inhibiting fascin. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Mohammad Nejadhosseini, Abdolhussein Shakurnia , Abdolkarim Sheikhi , Farhad Abolnezhadian ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease and a major public health problem globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms in schoolchildren in Dezful city, southwest Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, the prevalence of asthma symptoms was measured using a randomized cluster sampling method among 2,978 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years. A validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used from January to February 2020. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between variables, which were expressed as percentages, with a p‐value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The overall prevalence of asthma was 4.7% (CI=3.98 - 5.54), significantly higher among 13-14-year-olds compared to the 6-7-year-old age group (6.4% vs. 3.1%, p<0.001) and in males versus females (6.9% vs. 2.5%, p<0.001). The total prevalence of wheezing in the last year, the main symptom of asthma, was 7.2% (CI=6.31 - 8.20), significantly higher among 13-14-year-olds (8.4% vs. 6.1%, p<0.009) and male schoolchildren (9.6% vs. 4.7%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: According to our findings, and compared to the previous ISAAC study in Iran, the prevalence of asthma symptoms was relatively low among Dezful schoolchildren. Further epidemiological studies are needed to investigate factors affecting this disease, such as indoor and outdoor environments, as well as their effects on gene expression over time.
Mahsa Mahdizadeh, Zahra Arab-Bafrani, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Because this disease is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, its treatment is challenging and the survival rate of patients is relatively low. One of the parts that is disturbed in the tumor tissue of esophageal cancer is the tight connections between cells. Claudin-4 (CLDN-4) is one of the tight junction regulatory proteins whose changes are involved in cancer formation. In this systematic review, we examine the changes in CLDN-4 and the factors that affect its level in samples and cell lines related to esophageal cancer.
Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles that examined CLDN-4 gene and protein expression in patients with esophageal cancer or cell lines related to esophageal cancer. A number of 202 manuscripts were obtained in the beginning, and after screening and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies remained.
Results: Six studies, including 596 patients and seven cell lines related to esophageal tissues, were included in this systematic review. The studies were related to Japan, South Korea, China, and Finland. In these studies, the level of CLDN-4 in cancer samples related to esophageal cancer and their location in esophageal tissue cells have been examined.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be concluded that the change in the level of CLDN-4 in the tumor tissues of esophageal cancer altered the tight junctions from the normal state in the normal esophageal tissues, leading to a change in normal barrier function. However, considering the conflicting results in the reports, more studies are needed to accurately interpret the role of CLDN-4 in esophageal cancer.
Saeed Mahdianipur , Mahafarin Maralani , Homa Davoodi ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and adrenaline/noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine), are key neuromodulators in the nervous system that influence complex behavioral and cognitive functions. They also affect peripheral tissues and inflammation, playing a crucial role in the biology of various malignancies, including breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide. These neurotransmitters are essential for mammary gland development and are linked to depression, a major breast cancer risk factor. Elevated levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines in depression may mediate neuroendocrine, neural, and immune pathways, affecting the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters. In the tumor microenvironment, serotonin and norepinephrine generally exhibit pro-tumorigenic effects, while dopamine has shown promising anti-tumor activity by enhancing immune responses. Histamine also shows potential in anti-tumor immunity, although its effects on breast cancer progression remain inconclusive. Research into the relationship between these neurotransmitters and breast cancer cell growth highlights their significant role in breast cancer biology and their potential in improving treatment outcomes. This review explores the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in breast cancer progression, their immunomodulatory functions, and the therapeutic potential of targeting these neurotransmitters. By analyzing these complex relationships, we aim to illuminate novel therapeutic strategies that could enhance the clinical management of breast cancer.
Hediye Shariaty , Fatemeh Bagheri ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes is a prevalent condition with no definitive cure, often referred to as a” silent killer.” Diabetes is primarily categorized into three types: Type I, Type II, and gestational diabetes. In Type I diabetes, the body's immune system attacks and damages the insulin-producing cells. Conversely, Type II diabetes, which is more common than Type I, occurs when the body does not respond adequately to the insulin being produced, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Effectively treating pre-diabetes can prevent its progression to full-blown diabetes.
Methods: In the present research, a semi-supervised approach is proposed to predict diabetes. Improved missing value imputation (MVI) is achieved by utilizing Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering. The proposed classifier integrates GMM with a machine learning algorithm, specifically random forest (RF), thereby inducing a more robust predictive model via the fusion of clustering and classification techniques.
Results: The proposed method achieves an accuracy of 84%, a precision of 82.03%, a recall of 69.75%, and an F1-score of 75.12% base on experiments conducted on the PIMA Indian population.
Conclusion: Employing GMM to fill in missing values provides the advantage of replacing invalid data with the most similar records, thereby enhancing the quality of the dataset. The proposed classifier also exhibits strong predictive capabilities in identifying diabetes. By integrating this combined approach, this study offers an effective method for predicting diabetes, making a significant contribution to healthcare analytics as a whole.