Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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Lower extremity joint kinematics in individuals with and without bilateral knee osteoarthritis during normal and narrow-base walking: A cross-sectional study
No full textBACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease affecting joint mechanics. Considering the effect of step-width changes on the biomechanics of gait, especially the alteration of stability dynamics during narrow-base gait, this study investigated the kinematic parameters of the lower extremities during both normal and narrow-base walking in individuals with and without KOA. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 20 individuals with bilateral KOA and 20 controls was conducted. Participants walked on a treadmill at a preferred speed across normal and narrow paths. Joint angles and angular velocities in the sagittal and frontal planes were recorded, and mixed ANOVA was used to analyze group x condition effects. RESULTS: Significant main effects of walking condition were observed for hip (p = 0.001) and ankle angles (p = 0.002) in the frontal plane, and knee (p = 0.004) and ankle angular velocities (p = 0.002) in the sagittal plane. Moreover, there were significant main effects of group on the hip (p = 0.01) and knee angles (p = 0.04) in the sagittal plane. KOA group showed higher peak hip adduction (p < 0.001) and ankle inversion (p = 0.02]) during narrow-base walking than on the normal path. People with KOA had also significantly higher peak angular velocity of knee flexion (p = 0.03), ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.002), and ankle inversion (p = 0.03) during narrow-base walking. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that KOA and narrow-base gait challenges may trigger distinct kinematic adaptation strategies, potentially contributing to cartilage degeneration and altering balance mechanisms
A biomimetic injectable chitosan/alginate hydrogel biocopmosites encapsulating selenium- folic acid nanoparticles for regeneration of spinal cord injury: An in vitro study
No full textSpinal cord injury (SCI) poses significant challenges to regenerative medicine due to its limited self-repair capabilities. In this study, we engineered a biomimetic injectable hydrogel using modified chitosan and alginate biopolymers encapsulating selenium-folic acid nanoparticles (Se-FA NPs) to facilitate SCI regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited a unique porous structure attributed to the incorporation of nanofiber fragments, enhancing its biocompatibility and bioactivity. Through a series of in vitro evaluations, including cell viability assays, proliferation studies, gene expression analysis, we assessed the hydrogel's cytocompatibility and its potential for supporting neural cell growth. Our results demonstrate the promising efficacy of the hydrogel in providing a conducive microenvironment for neural tissue regeneration. Moreover, the sustained release of Se-FA NPs from the hydrogel system offers neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory benefits crucial for SCI therapy. Overall, our biomimetic hydrogel biocomposites hold great potential as a therapeutic strategy for promoting spinal cord regeneration, highlighting their significance in advancing the field of regenerative medicine
MXene Nanoconfinement of SAM-Modified Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Biosensor for Point-of-Care Monitoring of Carcinoembryonic Antigen
No full textThe high rate of cancer worldwide and the heavy costs imposed on governments and humanity have always motivated researchers to develop point-of-care (POC) biosensors for easy diagnosis and monitoring of cancer treatment. Herein, we report on a label-free impedimetric biosensor based on Ti(3)C(2)T(x) MXene and imprinted ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PD) for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a biomarker for various cancers surveillance, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Accordingly, MXene was drop-casted on the surface of a disposable silver electrode to increase the sensitivity and create high-energy nanoareas on the surface, which are usable for protein immobilization and detection. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was exploited for oriented CEA immobilization on the MXene-modified electrode. The monomer-protein interaction and successful protein removal were confirmed by molecular docking and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations to evaluate the quality of the fabricated molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). Also, the role of MXene in increasing the electrical field inside the nanoareas was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software. A suitable limit of detection (9.41 ng/mL), an appropriate linear range of detection (10 to 100 ng/mL) in human serum, and a short detection time (10 min) resulted from the use of SAM/MIP next to MXene. This biosensor presented outstanding repeatability (97.60) and reproducibility (98.61). Moreover, acceptable accuracy (between 93.04 and 116.04) in clinical serum samples was obtained compared with immunoassay results, indicating the high potential of our biosensor for real sample analysis. This biomimetic and disposable sensor provides a cost-effective method for facile and POC monitoring of cancer patients during treatment
Comparative analysis of surgical approaches in acetabular fractures: Blood loss and procedural efficiency
No full textBACKGROUND: Acetabulum fractures pose significant challenges in orthopedic trauma due to anatomical complexity and the potential for iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures. The study aims to compare the outcomes of two surgical approaches, the ilioinguinal approach (IA) and the modified Stoppa approach (MSA), in managing acetabular fractures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 50 patients with anterior acetabular fractures. Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were collected, and the patients were categorized based on the applied surgical approach, either IA or MSA. Statistical tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The MSA group showed significantly lower intraoperative blood loss compared to IA (MSA: 404.36 +/- 151.94 ml, IA: 650.92 +/- 136.33 ml, Delta = 246.56 ml, P 0.99). Postoperative assessments, Harris Hip Scores (MSA: 90.08 +/- 6.26, IA: 89.29 +/- 6.64, P = 0.66) and Modified Merle d'Aubigne Scores (MSA: 14.86 +/- 1.37, IA: 15.23 +/- 1.16, P = 0.40), showed no substantial variance between groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the MSA approach demonstrated superiority, particularly due to significantly less intraoperative blood loss. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to validate and generalize these findings
Pure spinal multiple sclerosis: A case series of a possible new entity
No full textBACKGROUND: Recent literature describes a condition similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) but with demyelinating lesions limited to the spinal cord. This condition, referred to as "pure spinal" MS, might benefit from disease-modifying treatment (DMT). METHODS: We screened the medical records of approximately 8000 patients with demyelinating diseases at the Isfahan MS clinic in Iran. Criteria for inclusion in the case series were adults with a demyelinating disease limited to the spinal cord, positive oligoclonal IgG bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and negative results for other potential diagnoses. RESULTS: Seven people with pure spinal MS were identified (all women, mean age SD: 40.14 6.17 years at the first visit, mean follow-up duration SD: 98 39.41 months). Two had a family history of conventional MS in their siblings. All patients exhibited lower limb weakness and tested negative for anti-MOG and anti-AQP4 antibodies. They experienced relapsing-remitting partial myelitis, with new spinal cord lesions on MRI but no extraspinal CNS lesions. DMT significantly reduced relapse rates in all patients, and two showed no increase in EDSS scores. CONCLUSION: Pure spinal MS might be an atypical form of MS. Those affected may benefit from DMT; therefore, further investigation and consideration in the upcoming revisions of the McDonald criteria are recommended
Melatonin for gastric cancer treatment: where do we stand?
No full textGastric cancer (GC) is the third leading reason of death in men and the fourth in women. Studies have documented an inhibitory function of melatonin on the proliferation, progression and invasion of GC cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play an important function in regulation of biological processes and gene expression of the cells. Some studies reported that melatonin can suppress the progression of GC by regulating the exosomal miRNAs. Thus, melatonin represents a promising potential therapeutic agent for subjects with GC. Herein, we evaluate the existing data of both in vivo and in vitro studies to clarify the molecular processes involved in the therapeutic effects of melatonin in GC. The data emphasize the critical function of melatonin in several signaling ways by which it may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease chemo-resistance, induce apoptosis as well as limit invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review provides a resource that identifies some of the mechanisms by which melatonin controls GC enlargement. In light of the findings, melatonin should be considered a novel and testable therapeutic mediator for GC treatment
Can infliximab serve as a new therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms?
No full textNeuropsychiatric disorders present a global challenge to public health. Mechanisms associated with neuropsychiatric disorders etiology include apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, an inflammatory cytokine, mediates pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, its inhibition by infliximab might afford a valuable target for intervention. Infliximab is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, it has been shown that infliximab improves cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and life quality. Here, we review contemporary knowledge supporting the need to further characterize infliximab as a potential treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders
A Review of the Association between Infections, Seizures, and Drugs
No full textBACKGROUND: Seizures are a common presenting symptom of the central nervous system (CNS) and could occur from infections (such as toxins) or drugs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present a systematic review of the association between infections, seizures, and drugs. METHODS: From their inception to 18 February 2024 relevant in-depth consequent guide approach and the evidence-based choice were selected associated with a knowledgeable collection of current, high-quality manuscripts. RESULTS: Imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters due to infections, drugs such as ticarcillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, ampicillin, tramadol, venlafaxine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, acyclovir, cellcept, the old generation of antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and many other drugs could cause different stages of CNS disturbances ranging from seizure to encephalopathy. Infections could cause life-threatening status epilepticus by continuous unremitting seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures. Meningitis, tuberculosis, herpes simplex, cerebral toxoplasmosis, and many others could lead to status epilepticus. In fact, confusion, encephalopathy, and myoclonus were reported with drugs, such as ticarcillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, ampicillin, and others. Penicillin G was reported as having the greatest epileptogenic potential. A high dose, in addition to prolonged use of metronidazole, was reported with seizure infection. Meropenem could decrease the concentration of valproic acid. Due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4, the combination of clarithromycin and erythromycin with carbamazepine needs vigilant monitoring. CONCLUSION: Due to changes in drug metabolism, co-administration of antiseizure drugs and antibiotics may lead to an enhanced risk of seizures. In patients with neurocysticercosis, cerebral malaria, viral encephalitis, bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus, the evidence-based study recommended different mechanisms mediating epileptogenic properties of toxins and drugs
Insights into the Biological Properties of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Implications for Cancer Progression and Therapy
No full textProstate cancer (PCa) is the second prevalent cancer in men. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) in driving tumor initiation and metastasis of the prostate tissue. PCSCs are a rare population of cells in the prostate that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic target for effective PCa treatment. Therefore, targeting PCSCs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of PCs. Research has shown that various signaling pathways, such as Notch, SHH, TGF-beta, Wnt, STAT3, AKT, and EGFR, are involved in regulating PCSC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, non-coding RNAs, such as long ncRNAs and miRNAs, have emerged as critical regulators of PCSC pathogenesis and drug resistance. Here, we highlight that targeting these pathways could offer new opportunities for the management of PCa. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the essential signaling pathways implicated in PCSC tumorigenesis and invasiveness
Investigation of the mutated antimicrobial peptides to inhibit ACE2, TMPRSS2 and GRP78 receptors of SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) as well as controlling COVID-19 disease
No full textSARS-CoV-2 is a global problem nowadays. Based on studies, some human receptors are involved in binding to SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the inhibition of these receptors can be effective in the treatment of Covid-19. Because of the proven benefits of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the side effects of chemical drugs, they can be known as an alternative to recent medicines. RCSB PDB to obtain PDB id, StraPep and PhytAMP to acquire Bio-AMPs information and 3-D structure, and AlgPred, Toxinpred, TargetAntiAngio, IL-4pred, IL-6pred, ACPred and Hemopred databases were used to find the best score peptide features. HADDOCK 2.2 was used for molecular docking analysis, and UCSF Chimera software version 1.15, SWISS-MODEL and BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer4.5 were used for mutation and structure modeling. Furthermore, MD simulation results were achieved from GROMACS 4.6.5. Based on the obtained results, the Moricin peptide was found to have the best affinity for ACE2. Moreover, Bacteriocin leucocin-A had the highest affinity for GRP78, Cathelicidin-6 had the best affinity for AT1R, and Bacteriocin PlnK had the best binding affinity for TMPRSS2. Additionally, Bacteriocin glycocin F, Bacteriocin lactococcin-G subunit beta and Cathelicidin-6 peptides were the most common compounds among the four receptors. However, these peptides also have some side effects. Consequently, the mutation eliminated the side effects, and MD simulation results indicated that the mutation proved the result of the docking analysis. The effect of AMPs on ACE2, GRP78, TMPRSS2 and AT1R receptors can be a novel treatment for Covid-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma