Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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PlasmaCell CAD: A computer-aided diagnosis software tool for plasma cell recognition and characterization in microscopic images
No full textBackground and objective: In the traditional diagnostic process for multiple myeloma cancer, a pathologist screens prepared blood samples using a microscope to detect, classify, and count plasma cells. This manual approach is time-consuming, exhausting, and prone to human errors. Consequently, medical experts and researchers are highly interested in any tool that partially or entirely automates this process. To achieve this goal, we developed a software tool called PlasmaCell CAD to analyze effective cells for diagnosing multiple myeloma cancers through microscopic images. Methods: In the proposed software, to detect and segment cells, we exploit the Mask-RCNN model that has been enhanced by leveraging the circlet transform for the anchor generation. Also, we use the SVM classifier to identify normal and abnormal plasma cells in this software. Moreover, we designed and developed a graphical user interface (GUI) for the PlasmaCell CAD so that users would be able to work with it more easily. Results: we considered the performance of the proposed software on both a publicly available dataset and a locally collected dataset. The experimental results demonstrated the capability and efficiency of PlasmaCell CAD software in segmenting and classifying plasma cells as well as its ease of use. Conclusions: PlasmaCell CAD is a free software tool that can easily be downloaded and installed on any computers running Windows. PlasmaCell CAD provides a user-friendly GUI with several image processing and visualization facilities for the user that can accelerate the diagnosis process. In light of promising results, PlasmaCell CAD software can be useful to pathologists in helping to diagnose multiple myeloma cancer
Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Ultrasonography, as a Diagnostic Aid in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
No full textBackground: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a life-threatening progressive motor neuron disease whose diagnosis is challenging because of lacking specific diagnostic means. The current study aims to assess the value of upper extremity peripheral nerves ultrasonography in ALS detection. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 ALS subjects were assessed regarding the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the proximal (at distal part of arm or the proximal of elbow) and distal (at wrist level) median and ulnar nerves, assessed via ultrasonography. Similarly, 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were evaluated. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was depicted to determine a cut-point for ALS-associated peripheral nerve involvement. Results: Proximal CSA and the proximal-to-distal ratio of the median nerve was remarkably lower in both upper extremities of the ALS subjects compared to the controls (P value 0.05). Distal ulnar nerve CSA in the right hand (P value = 0.007) and the proximal ulnar nerve CSA in the left hand (P value = 0.001) were remarkably lower in the cases than the controls, but the other measurements did not differ (P value > 0.05). There was no significant cut-points to differentiate ALS-affected peripheral nerves from the healthy controls (P value > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on this study, CSA of the proximal median nerve in the cubital fossa seems a rational and valuable means to diagnose ALS; but the distal parts of the median nerve and the ulnar nerve in its all length remained a matter of debate
Development of a conceptual framework of sexual health for married elderly women: An exploratory mixed method study
No full textBackground Identifying elderly women's sexual health demands based on their lived experience is essential since it leads to their sexual rights promotion. The present framework was designed to identify sexual demands, develop a reliable and valid questionnaire, and present it to policymakers.Methods This conceptual framework was designed in four phases using an exploratory sequential approach. The first phase included a review of related literature to identify elderly women's sexual health demands. In the second phase, the qualitative phase, the participants will be interviewed to identify their sexual health demands. Data will be collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation. In the third phase, a draft questionnaire will be provided using the data from the qualitative study and literature review to measure the sexual health demands of elderly women. Afterward, the face and content validity, as well as the construct and criterion validity, will be determined. The construct and criterion validity will be assessed using exploratory factor analysis and a cross-sectional study on elderly women, respectively. Finally, the reliability of the questionnaire will be determined. In the fourth phase, using the classical Delphi technique, the panel of experts will select the most important demands to present to policymakers.Results Based on a literature review conducted from October 20, 2023, to March 15, 2024, the demands were categorized into three main groups: "the elimination of ageist attitudes," "the elimination of sexism," and "the elimination of sexual retirement." Other data and their integration with the literature review data to finalize the categories will be obtained after conducting qualitative interviews. Afterward, the questionnaire will be developed and psychometrically evaluated. Finally, the demands will be prioritized for policymakers.Conclusion According to the results, elderly women face social and cultural challenges in maintaining sexual health. Based on the presented methods, comprehensive and complete identification of demands in different cultures can facilitate sexual health planning
Designing a resilience network for inter-organizational partnerships in disasters
No full textPurposeThe shortcomings in multiorganizational collaboration and coordination in disasters necessitate a resilience network to facilitate all parties' involvement which is the aim of this study.Design/methodology/approachThis study began with a comparative review of disaster management networks in ten countries to identify responsible entities and their functions. The advantages of each country for designing a network for public-private partnerships were benchmarked. The initial network was validated through focus group discussions and interviews.FindingsThe research revealed that governments typically assume responsibility for disaster management through multiorganizational councils, workgroups, etc., often using the network administrative organization (NAO) approach, with varying autonomy for Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private sectors (PSs). The proposed network consists of four inter-organizational coordination groups at the national, state, county, city/town and local levels, each with predefined roles, responsibilities and mutual communication. Voluntary groups called "CHEED" and local resiliency councils collaborate with public entities, such as coordinating groups and liaison offices, to organize participants and ensure their competency.Practical implicationsThe proposed resilience network provides policymakers with situation-based responses within central, administrative and participatory governance contexts. By integrating NAO, lead organization-governed network (LOGN) and participant-governed networks (PGN) governance forms, the network ensures effective collaboration among public, private and voluntary entities across all disaster phases. This approach can improve the overall resilience and efficiency of disaster management through practical restructuring and by granting legitimacy to participants in future exercises.Originality/valueThe proposed resilience network is unique in its comprehensive, multi-tiered structure that integrates all entities from local to national levels in all disaster phases, enhancing disaster management through effective public-private partnerships
Comparing the association of novel Anthropometric and atherogenicity indices with all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in a general population of Iranian adults
No full textBackground: The association of novel anthropometrics and novel atherogenicity indices with mortality remains uncertain. Objective: To compare the association of novel anthropometrics and atherogenicity indices with all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD), and non-CVD mortality in Iranian adults. Methods: Utilizing data from Isfahan Cohort Study, 5432 participants aged older than 35 years were enrolled. Three anthropometrics indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI) and abdominal volume index (AVI), and three atherogenicity indices including atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli risk index (CRI) and the cholesterol index (CI) were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to explore the association between indices and mortality. Results: After a median follow-up of 11.25 years, the ABSI was independently associated with increased risk of all- cause mortality (HRQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.43, 95 CI: 1.07, 1.92; P trend = 0.02). A positive, independent association was also observed between CRI-II (HRQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.49, 95 CI: 0.99, 2.25; P trend = 0.04) and AIP (HRQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.81, 95 CI: 1.92, 2.27; P trend = 0.01) and CVD mortality. For non-CVD mortality, despite a direct link for ABSI (HRQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.92, 95 CI: 1.32, 2.80; P trend = 0.001), an inverse association was found for CI (HRQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.68, 95 CI: 0.49, 0.95; P trend = 0.007). Conclusion: Amongst various investigated anthropometric indices, ABSI was directly related to all-cause and nonCVD mortality. However, atherogenicity indices including CRI-II and AIP could predict the incidence risk of CVD mortality among Iranians. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings
Evaluating the Effect of High-Translucent Zirconia Thickness and Substrate Shade on the Final Color of the Restoration
No full textObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-translucent zirconia thickness and substrate shade on the final color of the restoration.Material and MethodsA total of 60 high-translucent monolithic zirconia disks were prepared using a CAD/CAM system. They were placed on composite substrates with A2, A3.5, and C3 colors (n = 10). The color differences (Delta E) of the ceramic disks on the A3.5 and C3 substrate compared to the control group (A2) were calculated and compared with acceptable thresholds (Delta E = 5.5) and perceptible thresholds (Delta E = 2/6). A one-sample t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data statistically.ResultsThe highest Delta E values were observed when comparing two zirconia disk thicknesses on the A3.2 substrate without cement (Delta E = 5/65). The lowest value of Delta E compared to the control group (A2) was related to the disk with 1 mm thickness on the A3.5 substrate (Delta E = 2/54), and the highest value was for the disk with 0.6 mm thickness on the C3 substrate (Delta E = 4/88).ConclusionsUsing the zirconia disk with a 1 mm thickness on the C3 structure and a disk with a 0.6 mm thickness on the A3.5 structure with the presence of F2 cement can achieve an acceptable color difference (value of 5.5)
lncRNA FLVCR1-AS1 sponges miR-381-3p and promotes Wnt signaling pathway resulting in colorectal cancer progression
No full textBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and the second deadliest cancer, worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been introduced as crucial regulators of CRC. lncRNA feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor 1 antisense RNA 1 (FLVCR1-AS1) is suggested to play a significant role in the tumorigenesis of several cancers. The Wnt signaling pathway is the most deregulated pathway in CRC.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of function of FLVCR1-AS1 in CRC through FLVCR1-AS1/miR-381-3p/CTNNB1, LRP6, and FZD3 axis.MethodsThe expression levels of FLVCR1-AS1 were analyzed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, as well as across various CRC cell lines. In HCT116 cells, FLVCR1-AS1 was knocked down, and the subsequent effects on the expression levels of FLVCR1-AS1, miR-381-3p, and three genes were measured using real-time PCR. Proliferation differences were assessed through an MTT assay, while cell death was evaluated using flow cytometry.ResultsThe results confirmed that FLVCR1-AS1 was upregulated in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. RT-qPCR validated that FLVCR1-AS1 has the most level of expression in HT29, HCT116, SW480, and Caco2; respectively. Knockdown of FLVCR1-AS1 was significantly followed by attenuated viability of HCT116 cells; while resulted in enhancement of apoptosis and necrosis.ConclusionThese findings support the idea that FLVCR1-AS1 may act as an oncogene in CRC, and targeting FLVCR1-AS1/miR-381-3p/CTNNB1, LRP6, and FZD3 axis may be introduced as a novel target for CRC therapy and diagnosis in the future
Galectin-9 induces IL-1β production as a key inflammatory cytokine in the acute myeloid leukemia cell line (U937)
No full textBackground and purpose:T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing protein-3 (TIM-3)/ galectin-9 (Gal-9)/ autocrine loop in myeloid leukemia stem cells provokes inflammation through the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, which is influential in the expression of inflammatory factors. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a vital inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the proliferation and therapy resistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. This study aimed to assess the effect of Gal-9 on IL-1 beta in the human leukemic U937 cell line.Experimental approach:The U937 cells were cultured in different concentrations of Gal-9. Cell counting kit-8 was used to assess the effect of Gal-9 on human leukemic U937 cell proliferation. Also, its impact on the expression of TIM-3, Gal-9, IL-1 beta, IL-1 beta R, IL-1 beta RAP, and NLRP3 genes and IL-1 beta protein was studied by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Moreover, the effect of Gal-9 on the NF-kappa B signaling pathway was evaluated by western blotting.Findings/Results:U937 cells were expanded in the presence of Gal-9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Following treatment of U937 cells with Gal-9, the gene expression of Gal-9, IL-1B, IL-1BR, and IL-1BRAP were significantly upregulated compared to the control group. The IL-1 beta concentration increased following Gal-9 treatment in a concentration-dependent manner, while following time-pass its level significantly decreased. Furthermore, Gal-9 slightly increased NF-kappa B phosphorylation.Conclusion and implications:Gal-9 increased IL-1 beta level as a critical inflammatory cytokine in the proliferation and resistance of AML cells to therapy. According to this finding, targeting and blocking the TIM-3/Gal-9 autocrine loop can suppress IL-1 beta production and facilitate AML treatment
Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
No full textBackground Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Various risk factors contribute to this condition. This study aimed to investigate the association between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women referred to health centers. Method In this study, a prospective cohort design was employed. A total of 600 pregnant mothers covered by the Isfahan Health Network were randomly included in the study. Demographic questionnaires, DASS-21, HFIAS, and IPAQ were administered through interviews. Blood pressure data after the 20th week of pregnancy, were collected. Mothers were considered hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was above 140 (systolic) or above 90 (diastolic) or both, for the first time after the 20th week of pregnancy after two measurements. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, independent t, and binary logistic regression tests. Result The incidence of PIH was estimated to be 5.2. The mean age of pregnant mothers was 30.24 +/- 5.84 years, and 43 had university education. Food insecurity showed a significant association with PIH, even after controlling for confounding variables (P < 0.05). Additionally, an increase in pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with increased risk of PIH (ORA = 1.16, CI95: 1.07-1.25). Larger household size increased the likelihood of hypertension by 51, while having more than two pregnancies reduced the risk by 30. Conclusion The Incidence of high blood pressure during pregnancy and its association with food insecurity and pre-pregnancy BMI emphasizes the need for interventions to improve food security in pregnant women and control pre-pregnancy BMI, ultimately preventing pregnancy related complications
Conquest of world or self: a phenomenological account of theistic understanding by children afflicted with cancer
No full textCancer not only affects a child's physical well-being but also extends its influence to spiritual dimensions, presenting unique spiritual challenges. This study investigates the spiritual experiences of 20 hospitalized children with cancer at Seyed al-Shohada Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Employing a phenomenological approach, the research uncovers four distinct theistic understandings among the children: magical God, trading God, veiling God, and meaning-bestowing God. These varied perceptions significantly shape the spiritual landscape of the children, potentially leading to conflicts or traumas, yet also serving as avenues for spiritual growth and well-being. Understanding these nuances is crucial for providing holistic care to pediatric cancer patients, acknowledging the intricate interplay between their physical and spiritual health, and fostering avenues for post-traumatic growth