4265 research outputs found
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Semantic web technologies for sharing clinical information in health care systems
Get PDFIntroduction: Semantic Web (SW) technologies is capable of facilitating the management and sharing of knowledge and promote semantic interoperability among healthcare information systems. Aim: This article is designed to provide an overview of the SW technologies. Methods: This article was performed based on a literature review and Internet search through scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Result: The literature on SW addresses the technical and content aspects of SW technologies including description of ontology, interoperability standards in SW, creating ontology, types of ontologies, ontology editors, ontologies in healthcare. Discussion: The discussion on this forum aims to help understand the benefits of SW technologies in healthcare. Conclusion: SW promotes a shift from the �syntactic� level to the �semantic� level of services, applications, and people and finally to pragmatic level by sharing knowledge among clinicians, researchers and healthcare providers. © 2019 Mahtab Karami, Azin Rahimi
Vaccine potential of lena and lcpa proteins of leptospira interrogans in combination with escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin, b subunit (LTB)
Get PDFBackground and Objectives: Leptospirosis is a zooanthroponosis caused by the genus of Leptospira. It is an emerging public health problem due to its increasing incidence. The achievement to a vaccine that prevent from entrance of Leptospira interrogans to the deeper tissues of the host is needed. This study aimed to investigate the immunogenicity of LcpA (rLcpA) and LenA (rLenA) recombinant proteins in combination with LTB (rLTB) recombinant protein as an adjuvant against leptospiral infection in hamsters. Materials and Methods: The genes encoding these proteins were cloned into pGH cloning vector and then lenA, lcpA and ltb genes subcloned into pET-15b and pET-28a expression vectors, respectively. The hamsters were immunized with the purified recombinant proteins and challenged with Leptospira interrogans for evaluation of their survival. The antibody responses to the recombinant proteins were determined by ELISA. Then, data entered into SPSS software. Statistical Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the significant differences among different groups. The groups with significant differences were further analyzed by post hoc tests. The p value < 0.05 statistically was considered significant. Results: Immunized hamsters with rLenA-plus-rLTB, rLcpA-plus-rLTB and rLenA-plus-rLcpA-plus-rLTB proteins showed 60, 74, and 80 survival rates, respectively. A significant amount of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and gamma interferon (IFNγ) cytokines were produced in immunized hamsters. Conclusion: Based on our findings, rLcpA and rLenA proteins in combination with rLTB can protect the hamsters against L. interrogans and effectively induce a protective antibody response. Thus, these proteins can be used as an additional prophylactic tool against leptospira. © 2018, Tehran University of Medical Science. All rights reserved
The effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFBackground: In the current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders are assessed. Methods: The following databases were search up to March 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of the relevant extracted data was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled by the use of the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95 Confidence Intervals (95 CI). Results: Eleven effect sizes from nine studies were included in the final analyses. A pooled analysis of 9 effect sizes showed a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score following supplementation with vitamin D weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.91; 95% CI: -5.15 -2.66), I 2 = 85.9%. Combining data from two available studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) also revealed a significant reduction in this score following the intervention (WMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.28, -1.28). In addition, there were significant increase in glutathione (GSH) through 3 studies (WMD: 180.70; 95% CI: 6.76, 354.64), and in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through 3 studies (WMD: 90.09; 95% CI: 56.36, 123.82) after vitamin D supplementation. Combining data from five studies, we found a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after vitamin D supplementation (WMD: -1.74; 95% CI: -2.82, -0.66). Conclusions: Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that taking vitamin D supplements among patients with psychiatric disorders had beneficial effects on BDI, PSQI, GSH, TAC and CRP levels, but did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2019 Elsevier Inc
Radiation-induced dual oxidase upregulation in rat heart tissues: Protective effect of melatonin
Get PDFBackground: Radiation-induced heart injury can lead to increased risk of heart failure, attack, and ischemia. Some studies proposed IL-4 and IL-13 as two important cytokines that are involved in late effects of ionizing radiation. On the other hand, these cytokines may, through upregulation of Duox1 and Duox2, induce chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated the upregulation of Duox1 and Duox2 pathways in hearts following chest irradiation in rats and then detected possible attenuation of them by melatonin. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control; (2) melatonin treated (100 mg/kg); (3) radiation (15 Gy gamma rays); (4) melatonin treated before irradiation. All rats were sacrificed after 10 weeks and their heart tissues collected for real-time PCR (RT-PCR), ELISA detection of IL-4 and IL-13, as well as histopathological evaluation of macrophages and lymphocytes infiltration. Results: Results showed an upregulation of IL-4, IL4ra1, Duox1, and Duox2. The biggest changes were for IL4ra1 and Duox1. Treatment with melatonin before irradiation could attenuate the upregulation of all genes. Melatonin also caused a reduction in IL-4 as well as reverse infiltration of inflammatory cells. Conclusion: Duox1 and Duox2 may be involved in the late effects of radiation-induced heart injury. Also, via attenuation of these genes, melatonin can offer protection against the toxic effects of radiation on the heart. © 2019 by the authors
Desorption kinetics and isotherms of phenanthrene from contaminated soil
No full textBackground: Prediction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) desorption from soil to estimate available fraction regarding to initial concentration of the contaminant is of great important in soil pollution management, which has poorly been understood until now. In the present study estimation of fast desorption fraction which is considered as available fraction was conducted by evaluating desorption kinetics of phenanthrene (a three ring PAH) from artificially contaminated soils through the mathematical models. Methods: Desorption rate of phenanthrene (PHE) was investigated by using the nonionic surfactant Tween80 in a series of batch experiments. The effects of reaction time from 5 to 1440 min and initial PHE concentration in the range of 100-1600 mg/kg were studied. Results: Available fractions of the contaminant were achieved within the first hour of desorption process as the system reached to equilibrium conditions. Experimental data were examined by using kinetic models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order in four linearized forms, and fractional power. Among the models tested, experimental data were well described by pseudo-second-order model type (III) and (IV) and fractional power equation. Fast desorption rates, as Available fractions were determined 79, 46, 40, 39, and 35 for initial PHE concentrations of 100, 400, 800, 1200, and 1600 mg/kg respectively. Among the evaluated isotherm models, including Freundlich, Langmuir in four linearized forms, and Temkin, the equilibrium data were well fitted by the first one. Conclusion: Applying the nonionic surfactant Tween80 is a useful method to determine available fraction of the contaminant. This method will provide the management of contaminated sites by choosing a proper technique for remediation and predicting achievable treatment efficiency. © 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Investigation of highly interaction effect between ferric chloride and methyl ammine-carbon nanotubes to remove turbidity from surface water
No full textRegarding the importance of drinking water in the health of the people, its treatment is a critical research field. The aim of this study is investigating the effectiveness of coated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with amine agent (NH2CH2-MWCNT) and non-coated MWCNT with ferric chloride in comparison to ferric chloride in the removal of turbidity from the water surface. For the first time, the newest type of coagulant is synthesised with different Fe3+/NH2CH2-MWCNT molar ratios. The effect of the Fe3+/MWCNT molar ratios on the morphology and removal rate of turbidity is consistently investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Three types of experiments are performed from coagulant containing ferric chloride, ferric chloride/MWCNT and ferric chloride/NH2CH2-MWCNT for removal turbidity from the water surface, and all experiments are repeated three times. The optimum pH, ferric chloride doses and NH2CH2-MWCNT are determined experimentally as 8, 30 and 5 mg L�1, respectively. The turbidity removal efficiency for ferric chloride is obtained 88.41 but the efficiency of the removal percentage for ferric chloride/MWCNT is obtained 56.89, while the turbidity removal for ferric chloride/NH2CH2-MWCNT increases up to 93.46. For ferric chloride/MWCNT it seems that the ferric chloride is trapping by MWCNT and therefore its performance is reduced. But, for ferric chloride/NH2CH2-MWCNT, the effective interaction between ferric chloride and NH2CH2-MWCNT and increasing in effective surface of the particles cause the efficiency of removing turbidity increases by up to 93.46, which can be easily understood by the water quality obtained after the test. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Probiotics and bone disorders: the role of RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway
Get PDFThe skeleton is the framework and in charge of body configuration preservation. As a living tissue, bones are constantly being formed and absorbed. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the main bone cells and balance between their activities indicates bone health. Several mechanisms influence the bone turnover and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway is one of them. This system, whose components are part of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, exists in many organs and could play a role in bone modeling and remodeling. RANKL/RANK pathway controls osteoclasts activity and formation. In addition, they are identified as key factors on bone turnover in different pathological situations. At the same time, OPG (RANKL�s decoy receptor) plays role as a bone-protective factor by binding to RANKL and prevention of extra resorption. The lack of balance between RANKL and OPG could result in excessive bone resorption. Probiotics, the beneficial microorganisms for human health, entail bones in their advantages. Recent studies suggest that probiotics could reduce inflammatory factors (for example TNF-α and IL-1β) and increase bone OPG expression. In addition, probiotics have shown to maintain bones in various ways. Although current evidence is not enough for definitive approval of probiotics� efficacy on RANKL/RANK/OPG, its positive responses from conducted studies are significant. Understanding of the probiotics� effects on RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway will help focus future studies, and assist in developing efficient treatment strategies. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Effects of adverse early-life experiences on sexually transmitted infections among homelesswomen
Get PDFBackground: Homeless women are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to their adverse early-life experiences. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between adverse early-life experiences and the risk of acquiring STIsamong homeless women in Tehran. Patients and Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014. The study recruited 241 homeless women through quota sampling from the drop in centers and shelters affiliated to a local welfare organization in Tehran, Iran. Data were obtained using questionnaires on demographics and adverse early-life experiences. Blood and urine samples were tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhea. Descriptive statistics including frequency were calculated for all variables. To analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05, binary logistic regression was used. Results: The prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS, HSV-2, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhea were 8.29, 23.65, 14.93, 11.61, and 6.63, respectively. The results of logistic regression showed that the risk of acquiring STIs increases by factors such as sexual abuse (OR = 4.06; 95 CI = 1.21 -13.6, P = 0.02), running away from home (OR = 4.46; 95 CI = 1.67 -12.89, P = 0.03), drug use (OR = 3.93; 95 CI = 1.13 -13.58, P = 0.03), alcohol use (OR = 4.12; 95 CI = 1.38 -12.24, P = 0.01), imprisonment and criminal records (OR = 2.72; 95 CI = 1.01 -7.52, P = 0.04), premarital sexual activity (OR = 4.71; 95 CI = 1.06 -13.84, P = 0.05), divorce (OR = 3.47; 95 CI = 1.06 -11.32, P = 0.03), Nikah mut'ah (OR = 4.33; 95 CI = 1.39 -13.49, P = 0.01), having multiple sex partners (OR = 5.2; 95 CI = 1.81 -14.96, P = 0.02), and having unprotected sexual relationships (OR = 3.69; 95 CI = 1.00 -13.62, P = 0.05). Conclusions: Homeless women had high rates of adverse early-life experiences and overall 41.49 of them were affected at least by one STI. Future interventions should focus on the reduction of adverse early-life experiences, especially during adolescence, including the promotion of adolescent empowerment, promotion of condom use, and improvement of awareness of STIs. © 2019, Author(s)
The effects of quercetin supplementation on blood pressures and endothelial function among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
No full textBackground: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to determine the effect of quercetin administration on blood pressures and endothelial function among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Methods: We searched systematically online databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science to identify the relevant RCTs until December 2018. Q-test and I2 statistics were applied to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Results: Out of 284 citations, 8 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. We found a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD:-1.69; 95 CI:-3.22,-0.17) following the intake of quercetin supplements. However, quercetin supplementation did not significantly affect diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD:-3.14; 95 CI:-8.24, 1.95), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) (WMD:-24.49; 95 CI:-53.74, 4.77) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (WMD:-5.78; 95 CI:-12.93, 1.38). Conclusion: In summary, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that quercetin supplementation significantly reduced SBP, yet did not affect DBP, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 among patients with MetS and related disorders. © 2019 Bentham Science Publishers
Study of inhibitory effects of the mixture of cinnamon and ginger extracts on cagA gene expression of Helicobacter pylori by Real-Time RT-PCR technique
No full textBackground: Increasing the resistance to antibiotics raises the problem of controlling the infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the mixture of Cinnamon and Ginger extracts on cagA gene expression of H. pylori. Methods: Bacterial susceptibility test to antibiotics and the mixture was determined by the disk diffusion method. To determine the MIC of antibiotics and herbal extracts, Macro dilution broth was used. Bacterial RNA was extracted, and cDNA synthesized. The inhibitory effects of the mixture of both extracts on the cagA gene expression of H. pylori were measured by Real Time RT-PCR. Data analyzed by SPSS with ANOVA test. Results: The MIC results indicated the synergetic effect of Cinnamon and Ginger mixture on inhibition of H. pylori growth compared to the antibacterial effects of the antibiotic (Tetracycline 30 μg). Also, gene expression showed a significant decrease in the expression level of the cagA gene after exposure to the extract mixture compared to the ureC reference gene (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the significant reduction in the expression of cagA gene of H. pylori after treatment with the mixture of extracts, it can be concluded that the mixture of two extracts used had an appropriate inhibitory effect on H. pylori. © 201