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A meta-analysis of the prevalence of class 1 integron and correlation with antibiotic resistance in pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from Iranian burn patients
No full textThe role of integrons has been highlighted in antibiotic resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Therefore, we here reviewed the prevalence of class 1 integrons and their correlations with antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa isolated from Iranian burn patients. This review was conducted according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Cross-sectional and cohort studies published from January 1, 2000 until December 31, 2018 were enrolled. Meta-analysis was performed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software using the random effects model, Cochran�s Q, and I2 tests. Publication bias was estimated by Funnel plot and Egger�s linear regression test. Nine out of 819 studies met the eligibility criteria. The overall combined prevalence of class 1 integrons in P. aeruginosa isolates was 69 (95 confidence interval CI: 50.5�83%). The highest combined resistance was reported against Cloxacillin (87.7%), followed by Carbenicillin (79.1%) and Ceftriaxone (77.3%). The combined prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates was 79.3% (95% CI: 31.1�97%). Also, a significant correlation was noted between the presence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic resistance in 55.5% of the included studies (P < .05). The results showed high prevalence of class 1 integrons, antibiotic resistance, and MDR strains in P. aeruginosa isolated from Iranian burn patients. Also, most of the included studies showed a significant correlation between the presence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic resistance. © American Burn Association 2019. All rights reserved
The effects of vitamin D supplementation on expanded disability status scale in people with multiple sclerosis: A critical, systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFIn this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the scores for the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are assessed. The following databases were search up to January 2018: 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). Six studies were included in this meta-analysis. The findings demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin D alone and vitamin D plus calcium did not affect the EDSS score (WMD -0.11 (-0.33, 0.11); P = 0.32). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation alone, when compared to the use of a placebo, and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation compared with the control did not affect EDSS (WMD -0.13 (-0.30, 0.11); P = 0.29) and (WMD -0.08 (-0.57, 0.41); P = 0.29), respectively. Overall, this meta-analysis indicated that taking vitamin D in people with MS had no significant effect on EDSS. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
Targets for improving tumor response to radiotherapy
Get PDFRadiotherapy is one of the most common treatment modalities for controlling a wide range of tumors. However, it has been shown that radiotherapy alone is unable to completely eradicate some tumors and could be associated with a high possibility of tumor recurrence. To date, various experimental and clinical studies have been conducted to explore some efficient targets within tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance tumor response to radiotherapy; thus help eliminate or eradicate tumors. Although targeting DNA damage responses (DDRs) is associated with severe toxicities, studies in recent decade suggest that inhibition of some apoptosis/survival targets within TME is promising. This is also associated with changes in the numbers of T regulatory cells (Tregs) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have also shown promising results. The combination of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors with radiotherapy is interesting as well as the clinical use of some drugs and antibodies. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are the most common RTK inhibitors. Some clinical trials in recent years have shown very interesting results for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CTLs�associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors. It has been suggested that administration of ICIs during or after hypofractionated radiotherapy could lead to best results. In this review, we explain TME response to radiotherapy and potential targets for sensitization of cancer cells to radiotherapy. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
CFIm25 and alternative polyadenylation: Conflicting roles in cancer
Get PDFAlternative polyadenylation (APA) is now widely recognized to regulate gene expression. APA is an RNA-processing mechanism that generates distinct 3� termini on mRNAs, producing mRNA isoforms. Different factors influence the initiation and development of this process. CFIm25 (among others) is a cleavage and polyadenylation factor that plays a key role in the regulation of APA. Shortening of the 3�UTRs on mRNAs leads to enhanced cellular proliferation and tumorigenicity. One reason may be the up-regulation of growth promoting factors, such as Cyclin D1. Different studies have reported a dual role of CFIm25 in cancer (both oncogenic and tumor suppressor). microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in CFIm25 function as well as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). The present review focuses on the role of CFIm25 in cancer, cancer treatment, and possible involvement in other human diseases. We highlight the involvement of miRNAs and ceRNAs in the function of CFIm25 to affect gene expression. The lack of understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of CFIm25 and APA has underscored the need for further research regarding their role in cancer and other diseases. © 201
Association of some high-risk mucosal types of human papillomavirus with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in an Iranian population
Get PDFBackground & Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer that may be caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in immunosuppressed patients. However, the role of the mucosal types of HPV in SCC patients with normal immunity has not been extensively confirmed. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of some high-risk mucosal types of HPV with cutaneous SCC in an Iranian population. Methods: Sixty-five formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens with a diagnosis of cutaneous SCC as the case group and sixty-five healthy skin specimens as the control group were included in our case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from tissue samples and then PCR was used for the detection of HPV genotypes by a commercial kit. Results: Our data revealed that 6 out of 65 SCC samples (9.2) were infected by high-risk mucosal types of HPV whereas none of the 65 control samples were infected by the mentioned HPVs. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between these types of HPV infection and SCC risk in our studied population (P=0.028). Conclusion: These findings suggested that some high-risk mucosal types of HPV are significant risk factors for cutaneous SCC. © 2019, Iranian Society of Pathology. All rights reserved
A narrative review of thallium toxicity; preventive measures
Get PDFThallium (Tl) toxicity is an important clinical disease and its effects on the human body are devastating. Tl poisoning is an important health issue in many countries in the world. Thallium is a toxic heavy metal that exists in nature. Tl toxicity may occur in food and drinking water, occupational exposure, environment (air, industrial combustion of coal, water, and plants), arable soils and vegetables, aquatic and terrestrial animals, prenatal thallium exposure, illicit drugs, cigarette smokers. Adding lead to the opium is a recently health hazard that has been observed among opioid poisoned patients. The clinical manifestation of Tl poisoning has a wide spectrum but painful ascending peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic manifestations are major characteristics in Tl toxicity. The toxicity of thallium based compounds is mainly caused by the similarity between TL ions and potassium ions, which results in the disorder of potassium associated metabolic processes due to thallium interference. The aim of this review is to assess identify eliminate, sources or control sources, and environmental exposures and hazards to prevent thallium toxicity. © 2019, Advanced Scientific Research. All rights reserved
The protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of ischemic stroke via reducing the C-Jun N-terminal kinase expression
Get PDFIschemic stroke is the main cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis and inflammation have an important role in ischemic brain injury. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have protective effects on stroke treatment due to anti-inflammatory properties. The inhibition of the C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway may be one of the molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect of MSCs in ischemic brain injury. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 3 groups. Except the sham group, others subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Bone marrow MSCs or saline were injected 3 h after tMCAO. Sensorimotor behavioral tests were performed 24 and 72 h after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). The rats were sacrificed 72 h after I/R and infarct volume was measured by TTC staining. The number of apoptotic neurons and astrocytes in the peri-infarct area was assessed by TUNEL assay. The morphology of cells was checked by Nissl staining, and the expression of p-JNK was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Behavioral scores were improved and infarct volume was reduced by MSCs 24 h and 72 h after tMCAO. TUNEL assay showed that neuronal apoptosis and astroglial activity in the penumbra region were reduced by MSCs. Also, Nissl staining showed lower neuronal apoptosis in BMSCs-treated rats compared to controls. JNK phosphorylation which was profoundly induced by ischemia was significantly decreased after MSCs treatment. We concluded that anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs therapy after brain ischemia may be associated with the down-regulation of p-JNK. © 2019 Elsevier Gmb
The effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on Parkinson's disease: Current status and future perspectives for molecular mechanisms
No full textAmong the progressive neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common. Different factors have critical role in pathophysiology of PD such as apoptosis pathways, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters and its receptors abnormalities. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture were considered as nondrug therapies for PD. Although numerous studies has been conducted for assessing the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture and acupuncture, various principal aspects of these treatment procedures remain not well-known. There have also been few investigations on the molecular mechanism of acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy effects in PD. This review evaluates the effects of electroacupuncture and acupuncture on the molecular mechanism in PD. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Detection of Primary and Secondary Cancers Using Raman Spectroscopy and Self-Constructing Neural Networks
Get PDFThe present study is aimed to propose a new method for the optimization of neural networks, known as self-constructing neural network (SCNN), to discriminate the Raman spectra of normal tissues, as well as primary and metastatic (secondary) cancers. According to the results, this novel method could significantly improve the ability of the neural network and thoroughly classify the Raman spectra relating to the pathologic states (100 accuracy). © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Experimental Study of the Thermal Properties of Microencapsulated Palmitic Acid Composites with CuCO3 Shell as Thermal Energy Storage Materials
No full textA novel microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) with a Palmitic acid (PA) core and Copper (II) carbonate (CuCO3) shell was successfully fabricated through a self-assembly method. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the chemical compositions, crystalloid phase, microstructure and morphology of PA@CuCO3 microcapsules, respectively. The thermal properties and thermal stability of microcapsules were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD and FT-IR results indicated the presence of all of the characteristic peaks of PA and CuCO3 and proved that no chemical reaction had occurred between them. The SEM images showed a regular spherical morphology with rough surfaces for the PA@CuCO3 microcapsule with average diameters ranged from 1.5 to 2 μm, and the TEM image confirmed the PA core to have been well encapsulated by CuCO3. In the DSC analysis results, the microcapsules indicated similar phase change behaviors as those of pristine PA, and the typical samples were melted at 66.9 °C with a latent heat of 48.85 J/g and frozen at 55.7 °C with a latent heat of 43.29 J/g for a microencapsulation ratio of 43.92. TGA analyses indicated that the thermal stability of the PA was further improved due to the protection of the PA core encapsulated by the CuCO3 shell. © 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinhei