7973 research outputs found
Sort by
Retraction notice to “In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of angiogenic potential of a novel lithium chloride loaded silk fibroin/alginate 3D porous scaffold with antibacterial activity, for promoting diabetic wound healing” [Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 277(2024) 134362]
No full textThis article has been retracted: please see Elsevier policy on article withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal). The article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The journal was notified of possible image duplication. An investigation by the editorial office confirmed that the publication contained duplicated images in Figs. 3 and 6, as well as duplications with figures from other publications (https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202200574 and https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.3c00814). While the corresponding author initially collaborated with the investigation, they were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the image duplications, leading the editors to lose trust in the integrity of the presented data. Additionally, concerns about authorship have been raised, as two co-authors (Morteza Koruji and Ali Mohammad Sharifi) have stated that they never consented to being listed as authors on the submission and were not consulted by the corresponding author. The corresponding author has not responded to the allegations concerning authorship
Growth hormone signaling and clinical implications: from molecular to therapeutic perspectives
No full textGrowth hormone (GH) is a key polypeptide hormone secreted by somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, essential for postnatal growth, metabolism, and systemic homeostasis. Its secretion is regulated by hypothalamic neuropeptides, including GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin. GH exerts effects through direct interaction with the growth hormone receptor and indirect pathways mediated by the GH-IGF-I axis. GHR activation triggers signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK, promoting cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic balance. The GH-IGF-I axis is critical for bone growth, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and organ-specific physiological functions. Dysregulation of GH results in diverse disorders. Congenital deficiencies, like isolated GH deficiency and syndromic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome), stem from genetic mutations. Acquired deficiencies arise from trauma, tumors, infections, or autoimmune damage, while GH overproduction causes gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults, often due to pituitary adenomas. Idiopathic deficiencies, lacking identifiable causes, complicate management further. Advances in therapy have transformed outcomes for GH disorders. Recombinant human growth hormone provides effective replacement therapy for deficiencies. Somatostatin analogs, dopamine receptor agonists, and GH receptor antagonists are pivotal for managing GH excess. Surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions remain essential for pituitary adenomas. However, GH therapy requires close monitoring to prevent side effects like insulin resistance and metabolic complications. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the molecular mechanisms underlying GH action, its physiological roles, GH-related disorders, and therapeutic approaches to optimize patient outcomes
The impact of implementing a nursing care program based on Johnson’s model on the behavioral systems of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: a Randomized clinical trial
No full textBackground: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a very important intervention to relieve angina, improve quality of life, or increase life expectancy. This study aimed to determine the effect of implementing a nursing care program based on Johnson’s model on the behavioral systems of patients undergoing CABG in Ahvaz teaching hospitals in 2022. Methods: This is a clinical trial that was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023 on 128 patients undergoing CABG admitted to the cardiac ICU and cardiac surgery department of teaching hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. The patients were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and they were assigned into intervention and control groups using permutation blocks. In the intervention group, a nursing care program based on Johnson’s model was implemented for three weeks. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire developed based on Johnson’s theory. A significance level of α = 0.05 was adopted for this study. Results: Before the intervention, the mean scores of the intervention group in terms of the six subsystems of Johnson’s model were as follows: achievement (-98.98 ± 75.77), eliminative (-25.46 ± 33.27), ingestive (-135.67 ± 89.20), dependency (-122.26 ± 45.85), aggressive-protective (-62.18 ± 46.58), and restorative (-163.59 ± 62.03). After the intervention, the mean scores in the intervention group were as follows: achievement (-2.50 ± 71.55), eliminative (19.29 ± 35.61), ingestive (152.75 ± 113.58, dependency (104.60 ± 53.42), aggressive-protective (52.18 ± 53.54), and restorative (198.43 ± 72.28), which shows the positive impact of the intervention (P > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the affiliative and sexual subsystems. Conclusion: The implementation of a nursing care plan based on Johnson’s model positively affected the behavioral systems of patients undergoing CABG. Therefore, this model is recommended to be used as a framework for nursing care. Trial registration number: IRCT20220831055838N1
Enhancing the biological characteristics of aminolysis surface-modified 3D printed nanocomposite polycaprolactone/nanohydroxyapatite scaffold via gelatin biomacromolecule immobilization: An in vitro and in vivo study
No full textThe surface characteristics of scaffolds utilized in bone tissue engineering profoundly influence subsequent cellular response. This study investigated the efficacy of applying a gelatin coat to the surface of aminolysis surface-modified scaffolds fabricated through 3D printing with a polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite, employing the hot-melt extrusion FDM technique. Initially, aminolysis surface modification using hexamethylenediamine enhanced surface hydrophilicity by introducing amine functional groups. Subsequently, gelatin solutions were applied to the scaffolds, and crosslinking with EDC/NHS was performed to increase coating strength. Contact angle measurements revealed a significantly increased surface hydrophilicity post-aminolysis. Aminolysis facilitated uniform gelatin coating formation and distribution. Subsequently, crosslinking enhanced coating durability. The addition of gelatin coating resulted in a notable 20 % increase in scaffold mechanical strength and more than 50 % rise in Young's modulus and exhibited enhancement of biodegradability and bioactivity. Gelatin coated scaffolds also demonstrated improved cell viability and adhesion and over two times higher expression of OPN and ALP genes, suggesting improved biological properties. In addition, in vivo bone formation studies verified the biological enhancement of scaffolds. Utilizing an immobilized crosslinked gelatin biomacromolecule coating effectively enhanced the biological characteristics of 3D printed scaffolds and their potential applications as bone tissue engineering scaffolds
Performance of AI methods in PET-based imaging for outcome prediction in lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textObjectives: To evaluate the predictive performance of artificial intelligence (AI) methods using pre-treatment PET-based imaging for outcome prediction in lymphoma through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for original studies on AI prediction models using PET-based imaging in lymphoma up to October 2024. Eligible studies reported outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), or treatment response. Meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, meta-regressions, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis were conducted using Stata software. Results: Seventy-five studies were included, predominantly focusing on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, n = 61). AI methods included deep learning (DL, n = 13), machine learning (ML, n = 2), combined ML/radiomics (n = 23), and radiomics (n = 37). Pooled analyses showed strong predictive performance for PFS (HR: 4.11 [3.20–5.29], AUC: 0.78 [0.68–0.86], C-index: 0.79 [0.76–0.83]) and OS (HR: 3.38 [2.29–4.99], AUC: 0.75 [0.66–0.83], C-index: 0.79 [0.76–0.81]) in the main groups with consistent results in the validation groups. For treatment response, pooled OR was 5.36 [1.53–18.78], and AUC was 0.85 [0.74–0.92]. DL outperformed other AI methods in PFS and treatment response prediction. Conclusion: AI methods, particularly DL, show strong predictive performance for lymphoma outcomes using PET-based imaging, supporting their potential utility in precision medicine. Further prospective studies are needed for clinical integration
Global comparative of cancer and non-cancer risk of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde in the outdoor environments, 1997–2024: a Monte Carlo simulation and meta-analysis survey
No full textFormaldehyde is one of the most common compounds in outdoor environments. The current research aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation through systematic review, health risk assessment, meta-analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation to assess the risks of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde in outdoor environments among different nations. A systematic search was conducted in five digital databases. Following the selection of proper studies, key data were extracted by the reviewers. The method for quantitative risk assessment designed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was utilized to estimate both cancer and non-cancer risks linked to inhalation exposure to formaldehyde. A meta-analysis was carried out to compute the pooled values of cancer and non-cancer risks. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulation was applied to analyze the distribution of environmental inhalation exposure to formaldehyde. Non-carcinogenic risk in 3 out of 40 studies (7.50 percent) was greater than the permissible limit recommended by the USEPA. On carcinogenic risk, 36 out of 40 studies (90.0 percent) showed uncertain risk and 4 out of 40 studies (10.0 percent) displayed actionable risk. The results showed that inhalation exposure to formaldehyde may be associated with non-carcinogenic consequences, whereas an association with moderate to high carcinogenic risks has been documented. Also, the results disclosed that the probability of risks due to inhalation exposure to formaldehyde was greater in summer compared to other seasons. These results indicate the need to reduce formaldehyde emissions from the standpoint of their carcinogenic risk, particularly in the warm season
Potential therapeutic effects of Ferula gummosa Boiss. Extract on Autistic-like behaviors in maternally separated mice: Role of NMDA receptor gene
No full textBackground and objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in early childhood. NMDA receptors are crucial in the functioning of the brain, especially in memory and learning, and have been implicated in the development of ASD. Ferula gummosa Boiss. is one of the most valuable medicinal plants used since ancient times for several symptomatic conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea. The current interest has pointed out anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anticonvulsant actions. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract from F. gummosa in mouse autism-like behavior caused by early maternal separation and its possible action by the involvement of the NMDA receptors. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of F. gummosa was prepared using the maceration method. LC-MS analysis was performed to identify the extract's phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The autism-like behaviors were induced using a maternal separation model. Forty male NMRI mice were randomly divided into five groups: a non-stressed control group, an MS group that received normal saline, and three MS groups treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of F. gummosa at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg. Intraperitoneal injections were administered 14 days (postnatal days 50–64). Immediately after assessing autism-like behaviors, the mice were euthanized under deep anesthesia, and Real-Time PCR studied the expression of Nr2a and Nr2b genes in the hippocampus. Results: Inducing autism-like behaviors using the MS method significantly decreased the secondary latency to enter the dark compartment in the Shuttle box test, reduced the social interaction index in the Three-chamber test, increased the number of buried marbles in the Marble-burying test, and elevated the expression of Nr2a and Nr2b genes in the hippocampus compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of F. gummosa at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly increased the social interaction index, the secondary latency to enter the dark compartment, and also reduced the number of buried marbles compared to the MS group received saline (p < 0.05). Additionally, these doses significantly decreased the expression of Nr2a and Nr2b genes compared to the MS group that received saline (p < 0.05). LC-MS analysis revealed that the main components of the extract included gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, naringenin, and kaempferol, all of which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects reported in previous studies. Conclusion: F. gummosa hydroalcoholic extract has great potential for reducing MS-induced autism-like symptoms in mice, possibly through modulations on the NMDA receptor gene expression. The identified active compounds explain the possible mechanisms of action of the extract. These results support further investigation of F. gummosa as a natural therapeutic option for AS
“Nanoparticle-based sensitizers in prostate cancer treatment: Enhancing radiotherapy efficacy through innovative nanotechnology: Narrative review”
No full textAntithrombin III deficiency and idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a case report
No full textBackground: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition where the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain increases without a known cause. It typically affects adults but can also occur in adolescents and children, although it is less common. Numerous elements, including coagulopathy, have been documented in previous cases as potential etiological factors of IIH. Nonetheless, our objective was to present the insufficiency of a coagulation factor as an additional contributing factor to IIH, a notion that has not been previously reported. Case presentation: In this case, a 34-year-old West Asian female patient presented with a subacute generalized headache, bilateral blurred vision, and papilledema. The patient’s brain magnetic resonance imaging showed flattening of the posterior globe and empty sella, but no other abnormalities were detected. The results of magnetic resonance venography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were also normal, except for an opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 600 mm H2O during the lumbar puncture. Rheumatologic and endocrine disorders were ruled out on the basis of clinical assessment and laboratory tests. The patient was started on acetazolamide (1 g/day, increased to 2 g/day) and furosemide (20 mg/twice a day) and was encouraged to lose weight. These treatments led to some improvement for about 1 year, but her symptoms then worsened without an obvious cause. Given the prolonged duration of the disease and the lack of expected response to treatment, the patient was reevaluated for endocrinopathy and collagen vascular disease, which were negative. An additional workup revealed an antithrombin III (AT III) deficiency, for which the patient was prescribed acetylsalicylic acid (80 mg/day) in addition to the previous medications. As a result, the patient’s papilledema, macular thickness, and nerve fiber layer edema decreased, as observed by fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography. Clinical examination and imaging also showed improvement in the patient’s symptoms. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering coagulopathy in cases of IIH and suggests that antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid may be beneficial for such patients
Association of individual and community-level socioeconomic status and education with medication use: a multilevel analysis in the PERSIAN cohort
No full textBackground: Socioeconomic status (SES) and education influence medication use, but their effects at both individual and community levels remain poorly understood. This study investigates the association between medication count and polypharmacy with SES and education at both levels. Methods: We used data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), comprising 163,770 individuals aged 35–70 from 18 sites in Iran. Individual SES was evaluated using asset analysis, while community SES was determined based on the prevalence of low SES individuals in each site. Individual education level was dichotomized into having at least 5 years of schooling or not, while community education level was determined by the frequency of individuals with high education level in each site. Multi-level Poisson regressions, were conducted to explore the association between these variables and medication count in this cross-sectional study. Results: Approximately 45% of participants used at least one medication, with an average of 1.32 medications per person. Polypharmacy was observed in 8.85% of the population. Higher individual SES was associated with a slightly increased medication count (PR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) and a modest increase in polypharmacy risk (PR 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.14). Residing in middle-SES communities was linked to lower medication use (PR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85–0.91) but was not significantly associated with polypharmacy. Higher individual education was associated with reduced medication count (PR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88–0.96) and a lower likelihood of polypharmacy (PR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.79–0.91). However, living in highly educated communities was associated with increased medication count (PR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.62–1.78) and a higher risk of polypharmacy (PR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.16–2.81). The models were adjusted for age, gender, residence, ethnicity, marital status, body mass index, physical activity level, smoking status, opium use, hookah use, and alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Higher education was associated with lower medication use, whereas living in more educated communities was linked to higher usage. Although the association between individual SES and medication use was relatively weak, residing in middle-SES communities was associated with lower medication usage. These findings show the importance of addressing community-level factors in health research and policymaking