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The Emergence Potential of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia felis as Zoonotic Agents Causing Ocular and Respiratory Infections in Humans and Animals
No full textMembers of the Chlamydiaceae are obligate Gram-negative intracellular pathogens that cause a variety of infectious diseases. As a zoonotic pathogen, Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) has been associated with a wide range of infections in both wild and domestic animals, particularly birds. In humans, C. psittaci causes influenza-like symptoms, pneumonia, endocarditis, fever, chills, myalgia and headache. Similar to other Chlamydia species, the virulence factors of C. psittaci mainly include type III secretion system, type IV system effectors (TARP), CopN, HctA and HctB, OmcA, OmcB, OmpA, major outer membrane protein (MOMP), PorB and Euo. In particular, C. psittaci may predispose patients to other respiratory pathogens. Direct contact and inhalation of contaminated air droplets from birds is a risk factor for transmission of infection. Other risk factors include pregnancy, overcrowding, bird litter, and close contact with cats and dogs. Therefore, greater care should be exercised in close contact with these pet animals. Fortunately, these infections have been treated more effectively thanks to the development of novel drug delivery systems in recent decades. There is no similar review study to assess zoonotic potential of these species. Considering the highly contagious potential of C. psittaci and C. felis, together with the wide host range and available risk factors, appropriate control strategies are essential to prevent their dissemination
Anti-Tumor Potential of the Long Non-Coding RNA MT1JP on In Vitro COR-L105 Cell Line and In Vivo Tumorbearing Mouse Models
No full textAbstract: A malignant lung tumor known as lung cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell development in the tissues of the lung. This study aimed to explore the molecular effects of lncRNA MT1JP on lung cancer cells by in vitro and in vivo studies. Transfection was performed on COR-L105 and TC-1 [JHU-1] cells using the plasmids pcDNA3.1 (+)-MT1JP, and Plko-EGFP-PURO-siRNA and blank plasmid. The expression of the MT1JP gene was verified by an RT-PCR experiment. The function of MT1JP in the processes of migration and apoptosis in lung cancer cells was analyzed. The quantitative PCR reaction was used to evaluate the altered expression of potential genes implicated in cell proliferation and death. Also, after the injection of transfected cells into mice, the change in tumor size was investigated. Based on the findings of the statistical analysis, the expression of Bim, AKT, Bax and Bcl-2 genes changes under the effect of MT1JP lncRNA. In addition, the findings of the scratch experiment demonstrated that lncRNA MT1JP has an obvious function in inhibiting migration. According to the findings of flow cytometry, transfection with pCDNA3.1 (+)-MT1JP has the potential to raise the levels of cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, it was shown to prevent the formation of tumors when injected into MT1JP mice. Our findings showed that the lncRNA MT1JP is engaged in migration and apoptosis, and that this involvement is mediated by the activation of Akt signaling pathway
Various Techniques for Transcatheter Retrieval of the Atrial Septal Defect or Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices: A Systematic Review
No full textAtrial septal abnormalities are common congenital lesions that remain asymptomatic in many patients until adulthood. Adults with atrial septal defects (ASD) most commonly have ostium secundum ASD. Transcatheter closure has become increasingly popular in recent years as a successful alternative method to surgery for treating ASD and patent foramen ovale (PFO). The overall rate of ASD transcatheter closure device embolization has been reported to be less than 1%; however, retrieving the device via surgery or by trans-catheter route can be necessary. The current manuscript describes a systematic review of the techniques used to retrieve ASD closure devices, as well as their success rates, complications, and limitations. A comprehensive search was performed covering various databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until April 2022 for English-published case reports, case series, and experimental studies investigating the indications, safety, and limitations of ASD closure and ASD device retrieval by transcatheter approaches. Finally, 20 studies were included in our review. Our findings showed that most of the studies used a single snare technique; of these, all but one reported 100% success. Double tool retrieval methods (snare plus snare, snare plus bioptome, or snare plus forceps) and the gooseneck snare technique yielded 100% success. One study that used the lasso technique reported unsuccessful retrieval and the need for surgical intervention. More recently, the novel "coronary wire trap technique" was introduced, which provides a simpler method for embolized device removal by trapping the device for retrieval using coronary wire
Assessment of confidence in medical writing: Development and validation of the first trustworthy measurement tool
No full textBackground The popularity of medical writing workshops highlights the need for a standard measurement tool to assess the impact of such workshops on participants’ confidence in: 1- writing a standard article and 2- using optimal English language. Because such an instrument is not yet available, we undertook this study to devise and evaluate the first measurement tool to assess such confidence. Method We created an item pool of 50 items by searching Medline, Embase, and Clarivate Analytics to find related articles, using our prior experience, and approaching the key informants. We revised and edited the item pool, and redundant ones were excluded. Finally, the 36-item tool comprised two domains. We tested it in a group of workshop applicants for internal consistency and temporal reliability using Cronbach’s α and Pearson correlations and for content and convergent validity using the content validity index and Pearson correlations. Results The participants had a mean age of 40.3 years, a female predominance (74.3%), and a majority of faculty members (51.4%). The internal consistency showed high reliability (> 0.95). Test-retest reliability showed very high correlations (r = 0.93). The CVI for domain 1 was 0.78, for domain 2 was 0.73, and for the entire instrument was 0.75. Conclusion This unique, reliable, and valid measurement tool could accurately measure the level of confidence in writing a standard medical article and in using the appropriate English language for this purpose
The Strategy of Nursing Managers in Ethical Decision-Making: A Qualitative Content Analysis
No full textIn the current health system conditions, the strategies adopted by nursing managers in their ethical decision-making can lead to different results for patients, nurses, and health systems. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain ethical decision-making strategies implemented by nursing managers. The present study was conducted using qualitative content analysis in 2022 at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. A total of 18 nursing managers were selected through purposive sampling and were interviewed using in-depth unstructured individual interviews. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The results revealed one main category (human-centeredness) and three subcategories (customer-centeredness, valuing employees’ dignity, and the conflict between respecting the rights of patients and employees and adhering to organizational policies). Nursing managers attempted to make their ethical decisions based on the principle of humanism by using customer-centeredness strategies, valuing employees’ dignity, and prioritizing the rights of individuals and employees over organizational rules. The results of the present study showed nursing managers make decisions in line with respecting the rights of patients and employees. However, sometimes these decisions conflict with the interests of organizations. In this regard, the existing obstacles that create the conditions for such conflicts should be identified. Increasing organizational commitment in managers can also be effective in decisions that benefit different groups of customers, personnel, and health organizations
Communication between Mast Cells and Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Skin
No full textThe skin is a dynamic organ with a complex immune network critical for maintaining balance and defending against various pathogens. Different types of cells in the skin, such as mast cells (MCs) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), contribute to immune regulation and play essential roles in the early immune response to various triggers, including allergens. It is beneficial to dissect cell-to-cell interactions in the skin to elucidate the mechanisms underlying skin immunity. The current manuscript concentrates explicitly on the communication pathways between MCs and ILC2s in the skin, highlighting their ability to regulate immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair. Furthermore, it discusses how the interactions between MCs and ILC2s play a crucial role in various skin conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, dermatological disorders, and allergic reactions. Understanding the complex interactions between MCs and ILC2s in different skin conditions is crucial to developing targeted treatments for related disorders. The discovery of shared pathways could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions to restore immunological balance in diseased skin tissues
Hsa-miR-548k blocks the drug resistance cascade in NSCLC cancer by targeting the key genes involved in various chemotherapy resistance pathways
No full textAlthough new therapeutic approaches have been developed, and efforts have been made to understand cancer signaling pathways, drug resistance remains the most common cause of tumor recurrence and therapy. microRNAs degrade mRNAs or target their specific sequences as translation repressors. miRNA disruption may alter the drug sensitivity of cancer cells and influence tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy. Modulation of miRNAs through antagomiRs or mimics inhibit tumor cell proliferation and enhance drug sensitivity by regulating critical gene networks and signaling pathways. miRNAs that simultaneously involve the 3′-UTR of genes responsible for various drug resistance pathways in lung cancer were identified with the miRvestigator algorithm. Its validity was confirmed with TargetScan and the expression level of introduced genes was investigated under the influence of its mimic. Finally, the percentage of viable cells was determined using the apoptosis assay. Hsa-miR-548k was identified as a potential gene regulator of multiple drug resistance signaling in lung cancer using miRvestigator bioinformatics algorithms. Hsa-miR-548k mimics were transiently transfected into A549 cells to investigate the effect of hsa-miR-548k on the expression of ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (ABCG2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Yes1 Associated Transcriptional Regulator (YAP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Quantitative analyses confirmed significant downregulation of the gene expression levels involved in lung cancer drug resistance pathways by hsa-miR-548k. Furthermore, hsa-miR-548k overexpression increased the apoptosis of A549 cells. This study not only confirmed the significance of hsa-miR-548k in regulating drug resistance pathways but also identified it as a new target for the treatment of lung cancer
Unraveling the bidirectional relationship between muscle inflammation and satellite cells activity: influencing factors and insights
No full textInflammation stands as a vital and innate function of the immune system, essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis. Its role in skeletal muscle regeneration is pivotal, with the activation of satellite cells (SCs) driving the repair and generation of new myofibers. However, the relationship between inflammation and SCs is intricate, influenced by various factors. Muscle injury and repair prompt significant infiltration of immune cells, particularly macrophages, into the muscle tissue. The interplay of cytokines and chemokines from diverse cell types, including immune cells, fibroadipogenic progenitors, and SCs, further shapes the inflammation-SCs dynamic. While some studies suggest heightened inflammation associates with reduced SC activity and increased fibro- or adipogenesis, others indicate an inflammatory stimulus benefits SC function. Yet, the existing literature struggles to delineate clearly between the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of inflammation on SCs and muscle regeneration. This paper comprehensively reviews studies exploring the impact of pharmacological agents, dietary interventions, genetic factors, and exercise regimes on the interplay between inflammation and SC activit
Umbelliprenin attenuates comorbid behavioral disorders in acetic acid-induced colitis in mice: mechanistic insights into hippocampal oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
No full textInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the psychiatric symptoms associated with IBD. Umbelliprenin (UMB) possesses several pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of UMB on comorbid behavioral disorders in a mouse model of experimental colitis, focusing on its potential anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant activities. After inducing colitis with acetic acid, male NMRI mice were treated for 7 consecutive days with UMB, saline, or dexamethasone. Behavioral assessments included the forced swimming test (FST), splash test, open field test (OFT), and elevated plus maze (EPM). Histopathological changes in the colon were evaluated, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the expression of inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL1β, and TLR4) were measured in the hippocampus. Colitis was associated with increased immobility time in the FST, reduced entries and time spent in the open arms of the EPM, decreased grooming behavior in the splash test, and reduced time spent in the central zone of the OFT. Colitis also resulted in a reduction in TAC and an increase in MDA levels and inflammatory gene expression in the hippocampus. UMB treatment mitigated the behavioral disorders associated with colitis, reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and alleviated histopathological alterations in the colon. In conclusion, UMB may reduce behavioral disorders induced by colitis by decreasing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus
The Effects and Safety of Silymarin on β-thalassemia in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review based on Clinical Trial Studies
No full textBackground: β-thalassemia imposes significant complications on affected patients. Silymarin, a natural flavonoid complex, has potential therapeutic properties. Objective: This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the literature on the mechanistic effects of Silymarin on β-thalassemia outcomes in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (WOS), was done to identify relevant clinical trials before January 2024. Various data were extracted, including study characteristics, outcomes measured (hematological parameters, oxidative stress markers, iron metabolism, and other outcomes), proposed mechanisms, and safety. Results: By iron chelation effects, Silymarin can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increase intracellular antioxidant enzyme glutathione (GSH), and insert antioxidant effects. It also attenuated inflammation through reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17, and IL-23 levels and increase in IL-4 and IL-10 levels. By reducing iron overload conditions, Silymarin indicates modulatory effects on immune abnormalities, inhibits red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis, increases RBC count, and minimizes the need for a transfusion. Moreover, it reduces myocardial and hepatic siderosis, improves liver function tests, and modifies abnormal enzymes, particularly for aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and total protein levels. Silymarin also reduces iron overload, increases antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity in cardiomyocytes, and reveals antioxidant effects. Conclusion: Silymarin indicates promising effects on various aspects of children and adolescents with β-thalassemia and has no serious side effects on the investigated dosage