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Childbearing decisions and related factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review study
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable consequences in many areas of life, including the social area and childbearing plans. The present narrative review aimed to examine the childbearing decisions and its related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review was conducted by searching in scientific databases, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) and Iranian Journal Database (Magiran) in June 2022. The search resulted in 111 sources, of which 16 were in line with the research objective. Couples have mainly cancelled or delayed their previous plans related to childbearing decisions. There are two groups of direct and indirect factors related to childbearing decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic: The former includes (1) well-being-related factors such as economic conditions, interpersonal relationships and gender roles in terms of task division; and (2) health-related factors, including health emergencies and physical and psychological health. The latter includes factors such as social distancing and social media. Based on the results, governments should facilitate childbearing by adjusting existing policies, addressing economic insecurity and protecting the livelihoods of those affected by the crisis. Health policymakers and planners must also prioritize women's access to reproductive health services in a safe environment while promoting equity in access. It is also necessary to promote the quality and quantity of indirect care and virtual counseling based on the needs of women in crisis
The Effect of Metformin on Bad, Bak, and Bim Pro-apoptotic Factors: A Molecular Dynamic Simulation Study
No full textBackground: Recent investigations have demonstrated that metformin treatment can decrease tumor incidence and growth using cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis pathway. However, it is not clear how metformin affects the factors involved in the apoptotic process. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effect of metformin on Bak, Bad, and Bim pro-apoptotic proteins using docking and dynamics simulation studies. Methods: The 3D structure of molecules was retrieved from PubChem and RCSB servers. Simulation and docking studies were conducted by Gromacs and AutoDock software. Next, molecular dynamics analysis was performed using Gromacs software. Moreover, LigPlot+V.4.5.3 software was applied for the determination of the hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions at the binding sites. Results: Our findings demonstrated that metformin has the highest affinity for binding the Bak pro-tein. This binding occurred using four amino acid residues within the binding site of Bak with the minimum binding energy (-5.70 kcal/mol). The molecular docking of metformin to these pro-apoptotic factors significantly decreased the total energy and increased the coil secondary structure of Bak protein. Conclusion: According to our findings, metformin can alter the molecular dynamics property of these proteins, which results in increased activity of these pro-apoptotic proteins and induction of apoptosis
Comparative Toxic Effect of Bulk Copper Oxide (CuO) and CuO Nanoparticles on Human Red Blood Cells
No full textDestruction of red blood cell is associated with anemia and other pathological status; hence, the hemolytic effects of all chemicals and particles which come into contact with blood components must be considered. Nanomaterials and nanoparticles are potential substitutes for common material and particles, and assessment of their effect on blood components is a necessary part of their safety evaluation. High surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles may cause their toxic effects differ from those observed for bulk material. The aim of this study was to compare the hemolytic effects of CuO nanoparticles and bulk CuO. Red blood cells were isolated from blood of healthy subjects and hemolytic effects assayed following treatment of cells with 0.005-0.25 mM of CuO (bulk and nanoparticles) for 6 h. For assessment of other parameters, cells were incubated with 0.01, 0.05, and 0.25 mM of CuO nanoparticles and bulk CuO for 1, 2, and 3 h. Our results demonstrate that CuO nanoparticles, in particular, caused toxic hemolytic effects in concentration-dependent manner, and this effect maybe through formation of ROS, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, CuO nanoparticles are shown to effectively destruct human red blood cells in comparison to bulk CuO
Evaluation of CT Scan Diagnostic Value in the Novel Coronavirus Disease and Presenting a Corona CT Severity Index
No full textBackground: Several diagnostic methods have been proposed and evaluated for the COVID-19 disease. However, the published studies have reported different diagnostic values for these methods.
Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and accuracy of CT in the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) and to develop and present a Corona CT severity index.
Methods: The CT diagnostic performance was measured based on sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy, and RT-PCR was regarded as a standard. Patients' CT reports were evaluated by a radiologist, and scoring and calculating of the CT severity index were performed.
Results: Of 208 patients, 82 showed positive and 126 showed negative RT-PCR results with a positive frequency of 39.4% (95% CI, 32.7-46.4). The chest CT scan related to 136 patients indicated COVID-19, whereas their initial RT-PCR assays of 56 patients were negative. Considering RT-PCR results as reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of chest CT to indicate COVID-19 infection was 100%, 55.6% (95% CI 46.4-64.4%), and 72.8% (95% CI 66.2-78.8%), respectively. The severity of pulmonary involvement was assigned with different grades. For 60.7% of patients with severity grades of 2 to 6, who showed the involvement of at least one lung lobe in CT, PCR retrieved negative results.
Conclusion: CT scan represents an appropriate sensitivity as well as a consistently higher specificity to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia than PCR. It can be regarded as a primary tool to detect the current COVID-19 in epidemic regions.
Keywords: COVID-19; Diagnosis; Imaging; Lung computed tomography; Pneumonia; RT-PC
Characterization of a novel androgen receptor gene variant identified in an Iranian family with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS): a molecular dynamics simulation study
No full textAndrogen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a common form of 46, XY disorder in sex development disease (DSD). It is due to the androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations and includes clinical subgroups of complete AIS (CAIS) and partial AIS (PAIS), along with a vast area of clinical heterogeneity of completely normal female external genitalia to male infertility. In this study, the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was utilized to detect the cause of DSD in a consanguineous Iranian family with two female patients with normal external genitalia and 46, XY karyotype. Sanger sequencing was applied to validate the candidate variant. Next, we predicted the structural alteration induced by the variant on AR protein using bioinformatics analysis such as molecular dynamic (MD) and molecular docking simulations. WES results identified a novel hemizygous p.L763V variant in the AR gene in the proband that was compatible with the X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. Bioinformatics studies confirmed the loss of AR function. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, it was categorized as pathogenic. This study broadens the AR mutation spectrum and introduces the novel p.L763V missense pathogenic variant leading to AR failure to bind to its ligand, and the resulting CAIS clinical subgroup. This study presents a prosperous application of WES and bioinformatics analysis to recognize the underlying cause of DSD in Iran, necessary for its clinical/psychological management.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarm
In vitro complete differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells to morphologic spermatozoa using a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin
No full textSpermatogenesis refers to the differentiation of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) located in the base seminiferous tubules into haploid spermatozoa. Prerequisites for in vitro spermatogenesis include an extracellular matrix (ECM), paracrine factors, and testicular somatic cells which play a supporting role for SSCs. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential of co-culturing Sertoli cells and SSCs embedded in a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin, the main components of the ECM. Following the three–week conventional culture of human testicular cells, the cells were cultured in agarose hydrogel or agarose/laminin one (hybrid) for 74 days. Then, immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, electron microscopy, and morphological staining methods were applied to analyze the presence of SSCs, as well as the other cells of the different stages of spermatogenesis. Based on the results, the colonies with positive spermatogenesis markers were observed in both culture systems. The existence of the cells of all three phases of spermatogenesis (spermatogonia, meiosis, and spermiogenesis) was confirmed in the two groups, while morphological spermatozoa were detected only in the hybrid hydrogel group. Finally, a biologically improved 3D matrix can support all the physiological activities of SSCs such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation
Consecutive Waves of COVID-19 in Iran: Various Dimensions and Probable Causes
No full textObjective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has somehow affected the lives of 80% of the world's population. Iran has also experienced numerous outbreaks of this disease. The fifth wave having occurred in August 2021 was one of the most agonizing incidences of the pandemic in the country. Method: We reviewed all of publications and govermental statistics about COVID-19 pandemic In Iran between 2019 to 2021. Results: The current study discusses the possible dimensions and causes of successive waves of COVID-19 in Iran, namely, the consequences of a significant delay in vaccination administration in due time, the collective overwhelming fallacy toward immunization, the polypharmacy controversy, inadequate community-based participation in risk reduction, and noticeable decrease in the public's resilience. Conclusion: A variety of strategies have been recommended in the article to modify the principal challenges in order to help control the pandemic in the country
Nattokinase: Structure, applications and sources
No full textNattokinase (NK) as a serine protease enzyme has a strong fibrinolytic activity that is found in bacteria. In comparison to other fibrinolytic enzymes (plasmin, urokinase, and t-PA), NK has the advantages of a long lifespan, low cost, and no side effects. As a food supplement, it could be utilized as a substance to treat cardiovascular disease. As a result, NK has high commercial value and therapeutic applications. The current study provides a brief description of the properties of this important enzyme. Also, some of the most notable applications of NK are discussed. Eventually, different microbial, plant and animal sources of this enzyme are summarized in the last par
The effect of seafood oil omega-3 supplementation on ulcerative colitis remission: A systematic review
No full textBackground and aims: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent and long-term condition that causes inflammation, irritation, and ulcers in the colon. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of seafood oil omega-3 supplementation on UC remission.
Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were extensively searched on 25.5.2022 according to the PRISMA checklist. The studies were imported into EndNote X9. Data were extracted in Excel form, including the first author’s name, study setting, year of publication, sample size, sea oil type, intervention, and outcomes.
Results: Seafood oil omega-3 supplementation reduced the levels of leukotriene B4, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, IL-1β, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin E2, scavenges-free radicals, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, supplementation with this oil could decrease free radicals at the cellular level and subsequently increase antioxidant activity, which also mediates the inflammatory process itself.
Conclusion: Most studies showed that omega-3 extracted from seafood can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) in intestinal cells. It also could improve clinical symptoms and scores of histological, sigmoidoscopic, and simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI). However, some studies reported no positive effects in this regard and confirmed that these compounds have no effect on improving UC symptoms.
Keywords: Omega-3, Fish oil, Ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel diseas
Epidemiological Aspects of the Carotid Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Cross-sectional Study
No full textBackground and aims: Concomitant carotid artery disease (CaAD) in patients referred to coronary surgical revascularization is a strong hazard to perioperative stroke. The current study addressed the epidemiology features of concomitant CaAD in patients referred to a coronary surgical revascularization center. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on all incoming patients to coronary surgical revascularization for two years at a single center who underwent a color duplex-sonography (CDS) interrogation. The demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, coronary angiographic, and color duplex-sonographic data were collected from patients� medical records. Quantitative and qualitative data were expressed as means and standard deviations, as well as numbers and percentages, respectively. The relationships between quantitative and qualitative variables were investigated using Pearson�s correlation and chi-square test, respectively. Results: In total, 430 patients with a mean age of 66.3±9.9 years were included (35 females) in the study. Preoperative CDS was performed on 82 of patients; in addition, 29 of them presented with an increased intima-media ratio, and CtAD was observed in 51. Based on the results, 77 and 143 patients were detected with unilateral and bilateral involvement, respectively. Severe carotid stenosis accounted for 4 of patients. Age older than 65 years (P=0.02), unstable angina (P=0.045), and the presence of an occluded coronary artery (P=0.002) were associated with the presence of CtAD. Finally, the severity of the left and right carotid stenosis was associated with diabetes mellitus (PConclusion: The prevalence of concomitant CtAD in patients referred to coronary surgical revascularization remains high. The current data warn of the necessity of performing preoperative CDS routinely