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Zingerone based green synthesized sodium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles eliminate U87 glioblastoma cells by inducing apoptosis
No full textGrade IV astrocytoma, also referred to as glioblastoma (GBM), is the most common type of glioma, accounting for over 60% of all brain tumors. It is still a fatal illness in spite of years of investigation and does not currently have a treatment. Thus, scientists and medical professionals are constantly trying to understand the molecular processes and heterogeneity of GBM as well as looking for new ways to improve treatment results. Numerous studies have indicated that nanomaterials, and more especially nanoparticles, offer a great deal of potential for killing cancer cells; as a result, they are being considered as a potential alternative cancer treatment. Several studies have demonstrated that ZnO NPs have shown specific cytotoxicity against cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. In this study we aim to synthesize sodium doped zinc oxide NPs using zingerone in an environmentally friendly manner to evaluate their cytotoxic effects on U87 GBM cell line and normal HEK cell line and investigate the occurrence of apoptosis via apoptosis assay by flowcytometry and gene expression study of TP53 and related genes to apoptosis and cell cycle regulation pathways. It was demonstrated that Na-doped ZnO NPs had a significant cytotoxic effect on U87 cells while having significantly less effect on normal HEK cells. Na-doped ZnO NPs eliminated cancerous cells through apoptosis induction and possibly cell cycle regulation via up-regulation of TP53, PTEN, BAX, P21 and down-regulation of Bcl2. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles turn them into fascinating agents to treat GBM. Hence, the necessity of exploring the vast, yet unknown field of nanoparticles potentials cannot be over looke
Self-Management in Hemodialysis Patients: A Concept Analysis
No full texthttps://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105000608444&origin=resultslist&sort=plf-f&src=s&sid=40543f32dc75377df5575688a9a06354&sot=aff&sdt=cl&cluster=scopubyr%2C%222025%22%2Ct&s=AF-ID%2860022730%29&sl=15&sessionSearchId=40543f32dc75377df5575688a9a06354&relpos=37#:~:text=Context%3A%20Self%2Dmanagement,diverse%20HD%20population
Indomethacin Partially Alleviates Depressive‐Like Behaviors in Maternally Separated Mice: Targeting Neuroinflammatory Response in the Hippocampus
No full textExperiencing early-life stress (ELS) plays a fundamental role in the development of mood disorders like depression in adulthood. Neuro-immune response in the brain is coupled with depressive-like behaviors following maternal separation (MS) stress. Indomethacin (IND) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This study aimed to assess the antidepressant-like effect of IND in a mouse model of MS stress, focusing on its potential effect on neuro-inflammatory response in the hippocampus. To do this, male NMRI mice were treated with IND at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, saline (10 mL/kg) or fluoxetine (30 mg/kg). Drugs were injected intraperitoneally for 7 days. Behavioral tests including forced swimming test, splash test, and open field test were performed. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used for evaluation of gene expression of inflammatory mediators including of iNOS, TLR4, NLRP3, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Results showed that MS provoked depressive-like behavior in mice as observed by a decrease in the grooming activity time in the splash test and an increase in the immobility time in the forced swimming test. Depressive-like behaviors were coupled with neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. IND attenuated depressive-like behaviors as well as decreased the gene expression of neuroinflammation-related mediators in the hippocampus of MS mice. In conclusion, results showed that IND, at least in part, via alleviation of neuro-inflammatory response in the hippocampus, exerted antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model of MS stress
Exosome biosensors for detection of prostate cancer
No full textProstate cancer (PCa) is a highly life-threatening disease in men, causing numerous deaths worldwide. As PCa is often diagnosed at a late stage, current diagnostic methods can be invasive and sometimes lead to unnecessary treatments. Therefore, new non-invasive approaches are needed to detect biomarkers for more rapid and accurate PCa diagnosis. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles, provide valuable insights into cellular health and disease progression. Recent studies have indicated the potential use of exosomes as biomarkers for diagnosing PCa. Developing fast, reliable, and sensitive methods for exosome detection is essential. Biosensors, powerful analytical tools for biological samples, have become increasingly crucial in exosome analysis. This review summarizes recent advancements in biosensor technology for exosome detection and provides insights into future perspectives. The goal is to encourage innovative biosensor-based approaches for exosome detection and contribute to the early diagnosis and clinical monitoring of various diseases
Effect of positive thinking intervention based on multimedia program on psychological security and life expectancy in patients with COVID-19
No full textBACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), both novel and highly contagious, originated in Wuhan, China. It can cause psychological distress, leading to feelings of insecurity and hopelessness. Thus, this study aims to explore how a multimedia-based positive thinking program can impact the psychological security and life expectancy of COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employed a semi-experimental, two-group pretest-posttest design. Participants were chosen through convenience sampling from Hajar and Seyed Al-Shohada' Farsan hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences from 2022 to 2023. A total of 70 patients were assigned randomly to two groups of 35 each, intervention and control. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, Maslow's Psychological Security Questionnaire, and Schneider's Life Expectancy Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 23, utilizing the paired t-test, independent t-test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Before the interventions, the mean scores of psychological security and life expectancy, respectively, in the control group were 45.7 ± 7.2 and 44.7 ± 7.8 and in the intervention group were 44 ± 1.39 and 39.0 ± 11.0. These two groups had no significant difference in these regards. Immediately after the interventions, the mean scores of psychological security and life expectancy, respectively, in the control group were 45.8 ± 6.9 and 44.8 ± 3.8 and in the intervention group were 49.2 ± 1.9 and 45.2 ± 10.9, and 1 month after the intervention, the mean scores of psychological security and life expectancy, respectively, in the control group were 47 ± 0.47 and 47.0 ± 8.4 and in the intervention group were 57 ± 0.51 and 54.5 ± 6.4. The two study groups had significant difference regarding the mean scores of psychological security and life expectancy immediately and 1 month after interventions (P < 0.001). Generally, after the positive thinking intervention, the mean scores of dependent variables increased in both groups, with greater changes observed in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that an intervention program based on positive thinking could improve the level of life expectancy and mental security of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, to enhance the mental security and life expectancy of these patients, it is suggested that institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, and healthcare providers, such as nurses, pay attention to the effect of emerging supportive treatments and teaching these programs to patients, such as treatment based on positive psychology. This will enable people to deal with difficult situations by improving their psychological structures and promoting higher levels of well-being and mental health for patients by health policymakers
Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in individuals referred to a laboratory in Urmia, Iran
No full textBackground and aim: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major contributor to sexually transmitted infections, especially common in sexually active populations. Although the majority of HPV infections resolve naturally, certain cases can develop into different types of cancer. This study focused on evaluating the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes across males and females of different age groups who visited a laboratory in Urmia, Iran. Materials and methods: Samples from the genital area were obtained from participants in the study. DNA extraction was performed using the Favorgen extraction kit (Favorgen, Taiwan), followed by genotyping through Real-Time PCR. Genotypes were determined using the MehrViru HPV genotyping kit (MehrViru, Iran). Additionally, demographic details, including age, were analyzed in conjunction with the statistical virological data. Results: Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 447 individuals, including both referred and routine visitors, attended the laboratory, comprising 431 females and 16 males. Of these, 195 tested positive for HPV, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 43.6%. Among the positive cases, 90 individuals (46.2%) were infected with a single HPV genotype, while 105 cases (53.8%) had multiple genotype infections. The most common genotypes identified were HPV-6 (41.0%), HPV-16 (15.4%), HPV-56 (10.8%), and HPV-90 (10.8%). The least genotype identified was HPV-43, which was detected in 5 cases (2.6%). Additionally, our analysis revealed that women under 30 who tested positive were predominantly infected with the LR genotype, a pattern also seen in the four men in the same age group, all of whom were infected with the LR genotype. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significant presence of HPV among both females and males visiting the laboratory in Urmia, particularly in individuals under 30 years old. The identification of HPV-6 and HPV-16 as the most prevalent genotypes highlights the importance of age-specific intervention strategies. Although vaccination programs cover HPV-6 and HPV-16, HPV-56 is not included, which underscores the need for comprehensive screening and preventive measures to address the potential long-term impacts of HPV-related diseases
Histopathologic evaluation of skin wound healing due to local application of transdermal chitosan patch in combination with doxycycline, zinc nanoparticles, and selenium nanoparticles in mice
No full textBackground: The aim of this study is to compare the histopathological changes in experimental skin wound healing in mice treated with a topical application of chitosan combined with doxycycline, as well as zinc and selenium nanoparticles. Methods: Fifty mice with experimental skin wounds were divided into four equal groups: a control group with no therapeutic intervention, a CsD group receiving a transdermal patch containing doxycycline, a CsDZn group receiving a transdermal patch with chitosan-doxycycline-zinc nanoparticles, a CsZnS group receiving a transdermal patch with chitosan-zinc and selenium nanoparticles, and a CsDZnS group receiving a transdermal patch containing chitosan-doxycycline-zinc and selenium nanoparticles. After synthesizing and confirming the efficacy of the transdermal patches, we measured the wound area and histological indices of wound healing on the 7th and 14th days of the study. Results: The results showed that the use of selenium and zinc nanoparticles leads to a decrease in the wound surface in the CsDZnS group compared to the control group and remaining experimental groups. A significant reduction in inflammation and hemorrhage was recorded in the CsDZnS group compared to other groups. On the seventh day of the study, angiogenesis in the CsDZnS group was higher than in the other groups. In addition, on the 14th day of the study, orientation of collagen fibers and re-epithelialization were more observed in the CsDZnS group compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The chitosan skin patch containing doxycycline, zinc nanoparticles, and selenium nanoparticles (CsDZnS group) demonstrated the most effective results in skin healing, as evidenced by the highest control of inflammation on days 7 and 14, the greatest re-epithelialization on day 14, and the smallest wound area on both days compared to the other evaluated group
N-acetyl cysteine through modulation of HDAC2 and GCN5 in the hippocampus mitigates behavioral disorders in the first and second generations of socially isolated mice
No full textObjective(s): Social isolation stress (SIS) in early life can lead to behavioral disorders. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, may aid treatment. This study explored NAC's impact on behavior in first and second-generation mice after SIS, focusing on HDAC2 and GCN5 expression in the hippocampus. Materials and methods: In this study, 24 male and 24 female mice were bred for one generation. The pups were divided into six (3male, 3female) groups (n = 20): 1- Control receiving normal saline, 2- SIS with normal saline, 3- SIS with NAC (150 mg/kg) IP for four weeks. Eight mice from each group underwent behavioral, histopathological, and molecular tests, while others were mated (4 males + 4 females) to produce second generations. These pups were divided into 9 groups (n = 8) for behavioral tests, including elevated plus maze, open field, forced swimming, and histopathological and molecular assessments (HDAC2 and GCN5 expression) in the hippocampus. Results: The SIS group showed increased HDAC2 and GCN5 expression. Following SIS, there was a decrease in open arm entries and passes in the open field test, alongside increased immobility in the forced swimming test and reduced CA1 and CA3 hippocampal diameters. NAC mitigated the adverse molecular, behavioral, and histopathological impacts of SIS across both generations. Conclusion: NAC reduces behavioral disorders after SIS (first and second generation) by reducing the expression of GCN5 and HDAC2 and increasing neuronal diameter in the hippocampus. Future research should investigate the long-term therapeutic effects of NAC for behavioral disorders after SIS
The multifaceted roles of exosomes in corneal biology: elucidation of underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications
No full textThe cornea, as the essential part of the eye with the duty of maintaining transparency and vision, is susceptible to various diseases and genetic abnormalities. Vision loss due to corneal disorders is a global concern, prompting research into innovative treatment approaches. The investigations have provided a significant role that exosomes play in maintaining corneal homeostasis and promoting intercellular communication. The cornea is made up of cellular and acellular components. The cellular components include the epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, and endothelial cells, which secrete exosomes that contribute to preserving corneal transparency, immune privilege, and tissue repair. These nanosized vesicles contain molecules that regulate immune responses, promote cell proliferation and migration, and protect against stress-induced cell death. In this review, we try to survey the therapeutic potential and effects of exosomes in treating various corneal conditions, which can contribute to enhance corneal healing, reduce scarring, and improve visual outcomes
Womb to wisdom: Early-life exposure to midwifery laws and later-life disability
No full textPrevious research documented that midwifery service quality improvements lead to improving maternal and infants’ health outcomes. However, little is known about its influence for later-life outcomes including disability. This paper explores the potential effects of early-life exposure to the establishment of midwifery laws across US states on later-life disability outcomes. Midwifery laws were enacted during the late 19th and early 20th century and required midwives to gain formal education and training to obtain a license in order to legally practice. We use decennial census data over the years 1970–2000 and implement a difference-in-difference method and show that being born in a reform state is associated with significant reductions in various measures of disability, including work disability, cognitive difficulty, ambulatory difficulty, self-care difficulty, and a proxy for severe mental health. We also find significant increases in education, socioeconomic scores, housing wealth, and income. We further discuss the policy implications of the results