7973 research outputs found
Sort by
A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of urinary tract infection in childhood
No full textIntroduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is considered as one of the most important causes of fever and hospitalization in children. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence of UTIs in children through meta-analysis. Methods: This meta-analysis study was conducted on individuals aged?>18 years. In order to retrieve the studied, the following domestic and foreign databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The obtained data were analyzed in STATA version 14 at the significance level of P[removed]
Author keywords
Children; Prevalence; Urinary tract infections; UT
Study of Molecular Docking and Prediction of Toxicity of Morin Analogues as Anti-Cancer Agents and Aromatase Inhibitors
No full textBackground and Aim: After lung cancer, breast cancer is the main cause of death from cancer among women. Aromatase is a key enzyme involved in the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which catalyzes the final stage of estrogen biosynthesis from the conversion of androstenedione and testosterone, and can be a promising target in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer. In this study, the effects of morin and its analogues on aromatase enzyme were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, for bioinformatics assessment, the 3D structure of morin analogues (15 compounds), the standard drug (anastrozole) and aromatase enzyme were obtained from PubChem and PDB databases, respectively. Molecular docking studies in relation to the effects of the compounds on the aromatase enzyme were performed using MOE-2014 software. Then the physicochemical properties and biological activity of the compounds were predicted using Swiss ADME, PASS and Swiss Target Prediction browsers. Results: The findings of the present study showed that morin analogues were non-toxic and favorable in terms of physicochemical properties. Also, all morin analogues were capable of inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. The best docking results belonged to galangin, morin, quercetin and rhamnetin compounds with strong binding energy (-13.90 to-14.79 kcal/mol) compared to anastrozole. The prediction coefficient of biological activities of these compounds was 0.175 to 0.952. Proteases, kinases, oxidoreductases, cytochrome P450 and lyases were the main predicted targets for all proposed compounds in the study. Conclusion: Based on the results of bioinformatics studies, morin analogues, because of their suitable placement in the active site of the aromatase, provide more effective inhibition than the standard chemical drug and can be good candidates for hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment in the in vitro and in vivo studies
Metabolic risk factors attributed burden in Iran at national and subnational levels, 1990 to 2019
No full textIntroduction: Metabolic risk factors (MRFs) predispose populations to a variety of chronic diseases with a huge burden globally. With the increasing burden of these risk factors in Iran, in this study, we aimed to report the estimated burden attributed to MRFs at national and subnational scales in Iran, from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Based on the comparative risk assessment method of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019, data of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to four top MRFs in Iran including high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high body mass index (BMI), and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) for the 1990–2019 period, were extracted. The socio-demographic index (SDI) was used to report the data based on the corresponding socio-economic stratifications. The results were reported in national and subnational 31 provinces of Iran to discover disparities regarding the attributable burden to MRFs. Furthermore, we reported the causes of diseases to which the attributable burden to MRFs was related. Results: Overall, the age-standardized high LDL, high SBP, high BMI, and high FPG-attributed death rate changed by −45.1, −35.6, +2.8, and +19.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. High SBP was the leading risk factor regarding attributed age-standardized death rates reaching 157.8 (95% uncertainty interval: 135.3–179.1) and DALY rates reaching 2973.4 (2652.2–3280.2) per 100,000 person-years, in 2019. All rates increased with aging, and men had higher rates except for the +70 years age group. At the subnational level, provinces in the middle SDI quintile had the highest death and DALY rates regarding all four MRFs. Total deaths, DALYs, YLLs and YLDs number by the causes of diseases linked to MRFs increased over the study period. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases were the main causes of burden of disease attributable to MRFs. Conclusion: Herein, we found divergent patterns regarding the burden of MRFs as well as disparities in different regions, sex, and age groups for each risk factor and related causes. This could provide policymakers with a clearer vision toward more appropriate decision-making and resource allocation to prevent the burden of MRFs in Iran
An investigation into the present levels of contamination in children’s toys and jewelry in different countries: a systematic review
No full textContamination by heavy metals and toxic elements in children's toys and jewelry is an ongoing challenge in different countries. These contaminants can enter the children's body via oral, dermal, and respiratory routes, leading to adverse health effects. This study aimed to investigate the present levels of contamination in children's toys and jewelry in 15 countries, including UK, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, China, Kosovo, Nigeria, North American, Kazakhstan, UAE, Pakistan, Iraq, Israel, West Bank/Palestine, Czech Republic, and Turkey. In this review, the legislation and recommendation of the United States (U.S.), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Turkish Standards Institute (TSE), Canada, and the European Union (E.U.) on toxic elements in toys and jewelry are introduced. Plastic or metallic toys and children's jewelry still have the most severe toxic elements pollution and the existence of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), barium (Ba), Zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), bisphenol A, phthalates, parabens, azo dyes, and flame retardants has been regarded as an ongoing challenge in these articles. Finally, this review offers benchmarking of the concentrations of toxic elements in all types of children's toys and jewelry in different nation
Identifying and Explaining the Components Affecting for Design Preparedness Exercises of the Health System in Emergencies and Disasters: A Quality Content Analysis
No full textObjective: Running exercise courses in different sectors of the health system is one of the important steps to prepare and deploy disaster risk management programs. The present study aimed to identify and explain the components affecting the design of preparedness exercises of the health system in disasters. Methods: This study was a qualitative content analysis. Data were collected by purposeful sampling through in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews with 25 health professionals in disasters who had experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating an exercise. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method. Results: The data analysis resulted in the production of 50 initial codes, 12 subcategories, 4 main categories of "Coordination, Command, and Guidance of Exercise," "Hardware and Software Requirements of Exercise," "Organizational Exercise Resources," and "Communication and Exercise Public Information" with the original theme of "Exercise Design." Conclusion: This study provides a clear picture and rich, constructive information on the concept of designing health system preparedness exercises in disasters. The findings of this study can greatly increase the attention of senior managers in all areas of health, especially managers of prehospitals and hospitals who are in the front line of the response to disasters to design standard and scientific preparedness exercise
The coumaric acid and syringic acid ameliorate acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via modulator of Nrf2/HO-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines
No full textBackground: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes uncontrolled inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. The coumaric acid and syringic acid are phenolic derivative found in many fruits and vegetables and is widely recognized for the ability of anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coumaric acid and syringic acid on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Methods: A total of 64 male Wistar rats were divided into eight equal groups (n = 8). Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid, and rats orally received coumaric acid (100 and 150 mg/kg), syringic acid (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) once per day for four days after colitis induction. Then, HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression were quantified by real time-PCR. Finally, the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein were measured by ELISA. Results: Colitis led to a decrease in HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression and an increase in the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein in the colon tissue. Treatment with dexamethasone significantly increased HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression and decreased the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein compared to the UC group. Treatment with 150 mg/kg of coumaric acid and 50 mg/kg of syringic acid significantly increased HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression compared to the UC group. Also, treatment with 100 and 150 mg/kg of coumaric acid and 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg of syringic acid significantly decreased the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein compared to the UC group. Conclusion: The coumaric acid and syringic acid, especially at high doses, may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of UC by the reduction of TNF-α and IL-1β levels and upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathwa
Effects of licorice hydroalcoholic extract and glyceric acid on sex hormones, malondialdehyde, and testicular histomorphometry in NMRI adult male rats exposed to cyclophosphamide
No full textThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of licorice hydroalcoholic extract (LHE) and Glyceric acid (GA) on sex hormones, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and testicular histomorphometry in NMRI adult male rats exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP). Animals were divided into 8 groups, including (1) control: normal saline, (2) CP: 100 mg/kg, (3) LHE: 150 mg/kg, (4) GA: 0.5 mg/kg, (5) CP + 50 mg/kg LHE, (6) CP + 0.5 mg/kg GA, (7) CP + 150 mg/kg LHE, and (8) CP + 250 mg/kg LHE. Changes in testicular tissue were evaluated through Hematoxylin–Eosin staining. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and MDA concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Histological findings showed the integrity of the seminiferous tubules and regular basement membrane in groups 1, 3, and 4. In group 2, the epithelium had an irregular shape with atrophy, edema, and immense, extensive inflammation. Group 5 had decreased tubular diameter. In group 6, edema with vacuolization of the interstitial tissue was observed. Slight spermatogenesis and Leydig cells with pyknotic nuclei were evident in groups 7 and 8. Group 2 had significantly decreased serum levels of LH and FSH compared to group 1. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 showed no significant changes in the LH level. Although the administration of 50 mg/kg LHE (group 5) increased the level of FSH compared to group 2, other doses, 150 mg/kg (group 7) and 250 mg/kg (group 8), had no significant difference from group 2. Furthermore, the FSH level increased in group 6 compared to group 2. The MDA level in group 2 was significantly increased compared to group 1 and significantly decreased compared to group 5. Results demonstrate that administration of low doses of LHE (compared to high doses) and GA is highly effective. They can improve histological characteristics, sex hormones (LH/FSH), and the MDA level, as well as mitigate the side effects of CP. Eventually, it is essential to note that LHE effects are more prominent than GA effect
Clinical perspective: Antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer
No full textAntibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising class of cancer biopharmaceuticals that exploit the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to selectively deliver highly cytotoxic small molecules to targeted cancer cells, leading to an enhanced therapeutic index through increased antitumor activity and decreased off-target toxicity. ADCs hold great promise for the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer after the approval and tremendous success of trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan, representing a turning point in both HER2-positive breast cancer treatment and ADC technology. Additionally and importantly, a total of 29 ADC candidates are now being investigated in different stages of clinical development for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the ADC field in cancer treatment and present a comprehensive overview of ADCs approved or under clinical investigation for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer
Brucella abortus antigen omp25 vaccines: Development and targeting based on Lactococcus lactis
No full textBackground: Most Brucella infections take place on mucosal membranes. Therefore, creating vaccinations delivered through the mucosa may be crucial for managing brucellosis. Consequently, we assessed the efficacy of a recombinant oral antigen delivery system based on Lactococcus lactis for Brucella abortus omp25 antigen. Method: Oral vaccinations with L. lactis transformed with pNZ8148 variants encoding for omp25 (pNZ8148:omp25) and free-pNZ8148 were administered to mice. On day 30, following immunization in animal groups, anti-omp25-specific IgG1 antibodies were assessed by the ELISA test. Additionally, nasal and bronchoalveolar lavages containing omp25-specific secretory IgA (sIgA) were analysed by ELISA. ELISA test and real-time PCR were also used to analyse cytokine responses up to 28 days following the last boost. In addition, the protective potential of L. lactis pNZ8148:omp25 vaccines was assessed in BALB/c mice by exposing them to the B. abortus strain. Results: Based on the initial screening results, the omp25 protein was identified for immunogenicity because it had the maximum solubility and flexibility and antigenic values of 0.75. The produced plasmid was digested using KpnI and XbaI. By electrophoretic isolation of the digestion fragments at 786 bp, the omp25 gene, the successful production of the recombinant plasmid, was confirmed. Antigen expression at the protein level revealed that the target group generated the 25 kDa-sized omp25 protein, but there was no protein expression in the control group. Fourteen days after priming, there was a considerable amount of omp25-specific IgG1 in the sera of mice vaccinated with pNZ8148–Usp45–omp25–L. lactis (p < 0.001 in target groups compared to the phosphate-buffered saline control group). IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were more significant in samples from mice that had been given the pNZ8148–Usp45–omp25–L. lactis and IRBA vaccinations, in samples taken on days 14 and 28, respectively (p < 0.001). The pNZ8148–Usp45–omp25–L. lactis and IRBA immunization groups had significantly greater IL-4 and IL-10 transcription levels than the other groups. The spleen portions from the pNZ8148–Usp45–omp25–L. lactis and IRIBA vac group had less extensive spleen injuries, alveolar oedema, lymphocyte infiltration and morphological damage due to the inflammatory process. Conclusion: Our study offers a novel method for using the food-grade, non-pathogenic and noncommercial bacterium L. lactis as a protein cell factory to produce the novel immunogenic fusion candidate romp25. This method offers an appealing new approach to assessing the cost-effective, safe, sustainable, simple pilot development of pharmaceutical products
Effect of different oocyte retrieval and culture methods on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes derived from vitrified ovarian tissue slices
No full textIn a successful method of ovarian tissue cryopreservation, there are always a number of antral follicles remain intact, as a result of which the methods of retrieving and culturing oocytes from them becomes very important. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain an efficient method for oocyte retrieving and maturation in vitro from vitrified/warmed ovarian tissue slices. For this purpose, slaughterhouse-derived bovine ovaries were sliced and prepared in six replicates for each segment of each experiment and vitrified at 4°C and room temperature (RT) by 1.8 ml cryovial. After warming, the oocyte-cumulus complexes (COCs) were retrieved by two methods (aspiration and slicing), and matured in vitro in two conditions (in the presence or absence of oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) as feeder cells) for 24-48h, and finally, the nuclear maturation of oocytes was evaluated as the statistical analysis showed the higher degeneration rates of oocytes derived from vitrified ovarian tissue in aspiration groups (P<0.05) and the more M-II stage oocytes were obtained in the slicing groups (P<0.05), although the aspiration method was better to approach for oocyte retrieval from fresh ovarian tissue than slicing method (P<0.05). Also, the exposure temperature in the vitrification procedure of ovarian slices did not affect the percentage of M-II oocytes in the evaluated groups. It can be concluded that the slicing method is a more proper approach for oocyte retrieval from vitrified ovarian tissue than an aspiration, and the use of co-culturing of these immature oocytes with OECs during IVM is not required