Showing 12 results for Azimi
Manizheh Karami, Mohsen Karimian Azimi , Mohammad Reza Zarrindast, Zeinab Khalaji,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (11-2010)
Abstract
Background: Role of nitric oxide (NO) in morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) has already been proposed in the rat medial septum (MS), but no molecular evidence has been provided to clear this fact. Methods: Effects of intraseptal injections of L-arginine and/or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on morphine place conditioning in Wistar rats were examined. Morphine (2.5-7.5 mg/kg) was injected s.c. using a three-day schedule of an unbiased place preference. All of the brain samples were examined histochemically by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d), the main marker for NO activation. Results: Morphine induced a significant CPP in the rats. Single injections of L-arginine or L-NAME (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 µg/rat) did not induce CPP. In addition, co-administration of morphine (5.0 mg/kg) with L-arginine or L-NAME (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 µg/rat) did not affect morphine response. However, administration of L-arginine (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 µg/rat) prior to morphine conditioning testing enhanced the expression of morphine response. Moreover, pre-injection of L-NAME (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 µg/rat) to L-arginine (0.3 µg/rat) did not reverse the response to the agent. The expression of NADPH-d was observed in the rat brain samples treated by L-arginine. A decreased expression of NADPH-d was also observed in rats pre-injected by L-NAME. Conclusion: This finding strongly suggests that NO system in the rat MS has an impact on the expression of morphine rewarding, and that the NO participates in place conditioning induced of morphine.
Bahareh Azimi, Parviz Nourpanah, Mohammad Rabiee, Shahram Arbab,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background: Progress in the field of biology and biochemistry has led to the discovery of numerous bioactive peptides and proteins in the last few decades. Delivery of therapeutic proteins/peptides has received a considerable amount of attention in recent years. Methods: In this study, a two-step desolvation method was used to produce biodegradable hydrophilic gelatin nanoparticles (GNP) as a delivery system of protein model (BSA). The size and shape of the nanoparticles were examined by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Particles with a mean diameter of 200-300 nm were produced and the percentage of entrapment efficiency was found to be 87.4. The optimum amount of theoretical BSA loading was obtained, the release of BSA was monitored in vitro, and the mechanism of release was studied. The BSA release profile showed a biphasic modulation characterized by an initial, relatively rapid release period, followed by a slower release phase. Conclusion: Results show that the two-step desolvation is an appropriate method for preparing GNP as a delivery vehicle for BSA.
Farahnaz-Sadat Shayganmehr, Masoud Alebouyeh, Masoumeh Azimirad, Mohammad Mehdi Aslani, Mohammad Reza Zali,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background: Reduced susceptibility of Clostridium difficile to antibiotics is problematic in clinical settings. There is new evidence indicating the cotransfer of toxin-encoding genes and conjugative transposons encoding resistance to antibiotics among different C. difficile strains. To analyze this association, in the current study, we evaluated the frequency of toxigenic C. difficile among the strains with different multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles in Iran. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the isolates were determined against metronidazole, imipenem, ceftazidime, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin by agar dilution method. The association of the resistance profiles and toxigenicity of the strains were studied by PCR targeting tcdA and tcdB genes. Results: Among 86 characterized strains, the highest and lowest resistance rates were related to ciprofloxacin (97%) and metronidazole (5%), respectively. The frequency of resistance to other antibiotics was as follow: imipenem (48%), ceftazidime (76%), and amikacin (76.5%). Among the resistant strains, double drug resistance and MDR phenotypes were detected in the frequencies of 10.4% and 66.2%, respectively. All of the metronidazole-resistant strains belonged to tcdA +/tcdB + genotype with triple or quintuple drug resistance phenotypes. MIC50 and MIC90 for this antibiotic was equally &le 8 &mug/ml. Conclusion: These results proposed the association of tcdA +/tcdB + genotype of C. difficile and the emergence of resistance strains to broad-spectrum antibiotics and metronidazole.
Bahareh Azarian, Seyedeh Matin Sajedin, Amin Azimi, Mozhgan Raigani, Behrouz Vaziri, Fatemeh Davami,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (5-2017)
Abstract
Background: Culture media enrichment through the addition of protein hydrolysates is beneficial for achieving higher protein expression. Methods: In this study, designing the optimum mixture of four soy and casein-derived hydrolysates was successfully performed by design of experiment and specific productivity increased in all predicted combinations. Protein profile of recombinant CHO (rCHO) cells producing tissue plasminogen activator in a serum-free medium (SFM) supplemented with designed hydrolysate additives was compared to that of rCHO cells cultivated in SFM. Results: Identification of differentially expressed proteins using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF revealed the role of energy metabolism related proteins and importance of prevention of oxidative stress by this special media enrichment strategy. Up-regulation of mitochondrial enzymes, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 and Peroxiredoxin-III, as well as other proteins involved in metabolic pathways, and uridine monophosphate/cytidine monophosphate kinase indicated higher metabolic activity. Furthermore, along with antioxidant effect of peptones, proteins with antioxidant function such as ferritin and peroxiredoxin-III were up-regulated. Conclusion: Understanding molecular mechanisms involved in enhancement of protein expression can provide new approaches for efficiently engineering rCHO cell. These results support the competence of proteomics studies in finding new insights to biochemical pathways for a knowledge-based optimization of media compositions.
Jalal Babaie, Samira Amiri, Robab Homayoun, Ebrahim Azimi, Reyhaneh Mohabati, Mahboubeh Berizi, M. Reza Sadaie, Majid Golkar,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (1-2018)
Abstract
BBackground: We have previously reported that immunization with GRA 2 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii induces protective immunity in CBA /J (H2k) and BALB/c mice (H2d). We aimed to examine whether immunization of a distinct strain of rodent with recombinant dense granule antigens (GRA2) combined with monophosphorryl lipid A (MPL) adjuvant elicits protective immune response against T. gondii. Methods: C57BL/6 (H2b haplotype) mice were immunized with GRA 2, formulated in MPL adjuvant. Results: Strong humoral response, predominantly of IgG1 subclass and cellular response, IFN-γ, was detected at three weeks post immunization. Mice immunized with GRA 2 had significantly (p < 0.01) fewer brain cysts than those in the adjuvant group, upon challenge infection. Despite the production of a strong antibody response, IFN-γ production and brain cyst reduction were not significant when the immunized mice were infected four months after the immunization. Conclusions: We can conclude that GRA2 immunization partially protects against T. gondii infection in C57BL/6 mice, though the potency and longevity of this antigen as a standalone vaccine may vary in distinct genetic backgrounds. This observation further emphasizes the utility of GRA 2 for incorporation into a multi-antigenic vaccine against T. gondii.
Najmeh Ahangari, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Mohsen Azimi-Nezhad, Hamideh Ghazizadeh, Mohsen Moohebati, Mahmoud Ebrahimi, Habibillah Esmaeili, Gordon Ferns, Alireza Pasdar, Majid Ghayour Mobarhan,
Volume 25, Issue 5 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background: familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a hereditary disorder, is caused by pathogenic variants in the LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes. This study has assessed genetic variants in a family, clinically diagnosed with FH. Methods: A family was recruited from MASHAD study in Iran with possible FH based on the Simon Broom criteria. The DNA sample of an affected individual (proband) was analyzed using whole exome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and segregation analyses. Results: A novel splice site variant (c.345-2A>G) was detected in the LDLRAP1 gene, which was segregated in all affected family members. Moreover, HMGCR rs3846662 g.23092A>G was found to be homozygous (G/G) in the proband, probably leading to reduced response to simvastatin and pravastatin. Conclusion: LDLRAP1 c.345-2A>G could alter the phosphotyrosine-binding domain, which acts as an important part of biological pathways related to lipid metabolism.
Zahra Moradi, Ali Ataei Azimi, Fatemeh Moghbeli,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Escape room is a team activity that forces players to solve a series of puzzles within a specific time, reach a code or key to solve the story, and leave the room. This project has several implementation methods: physical, immersive cinematic escape room, virtual, and online puzzles. Escape rooms provide players experiential learning by creating specific missions to assess the environment, analyze keys, and solve complex challenges. This research aimed to investigate escape rooms as innovative training tools in medical education. Search Strategy: According to the keywords "escape room", "medical education", and "courses", we reached 307 articles in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct from 2022 to 2024. Among the articles searched, 281 were relatively linked to our topic. Finally, this systematic review included 26 articles. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for this search. Titles and abstracts were evaluated independently. Then, the full text of the articles was reviewed, and a standardized form was utilized for the study title, courses, number of participants, study objectives, and main findings.
Results: This article has been used in teaching nursing, veterinary medicine, nephrology, anesthesia assistants, dental nurses, pharmacy, and physiotherapy, achieving a higher satisfaction rate (96%) compared to traditional methods. Dynamic learning techniques and reverse learning serve as effective alternatives to conventional teacher-centered education, as they actively engage students in the learning process. This engagement fosters improved knowledge acquisition and consolidation, making these methods a valuable complement to traditional educational approaches.
Conclusion and Discussion: Educational escape rooms provide an engaging
way to "gamify" medical course learning. They could be used as an alternative to traditional methods, offering higher satisfaction and more accessible learning opportunities.
Mehran Rostami Varnosfaderani, Zahedeh Khoshnazar, Ilia Ghotb Tahriri, Zohreh Khavari, Sayna Azimiyan, Fatemeh Ebrahimipoor, Fatemeh Amirmohseni, Parisa Hosseini Koukamari,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the critical global health challenges is cervical cancer. In 2020, cervical cancer ranked fourth among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. Standard approaches for early detection include screening women through Pap smear and human papillomavirus testing. Regular participation in screening programs is crucial, as early detection of cervical cancer through Pap smear can significantly reduce the complications and mortality associated with the disease. Approximately 50-90% of women who have developed cervical cancer or died from the disease have never been screened. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in the context of women's self-care.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2023 among 200 women attending comprehensive health centers in Saveh City. Random sampling was conducted from the health system's file and the households of the attendees. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on the determinants of cervical cancer screening based on the theoretical domains framework, consisting of dimensions such as awareness, perceived threat, priority, memory, skills, resources, feelings, perceived behavioral control, social influences, beliefs about consequences, intention, and behavioral regulation. In the original study, the questionnaire demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80 across all twelve dimensions. In the present study, the formal and content validity and instrument reliability were assessed, and they displayed suitable psychometric properties. The data analysis was performed using SPSS 21.
Results: The average age of participants in the study was 35 years. Among the participants, 44% reported irregular Pap smear testing, and 17.4% had never undergone the test. Also, 60% of women did not have regular gynecological examinations, with 21% citing the absence of symptoms as the reason for not seeking medical attention. The average scores of the theoretical domains framework ranged from 67.8 to 45.12. The highest averages were related to priority, memory and reminders, context, and resources. According to the logistic regression analysis, all twelve domains of the theoretical domains framework influenced the likelihood of undergoing Pap smear testing. The model was able to predict 66% of Pap smear testing behavior.
Conclusion and Discussion: The present study measured the predictors of participation in cervical cancer screening programs among women in Saveh City based on the theoretical domain framework. The theoretical domain framework is crucial for supporting the design of interventions to change behavior. It is a comprehensive framework that combines domains from 33 different behavior theories and 128 theoretical constructs. Therefore, evaluating all potential behavioral predictors increases the likelihood of effectively designing interventions to promote behavior change. By using the theoretical domains framework, this study was able to identify the key determinants
Mohammadreza Elhaie, Sayed Mehrdad Azimi, Abolfazl Kozari, Maryam Zamanian, Iraj Abedi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that can lead to permanent neurological deficits. Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for promoting spinal cord repair and functional recovery. However, assessing the extent of repair and regeneration remains a challenge. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been proposed as a non-invasive imaging technique to evaluate the microstructural integrity of the spinal cord following stem cell transplantation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the utility of DTI in assessing spinal cord repair following stem cell transplantation in SCI.
Search Strategy: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) to identify relevant studies that utilized DTI to evaluate spinal cord repair after stem cell transplantation in animal models or clinical trials of SCI. The search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seven relevant articles were identified and included in the review.
Results: Of the seven studies, five were preclinical animal studies, and two were clinical trials. Across the studies, 142 subjects (112 animals and 30 human patients) underwent DTI evaluation after stem cell transplantation. Meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in fractional anisotropy(FA; mean difference = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.08-0.16; p = 0.001) and a significant decrease in mean diffusivity (MD) (mean difference = -0.15 × 10-3 mm2/s; 95% CI: -0.21 to -0.09; p= 0.001) in the transplanted regions compared to control groups. These DTI changes correlated with improved functional outcomes and histological evidence of axonal regeneration and remyelination.
Conclusion and Discussion: DTI is a valuable non-invasive imaging technique for evaluating spinal cord microstructural changes following stem cell transplantation in SCI. Increased FA and decreased MD suggest improved axonal integrity and myelination, corresponding with functional recovery and histological repair. DTI can provide insights into stem cell-mediated repair mechanisms and guide therapeutic decision-making.
Sayed Mehrdad Azimi, Mohammad Hossein Mozafari, Abolfazl Koozari, Mohammadreza Elhaie,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Petrous apicitis is an uncommon but intracranial severe complication arising from inadequately treated middle ear infections or otomastoiditis. This condition, characterized by inflammation and infection of the petrous apex of the temporal bone, requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent potentially life-threatening sequelae such as meningitis, brain abscess formation, venous sinus thrombosis, and cranial neuropathies. Delays in recognition and treatment can lead to devastating neurological consequences, underscoring the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for this clinical entity.
Case Presentation: A 37-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a one-week history of severe headache and left-sided otalgia. Computed tomography (CT) of the head was performed to evaluate for intracranial pathology. Still, the reviewing resident radiologist did not recognize the findings of opacification in the left petrous apex as consistent with petrous apicitis. The patient was discharged without treatment but returned 48 hours later with worsening symptoms. On re-evaluation of the initial CT images by an attending radiologist, the diagnosis of petrous apicitis was finally established.
Results and Conclusion: The patient was admitted for intravenous antibiotics and subsequently required surgical drainage via mastoidectomy after failing to improve with medical therapy alone. This case highlights the subtlety of imaging findings in petrous capacities and the need for radiologists to maintain high vigilance. Failure to promptly recognize and treat this condition can lead to delays in management and the potential for severe intracranial complications, including meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis, and cranial neuropathies. Radiologists must be aware of the imaging patterns of petrous capacities, particularly in patients presenting with headache and otologic symptoms concerning complicated otomastoiditis. Early diagnosis is critical to facilitate the timely initiation of appropriate antimicrobial and surgical therapy when necessary.
Aida Hosseini, Mehran Rostami, Zahedeh Khoshnazar, Mehran Beigzadeh, Fatemeh Ebrahimipoor, Sayna Azimiyan, Fatemeh Amirmohseni, Parisa Hosseini Koukamari,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Dental beliefs involve evaluating patients' attitudes toward dentists and dental treatment. The beliefs and perceptions regarding dentistry among various populations have been identified as crucial factors influencing the utilization of dental services within a community. These beliefs depict the patient's interpretation of the conduct of dental health professionals, which plays a significant role in their dental fear and anxiety. Furthermore, they contribute to comprehending the reasons behind the lack of utilization of dental health services in a community. A negative perception of dentists is a key explanatory factor for individuals not seeking dental care.
Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study utilizing a descriptive survey method, the 24-item version of the Dentists' Behavior Scale (DBS) was employed, consisting of four subscales with a focus on professionalism/ethics, which aims to evaluate the technical competency and integrity of the dentist. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of DBS were examined across six stages: the translation process, evaluation of content validity, face validity, construct validity, discriminant validity, and reliability. A panel of experts (n = 10) and, subsequently, a group of students (n = 10) assessed the items of the instrument regarding content and face validities, respectively. A cross-sectional study involving 280 students was conducted using random sampling to establish construct validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients.
Results: Content validity ratio, content validity index, and impact score were 0.98, 0.98, and 3.54 for DBS, respectively. This result indicates acceptable content and face validity. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on 24 items to examine the construct validity. Four factors explained 63.45% of the cumulative variance. The fit indices (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.95, χ2/pdf = 4.20, RMSEA = 0.06) confirmed the validity of the model in confirmatory factor analysis. The values average variance extracted values were more significant than 0.5, showing that the factors converge effectively. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients, which were 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. This observation shows the appropriate reliability of the instrument.
Conclusion and Discussion: The study findings indicated that similar to the original version of the scale, the Persian version of DBS-R (Dental et al.) has sufficient validity and reliability. These findings contribute to understanding dental beliefs and attitudes in Iran and have potential implications for the development of effective oral health interventions.
Abolfazl Azimi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Peri-implant diseases especially peri-implantitis pose major issues in dental implantology because of inflammation and bone resorption around the dental implants. Probiotics have been identified as a possible secondary intervention to manage the composition of peri-implant biofilm and improve the immune system. This systematic review presents a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of peri-implant diseases.
Search Strategy:: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles up to 2024. The search included randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses that evaluated the effects of probiotics on diseases related to implants. Outcome measures assessed included signs of inflammation and infection, changes in bleeding on probing, plaque index, probing pocket depth, microbiological samples, and inflammatory biomarkers.
Results: The systematic review presented in this study illustrated a rather complex picture of efficacy of probiotics in addressing peri-implant disease. In terms of clinical parameters, some published studies demonstrated positive effects of probiotics, while others reported only modest or even negative results. The statistical significance of the findings varied across the studies, and the results of the meta-analysis were somewhat contradictory. This systematic review indicated a potential for the use of probiotics in managing peri-implant diseases, although the outcomes remainrd inconclusive. The results of individual studies were mixed, primarily due to variations in study designs, probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment durations. Some research supported the beneficial impact of probiotics on inflammation and clinical indicators, while others revealed negligible or adverse outcomes. The meta-analysis highlighted these contradictions and emphasized the need for more rigorous and standardized research to clarify the role and efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of peri-implant disease.
Conclusion and Discussion: The meta-analysis of the evidence presented reveals the multifaceted nature of probiotics’ use in the context of peri-implant disease and highlights the need for further studies to determine the effectiveness of this approach and to develop comprehensive guidelines. Thus, it is essential to address the existing gaps in knowledge, including the selection of probiotic strains, their dosages, and the duration of treatment courses.
.png)
