Showing 35 results for Zal
Mohammad Taghi Goodarzi, Mohammad Reza Safari, Fatemeh Zal,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (7-2006)
Abstract
Background: Combination of glycation and oxidation is associated with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of glycated proteins in presence of transition metal ions on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat hepatocyte suspension. Methods: Glycated albumin was prepared by incubation of bovine serum albumin with 100 mM glucose in 0.3 M phosphate buffer at 37°C for 2, 4 , and 6 weeks. The prepared rat liver cell suspension was treated with glycated albumin in presence of either Fe+++ or Cu++ ions. Produced malone-dialdehyde was measured as an indicator of ROS and of cell injury. Results: The results showed Fe+++ and Cu++ ions increase the ROS production in presence of glycated albumin (p<0.01). All prepared glycated albumin showed cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes suspension in the presence of cupric and ferric ions, and this injury was dependent to metal ion concentration. Higher degree of glycation showed higher effect on ROS production (p<0.01). Comparing the effect of Fe+++ and Cu++, cupric ion had higher cytotoxic effect (p<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicated that hepatocytes may be damaged by ROS which are produced by the interaction of the glycated albumin and transition metal ion.
Hakimeh Zali, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, Amina Kariminia, Reza Yousefi, Mohammad Ali Shokrgozar,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (1-2008)
Abstract
Background: Calprotectin is cytotoxic agent that its anti-tumor effects are governed through suppression of topoisomerase II a key enzyme in apoptosis. In previous studies, cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of calprotectin are shown on different cancer cell lines, but not human gastric cancer cell lines. In the present study, cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of calprotectin on human gastric adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (AGS) were evaluated. Methods: The AGS cells were exposed to the different concentrations of calprotectin for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed using dimethylthiazol diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and dye exclusion tests. For evaluation of cytotoxic mechanism in calprotectin on AGS cells, flow cytometric analysis was performed. Results: Our results revealed that calprotectin induces growth inhibition of AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results of this investigation showed that sensitivity of AGS cells to cytotoxic effect of human calprotectin was highly remarkable. In addition, growth inhibitory effect of this cytotoxic agent mostly was governed through induction of apoptosis in the AGS cells. Conclusion: These findings indicated that calprotectin induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in the AGS cells.
Jalal Babaie, Mehrak Zare, Ghazaleh Sadeghiani, Mohammad Lorgard-Dezfuli, Zohre Aghighi, Majid Golkar,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (7-2009)
Abstract
Background: Dense granule antigens (GRA antigens) of Toxoplasma gondii induce strong antibody response in humans and are considered as useful diagnostic antigens. Previous studies reported expression of amino terminal GRA8 protein in fusion with large tags such as glutathione-S-transferase. The present study aimed to produce soluble full length immunogenic GRA8 in bacteria. Methods: GRA8 complementary DNA (cDNA), encoding amino acids 24 to 258, was amplified from tachyzoites of RH strain and cloned in prokaryotic expression vector pET-28b(+). Expression of recombinant GRA8 (rGRA8) was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Antigenicity and immunogenicity of the protein were evaluated by Western-blotting. Results: The cloned gene fragment exhibited complete similarity with the published sequence of gra8 gene by sequence analysis. rGRA8 was expressed in Escherichia coli in fusion with a very small tag and the soluble protein was purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. In immunoblot, serum sample from a rabbit immunized with rGRA8 recognized a single antigen of T. gondii tachyzoite at the expected molecular weight of native GRA8. Sera from acutely-infected pregnant women strongly reacted with rGRA8 in Western-blotting, while sera from chronically-infected or T. gondii-negative women failed to recognize the protein. Conclusion: The full length soluble rGRA8 was successfully produced in E. coli and shown to be a highly immunogenic protein. As a result it could be used in immunological as well as molecular biology experiments.
Masoumeh Afzali, Alireza Nakhaee, Seyed Payman Tabatabaei, Kourosh Tirgar-Fakheri, Mohammad Hashemi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (4-2013)
Abstract
Background: The protein of Niemann-pick type C1 (NPC1) gene promotes the egress of cholesterol from late endosomes and lysosomes to other cellular compartments and contributes to a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. This study aimed to examine whether promoter methylation of NPC1 is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Fifty CVD patients and 50 healthy subjects as the control group were recruited in this study. Promoter methylation of NPC1 gene was defined using a nested-methylation specific polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical analyses were done using the chi-square, t-test or ANOVA tests. Results: Our study showed that the frequency of semi-methylated promoter (methylated/unmethylated status) was significantly higher in CVD patients than that in controls (OR = 6.521, 95% CI = 2.211-19.215, P = 0.008). However, a completely methylated promoter (methylated/methylated status) was not detected in any subjects in either of the two groups tested. Additionally, the analysis of clinical data according to the methylation status of NPC1 gene demonstrated that serum levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are influenced by NPC1 methylation, so that subjects with a completely unmethylated promoter (Unmethylated/unmethylated status) held lower levels of total triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and higher levels of HDL-C. Conclusion: Our findings propose that the NPC1 promoter methylation is a probable mechanism that can result in reduced/impaired NPC1 expression/activity and may thus contribute to progression of CVD.
Amir Hooshang Mohammadpour, Homa Falsoleiman, Jamal Shamsara, Ghazaleh Allah Abadi, Ramin Rasooli, Mohammad Ramezani,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background: Inflammation is involved in development, progression, and complications of atherosclerotic disease. Clinical studies have indicated that the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), IL-18, and adhesion molecules correlates with the severity of atherosclerosis and can predict future cardiovascular events. Experimental studies have shown pentoxifylline (PTX) reduces these factors in animal models. The purpose of the present pilot study was to evaluate effect of PTX on a group of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Forty patients with angiographically documented CAD, who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria, were entered in the double-blind, randomized, pilot clinical study. The patients were randomly given PTX (400 mg three times daily) or placebo (3 tab/day) for 2 months. Serum concentrations of MCP-1, IL-18, intercellular adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were measured before and at the end of intervention by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results: Our study showed that the serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was decreased in the study population after two-month treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of our pilot study, administration of PTX in CAD patients significantly decreases adhesion molecules levels.
Masoumeh Dejman, Elham Habibi, Monir Baradarn Eftekhari, Katayoun Falahat, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: Pasteur Institute of Iran was established in 1919 with the aim to produce vaccines and prevent communicable diseases in Iran. Over time, their activities extended into areas of research, education and services. Naturally, such a vast development begs establishment of a comprehensive management and monitoring system. With this outlook, the present study was carried out with the aim to design a performance assessment model for Pasteur Institute of Iran that, in addition to determining evaluation indicators, it could prepare the necessary grounds for providing a unified assessment model for the global network of the Pasteur Institutes. Method: This study was designed and performed in 4 stages: first design of indicators and determining their scores. Second editing indicators according to the outcome of discussions and debates held with members of Research Council of Pasteur Institute of Iran. Third implementation of a pilot model based on the Institute’s activities in 2011. Fourth providing the pilot model feedback to the stakeholders and finalizing the model according to an opinion survey. Results: Based on the results obtained, the developed indicators for Pasteur Institute of Iran evaluation were designed in 10 axes and 18 sub-axes, which included 101 major and 58 minor indicators. The axes included governance and leadership, resources and facilities, capacity building, knowledge production and collaborations, reference services, economic value of products and services, participation in industrial exhibitions, status of the institute, satisfaction and institute’s role in health promotion. Conclusion: The indicators presented in this article have been prepared based on the balance in the Institute’s four missions, to provide the basis for assessment of the Institute’s activities in consecutive years, and possibility of comparison with other institutes worldwide.
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.
Pegah Larki, Alireza Ahadi, Ali Zare, Shahriar Tarighi, Mahrokh Zaheri, Mojgan Souri, Mohammad Reza Zali, Hamid Ghaedi, Mir Davood Omrani,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (11-2018)
Abstract
Background: Differential expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) could be a diagnosis signature for monitoring gastric cancer (GC) progression. In this study, we focus on the comparison of expression levels of miR-21, miR-25, miR-93, miR-106b, and miR-375 during the sequential pattern of GC development, including normal gastric, gastric dysplasia, and GC sample. Methods: We used SYBR Green-based quantitative-PCR to quantify miRNAs expression. Results: Our analysis revealed the increased expression levels of miR-21 (p = 0.034), miR-25 (p = 0.0003), miR-93 (p = 0.0406), and miR-106b (p = 0.023) in GC samples. In addition, GC patients with positive lymph node metastasis showed the up-regulation of miR-25, miR-93, and miR-106b (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the expression of miR-21, miR-25, miR-93, and miR-106b altered in GC, and some of them may be further investigated as biomarkers for GC early detection and prognosis prediction.
Ali Zare, Behnam Alipoor, Mir Davood Omrani, Mohammad Reza Zali, Nasser Malekpour Alamdari, Hamid Ghaedi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent cancers with a high rate of mortality in the world. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to be involved in GC development. In this study, we aimed at investigating differential expression level of miR-155-5p, miR-15a, miR-15b, and miR-186 in GC. Methods: For this research, we used qPCR to investigate miR-15b, miR-155, miR-15a, and miR-186 expression levels in a total of 29 normal gastric tissue, 45 gastric dysplasia, and 39 GC samples. Results: We showed significant down-regulation of miR-155-5p (p = 0.0018), miR-15a (p = 0.0159), and miR-186 (p = 0.0005) expression in GC tissue. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for deregulated expression of miR155-5p, miR-186, and miR-15a in GC and is providing new insights into the potential implication of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of GC.
Ghazaleh Ghavami , Soroush Sardari,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background: Ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C, has been used in combination with a number of cytotoxic agents in vitro and in vivo with contradictory results on its effectiveness. It is believed that vitamin C can sensitize different cancer cells to common therapy strategies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During current research, the combination effect of vitamin C with cisplatin was evaluated against gastric cancer cells. Methods: MTT-based proliferation assay, combination index method, and flow cytometry technique were employed for the assessment of cell cycle and determination of apoptosis/necrosis on the AGS cell line. Results: Co-treatment of gastric cancer cells with vitamin C in its IC50 dose in addition to cisplatin in both IC50 (10 µg/ml) and five times less (2 µg/ml) doses could increase the cytotoxicity effect of cisplatin in a synergistic manner. Moreover, the pointed co-treatment approach could induce the cell count in sub-G0 phase while reducing it in the G0/G1, G2/M, and S phases. Further findings showed that the combined dose of vitamin C and cisplatin could increase the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells in comparison with a single dose of cisplatin. Conclusion: This study introduces a possible approach for the treatment of gastric cancer with more potency and less amount of administered cisplatin to induce toxicity.
Nastaran Asri, Mohammad Rostami-Nejad, Mohammad Barzegar, Abdolrahim Nikzamir, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, Mohammadreza Razzaghi, Mohammad Reza Zali,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2020)
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated disorder caused by the dietary gluten in individuals who are genetically susceptible to the disease. In fact, CD is a T cell-mediated immune disease in which gluten-derived peptides activate the lamina propria CD4+ Teff cells, and these T-cell subsets can cause the intestinal tissue damages. Also, there are additional subsets of CD4+ T cells with suppressor functions. These subsets express the master transcription factor, FOXP3, and include Tr1 cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are the main population involved in maintaining the peripheral tolerance, preventing the autoimmune diseases and limiting the chronic inflammatory diseases such as CD. The suppressive function of Tregs is important to maintain the immune homeostasis. This paper examined the features and the basic mechanisms used by Tregs to mediate the suppression in CD.
Fatemeh Masaebi, Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha, Mohammad Rostami-Nejad, Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi, Navid Mohseni, Gabriel Samasca, Iulia Lupan, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, Mohammad Reza Zali,
Volume 24, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background: It has been established that the level of some inflammatory cytokines increases in celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) in comparison with healthy subjects. Therefore, the primary interest in our research was proposing an accurate tool to diagnose patients with CD and NCGS from healthy individuals in an Iranian population. Methods: The serum samples were examined in 171 participants, including 110 CD patients, 46 healthy individuals, and 15 NCGS. The commercial ELISA kits were used to detect the level of the following cytokines: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, and IFN-γ. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the optimal thresholds for high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of cytokines, as the indicators of CD, NCGS, and healthy control groups. Results: In NCGS group, the values of area under the ROC curve for IL-1, IL-8, and IFN-γ were 71%, 78%, and 70%, respectively. To differentiate the CD and NCGS groups from the control group, IL-15 had the highest sensitivity (82.70%), specificity (56.50%), positive predictive value (81.98%), and negative predictive value (57.78%), followed by IL-8 with the highest sensitivity of 74.50%, specificity of 73.30%, and positive and negative predictive values of 95.35% and 30.21%, respectively. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate that IL-15 and IL-8 could be proposed as potential markers in their optimal cut-off points for distinguishing CD from the NCGS and the healthy control. Based on our findings, the evaluation of cytokine levels can be recommended as a useful tool for the diagnosis of CD and NCGS in a clinical practice.
Seyed Dawood Mousavi-Nasab, Farzaneh Sabahi, Hooman Kaghazian, Mahdi Paryan, Siamak Mirab Samiee, Mostafa Ghaderi, Fatemeh Zali, Manoochehr Makvandi,
Volume 24, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background: HRV is the causative agent of severe gastroenteritis in children and responsible for two million hospitalizations and more than a half-million deaths annually. Sequence characteristics of the gene segments encoding the VP7 and VP4 proteins are used for the genotype classification of rotavirus. A wide variety of molecular methods are available, mainly based on reverse transcription PCR for rapid, specific and sensitive genotyping of rotaviruses. This study describes an alternative real-time PCR assay for genotyping of rotavirus. Methods: The samples of stools studied in this research have been collected from patients referred to Children's Medical Centers, Tehran, Iran. Rotavirus detection and genotyping were performed using the RT-PCR and semi-nested RT-PCR, respectively. Samples were then genotyped with a new real-time PCR. Results: The real-time PCR was able to genotype all positive samples with a mean Ct of 28.2. Besides, a concordance rate of 100% was detected between real-time PCR and semi-nested RT-PCR. Conclusion: In this study, the genotyping of rotavirus with real-time PCR showed that this method can provide several favorable features, including high sensitivity and specificity, and a wide dynamic range for rotavirus genotyping.
Shabnam Aghayan, Ghazaleh Azari, Ehsan Seyedjafari,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bone resorption in periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. Systemic administration of bisphosphonates such as risedronate for preventing bone resorption can cause adverse effects. Alginate hydrogel (ALG) and poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles have been studied as drug delivery systems for sustained release of drugs. Therefore, the release pattern of risedronate from PLGA microparticles embedded with ALG was studied as a drug delivery system for sustained release of the drug, which can be used in local administrations.
Methods: Risedronate-containing PLGA microparticles were fabricated using double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Ionic cross-linking method was used to fabricate risedronate-loaded ALG. Risedronate-containing PLGA microparticles were then coated with ALG. The calibration curve of risedronate was traced to measure encapsulation efficiency (EE) and study the release pattern. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging was carried out, and cell toxicity was examined using MTT assay. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using SPSS ver. 20 software, via one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests.
Results: SEM imaging showed open porosities on ALGs. The mean EE of PLGA microparticles for risedronate was 57.14 ± 3.70%. Risedronate released completely after 72 h from ALG, and the cumulative release was significantly higher (
p = 0.000) compared to PLGA microspheres coated with ALG, which demonstrated
sustained released of risedronate until day 28. Risedronate-loaded ALG showed a significant decrease in gingival fibroblasts cell viability (
p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Alginate-coated PLGA microspheres could release risedronate in a sustained and controlled way and also did not show cell toxicity. Therefore, they seem to be an appropriate system for risedronate delivery in local applications
Fatemeh Saberi, Zeinab Dehghan, Effat Noori, Hakimeh Zali,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background: Renal transplantation plays an essential role in the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease. At least 12% of the renal patients receiving transplantations show graft rejection. One of the methods used to diagnose renal transplantation rejection is renal allograft biopsy. This procedure is associated with some risks such as bleeding and arteriovenous fistula formation. In this study, we applied a bioinformatics approach to identify serum markers for graft rejection in patients receiving a renal transplantation.
Methods: Transcriptomic data were first retrieved from the blood of renal transplantation rejection patients using the GEO database. The data were then used to construct the protein-protein interaction and gene regulatory networks using Cytoscape software. Next, network analysis was performed to identify hub-bottlenecks, and key blood markers involved in renal graft rejection. Lastly, the gene ontology and functional pathways related to hub-bottlenecks were detected using PANTHER and DAVID servers.
Results: In PPIN and GRN, SYNCRIP, SQSTM1, GRAMD1A, FAM104A, ND2, TPGS2, ZNF652, RORA, and MALAT1 were the identified critical genes. In GRN, miR-155, miR17, miR146b, miR-200 family, and GATA2 were the factors that regulated critical genes. The MAPK, neurotrophin, and TNF signaling pathways, IL-17, and human cytomegalovirus infection, human papillomavirus infection, and shigellosis were identified as significant pathways involved in graft rejection.
Conclusion: The above-mentioned genes can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic serum markers of transplantation rejection in renal patients. The newly predicted biomarkers and pathways require further studies.
Maliheh Afiat, Nayyereh Khadem Ghaebi, Farzaneh Joghatayi, Negar Morovatdar, Fahimeh Afzaljavan, Navid Pousti,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility is a severe challenge for most health systems. One of the medications recently used for ovulation induction is letrozole, applied either alone or in combination with gonadotropin. The present study was conducted to compare ovulation induction in infertile polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women candidates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) who were resistant to letrozole by two regimens: single-drug stair step letrozole vs. combined letrozole plus human menopausal gonadotropin.
Methods and Materials: In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 60 infertile women with PCOS, candidates for intrauterine insemination, admitted to Milad Infertility Center at Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group received 5 mg of letrozole for five days from menstruation day 3 and 7.5 mg of letrozole for another five days if dominant follicles were not observed on days 14-19. Control cases received letrozole (5 mg) from day 3 of the cycle for five days plus Cinnal-f® (75 international units subcutaneously daily) on days 8 and 9. They received another dose of Cinnal-f® if the dominant follicle was not observed on days 10-12 of the cycle. In the case of detecting dominant follicles, 5000 units of intramuscular hCG were prescribed, and 36 hours later, the patients underwent IUI. The outcomes were considered, and data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Almost 70% of the stair-step letrozole group and 53.2% in the combined medication had a dominant follicle (p = 0.12), mainly observed after day 14 in the stair-step letrozole group and during days 10-14 in the letrozole/gonadotropin group (p = 0.001). The positive beta-hCG level was significantly higher in the stair-step letrozole group (23.3%) than in the letrozole/gonadotropin group (13.3%). The clinical pregnancy and gestations of 20 weeks or beyond (ongoing pregnancy) were 16.66% and 10% in the stair-step letrozole and letrozole/gonadotropin groups, respectively (p = 0.03).
Conclusion and Discussion: Our study found similar frequencies of dominant follicles between the stair-step letrozole and letrozole/ gonadotropin groups and a significantly higher frequency of chemical pregnancy (positive beta-hCG) and clinical and ongoing pregnancy in the stair-step letrozole group. As an easy and acceptable method for patients, this protocol can be a suitable alternative for ovulation induction.
Hossein Bagheri, Reza Mirafzali, Ali Dadgari, Ali Hosseinzadeh, Hamid Namavar, Seydmohammad Mirhosseini, Mohammadreza Ameri,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Sleep disorders are among the most common problems in older people. One complementary treatment that can help improve the sleep quality of these individuals is acupressure on the sanyinjiao and shamen points. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of combining acupressure on these points to improve sleep quality in older people.
Methods and Materials: In this parallel randomized clinical trial study, 126 older adult residents of Shahroud were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (Shenmen acupressure point), group B (Sanyinjiao acupressure point), and Group C (combination of Shenmen and Sanyinjiao acupressure points). All three groups received acupressure intervention at the specified points twice daily for one week. Data collection involved using a demographic checklist and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and statistical tests, including paired t-test, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and ANOVA, were conducted.
Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the sleep quality of older adults before and after the intervention in all three groups (p = 0.001).
Conclusion and Discussion: The present study found that acupressure on Shenmen and Sanyinjiao points, alone or in combination, effectively improved the sleep quality of older people.
Soghra Fallahi, Ali Shojaee, Ghazal Zoghi, Zahra Shahali, Ali Ayoubian, Seyedeh Ghazal Mirhosseini,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic has become a burden on the healthcare system of many countries worldwide, including Iran, and caused more than a million deaths by the end of 2019. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the symptoms of COVID-19 in Iranian people to reduce the spread of the disease and manage it.
Methods and Materials: Using the census method, we conducted cross-sectional analyses of 12125 people calling for COVID-19 screening from 2 March 2020 to 19 April 2020. A telephone number was given to people for consulting with more than 70 nurses, and 30 medical doctors were responsible for considering the first- and second-level questions. Subsequently, a checklist of COVID-19-related symptoms was filled out for each participant. A chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression with SPSS 25 were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Of the 12125 participants in this study, 43.5% were male, and their mean age was 37.76 ± 16.61 years. The most common symptom was cough (41.3%), followed by shortness of breath (32.8%) and fever (31.5%), which was more prevalent among men. The least common complaint reported was confusion (1.6%). Our study revealed that men were at a higher risk of COVID-19 than women (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.10-1.55; p = 0.002). Also, positive relationships were found between fever, chills, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, body aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19.
Conclusion and Discussion: Our study revealed that cough, fever, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms in people calling for COVID-19 consultation. It suggests that telehealth practices must be optimized more effectively in future crises.
Soghra Fallahi, Minoo Rajaei, Mohsen Koolivand, Kianoosh Malekzadeh, Seyedeh Ghazal Mirhosseini,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Increasing reactive oxygen species levels can be considered a threatening agent for male infertility. Phoenix dactylifera pollen (Date palm pollen, DPP) positively affects sperm parameters, which has been well documented in animal models. This study aimed to determine the effects of DPP on sperm parameters, expression of antioxidant genes, and activation of antioxidant enzymes in infertile men.
Methods and Materials: This randomized and comparative clinical trial included 20 fertile and 60 infertile men referred to Om-e-Leila Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran, during 2016 (March)-17 (June). Sample collection of infertile cases was performed before and after using capsules of DPP powder for 30 consecutive days for semen analysis. Semen samples of fertile men were extracted as the controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for RNA extraction to peruse the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and catalase (CAT) genes. In the end, we used SPSS 16.0 for statistical analyses.
Results: After using DPP, there was a significant enhancement in the expression of NRF2, GPX4, SOD2, and CAT genes (p = 0.001. However, in the control group, the expression of antioxidant genes was higher than that in the experimental group after the treatment, except for the SOD2 gene (p = 0.16). Our findings also showed that the mean activity of the GPX4, SOD2, and CAT enzymes was higher in the treatment group compared to the control group. There was a correlation between DPP use, expression of antioxidant genes, and the count, volume, motility, and morphology of sperm.
Conclusion and Discussion: Administering DPP improves semen quality and positively affects the expression of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and GPX4 genes in infertile men. More studies are suggested to support this hypothesis.
Elham Karimi, Sama Karimi, Negin Parsa, Ghazal Mirhosseini,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Disasters are events that occur unexpectedly and sometimes inevitably. Due to the extent of the impact on material and human resources and the disruption of the natural process of life, they are beyond the ability of societies to adapt. Among the service providers, medical centers and hospitals are among the first organizations involved in responding to disasters, and their services can play a vital and decisive role. In the meantime, hospital personnel are on the front line of responding to disasters. The incident command system is a management system used to control and reduce damage caused by an accident. The preparation of hospital personnel in the scope of the incident command system during the COVID-19 pandemic can effectively improve their performance in the response phase.
Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 300 personnel of Zanjan Hospital were selected by random sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire to assess the readiness of nurses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data obtained from the questionnaires were evaluated with SPSS software, and the results were recorded. Most of the participating personnel in this research were women, with a mean age of 67.3%. The average age of the participants in this research was between 20 and 40 years old. The majority of the participants in this study had professional education. The level of preparation of hospital personnel was found to be inadequate, ranging from 12.34 to 25.14. This outcome was assessed separately for male and female personnel, with scores of 11.22 to 14.25 for male and 10.33 to 22.16 for females.
Results: The ANOVA test results showed a significant difference in the readiness of hospital personnel. There was no significant relationship between readiness and other demographic characteristics.
Conclusion and Discussion: Our findings showed that the level of preparedness of hospital personnel in the area of incident command was not optimal in dealing with COVID-19. Therefore, solutions such as training and proper management should be implemented to strengthen personnel in this field. Also, improving preparedness in the area of incident command should be one of the priorities of hospital management.
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