Search

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing based on the ability, information, and motivation (AIM) model on adherence to treatment and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in female patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial 60 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly selected from the 73 patients who referred to the endocrinology department of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran province from December 2018 to April 2019. The experimental group (n= 30) was treated with family empowerment therapy based on self-compassion for eight weekly 90-minute sessions while the control group (n= 30) received the usual hospital treatments. Data collection instrument was Morisky medication adherence scale and HbA1c measurements in three phases. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-21 software package. Results: The findings showed that the mean score of adherence to treatment in the group treated with motivational interviewing based on the AIM model was significantly higher than that of the control group (P= 0.001). In addition, women with diabetes in the experimental group had a significantly lower mean HbA1c score compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that motivational interviewing based on the AIM model can be effective in improving adherence to treatment and reducing HbA1c in women with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The present study aimed to investigate in vitro DNA transfection efficiency of three novel chitosan derivatives: thiolated trimethyl chitosan (TMC-Cys), methylated 4-N,N dimethyl aminobenzyl N,O carboxymethyl chitosan(MABCC) and thiolated trimethyl aminobenzyl chitosan(MABC-Cys). After polymer synthesis and characterization, nanoparticles were prepared using these polymers and their size, zeta potential and DNA condensing ability were measured. After that, cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of nanocomplexes were carried out in three different cells. The results showed that all polymers could condense DNA plasmid strongly from N/P 2 and nanocomplexes had eligible sizes and zeta potentials. Moreover, the nanocomplexes had negligible cytotoxicity and MABC-Cys was the most effective vehicle for gene delivery in HEK-293T cells. In the two other cell lines, SKOV-3 and MCF-7, TMC-Cys exhibited the highest transfection efficiency. This study indicated that chemical structure of these novel chitosan derivatives in the interaction with the cell type can lead to successful gene delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, endocrine disrupting chemical pollution has become one of the major concerns due to the potential role of these chemicals in provoking endocrine disorders especially type 2 diabetes. As a widespread endocrine disrupting chemical, Bisphenol A, with modest estrogenic activity can exert its detrimental effects in the different organs involved in type 2 diabetes such as pancreas, liver, adipocyte and skeletal muscles. Obesity, hepatic steatosis, impaired insulin signaling and pancreatic islet function could be the main results of Bisphenol A exposure. Epigenetic dysregulations can be suggested as an important underlying mechanism for Bisphenol A toxicity in the endocrine system. The most studied genes in this respect, which are responsible for glucose homeostasis include Pdx1, Gck, Igf2, Srebf1 and Srebf2. Aberrant DNA methylation, histone demethylation and deacetylation and impaired miRNAs result in epigenetically dysfunctional genes that finally distract the normal glucose regulation. The present study aimed to summarize the general effects of prenatal and postnatal Bisphenol A exposure on glucose metabolism focusing on animal studies and review the recent investigations on Bisphenol A -induced epigenetic perturbations that affect the normal glucose and lipid homeostasis and lead to type 2 diabetes. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur mustard (SM), also known as mustard gas, is a chemical weapon which by now has been used in many wars. The most concerning SM toxic effect is probable carcinogenicity. In this study, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of SM carcinogenicity, by focusing on treatment of SM-associated malignancies, particularly gene therapeutics, cancer vaccines, and epigenetic medications, have been criticized. The required data were collected through an organized search on valid scientific databases. For SM carcinogenicity due to acute or chronic exposure, the entire original and review articles were evaluated. In addition, studies on the therapeutic effects of available genetic and epigenetic medications were included. Currently, four gene therapeutics, two cancer vaccines with genetic bases, and seven epigenetic medications are available for cancer treatment. Genetic and epigenetic cancer treatments including Gendicine, Imlygic, Provenge, Cimavax-EGF, Azacitidine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, and Belinostat will yield outstanding benefits for SM-exposed patients who suffer from cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenotoxicology is an emerging field of study that investigates the non-genotoxic epigenetic effects of environmental toxicants resulting in alteration of normal gene expression and disruption of cell function. Recent findings on the role of toxicant-induced epigenetic modifications in the development of degenerative diseases have opened up a promising research direction to explore epigenetic therapy approaches and related prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we presented comprehensive data on epigenetic alterations identified in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, pulmonary conditions as well as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and bone disease. Although data on abnormalities of DNA methylation and their role in the development of diseases are abundant, less is known about the impact of histone modifications and microRNA expressions. Further, we discussed the effects of selected common environmental toxicants on epigenetic modifications and their association with particular abnormalities. A number of different environmental toxicants have been identified for their role in aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression. Such epigenetic effects were shown to be tissue-type specific and highly associated with the level and duration of exposure. Finally, we described present and future therapeutic strategies, including medicines and dietary compounds for combating the toxicant-induced epigenetic alterations. There are currently seven histone deacetylase inhibitors and two DNA methyltransferase inhibitors approved for clinical use and many other promising candidates are in preclinical and clinical testing. Dietary compounds are thought to be the effective and safe strategies for treating and prevention of epigenetic pathophysiological conditions. Still more concentrated epigenetic researches are required for evaluation of chemical toxicity and identifying the causal association between key epigenetic alteration and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan, as a biocompatible polymer, is very attractive for biomedical applications. Continues studies are performing for improving its physicochemical features in order to make it more suitable for such approaches. In this study, methylated 4- N , N dimethyl aminobenzyl N , O carboxymethyl chitosan (MABCC) was synthesized,as a new chitosan derivative, in three steps. The investigations were carried out using FTIR, NMR, TGA and zeta potential measurement. Antibacterial and cell viability assessments were performed on four bacterial strains and two cell lines respectively. FTIR and NMR results showed that all substitution reactions were successfully carried out. Zeta potential of MABCC at various pH especially alkaline pH was greater than chitosan and it revealed increasing the solubility of the derivative. Antibacterial activity of MABCC was extremely greater than chitosan especially in Gram positive bacteria.Furthermore,it had no significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Skov-3 cell lines in comparison to chitosan. These findings confirm that this new derivative can be introduced as a suitable compound for biomedical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus maculatus, distributed in the central and southeastern arid regions of Iran, belongs to the Agamidae family. In this research, the male reproductive cycle of this species was studied from 5 April to 5 August, 2013. Totally, 40 adult males were collected at midday from southern deserts of Damghan County, located in Semnan Province of Iran. Testes were removed and processed for morphometric and histological studies. The spermatogenic cycle begins from early April, mating occurs in mid-May, and it ends in August. Maximum reproductive activity occurs in early June and reduces from early July and ends in August. The numbers of seminal vesicles were 33–127 and their diameter varied between 69.0 and 258.3 microns. The diameter of tunica albuginea varied between 3.0 and 8.1 microns. The diameter of germinal layer varied between 10.0 and 110.0 microns. There were significant differences in macroscopic and microscopic testicular characters between months. Also, there were no significant differences in the testicular and hemipenal characters between the left side and the right side of body. Since spermatogenesis occurs from April through August, P. maculatus follows an associated reproductive cycle typical for temperate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is not merely an event with a certain end, but it is a permanent and vague situation that is determined by delayed effects due to the disease, its treatment and its related psychological issues. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program and conscious yoga on the mental fatigue severity and life quality of women with breast cancer. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and control group. In this study, 24 patients with the diagnosis of breast cancer were selected among the patients who referred to the Division of Oncology and Radiotherapy of Imam Hossein hospital in Tehran using available sampling method, and were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups. All the participants completed the Fatigue Severity Scale, Global Life Quality of Cancer Patient and Specific Life Quality of Cancer Patient questionnaires. Data were analyzed by multivariate repeated measurement variance analysis model. Results: Findings revealed that the mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment significantly improved the overall quality of life, role, cognitive, emotion, social functions and pain and fatigue symptoms in global life quality in the experimental group. It also significantly improved the body image, future functions and therapy side effects in specific life quality of the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, fatigue severity caused by cancer was reduced significantly. Conclusion: The results showed that the mindfulness - based stress reduction treatment can be effective in improving global and specific life quality and fatigue severity in women with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes severe side effects in patients. According to the previous studies, the incidence of depression and anxiety is higher among patients with diabetes type 2. The present study was conducted with the aim of examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program and conscious yoga on depression, anxiety and stress in patients with diabetes type 2. Materials and Methods: The study was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, control group and a 2-month follow-up. 24 patients among patients with diabetes who referred to Imam Hossein hospital were selected in an available way and were randomly assigned into experimental (n1=12) and control groups (n2=12). The level of quality of life was measured using Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) in pre-test. Then, participants of the experimental group received group mindfulness-based stress reduction program and conscious yoga for 8 sessions. After completing the interventions, patients' quality of life level was measured again and data were analyzed using multivariate repeated measurement model. Results: Findings showed there is a significant difference between experimental and control groups in terms of the quality of life level and mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly increases the quality of life in the participants of the experimental group. Conclusion: The result of this study suggests that mindfulnessbased stress reduction program can be an appropriate therapeutic method for improving quality of life in patients with diabetes type 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory impairment is regarded as one of the most challenging neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate behavioral and biochemical differences among similar mouse strains following Scopolamine (SCO) exposure as a widespread memory disturbing agent, and a supremely potent antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Three sets of mouse strains (i.e. SW, NMRI, and NIH mice) were subjected to 2 mg/kg intraperitoneal SCO and/or 50 mg/kg ALA 30 min before each Morris Water Maze (MWM) trial for five consecutive days. Upon completion of the trials, the hippocampal region of the animals was dissected for histopathological and biochemical analyses. The results exhibited significant impairments caused by SCO in behavioral tests, including probe test, escape latency, and distance traveled in two strains of NMRI and NIH. Nevertheless, at swimming speed, SCO had no meaningful effect on SW and NIH strains. The level of oxidative stress parameters including MDA, ROS, and SOD increased, FRAP and TTM levels related to the hippocampus decreased. There was also a significant increase in hippocampal acetylcholinesterase levels, ADP/ATP ratio, p-NFkB, and Cyt-c. Conversely, ALA administration resulted in a significant improvement in SCO-induced spatial learning and memory impairments only in the SW and NIH mice, which was associated with a significant reduction in hippocampal AChE activity, ADP/ATP ratio, ROS and MDA levels, and SOD activity. In addition of highlighting the efficacious role of ALA in cognitive functions, the findings of this study signified the behavioral dissimilarities among similar animal strains in case of different chemical exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes hold great promise as bio-inspired delivery vehicles. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized for their potential to yield huge quantities of exosomes. We aimed to investigate the potential use of modified exosomes derived from genetically modified dental pulp MSCs (DPSCs) as a carrier to deliver tumor suppressor miR-34a to repress proliferation of breast carcinoma cells. miR-34a-overexpressing DPSCs were prepared using XMIRXpress-34a lentivectors. The anticancer effects of the miR-34a-loaded exosomes were evaluated on breast carcinoma cells through apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Given the structural similarity between exosomes and liposomes, we compared the exosome-mediated miRNA delivery efficiency with that of liposomes. Our data demonstrated that genetically modified DPSCs were capable of secretion of exosomes enriched with therapeutic miRNAs and presented the feasibility of application of exosome-based vehicle for gene delivery. We showed the potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a tool for delivery of miRNAs in vitro. Nevertheless, optimizing gene-loading approaches is required before exosomes can be intended as a miRNA carrier for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: treatment of breast cancer as one of the most common cancers in the world remains an important area of drug development based on nanoparticulate systems. Effective targeted therapy of affected cells based on ligand conjugate biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles is an attractive perspective in this context. Objective: In this study, a novel double effect nanoparticle based on Chitosan-Raloxifene conjugate was prepared for adjuvant therapy (hormone and chemo therapy) and drug targeting to breast cancer cells via estrogen receptor (ER). Methods: Chitosan-raloxifene conjugate was synthesized. Related nanoparticles containing doxorubicin (DOX) were prepared and characterized. Experimental design study was performed to determine the optimum levels of variables in the preparation of nanoparticle. Drug loading, release, nanoparticle stability, and the effect of nanoparticles on cell viability were evaluated. Further, inhibition tests were performed to demonstrate that the function of these novel nanoparticles is mediated via ER. Results: Chitosan-raloxifene conjugate was successfully synthesized. The prepared nanoparticles showed sizes within 25–35 nm, more than 95% drug loading, about 60% of drug release and desired stability after 24 h. XTT assay on MCF-7 cell line illustrated that these nanoparticles could inhibit the cellular growth up to 60%. The results from inhibition tests revealed that prepared nanoparticles can inhibit cell growth via ER blocking. Conclusion: This study introduced chitosan-raloxifene nanoparticles containing doxorubicin as a novel targeting agent for adjuvant therapy of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The chronic nature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), have can leave devastating effects on quality of life and fatigue. The present research aimed to study the effect of group Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and conscious yoga program on the quality of life and fatigue severity among patients with MS. Methods: This study was quasi-experimental with intervention and control groups. The statistical population included all members to MS Society of Tehran Province, 24 of whom diagnosed with MS were selected as the sample based on the inclusion criteria. The subjects were randomly assigned into the test group (12 patients) and the control group (12 patients). MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used for data collection. Subjects in the test group underwent a MBSR and conscious yoga program in 8 two-hour sessions. The data were analyzed using the SPSS ver.13 software. Results: The study findings showed that there was a significant difference between subjects in the experimental and control groups in terms of mean score of some subscales of quality of life including physical health, role limitations due to physical and emotional problems, energy, emotional well-being, health distress, health perception, and satisfaction with sexual function, overall quality of life, and fatigue severity. Conclusion: The results show that the program is effective in reduction of fatigue severity and improving some subscales of quality of life in MS patients. Hence, this supportive method can be used as an effective way for improving quality of life and relieving fatigue in MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study aimed to develop a highly sensitive label-free electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of Diazinon (DZN), as one of the most widespread organophosphorus compounds. The aptasensor was assembled using screen-printed gold electrode modified by thiolated aptamers which were immobilized on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Optimum deposition time, in which the highest electrochemical response occurred, was found in 150 s. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize electrochemical properties of the novel aptasensor. Electrochemical detection was carried out through differential pulse voltammetry in [Fe(CN) 6 ]3-/4- solution. Fluctuation of the current was examined in the DZN concentration range of 0.1–1000 nM. According to the results, the designed aptasensor provided an extremely lower limit of detection (0.0169 nM) compared with HPLC and other colorimetric techniques for DZN detection. The present highly specific designed aptasensor doesn’t interact with other analytes in the real sample. Consequently, the present aptasensor is easy to use and relatively inexpensive with a good sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility for this application. We are now evaluating all approaches to make a portable device for fast and sensitive quantification of DZN and related OPs. Highlights • Electrochemical aptasensor for determination of Diazinon. • Gold nanoparticles-modified screen-printed gold electrode. • To make a portable and fast sensitive device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attending to psychological status in patients with breast cancer, because of expanded damage and mortality in these patients, is important. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) on depression and Perceived Stress in Patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This research was a semi-experimental with pretest, post-test and follow-up (1 month), which was conducted from November to February, 2016. In this study, 30 patients with breast cancer who attended Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran city were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly were assigned in 2 experimental (n=15) and control groups (n=15) and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale and Center Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were administrated as pretest. Experimental group received 8 sessions of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy SFBT and control group received no intervention. At the end, post-test was administrated on two groups and, repeated measure multi-variable method was used for data analysis by SPSS-21 software. Results: The results of the present study indicated that there were significant differences between the experimental and control groups after administrating SFBT. Thus, the mean of depression and perceived stress of experimental group decreased (P<0.001). Conclusion: The result of study that showed SFBT is effective in decreasing depression and perceived stress in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, in order to improve the positive psychological state in these patients psychological screening must be performed and if needed clinical trials and appropriate intervention be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present survey, the plasma level of diazinon after acute exposure was measured by HPLC method at a time-course manner. In addition, the impact of diazinon on the expression of the key genes responsible for hepatocellular antioxidative defense, including PON1, GPx and CAT were investigated. The increase in oxidative damages in treated rats was determined by measuring LPO, protein carbonyl content and total antioxidant power in plasma. After administration of 85 mg/kg diazinon in ten groups of male Wistar rats at different time points between 0-24 hours, the activity of AChE enzyme was inhibited to about 77.94%. Significant increases in carbonyl groups and LPO after 0.75 and 1 hours were also observed while the plasma antioxidant power was significantly decreased. Despite the dramatic reduction of GPX and PON1 gene expression, CAT gene was significantly upregulated in mRNA level by 1.1 fold after 4 hours and 1.5-fold after 24 hours due to diazinon exposure, compared to control group. Furthermore, no significant changes in diazinon plasma levels were found after 4 hours in the treated rats. The limits of detection and quantification were 137.42 and 416.52 ng/mL, respectively. The average percentage recoveries from plasma were between 90.62% and 95.72%. In conclusion, acute exposure to diazinon increased oxidative stress markers in a time-dependent manner and the changes were consistent with effects on hepatic antioxidant gene expression pattern. The effect of diazinon even as a non-lethal dose was induced on the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes. The change in antioxidant defense system occurs prior to diazinon plasma peak time. These results provide biochemical and molecular evidence supporting potential acute toxicity of diazinon and is beneficial in the evaluation of acute toxicity of other organophosphorus pesticides as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy lifestyle and ineffective coping strategies are deemed significant variables among patients with hypertension. This study attempted to determine the status of these variables following intervention via the mindfulness-based stress-reduction program (MBSRP) in patients with hypertension. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. The study sample, consisting of 30 patients referring to the Hypertension Clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital in 2013, was assigned either to the intervention (recipient of the MBSRP and conscious yoga) or to the control group (recipient of yoga training). The intervention group had 8 training sessions over 8 weeks. Lifestyle and coping strategies as well as blood pressure were measured in the intervention group before intervention and then immediately thereafter and at 2 months' follow-up and were compared to those in the control group at the same time points. Results: The mean age of the patients in the intervention (40% women) and control (53% women) groups was 43.66 ± 5.14 and 43.13 ± 5.04 years, respectively. The results showed that the mean scores of lifestyle (p value < 0.05), emotion-focused coping strategies (p value < 0.001), problem-focused coping strategies (p value < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p value < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (p value < 0.001) were significantly different between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. Conclusion: Applying an intervention based on the MBSRP may further improve the lifestyle and coping strategies of patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]