darioush bijan nejad

Anatomy is very important as a cornerstone in medical education. The opinions of medical students as the main source of information for the quality and effectiveness of anatomy teaching methods can be used to improve this course. This study was conducted to investigate the opinions of medical students about anatomy teaching methods at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.Materials &  This cross-sectional study was performed on 180 medical students. The opinions of medical students were investigated using a researcher-made questionnaire containing 16 questions about anatomy teaching methods. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire was confirmed in a preliminary study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. Out of 180 medical students, 113 (62.8%) were girls and 67 (37.2%) were boys. The average age of the students was 25.95 ± 1.7 years. The students stated that the level of their learning from the current teaching methods of anatomy is average (3.35 out of 5). Among the teaching methods, presentation of clinical tips (4.35), use of moulage (4.33) and the combined method of basic and clinical education (4.11) had the greatest effect on the satisfaction, while online teaching (2.82) and the use of PowerPoint (2.53) had the least effect. There were no significant differences between students by gender and academic performance in relation to teaching methods (p>0.05). Considering the relative satisfaction of medical students toward the current teaching methods of anatomy, it is suggested that medical teachers use modern teaching methods and combined basic and clinical methods at the same time as practical training to increase the quality of anatomy teaching by revising their teaching methods.

 

Excessive body movements or prolonged postures cause disorders in body systems including the skeletal system, and lead to complications such as pain, deformity, and dysfunction. Nurses are one of the vulnerable groups in this regard due to their work type. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and some related factors in nurses of Ahvaz, Iran.

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 196 nurses of teaching hospitals in Ahvaz were included into the study using by convenience sampling. After recording personal and occupational information, the spine was examined for kyphosis and lordosis abnormalities using a flexible ruler. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

According to the results of the present study, among the studied nurses, 24 (12.2%) had lordosis and 58 (29.6%) had kyphosis. The prevalence of kyphosis and lordosis was not significantly different regarding weight, height, BMI, number of children, working hours per week, and workplace ward. The prevalence of kyphosis was not significantly different regarding gender and age, but the prevalence of lordosis was significantly different in terms of gender and age (p = 0.05), and was significantly higher in women and older ages.

Lordosis and kyphosis are prevalent in nurses of teaching hospitals in Ahvaz (with more prevalence of kyphosis than lordosis), so there is a need for more support, better working conditions, and the adoption of strategies to reduce occupational injuries.

For tissue engineering and clinical translation strategies, it is essential to have a reliable and safe lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells. To deal with several problems caused by growth factor delivery systems and growth factors, exosomes have been used as biomimetic tools to trigger the differentiation of stem cells. It is believed that cell type-specific exosomes can induce lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells. Exosomes trigger cell viability, cell proliferation and differentiation, embryonic implantation, and migration. They have been used successfully in regenerative medicine, such as liver fibrosis, renal diseases, cardiac ischemia, stroke, and skin injuries. The findings highlighted the necessity to take into account the condition and source of exosome donor cells before selecting them for therapeutic use.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a common autoimmune and multifactorial disorder. Researchers have been interested in making a favorable islet-like tissue model for the treatment of diabetes. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of the spleen extracellular matrix (S-ECM) on the function of the MIN6 cell line (a β-cell model). 

In this experimental research, Wistar rat spleens were decellularized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100. S-ECM was characterized by histological assessments, scanning electron microscopy, determination of residua DNA, and examination of the mechanical tensile property. Then, MIN6 cells were seeded on S-ECM scaffold. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and mRNA expression of insulin-related genes were examined to confirm the function of the cells. 

The main components of S-ECM such as collagen and glycosaminoglycan remained after decellularization. Furthermore, very low residual DNA and appropriate mechanical behavior of S-ECM provided an ideal extracellular microenvironment for the MIN6 cells. GSIS results showed that the seeded cells in S-ECM secreted more insulin than the traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture. The expression of specific insulin-related genes such as PDX-1, insulin, Maf-A, and Glut-2 in the recellularized scaffold was more significant than in the 2D traditional cultured cells. Also, MTT assay results showed that S-ECM were no cytotoxic effects on the MIN6 cells. 

These results collectively have evidenced that S-ECM is a suitable scaffold for stabilizing artificial pancreatic islands.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising tools for cell treatment and human tissue regeneration, e.g., in liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells repair tissue damage through paracrine mediators such as exosomes. Types and concentrations of inflammatory mediators, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ1), in MSCs microenvironment can affect MSCs’ function and therapeutic potency.

This experimental study aimed to explore the effects of Wharton jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) exosomes on fibrotic gene expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3)). Moreover, we further investigated whether WJ-MSCs pretreatment with different concentrations of TGFβ1 changes the anti-fibrotic properties of their exosomes.

After isolation from the umbilical cord, WJ-MSCs were characterized by observing differentiation and measuring surface biomarkers using flowcytometry. The WJ-MSC-derived exosomes were extracted and identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and western blotting. Real-time PCR and western blot for extracellular matrix (ECM) and p-Smad2/3 expression detection were used to investigate the effect of exosomes from untreated and TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Phospho-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen1α1 levels were enhanced following treatment with TGFβ1, whereas E-cadherin was decreased. However, the outcomes were reversed after treatment with WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. Exosomes from TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs induced a significant decrease in p-Smad2/3 levels in activated HSCs, accompanied by the upregulation of E-cadherin gene expression and downregulation of α-SMA and collagen1α1 when compared to untreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. The p-Smad2/3 proteins were significantly decreased (fold change: 0.23, P-value < 0.0001) after exposure to low-dose TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes (0.1 ng/mL), showing the best effect on activated HSCs.

Exosomes derived from untreated WJ-MSCs could regress TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling and the expression of fibrotic markers in activated LX-2 cells. However, these effects were significantly profound with applying exosomes derived from 0.1 ng/mL TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs. We also observed the dose-response effects of TGFβ on WJ-MSCs-derived exosomes. Therefore, exosomes derived from TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs may be critical in improving fibrosis and benefit liver fibrosis patients.

Pomegranate seed extract (PSE ) possesses anticancer activities and healing effects. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are being considered a new candidate for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PSE on the cell cycle and apoptosis of the MCF-7 cell line in the co-culture condition with ADSCs.

MCF-7 and ADSC cells (ratio 1/1) were cultured in a transwell plate with and without PSE (PSE-co-culture and co-culture groups). MCF-7 cells were cultured in monolayer without and with PSE (mono-culture and PSE-mono-culture groups). MCF-7 cell line was harvested on day 5 and cell viability, apoptotic activity, cell cycle, and gene expression were evaluated.

The results of the MTT assay indicated that PSE at 100 μg/mL has the highest cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 in the PSE-co-culture group. The cell cycle analysis revealed that ADSCs in combination with PSE significantly increased the population of MCF-7 cells in the G1 phase, resulting in the arrest of MCF-7 cells cycle in the G0/G1 transition. In addition, the most apoptotic MCF-7 cells (41.5%) were detected in the same group. Expression of BAX and caspase3 genes were upregulated while anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) and angiogenesis inducer (VEGF) genes were downregulated in the PSE-co-culture group compared with the other groups.

ADSCs reduced cell viability and proliferation of MCF-7 cells in co-culture conditions and adding PSE to the medium increased the apoptosis of cancer cells. This study suggests that ADSCs with PSE can suppress tumor cells.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by destruction of beta cells of pancreas. Vildagliptin (VG), a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibitor, is an anti-diabetic drug, which increases beta cell mass. In the present study, the effects of VG on generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) is investigated.
In this experimental study, ASCs were isolated and after characterization were exposed to differentiation media with or without VG. The presence of IPCs was confirmed by morphological analysis and gene expression (Pdx-1, Glut-2 and Insulin). Newport Green staining was used to determine insulin-positive cells. Insulin secretion under different concentrations of glucose was measured using radioimmunoassay method.
In the presence of VG the morphology of differentiated cells was similar to the pancreatic islet cells. Expression of Pdx-1, Glut-2 and Insulin genes in VG-treated cells was significantly higher than the cells exposed to induction media only. Insulin release from VG-treated ASCs showed a nearly 3.6 fold (P The present study has demonstrated that VG elevates differentiation of ASCs into IPCs. Improvement of this protocol may be used in cell therapy in diabetic patients.

In this study, effects of encapsulated umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in high mannuronic alginate scaffolds was investigated on CCl4-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in rats.
Material and UCSCs were encapsulated in high mannuronic alginate scaffolds. Then the UCSCs differentiated into HLCs for treatment of CCl4-induced ALF in rats. Thirty rats randomly divided into 5 groups: Intoxicated group received only CCl4 to induce ALF. In other groups including cell-free, UCSCs and HLCs, alginate scaffolds were transplanted into the liver 4 days after CCl4 injection. Biochemical markers including albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. Histological changes and gene expression of ALB, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) were also assessed.
Expression of CK-18 significantly increased in HLCs compared to the UCSCs in vitro. This indicates that UCSCs can effectively differentiate into the HLCs. In CCl4-intoxicated group, BUN, AST and ALT levels, and histological criteria, such as infiltration of inflammatory cells, accumulation of reticulocytes, nuclear pyknosis of hepatocyte and sinusoidal dilation, significantly increased. In this group, ALB secretion significantly decreased, while AFP expression significantly increased. Both UCSCs and HLCs encapsulated in alginate scaffolds effectively attenuated biochemical tests, improved liver cytoarchitecture, increased expression of ALB and reduced AFP expression.
Finding of the present study indicated that encapsulation of UCSCs or HLCs in alginate mannuronic scaffolds effectively improve CCl4-induced ALF.

Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells are one of the valuable sources for cell therapy and tissue engineering, and for these purposes, it is necessary to proliferate them in culture medium. Culture medium imposes oxidative stress on cells. Vitamin C (vit C) is a potent antioxidant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vit C on proliferation and differentiation of these cells.
After isolation and culture of cells from umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly, cells of third passage culture, were treated with different concentrations of vit C in five groups, including: 1- without vit C, 2- supplemented medium with 5µM of vit C; 3- supplemented medium with 50µM of vit C; 4- supplemented medium with 250, and 5- supplemented medium with 500µM of vit C. The treatment period was 9days. Cellular bioviability was assessed by MTT assay, and their differentiation potential was assessed by osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation inducer medium and histochemical staining.
In this study, vit C with concentration of 250µM increased cellular bioviability, while other concentrations decreased it (p≤0.05). Also, 50µM concentration improved osteogenic differentiation; while, in terms of adipogenic differentiation, it could just uniform dispersion of lipid droplets with 50 µM concentration.
The results of this study showed that an appropriate concentration of vit C can increase the viability of Wharton’s jelly and affect osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner.

Sitting on inappropriate benches, as well as the poor posture (body position) during the years of growth, can lead to spinal disorders, fatigue and discomfort in students. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between features of desks and chairs and prevalence of some musculoskeletal disorders in primary school students in Abadan.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in the city of Abadan- South West of Iran; for which, 383 primary school students were selected and studied through cluster sampling method. Data were collected by the checkered board and researcher-made questionnaire. Features and dimensions of desks and chairs of students were recorded and evaluated based on their condition (being standard or not). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 22; and then, descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were conducted.
Study results showed that about 56.1% of the desks and chairs in under study schools were non-standard. It found that drooping shoulder (85.4%) and scoliosis (81.7%) were the more prevalent disorders and back straight (1.6%) was the least frequent disorder. There was a significant relationship between the variable of non-standard desks and chairs and prevalence of drooping shoulders (P=0.001), scoliosis (P= 0.04), kyphosis (P=0.007) and lordosis (P=0.002) disorders in students.
The non-standard-sized desks and chairs increase the prevalence of skeletal disorders in schoolchildren. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to design and build standard classroom desks and chairs, which are best, adjust to students’ physics.

Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the best sources for cell-based therapies. MSCs reveal the neuronal morphology and expression of neuronal marker in differentiation conditions. The aim of the present study was to differentiate of MSCs into neuron-like cells using Activin A and nicotinamide.
Umbilical cords were cut close to the placenta and smaller pieces (2-4 cm) of umbilical cords prepared and Wharton's jelly extracted. MSCs were isolated by an explant culture method and surface phenotype of cells analyzed by Dako flow cytometry and the FlowJo software. MSCs were then induced for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Cells were exposed to neuronal differentiation condition and treated with 20 μg / ml Activin A and 0.1% FBS for 3 days in RPMI,then with 10 mMnicotinamide, 2% B27 and 0.1% FBS for 7 days.
spindle-shaped MSCs were observed after 7-10 days of explants culture. Immunophenotype of cultured MSCs were positive for mesenchymal markers such as CD105 and CD90 but negative for hematopoietic markers such as CD34 and CD45. After MSCs differentiation to the osteogenic or adipogenic lineage, lipid droplets and calcium deposition were observed. The differentiated neural-like MSCs were appeared as pyramidal nerve-like cells with neuritis.
Some of th cells. During neuronal differentiation, axon and dendritic like process wereosbserved in some of Bipolar and mulipolarmulipolar cells. Furthermore direct synaptic like contacts were observed between cells.
The present study showed that Activin A and nicotinamide could induce differentiation of MSCs into neural lineage.

If skeletal system does not have a correct form in childhood, certainly person will face many problems in the later stages of life. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of skeletal disorders in primary school students in Abadan, 2015. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 primary school students in Abadan, Iran, which were selected by cluster sampling method. Data was collected by checkerboard and a demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22 with descriptive methods and Chi-square test. The most common skeletal disorder in female and male students was drooping shoulders (81.7%) and scoliosis (85.4%). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was significantly related to gender and age (P<0.05). Due to high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in schoolchildren, screening programs in schools has been recommended for prevention. To reduce the rate of musculoskeletal disorders in students of primary school, identification and follow up of students at early stages of disorders seems a necessary solution.

Due to increasing demand for liver tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) liver cells culture techniques have been proposed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the cells isolation and expansion of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells and in vitro 2D and 3D hepatocyte differentiation. Also functional characteristics of hepatocytes were analyzed. The study performed in several phases. In the first umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells obtained and isolated, thereafter cellss expanded. Determination of Immunophenotype using Flowcytometry performed by DAKO – Galaxy Hepatic differentiation UC-MSCs was performed by four step sequential method using FGF-4, ITS, HGF, dexamethasone, glucagon, OSM and TSA. Urea production was quantified by ELISA. Section of tissue constructs stained with hematoxyllin and eosin for histological examination. MSCs isolated from umbilical cord expressed mesenchymal surface antigen such as CD73, but were negative against CD31. Several cell clusters mainly between the round cells were observed in alginate scaffold after 3d differentiation. Urea production was increased time- dependable and was significantly higher in the experimental group of 3D culture (P=0.001). Tissue construct of 3D culture revealed multicellular tissue with several euchromatin cell plates. The finding of the present study indicated that four step differentiation of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells within hydrogel scaffold induced functionally and morphologically characteristics of hepatocytes such as urea production and cell plates.