Advanced Biomedical Research
Volume:6 Issue: 11, Nov 2016

The use of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) is a method for the dosimetric verification of radiotherapy plans, both pretreatment and in vivo. The aim of this study is to test a 2D EPID‑based dosimetry algorithm for dose verification of some plans inside a homogenous and anthropomorphic phantom and in vivo as well.

Dose distributions were reconstructed from EPID images using a 2D EPID dosimetry algorithm inside a homogenous slab phantom for a simple 10 × 10 cm2 box technique, 3D conformal (prostate, head‑and‑neck, and lung), and intensity‑modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) prostate plans inside an anthropomorphic (Alderson) phantom and in the patients (one fraction in vivo) for 3D conformal plans (prostate, head‑and‑neck and lung).

The planned and EPID dose difference at the isocenter, on an average, was 1.7% for pretreatment verification and less than 3% for all in vivo plans, except for head‑and‑neck, which was 3.6%. The mean γ values for a seven‑field prostate IMRT plan delivered to the Alderson phantom varied from 0.28 to 0.65. For 3D conformal plans applied for the Alderson phantom, all γ1% values were within the tolerance level for all plans and in both anteroposterior and posteroanterior (AP‑PA) beams.

The 2D EPID‑based dosimetry algorithm provides an accurate method to verify the dose of a simple 10 × 10 cm2 field, in two dimensions, inside a homogenous slab phantom and an IMRT prostate plan, as well as in 3D conformal plans (prostate, head‑and‑neck, and lung plans) applied using an anthropomorphic phantom and in vivo. However, further investigation to improve the 2D EPID dosimetry algorithm for a head‑and‑neck case, is necessary

Teicoplanin is a member of vancomycin‑ristocetin family of glycopeptide antibiotics. It mediated wound healing by increasing neovascularization possibly through activation of MAP kinase signaling pathway. The aim of this study is an evaluation of c‑myc and c‑fos genes expression after treatment of cells by teicoplanin and determines whether this glycopeptide antibiotic exerts its proliferation effects by influencing the expression of these genes. Hence, this study was designed to elucidate one possible mechanism underlying teicoplanin effects on cell proliferation using 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyl‑2H‑tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Breast cancer cell line, MCF‑7, was cultured, and three different concentrations of teicoplanin were added to the plates. We measured the cell proliferation rate by MTT assay. After cell harvesting, total RNA was extracted to synthesize single‑stranded cDNA. Real‑time polymerase chain reaction was performed, and the data were analyzed.

It was observed that the level of c‑fos and c‑myc genes’ expressions was decreased at all three different concentrations of teicoplanin.

it could be concluded that although teicoplanin is considered as an enhancing cell growth and proliferation, but probably its effect is not through MAP kinase signaling pathway or perhaps even has inhibitory effect on the expression of some genes such as c‑myc and c‑fos in this pathway. Hence, the mechanism of action of teicoplanin for increasing cell propagation, through cell signaling pathways or chromosomal abnormalities, remains unclear, and further studies should be conducted

Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHy) is a widespread condition in which cardiovascular manifestations are frequently occur, but there is still a debate about the vascular responsiveness in it. Measuring flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) and intimae‑media thickness (IMT) are used to evaluate endothelial function in these patients.

Twenty‑five patients with a diagnosis of exogenous SHy and 25 full matched healthy subjects were enrolled. At first FMD of brachial artery and IMT of common carotid artery were obtained from all the participants. In the second phase, in the second phase of study, the dosage of levothyroxine was reduced at least 25% of prior dosage, and this was continued until thyroid stimulating hormone became normal range. Measuring FMD and IMT was repeated after this intervention in the case group.

The mean age of case and control groups were 38.48 ± 12.05 and 36.72 ± 11.15 years, respectively. The mean of FMD in healthy people was dramatically higher than the subclinical hyperthyroid patients (P < 0.001) but no statistically significant difference was found for IMT (P = 0.459). After intervention in the case group, FMD was meaningfully increased (P < 0.001) but IMT of common carotid artery was not considerably changed (P = 0.491).

This study demonstrated that FMD decreased in exogenous subclinical hyperthyroid patients which could be partially restored by treatment. These findings suggest that treatment of subclinical hyperthyroid state could improve endothelial dysfunction and at the end decreased the cardiovascular complications.

In this study, we investigated the effect of melatonin administration on four markers of endothelial cell function including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), C‑reactive protein (CRP), and nitric oxide (NO) on patients with three vessels coronary disease.

This double‑blind, randomized, controlled trial study was conducted on 39 patients (32 men and 7 women) with three vessels coronary disease. The case group included 20 patients who received 10 mg oral melatonin 1 h before sleeping for 1 month. The control group included 19 patients who received placebo 1 h before sleeping for 1 month. The serum levels of CRP, ICAM, VCAM, and NO were compared after 1 month treatment.

After 1 month of melatonin treatment, the mean level of ICAM, VCAM, and CRP showed a statistically significant decrease in the case group. On the other hand, the mean level of VCAM increased significantly in the control group. The mean levels of CRP and ICAM were also increased in the control group, but the difference did not reach the significant threshold. With respect to NO, there was a statistically significant increase in the case group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in serum NO in the control group.

The results of this study suggested that melatonin may have beneficial effects on endothelial oxidative stress even in patient with severe and advanced atherosclerosis.

This study aimed to compare pressure regulated volume control (PRVC) and synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation (SIMV) modes of ventilation according to respiratory and hemodynamic stability in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In a randomized, single‑blinded, clinical trial study, 100 patients who hospitalized in ICU due to TBI were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The first and second groups were ventilated by PRVC and SIMV modes, respectively. During mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas and respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were also recorded and compared between the two groups.

According to the t‑test, the mean rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) after the first 8 h of mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in SIMV group compared with PRVC group (107.6 ± 2.75 vs. 102.2 ± 5.2, respectively, P < 0.0001). Further, according to ANOVA with repeated measures, the trend of RSBI changes had a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The trend of ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen was different between the two groups according to Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test (P < 0.001).

Using PRVC mode might be more desirable than using SIMV mode in patients with TBI due to better stability of ventilation and oxygenating. To ensure for more advantages of PRVC mode, further studies with longer follow‑up and more detailed measurements are recommended.

Hypocalcemia is one of the complications of phototherapy resulted from influence of phototherapy in melatonin secretion reducing corticosterone and ultimately increasing bone uptake. In this study, effect of head covering in prevention of this common and serious complication is studied.

This prospective, randomized clinical trial study conducted on premature infants with gestational age <35 weeks with jaundice. Infants were divided into two groups (n = 43). The first group (intervention group) and the second group (control group) while on the cut, underwent phototherapy using four blue fluorescent lamps in distance of 35 cm. Eyes and genitalia were protected using appropriate clothing. In the first group, head was covered using cloth helmet with a suitable size. For both groups, serum calcium was measured before and 36 h after starting phototherapy.

Mean serum calcium before phototherapy in both intervention and control groups was 8.72 ± 1.12 and 8.79 ± 0.87 mg/dL, respectively, and the difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.76). After treatment, calcium level in both intervention and control groups was 8.9 ± 0.82 and 8.43 ± 0.91, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.015). Mean serum calcium levels after phototherapy in the intervention group was −0.17 ± 1.46 (increase) and it was 0.35 ± 0.71 (decrease) in the control group. According to t‑test, the difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.036).

Head covering during phototherapy probably prevents from hypocalcemia.

Poly (hydroxy butyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer with good mechanical properties. This polymer could be a promising material for scaffolds if some features improve.

In the present work, new PHB/chitosan blend scaffolds were prepared as a three‑dimensional substrate in cartilage tissue engineering. Chitosan in different weight percent was added to PHB and solved in trifluoroacetic acid. Statistical Taguchi method was employed in the design of experiments.

The Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy test revealed that the crystallization of PHB in these blends is suppressed with increasing the amount of chitosan. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a thin and rough top layer with a nodular structure, supported with a porous sub‑layer in the surface of the scaffolds. In vitro degradation rate of the scaffolds was higher than pure PHB scaffolds. Maximum degradation rate has been seen for the scaffold with 90% wt. NaCl and 40% wt. chitosan.

The obtained results suggest that these newly developed PHB/chitosan blend scaffolds may serve as a three‑dimensional substrate in cartilage tissue engineering.

Morphine dependency usually results in undesired outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive alterations. In this study, morphine was used to manage morphine dependence‑induced anxiety, depression, and learning and memory disturbances.

Forty rats were divided equally into five groups. Group 1 received saline for 21 days. Groups 2–5 were dependent by increasing administration of morphine (15–45 mg/kg) for 7 days. For the next 14 days, morphine was administered as the following regimen: Group 2: once daily; 45 mg/kg (positive controls), Group 3: the same dose with an increasing interval (6 h longer than the previous intervals each time), Group 4: the same dose with an irregular intervals (12, 24, 36 h intervals interchangeably), and Group 5: decreasing doses once daily (every time 2.5 mg/kg less than the former dosage). On days 22–26, elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were performed to investigate anxiety level and depression in animals. Between 17th and 21st days, Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory.

Chronic morphine administration caused depression and anxiety as observed by FST, EPM, and TST and decreased motor activity in OFT and caused impairment in learning and memory performance in MWM. Treatment with our protocol as increasing interval, irregular interval, and decreasing dosage of morphine caused marked reduction in depression, anxiety, and improved cognition performance compared with positive control group; and attenuated motor deficits in morphine‑dependent rats, remarkably.

Change in dosage regimens of morphine can reduce morphine‑induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments.

The present study aimed to clinically examine the effects of platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) on improvement of plantar fasciitis and its related manifestations. Patients and

This single‑blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 32 consecutive patients with the final diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that were randomly assigned to the case group (that received PRP, n = 16) and the control group (that received corticosteroid as methylprednisolone 1 ml plus lidocaine 1 ml, n = 16). The endpoints in the present study were changes in the visual analog scale score and the modified Roles and Maudsley score (RMS) from baseline, 1‑month, 3 months, and 6 months follow‑up. Plantar fascia was also assessed by B‑mode sonography before and also 3 months after primary assessment.

Regarding the pain severity, the PRP group had significantly higher mean pain score at 3 time points of before injection, as well as 1 and 3 months after PRP use when compared to the corticosteroid group (P < 0.05); however, the control group experienced significantly higher pain severity than the PRP group at 6 months after interventions. Also, RMS was lower in PRP group than in corticosteroid group at baseline as well as at 1 and 3 months after injections (P < 0.05). In sonography assessment, no difference was revealed.

Administration of PRP leads to significant improvement in pain severity and physical limitation in patients with plantar fasciitis. This healing effect may be begun at least 3 months after injection.

One of the new methods of scaffold fabrication is a nano‑micro hybrid structure in which the properties of the scaffold are improved by introducing nanometer and micrometer structures. This method could be suitable for scaffold designing if some features improve.

In this study, electrospun nanofibers of 9% weight solution of poly (3‑hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and a 15% weight of chitosan by trifluoroacetic acid were coated on both the surface of a silk knitted substrate in the optimum condition to improve the mechanical properties of scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering application. These hybrid nano‑micro fibrous scaffolds were characterized by structural and mechanical evaluation methods.

Scanning electron microscopy values and porosity analysis showed that average diameter of nanofibers was 584.94 nm in electrospinning part and general porosity was more than 80%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated the presence of all elements without pollution. The tensile test also stated that by electrospinning, as well as adding chitosan, both maximum strength and maximum elongation increased to 187 N and 10 mm. It means that the microfibrous part of scaffold could affect mechanical properties of nano part of the hybrid scaffold, significantly.

It could be concluded that P3HB‑chitosan/silk hybrid scaffolds can be a good candidate for cartilage tissue engineering.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among chronic infectious diseases. The goal of this cross‑sectional study (2012–2014) was to examine the prevalence of Mycobacterium TB (MTB) Beijing strains in regions near the Iranian border and to identify any epidemiological links.

To this end, MTB isolates were harvested, from 64 HIV‑negative, pulmonary smear‑positive TB patients from the Iranian border provinces of East Azerbaijan (North‑West), Kurdistan (West), and Kermanshah (West) (2012–2014). Isolates were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, using the insertion sequence IS6110 as a probe (IS6110 RFLP), and drug susceptibility testing by the proportion method. We gathered demographic and clinical data using a questionnaire and reviewing patient records. Results were analyzed with Gel Compare II 6.6 and SPSS‑18.

The mean age of the patients was 54.4 years and 46.9% were male. The prevalence of Beijing strains among the isolates was 9.4% (17.6% in the Western provinces and 0% in East Azerbaijan). There was a statistically significant relationship between the Beijing strains and drug resistance and also between these strains, and the recurrence of TB in patients that had previously received treatment (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Finally, the prevalence of Beijing strains in Western Iran was greater than expected. Our results therefore indicate that regional and cross‑border tracing may be necessary to control spread of this organism.

Hair growth as a key consumer objective has important role in the hair care products researches. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of a hair wax containing propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees in Eruca sativa seed oil base on hair growth.

The hair wax was designed and formulated compared with marketed brand hair wax and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters including pH, homogeneity, consistency, spread ability, in vitro drug release, and stability. After selection of the best formulation containing 10% ethanolic extract of propolis and 10% E. sativa seed oil, the hair growth potential was evaluated by application of 1 g hair wax daily on 4 cm² area of dorsal side of Wistar rats and compared with controls and standard medication (1 ml of 2% minoxidil). After 30 days treatment, the length and weight of hairs and percentage of hair follicles in different phases of growth in skin biopsies were assessed.

The selected hair wax formulation was stable and easy to wash. The formulation significantly increased hair length on 10th, 20th, and 30th day compared control group (5.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.4, 11.4 ± 0.6 vs. 5.8 ± 0.4, and 17.5 ± 0.5 vs. 12.7 ± 0.4 mm, respectively) and also the weight of newly grown hairs on 30th day (0.056 ± 0.006 vs. 0.043 ± 0.005). It improved hair follicles percentages in anagen phase without any sensitivity reaction.

The results of this study suggest that the formulated hair wax containing of propolis and E. sativa seed oil could have significant effect on promoting hair growth.

Psychiatric disorders are common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted this study to investigate the relationship of IBS and their subtypes with some of psychological factors.

A cross‑sectional study was performed among 4763 staff of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Modified ROME III questionnaire and Talley Bowel Disease Questionnaire were used to evaluate IBS symptoms. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and 12‑item General Health Questionnaire were utilized to assess anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of psychological states and IBS in the total subject and both genders.

About, 4763 participants with mean age 36/58 ± 8/09 were included the 2106 males and 2657 females. Three thousand and seven hundred and seventy‑six (81.2%) and 2650 (57.2%) participants were married and graduated respectively. Subtype analysis of IBS and its relationship with anxiety, depression and distress comparing the two genders can be observed that: IBS and clinically‑significant IBS have higher anxiety, depression symptoms, and distress than the subject without IBS (P < 0.001). Women with IBS, have higher scores than men (P < 0.001). Compared to other subtypes, mixed IBS subtype has a higher anxiety, depression, and distress score.

A high prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms and distress in our subjects emphasize the importance of the psychological evaluation of the patients with IBS, in order to better management of the patients and may also help to reduce the burden of health care costs.

To evaluate the efficacy of different ways of communications on prevention of suicidal reattempt, we compared the efficacy of phone call versus face‑to‑face follow‑up in patients with previous attempt.

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 55 suicide reattempters who were admitted to the poisoning emergency were divided into phone call (29 patients) and face‑to‑face (26 patients) groups randomly. They were followed at 8 occasions: 2nd and 4th weeks, and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th months. The suicidal reattempt, suicidal thought, hope, and interest of the patients were assessed on each occasion, and the patients were guided to visit by a therapist, if needed. The findings were analyzed by Mann–Whitney, Chi‑square, Cochran, Friedman, and independent t‑tests using SPSS 20.

The status of “hope” and “interest” improved in both groups, but it showed more significant difference in the face‑to‑face group. Suicidal thoughts in both groups decreased over time, and this was more significant in the face‑to‑face group. However, we did not found any significant difference in the frequency of the suicidal reattempts between two groups.

Face‑to‑face versus phone call follow‑up of suicide attempters can significantly alleviate suicidal thoughts and improve hopes and interests

This study aimed to focus on different phenotypes of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and their impact on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among a sample of the Iranian population.

The Isfahan cohort study is a population‑based, on‑going longitudinal study of adults aged 35 years old or more, living in urban and rural areas of three counties in central Iran namely Isfahan, Najafabad and Arak. Participants were selected by multistage random sampling and were recruited to reflect the age, sex and urban/rural distribution of the community. The sample was restricted to subjects with MetS based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and no history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cancer at the time of the baseline clinical examination.

Among different phenotypes of MetS components, clustering of high triglycerides (TGs), low high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) and abdominal obesity (ABO) was the most related to the all‑cause mortality among women and followed in order by high TGs, hypertension (HTN) and ABO. In men, the highest rate of all‑cause mortality was related to high TGs, low HDL, and HTN. Clustering of four components (high TGs, low HDL and HTN and obesity) is the most related to all‑cause mortality in the both sexes (12.1% in men, and 21.5% in women).

This study showed different phenotypes of MetS related with all‑cause mortality rate and existing HTN in the phenotype of MetS increased the incidence of CVD mortality.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between idiopathic microscopic hematuria (in the first and second trimesters) and major adverse outcomes of pregnancy.

Urinalysis was done for 700 pregnant women before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Those who had 3–5 red blood cells per milliliter in urinalysis were considered positive urinalysis. Then, all individuals were examined for blood pressure and other alarm signs of pregnancy complications in each visit. All mothers were followed for the incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and pregnancy outcome until the end of pregnancy.

The results of this study showed that no significant difference in terms of incident of pregnancy complications between the pregnant women with and without hematuria and the only abortions and neonatal deaths differed between the two groups.

These results suggest that further studies are needed to determine whether idiopathic microscopic hematuria can be a predictive value for pregnancy complications or not.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematopoietic malignancy that is known with its special cytogenetic feature. Several studies have surveyed expression signature of microRNAs (miRNAs) in APL patients, especially patients who are treated with conventional therapy of this disease. Using miRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in various cancers has been widely studied. Currently, most studies are focusing on exploiting miRNAs as therapeutic tools, and promising progress has been achieved in this field. Recently, studies in the field of miRNA‑based therapy in APL have been started.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Recent studies suggest the importance of gut flora in the pathophysiology of it. Therefore, antibiotics have demonstrated a substantial benefit to reduce gut flora. Having few side effects, and applying one‑dose per day, we studied the effect of azithromycin to treat IBS.

One hundred and twenty‑six patients enrolled a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study. The treatment group received azithromycin in addition to common treatment. Patients were followed for 12 weeks. Patients completed daily diaries documenting their symptoms.

One hundred and thirteen patients completed the study. The onset of relief occurred significantly sooner, and duration of relief was significantly longer in azithromycin group. Movement, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas were significantly better in azithromycin group. Monthly results showed superior relief in bloating, gas, overall symptom, and overall bloating during 3 months. Significantly more patients in azithromycin group felt relief in bloating and gas and had greater consistency relief in almost all weeks.

In our study, azithromycin significantly relieved most symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Overall symptom and overall bloating were relieved significantly in more patients in the intervention group in all weeks.

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is related to mammalian peroxidase family which contains a wide spectrum of biological activities. Despite the wide studies on the LPO, there is little study has been performed to simplify and shorten the procedure of enzyme purification. The aim of this project was to purify the enzyme through a simple method, and investigating enzyme kinetic parameters.

LPO was purified from bovine whey through modified method of Yoshida (1990) using two steps of ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion‑exchange chromatography. The purity of isolated enzyme was monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate‑polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‑PAGE).

The enzyme was purified 59.13‑fold with a recovery of 10.26 having a specific activity of 5.78 U/mg protein and an Rz value of 0.8. The enzyme activity was measured using guaiacol as a chromogenic substrate in phosphate buffer pH 6. SDS‑PAGE showed a single bond with molecular weight of 78 kDa. The purified enzyme displayed optimum activity at pH 6 in 30 mM phosphate buffer and at a temperature of 50°C, with a Km value of 178 mM and Vmax 0.63 U/ml.min for guaiacol.

Using only one step ion‑exchange chromatography, LPO was isolated from bovine whey in high purity.

Intraoperative hemorrhage is one of the problems during surgery and, if it happens in a high volume without an immediate action to control, it can be fatal. Nowadays, various injectable solutions are used. The aim of this study was to compare the acid–base and hemodynamic status of the patient using two solutions, Ringer lactate and 1.3% sodium bicarbonate, in half saline solution.

This clinical trial was performed at the Al‑Zahra Hospital in 2013 on 66 patients who were randomly selected and put in two studied groups at the onset of hemorrhage. For the first group, crystalloid Ringer lactate solution and for the second group, 1.3% sodium bicarbonate in half‑normal saline solution was used. Electrocardiogram, heart rate, O2 saturation non‑invasive blood pressure and end‑tidal CO2 were monitored. The arterial blood gas, blood electrolytes, glucose and blood urea nitrogen were measured before serum and blood injection. After the infusion of solutions and before blood transfusions, another sample was sent for measurement of blood parameters. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

The mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the second group than in the first group at some times after the infusion of solutions. pHh levels, base excess, bicarbonate, sodium, strong ion differences and osmolarity were significantly greater and potassium and chloride were significantly lower in the second group than in the first group after the infusion of solutions.

1.3% sodium bicarbonate in half‑normal saline solution can lead to a proper correction of hemodynamic instability. By maintaining hemodynamic status, osmolarity and electrolytes as well as better balance of acid–base, 1.3% sodium bicarbonate solution in half‑normal saline solution can be more effective than Ringer lactate solution during intraoperative bleeding