alireza panahi

Systemic inflammation is associated with severe coronavirus disease. Hyponatremia can be caused by inflammation related to non-osmotic stimuli.

This study was conducted to investigate hyponatremia status and interleukin 6 concentration as well as their possible relationship in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy people.

In this cross-sectional study, 24 COVID-19 patients and 24 healthy individuals referred to hospitals in Hamadan were included in the study in order to evaluate the relationship between hyponatremia and inflammation. The study was conducted after receiving ethical approval and informed consent from the participants. Complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers, electrolytes, creatinine, liver enzymes, ferritin, albumin, and D-dimer were measured using Selectra-Pro XI autoanalyzer, Pars Azmoun kits, and Human Interleukin 6 ELISA Kit Catalog MBS760693. All analyses were performed at a significance level of 0.05.

In this study, there was no statistically significant difference in age and gender between 24 healthy people and 24 participating patients (P>0.05). The level of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus was significantly decreased in patients with COVID-19 compared to controls (P<0.001). The level of inflammatory markers, ferritin, albumin, D-dimer, and liver enzymes in the patient group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.01).

The results of this study showed a higher incidence of hyponatremia and an increased level of interleukin-6 in COVID-19 patients. It seems that the use of strategies to reduce inflammation will help in the proper management of the disease.

Electrospinning is one of the methods that can be used to create nanofibers, and it is also one of the most versatile processes for synthesizing nanofibers. Depending on how closely their morphologies mirror the extracellular matrix of the body, some products may be ideal for use in tissue engineering applications. With the use of this technique, researchers were able to investigate the possibility of directly producing fibers from a cell solution that included a diverse range of cells. When it comes to bioink, natural biomaterials are significantly superior to synthetic polymers. The purpose of tissue engineering is to produce new organs and tissues that can be used in the therapeutic regeneration of individuals who have been injured. The building blocks of a tissue engineering structure are biomaterial scaffolds that have been functionally oriented, with cell cultures growing on top of them. Electrospun fibers differentiate themselves from other scaffolds used in tissue engineering because of their simplicity in manufacturing and their structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix.

 Agaricus blazei mushroom is used as a food and medicine, its effective composition is beta-glucan, which is used to treat some cancers and infections, including hepatitis C.Hepatitis C is an inflammatory disease that causes liver necrosis. Caspase2 protein is one of the factors promoting cell apoptosis and plays a role in tumor suppression. The purpose of this study is to determine the expression changes of the caspase2 gene and its effects on liver cancer.

 In this project, raw expression data was obtained from the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database section and using bioinformatics tools and methods and system biology such as Matlab (An abbreviation of "MATrix LABoratory), GEOR2 (Online software) and Cytoscape, the effect of consuming the desired mushroom on caspase2 gene expression was investigated.

 It was found that the beta-glucan combination has an increasing effect on target gene expression (p-value=0.05692).

 The results show that the beta-glucan present in the mushroom can play a role as a prevention and even treatment of liver cancer by increasing the expression of caspase 2 protein by directing the damaged cell towards apoptosis.

Multiple sclerosis is important in Iran because of its high prevalence and low age of onset. It exerts a large burden on affected people and the health care system. Studies have shown that the genetic content of humans has a critical role in MS. The histocompatibility loci which their products present the foreign antigenic peptides for detection by lymphocytes are of MS associated genetic elements. In this study, the association of HLA-DQB1*03 with MS was studied in Tehran, using a PCR-based system.

In this case-control study, a total of 367 blood samples were collected from 172 patients and 195 healthy people. Both groups were similar in age and gender. Blood DNA was extracted, and PCR technique was used to identify the presence of the allele.

In this study, the HLA-DQB1*03 allele in men was significantly higher than that of women (p = 0.002). Also, the allele was less frequent in patients than in healthy subjects (53% versus 67%), and this difference is significant (p = 0.02).

The DQB1*03 allele is significantly lower in patients with MS than in healthy people, and this relationship is more pronounced in male subjects. Therefore, it seems that this allele plays a protective role against MS disease.

Improving sperm motility results in increasing the success of a treatment cycle. Recently, sperm RNA has been used for diagnostic purposes such as whole seminal fluid, sperm analysis, and sperm quality test in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). SPATA18-P53 pathway is considered an essential pathway related to sperm mitochondria, which controls mitochondrial quality by eliminating its oxidative proteins. Oxidative stress may decrease sperm motility and affect sperm quality negatively due to an increase in P53 expression. SPATA18 protein is found in satellite fibers related to outer dense fibers in the middle piece of sperm. The downregulation of SPATA18 in the asthenospermia group can represent this gene’s critical function in sperm motility and fertility. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between SPATA18 and P53 gene expression in sperm cells obtained from normospermia and asthenospermia. In this case-control study, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to measure the SPATA18 and P53 gene expression level in sperm samples collected from 21 patients and 63 healthy individuals. Further, the sperm DNA fragmentation assay (SDFA) kit was applied to determine the relative apoptosis level in cells and evaluate the biochemical information related to the patients’ sperm samples. Furthermore, all the participants completed the consent form, and the ethics committee confirmed the study. Based on the results, the P53 and SPATA18 gene expression levels in most of the samples, in which motility was less than 40%, increased and decreased (P≤0.001), respectively. The SPATA18 and P53 gene expression levels increased and decreased in the asthenospermic patients, respectively, compared to the control group. Thus, the P53 and SPATA18 expression levels can be used as an appropriate marker for diagnosing sperm motility in male.

Cancer is a genetic disease that results from mutations in genes that control cell activities. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in men. Surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy are used to treat this disease. These treatments have numerous side effects after treatment, including impotence along with the high cost of treatment. In this study, lycopene was studied as a carotenoid compound synthesized in plants. Lycopene is used by plants and microorganisms to Absorb of light is made during photosynthesis. Lycopene is one of the effective antioxidants used to prevent the growth of cancerous glands. BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins are among tumor inhibitors. These two proteins are associated with various cellular processes such as DNA damage, repair, as well as with transcriptional regulation and chromatin regeneration. Defects in BRCA1 and BRCA2 function lead to defects in DNA repair. This instability in the genome is associated with a variety of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

In this research project, In Silico method and bioinformatics tools were used to determine the effect of lycopene on the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes effective in prostate cancer, and the changes in the expression of these inhibitory genes have been measured. For this study, high volume gene expression data were obtained from the NCBI database, GEO section. As the raw data were extracted previously using microarray method and published in the NCBI database, so these raw data were used in accordance with the purpose of this study. For optimal analysis of these data, using Matlab software, the expression changes of the desired genes treated with lycopene were investigated. For determination of the communication of these genes with each other and with other effective genes, Cytoscape software has been used.

Bioinformatics study of the effect of lycopene on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has shown that this combination has an increasing effect on the expression of these inhibitory proteins. therefore, treatment of patients with this combination, the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has increased.

Based on theorical analysis of microarray data, it was concluded that lycopene can be used as a preventive and even a treatment for prostate cancer in terms of its effect on BRCA1 and BRCA2 inhibitor genes.

In most cancers, the expression level of heat shock proteins is increased, which makes cancer cells resistant to drug therapy and has a poor prognosis. They have also been linked to cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Lycopene, as a carotenoid, is an effective antioxidant used to prevent the growth of cancerous glands. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in men. To treat this disease, surgery and chemotherapy are mostly used, which have many complications after treatment and are costly. In this study, prostate cancer was treated with lycopene and raw microarray big data were received from GEO section of NCBI database. Then, the expression changes of heat shock proteins (hsp27) were determined using bioinformatics tools and methods, and comparing the expression levels of lycopene-treated genes with non-treated ones showed that the expression level of HSPB8 gene was drastically reduced and also, no significant changes were observed in the expression level of other gene families in this group. Results show that lycopene can cause stress in cancer cells and this stress predisposes the cell to apoptosis.

Diabetes is related to the higher production of inflammatory markers such as chemerin and resistin. Hypoglycemic influences of Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have been established. The present study investigated the impacts of chemically or biologically synthesized SNPs using E. thyrsoideum extract on chemerin and resistin gene expressions in type II diabetic rats.

Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were used. Type 2 diabetes was induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Saline and 2.5 mg/kg chemically or biologically synthesized SNPs were injected to diabetic rats for two weeks. Five healthy rats received saline for two weeks. One day after the last injection, fasting blood samples were collected. Mean serum concentrations of glucose, creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured by spectrophotometry. The gene expression of chemerin and resistin was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Mean serum concentrations of glucose, urea, ALT, AST, and mean relative gene expression of chemerin and resistin remarkably decreased in the diabetic group receiving SNPs prepared by either the chemical method or using Eryngium extract compared to the diabetic control group. Serum creatinine concentration did not change significantly in the control diabetic or diabetic groups receiving SNPs prepared either chemically or using the Eryngium extract.

Chemically or green synthesized SNPs prevent liver hepatocyte damage. They reduced inflammatory factors via exerting hypoglycemic effects.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with decreased dopamine release and increased secretion of GnRH, kisspeptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY).  In the present study, the effects of L-dopa and dopamine receptor antagonists were investigated on the expression of KiSS1 and NPY genes in PCOS rats hypothalamus. Following the induction of PCOS by Estradiol Valerate inejction, 25 PCOS rats assigend to 5 groups received saline, L-dopa (100mg/kg), simultaneous injection of SCH23390 (1 mg/kg) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg),  simultaneous injection of sulpride (10 mg/kg) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg), and simultaneous injection of SCH23390 (1 mg/kg), sulpride(10 mg/kg) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg) respectively. Five intact rats received saline. Hypothalamus samples were isolated and frozen. The relative expressions of KiSS1 and NPY were determined by real- time-PCR. Data analysis was done by one- way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. The mean relative expression of KiSS1 and NPY significantly increased in PCOS group compared to the healthy rat group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). L-dopa injection caused a significant decrease in the mean relative expression of KiSS1 and NPY compared to the PCOS group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively). Simultaneous injections of SCH23390 and sulpride supressed the inhibitory effects of L-dopa on KiSS1 gene expression compared to L-dopa group exerting synergistic effects (p = 0.045).  Dopaminergic signaling pathway may play a role in the decrease of GnRH/LH secretion in PCOS rats by inhibiting the kisspeptin and NPY neuronal activity.

Due to low stiffness of braces after yielding, the structures with buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) experience high residual drifts during an earthquake, which can be intensified by aftershocks and causes considerable damages to structures. Also, due to poor distribution of stiffness, this problem is exacerbated for irregular structures. Recently, the yielding brace system (YBS) has been introduced; which is an alternative to BRBFs to solve this problem. YBS has a secondary stiffening part in its hysteresis behavior which can prevent excessive deformations. Therefore, structures with YBS are expected to show a better peroformance in seismic sequences compared to BRBs.  However, the seismic behavior of the YBS system in irregular structures has not been studied so far. On this basis, this paper investigates the seismic behavior of frames with BRB and YBS in regular and irregular structures under seismic sequences. Twenty four 4-, 8-, and 12-story frames with these two systems were designed and evaluated. First, a nonlinear dynamic analysis was conducted on the frames under mainshocks, and the maximum interstory drift and the residual interstory drift of the frames were compared. Then, using incremental dynamic analysis and fragility curves, the behavior of the frames under mainshocks was investigated. Afterwards, using incremental dynamic analysis and fragility curves, the behavior of the structures under mainshock-aftershock in three performance levels was aledso investigated. The results showed that YBS bracing, especially in low rise structures, leads to far lower maximum drifts and maximum residual drifts than BRB braces, which can reduce the probability of the occurrence of soft stories in structures.

All bacteria have many different secretion systems to transfer of their macromolecules to out. Currently, seven secretion systems have been identified. Transfer, tracing, and horizontal transmission of these gene groups, are many important in our understanding about these gene's application in bacteria and other substances.  In this study, we examined Type III secretion system (T3SS) genes in Pseudomonas with using the bioinformatics software such as SeqWord Genome Browser in some databases for instants, ACLAME, Mobil Elements Genetic (MGEs), and PAthogenicity Islands Data Base (PAIDB).   The results indicate that the T3SS genes transfers are observed with the percentage between 30% and 100%. Our findings also show the P. fluorescens bacterium has the most species with 15 transmitted genes. Bioinformatics predictors showed P. fluorescens F113 subtype with 11 genes had the highest transferability of T3SS cluster genes. The bacteria species such P. Fluorescens Pf-5، P. syringae pv. Glycinea, P. syringae pv. Aptata ، P. syringae pv. Japonica ، P. syringae pv. Pisi ، P. aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14 show up about 100% of horizontal transfer from T3SS.  Our results also indicate that T3SS, which are important in the bacteria disease, have the highest transmission rates. This study indicates can be showing the systematic transmission of disease from host and pathogen during the evolution.

The oxidative stress results in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in patients receiving hemodialysis. N-acetylcysteine is a well-known antioxidant agent. There are little studies about the effect of N-acetylcysteine on patients receiving hemodialysis, and, if any, their results are inconsistent. This study, as a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, was conducted on 44 hemodialysis patients in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Yasuj, Iran in 2015. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups, in the intervention group, N-acetylcysteine 600 mg every 12 hours for eight weeks was administered and the second group received placebo during this period every 12 hours. Blood samples were taken to measure C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and other biochemical markers such as ferritin, albumin, and creatinine at baseline and at the end of treatment. 40 patients completed the study (21 on N-acetylcysteine, 19 on placebo), with a mean age of 60.72±17.60. There was not any significant difference between intervention and control groups in interleukin-6 (8.85±6.9 vs. 10.32±8.68, 95% CI, -3.52 to 6.46; P=0.55) and C - reactive protein (0.85±0.29 vs. 0.9±0.31, 95% CI, -.14 to .24; P=0.60). In addition, there was no significant relationship between the two groups in other biochemical markers. In this study, administering N-acetylcysteine was safe and caused a reduction in some inflammatory markers, but these changes were not significant in comparison with placebo.

HPC has become popular due to its superior mechanical and durability properties.HPC significantly reduces maintenance costs and enhances service life. Internal curing of high performance concrete (HPC) by pre-saturated lightweight aggregates is a wellestablished method of counteracting self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage. However, by introducing the internal water reservoirs strength and durability properties can be injured. Concrete is a strong and durable material that has been utilized since the beginning of civilization. It is understood that many of the early structures are deteriorating or have already deteriorated away; however, with the knowledge of the material properties of concrete that is available, it is hard to imagine that concrete structures is prematurely failing before their intended service life. There are many factors involved in these failures, some of which are due to environmental conditions and others which have arisen from human errors or lack of knowledge. Early age properties of concrete are vital to its long-term performance. Many contractors and owners are interested only on the strength of concrete in 28 days or 9 days, that they overlook the importance of other early age issue especially when the mix design has water to cementitious material ratio (w/cm) lower than ~0.42. Internal curing with LWA has been successfully used recently in large construction projects of normal density concrete structures. For example, in January 2005, about 190 000 m of internally-cured concrete was used in a large paving project in Hutchins, Texas. Although the benefits of internal curing for high-performance concrete structures have been evidenced in the laboratory and some field investigations (such as those previously mentioned), the literature does not provide any significant quantitative information regarding the additional extension of the service life that can be achieved by the use of internal curing in concrete structures. A great concern for design engineers and contractors is whether the concrete will achieve the specified compressive strength and all durability requirements in the structure during service. Cusson & Hoogeveen (2008) demonstrated that internal curing can reduce autogenous shrinkage considerably without affecting the strength and stiffness of high-performance concrete. This was achieved by reducing the amount of mix water in the concrete by an amount equal to that used in the LWA for internal curing, thus reducing the effective watercement ratio (w/c ) of the concrete when using higher quantities of pre-soaked LWA. Tests by the widely accepted methods of durability assessment, such as resistance to chloride penetration, air permeability, water absorption, autogenous and drying shrinkage and mass loss, were conducted on HPC mixes made at water to cement ratios in the range of 0.21–0.33. The effect of internal curing on the durability related properties of high-performance concretes as a function of water to cement ratio is reported.

Curcumin is a natural substance with anti-cancerous properties without many disadvantages of currently-used anticancer drugs. Its toxicity is significantly higher in tumor cells compared with normal cells. We hypothesized the difference of p53 function between normal and tumor cells as one of the presumable causes of this phenomenon. We knocked down the expression of p53 in normal fibroblasts using anti-p53 siRNA and subsequently explored the effects caused by dendrosomal curcumin- a novel nanoformulation of curcumin- on these cells in terms of apoptosis induction and gene expression analysis. The results of MTT assay demonstrated dendrosomal curcumin is selectively cytotoxic for melanoma cancer cells without any considerable effects on normal fibroblasts. Knocking-down of p53 in normal fibroblast cells caused increase of NF-κB1 and decrease of p21 expression level. Treating p53-suppressed normal fibroblast cells with dendrosomal curcumin led to a robust increase in apoptosis rate of the cells. Taken together, these results imply the fact that p53 can protect normal cells from dendrosomal curcumin-induced apoptosis.Therefore, dendrosomal curcumin- in addition to being a chemotherapeutic compound-represents potential capacities to be used as an effective chemopreventive agent.

Although cough is the defensive mechanism of the host for cleaning tracheobronchial tree, it is sometimes protracted and not useful. For cough suppression anti-tussive drugs is used. Thyme (Zatara Multiflorian) suppress cough. In this study the therapeutic effect of Thyme (Zatara multiflorian) and its side effects was compared with Dextrometorphan. In this double blind clinical trial study 80 patients with acute nonproductive cough were enrolled with 40 patients in Dextrometorphan group and 40 patients in thyme group. Information was encoded before and 7 days after treatment and analyzed with EP16 software. Complete recovery rate was higher in Thyme group, but partial improvement was higher in Dextrometorphan group which was not significant (p<0.05). Side effects such as drowsiness, vertigo, headache, nausea and abdominal pain were not different between the 2 groups. Irritability, convulsion, vomiting and skin allergy were not seen in 2 groups. Therapeutic effects of thyme is similar to Dextrometorphan.