فصلنامه علوم پزشکی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی
سال سی و یکم شماره 3 (پیاپی 105، پاییز 1400)

Metal-organic frameworks have great application potential due to high pore volume, regular pore network, high surface area, simultaneous presence of organic and inorganic groups. Nowadays preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles is developed by thermal degradation of metal-organic frameworks. The aim of this study was to prepare bismuth oxide nanoparticles by thermal degradation method to remove organic section from metal-organic framework based on bismuth metal.

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for determination of the crystalline structure, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for investigation of functional groups, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for study of size and shape, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to confirm the chemical composition, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) to determine ultraviolet absorption and band gap energy. The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles was evaluated against Salmonella as Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria.

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were prepared in a spherical shape and uniformly with crystal structure by the thermal degradation method of metal-organic framework based on bismuth metal. The potential applications of these nanoparticles can expand the advancement in the field of medical science.

The results indicate that bismuth oxide nanoparticles have UV-blocking and antibacterial activity and can have good potential for various applications especially in medical, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic fields.

Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent stromal cells which are capable of differentiating into different cell lines. Nowadays, umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly (UC-WJ) are increasingly used as sources of stem cells. Studies show that scaffolds can affect the differentiation of stem cells to different cells and cause higher cell viability and proliferation as well. The present study aimed to evaluate the adhesion and viability of WJ-MSCs to PLA/Wax scaffold.

PLA/Wax scaffold was prepared using electrospinning method. Adhesion and viability of MSCs on this scaffold was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and MTT assay respectively.

SEM results showed that the fibers were homogeneous, uniform, and free of beads with high quality property, and adding wax to PLA significantly reduced the diameter of the nanofibers. These studies confirmed that the cells were attached to the scaffold in large numbers and with appropriate size. The results of MTT show good biocompatibility of the scaffold made with the cells and a significant increase in the survival rate of mesenchymal cells was observed during the period.

In conclusion, using PLA/Wax scaffold has promoted the attachment, survival and proliferation of the cells and has the potential to be an important candidate for developing the efficiency of 3D-cultures in order to cure diseases.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic gram-negative bacterium that causes infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin inflammation, soft tissue infections, and a variety of systemic infections. Increased antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has led to its introduction as one of the most important nosocomial infections. Recently, carbon nanotubes are important and effective antibacterial agents.  

Carbon nanotubes were prepared as carboxyl-functionalized nanofluids and then were evaluated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa to reduce antibiotic resistance.

It was observed that multi-walled carbon nanotubes had antimicrobial effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial resistance to the antibiotic meropenem was also significantly reduced in the presence of nanofluids containing functionalized carbon nanotubes. Thus, by co-administration of functionalized carbon nanotubes and meropenem, in the nanofluid condition, a significant reduction in growth was observed.

In the present study, using nanofluids containing functionalized carbon nanotubes and also increasing its stability, the antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly reduced in lower dilutions than antibiotics alone. However, more specialized cellular and molecular research are needed to obtain more accurate results.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is associated with the destruction of the myelin of the nerve cells, causes many motor-sensory problems and disrupts their quality of life. One of the remedies for this disease is glatiramer, which is injected daily as a peptide at a dose of 20 mg, tolerating of it for a long period of time is too difficult due to irritation of injection site. In this study with using nanotechnology tried to control the release rate of the drug to increase the interval of injections and consequently, patient’s tolerance.

Glatiramer solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared using cholesterol as carrier by high shear homogenization technique. The particle size and zeta potential were investigated. The particle morphology was evaluated by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and finally the drug loading efficacy and drug release pattern were studied. To enhance the stability of the prepared nanoparticles, lyophilization was carried out by mannitol as cryoprotectant agent.

The results showed that particles prepared with a size less than 300 nm and PDI: Polydispersity Index of less than 0.5, drug loading rate of over 74% and release over 6 days could be a good candidate for replacement of current treatment with this drug.

It seems that drug delivery of glatiramer with nanotechnology could provide a new solution for the problem of controlling MS with this drug in the future with more patient compliance.

Today, extended-release drug systems are among the most important issues in the field of pharmacy and biotechnology because in these systems, drug consumption can be significantly reduced, and as a result, their side effects and poisoning. It reduces the accumulation of drugs in the body and thus increases the patientchr('39')s acceptance. The aim of this study was to prepare and in-vitro evaluation of extended-release tablets containing carbamazepine 200 mg using hydrophilic base of hydroxy propyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 4000Cp.

The tablets were produced by using wet granulation. By adding various fillers such as lactose, avisel and magnesium stearate, the flowability and press ability of the granules were increased and polyvinyl pyrrolidone was used to increase the adhesion between the granule particles. Also, studies on the hardness, erosion, the amount of active ingredient in the tablets, and the amount of in-vitro drug release were performed on the optimal formulation. The effect of hydrophilic base and its amount on drug release was investigated by factorial design method.

According to the results of drug release studies, abc formulation (PMC: 20%, PVP: 5%, Mg-St: 5%) was selected as the best formulation for the preparation of extended-release carbamazepine tablets. This formula has a release pattern according to the range announced by the American Pharmacopoeia.

It seems that the abc formulation, considering the available possibilities, can be a good choice for replacement with fast-release carbamazepine due to its advantages such as less side effects and better effects. It seems that the abc formulation, considering the available possibilities, can be a suitable option for replacement with fast-release carbamazepine due to its advantages such as less side effects and better effects.

Exercise training and the use of medicinal plants are helpful in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of eight-week high-intensity interval training and Aloe vera consumption on serum adiponectin and beta cells function in diabetic male rats.

In this experimental study, 32 diabetic Wistar rats with STZ (weight of 240-260 grams and an average age of 12 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups, including the “control group”, the “training group”, the “supplement group” and the “training + supplement group”. Training group was exposed to high-intensity interval training with %90 VO2max intensity for 8 weeks and 5 sessions per week for 2 to 6 minutes per session. Supplement group received 300 mg of Aloe vera daily for 8 weeks, five times a week. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Eight weeks of high intensity interval training with Aloe vera supplementation resulted in a significant increase in adiponectin and insulin in diabetic male rats (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in glucose and beta cell function (P>0.05).

According to the findings of the present research, it seems that high intensity interval training along with Aloe vera supplementation may help to increase adiponectin and insulin and also improve diabetes control.

Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin with selectively damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus which leads hyperactivity in prenatal exposure. The aim of this study was the evaluation of Ferulic acid (FER) effect on amelioration of motor and cognitive deficits in prenatal TMT-intoxication rat model.

In this experimental study, 30 Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control group, TMT+Saline group and TMT+FER25, TMT+FER50 and TMT+FER100 groups. TMT (9 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected to the pregnant rats on embryonic day (ED) 14. Ferulic acid groups were treated by 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of Ferulic acid during ED12 to ED18. Open field test for evaluation of anxiety and locomotor activity, beam walking and grid walking test for assessment of motor learning and Y-maze for evaluation of working memory were used on postnatal day (PND) 30. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc.

Increased rates of anxiety- like behaviors, decrease of motor learning and working memory were shown in TMT+Saline group compared to the control. Although, Ferulic acid treated groups were shown a significant amelioration in correct alteration behavior and motor learning with reduction of anxiety- like behaviors (p˂0.05).

TMT prenatal exposure impairs learning and attention in rats and Ferulic acid may reduce cognitive-behavioral deficits.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that disrupts metabolism of sugars and fats in the body. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of isatin-schiff base derivatives on blood glucose and lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rats.

Drugs (insulin, glibenclamide, Schiff base I and Schiff base II) were injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. After 14 days, blood samples were taken from all groups and blood glucose and lipid profiles were measured.

Streptozotocin injection significantly increased blood sugar, triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL, but significantly decreased blood HDL compared to the control group. Also, injection of insulin, glibenclamide, Schiff base I and different doses of Schiff base II (for 14 days) in the diabetic group significantly reduced blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL, but significantly increased blood HDL compared to the sham diabetic group. Injection of the lowest dose of Schiff base II (25 mg/kg) with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood sugar compared to the control or glibenclamide group, but had no significant effect on triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL compared to the control, insulin or glibenclamide groups.

These results indicate that the derivatives of E)) - 3- (H1-imidazole-4-yl) -2 - ((2-oxindolin-3-ylidine) amino) propanoic acid may be effective in the treatment of diabetes. The effect of Schiff base I and Schiff base II are probably due to the presence of isatin or imidazole ring and their antioxidant properties.

Tuberculosis is a threat to public health. The epidemiology of tuberculosis can be effective in identifying the source of infection, the dominant circulating strains and achieving transmission pathways in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) strains in patients referred to Pasteur Institute of Iran between 2018 and 2019.

In this study, 50 confirmed M. tb strains were evaluated. After M. tb strains identification and determining the drug susceptibility test, all strains were genotyped by MIRU-VNTR (Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit Variable Number Tandem Repeat) method.

The most frequent genotype in all strains was CAS/Delhi (42%), followed by Haarlem (24%), NEW-1 (10%), LAM (8%), Beijing (8%), Cameroon (4%), EAI (% 2) and S (2%). Three clonal complexes and 44 singleton isolates were identified. Beijing genotype was the common genotype in MDR-TB strains. Also, QUB26 and QUB4156 loci had shown the highest of discriminative and allelic diversity.

CAS/Delhi and Beijing genotypes were introduced as the dominant genotypes in drug sensitive and MDR strains, respectively.

Cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) are frequent and debilitating. Changes in information processing speed are the most important cognitive complication in this disease. The purpose of this study was to compare visual-spatial perception ability in patients and healthy individuals.

This cross-sectional study was performed in Tabriz City from April to December 2018 in a descriptive-comparative method. After screening of 280 samples included in the study, 246 healthy samples remained at the end of the study. Of these, 123 were in the patient group and 123 in the healthy group. Linear orientation evaluation (JLO) was performed on the samples. Data were analyzed and normal and patient group differences were compared.

Mean age of studied samples were 0.45 ± 24.31 and 0.26 ± 23.67 for healthy and affected samples, respectively (P>0.05). 73.56% of affected patients and 79.96% of healthy subjects were married. The sex ratio of healthy samples was approximately equal (49.47% male and 51.53% female), while in the patient samples female sex was more frequent (56.74% female and 43.26% male). Visual-spatial perception ability was weaker in Patients with multiple sclerosis than healthy subjects.

Patients with multiple sclerosis have a poorer cognitive function than normal individuals; thus rehabilitation of these patients through better education and other measures can lead to better visual-spatial understanding.

Happiness is associated with accuracy and job satisfaction of nurses and affects the quality of care. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on happiness of nurses in pediatric intensive care units.

A quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design was performed on 60 nurses working in Mofid Hospital and Imam Hossein Hospital. The intervention group received 8 sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy. Data were collected using demographic information questionnaire and Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

In the pre-test, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean of happiness (p>0.05). Comparison of the happiness in the intervention group showed that there was a significant difference in the mean of this variable and its dimensions after the intervention (p <0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group regarding happiness and its dimensions except the positive mood. By 0.409, 0.397, 0.294 and 0.346 of the variance of happiness and dimensions of life satisfaction, self- esteem, and positive energy, respectively, were explained by the independent variable.

Acceptance and commitment therapy has improved nurseschr('39') happiness. This intervention is an applicable, uncomplicated, and effective approach that can be introduced to hospitals as a professional development program by competent authorities.

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of attachment styles to parents and peers in predicting aggression and social self-efficacy among adolescents.

This was a descriptive-correlational (predictive) study that regarded as an applicable study in terms of its objective. The statistical population included all adolescents referred to healthcare centers in Zahedan whom based on the latest statistics, were more than 190 adolescents. Using Morgan’s table, the sample size was determined 122 people. A convenience sampling method was applied to select the sample and the measurement tools were the Armsden and Greeberg Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (1987), the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992), and the Connolly Scale of Social Self-Efficacy (1989). Research hypotheses were analyzed using the stepwise regression analysis via SPSS ver.22.

Among the components of attachment to peers and parents, in the first step, feeling alienated with peers explained 11% of the variance and, in the second step, feeling alienated with parents explained 18% of the variance in aggression among the adolescents at the confidence level of 0.99. Additionally, among the components of attachment to peers, only the component of communication with peers predicted 2.5% of the variance in social self-efficacy at confidence level of 0.95.

Attachment to parents and peers is one of the important factors contributing to aggression and social self-efficacy among adolescents.