Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells with the enhanced functional level on electrospun PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL fiber scaffold

Diabetes is a global problem that threatens human health. Cell therapy methods using stem cells, and tissue engineering of pancreatic islets as new therapeutic approaches have increased the chances of successful diabetes treatment. In this study, to differentiate Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) with improved maturity, and function, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-Polycaprolactone (PCL)/PCL scaffold was designed. The two-dimensional (2D) control group included cell culture without differentiation medium, and the experimental groups included 2D, and three-dimensional (3D) groups with pancreatic beta cell differentiation medium. WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs on PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold took round cluster morphology, the typical pancreatic islets morphology. Real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and flowcytometry data showed a significant increase in pancreatic marker genes in WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs on the PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold compared to the 2D-experimental group. Also, using the ELISA assay, a significant increase in the secretion of insulin, and C-peptide was measured in the WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs of the 3D-experimental group compared to the 2D experimental group, the highest amount of insulin (38 µlU/ml), and C-peptide (43 pmol/l) secretion was in the 3D experimental group, and in response to 25 mM glucose solution, which indicated a significant improvement in the functional level of the WJ-MSCs-derived IPCs in the 3D group. The results showed that the PRP-PVP-PCL/PCL scaffold can provide an appropriate microenvironment for the engineering of pancreatic islets, and the generation of IPCs.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells -conditioned medium effects on Glioma U87 cell line migration, apoptosis, and gene expression

The conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has controversial roles in cancer, either promoting or suppressing tumor growth. Our research on the results of adipose tissue-derived MSC (AD-MSC)-conditioned media on U87 glioma cells was motivated by the disputed role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cancer, which may either promote or inhibit tumor growth. Using flow cytometry, AD-MSCs were identified, verified, and their conditioned media was used to treat U87 cells. Through RT-qPCR, scratch assay, and apoptosis analysis, we evaluated gene expression (SOX4, H19, and CCAT1), cell migration, and apoptosis in U87 cells.The conditioned media greatly increased the expression of SOX4 and H19, but not CCAT1. Although there were few differences in migration and apoptosis, both were slightly increased in the treated group.These outcomes have drawn attention to the complexity of the interactions between MSCs and glioma cells. This complexity requires further research to identify the specific mechanisms governing MSC-mediated impacts on the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Characterization of the mitochondrial Huso huso genome and new aspects of its organization in the presence of tandem repeats in 12S rRNA

BACKGROUND

The sturgeon group has been economically significant worldwide due to caviar production. Sturgeons consist of 27 species in the world. Mitogenome data could be used to infer genetic diversity and investigate the evolutionary history of sturgeons. A limited number of complete mitogenomes in this family were sequenced. Here, we annotated the mitochondrial Huso huso genome, which revealed new aspects of this species.

RESULTS

In this species, the mitochondrial genome consisted of 13 genes encoding proteins, 22tRNA and 2rRNA, and two non-coding regions that followed other vertebrates. In addition, H. huso had a pseudo-tRNA-Glu between ND6 and Cytb and a 52-nucleotide tandem repeat with two replications in 12S rRNA. This duplication event is probably related to the slipped strand during replication, which could remain in the strand due to mispairing during replication. Furthermore, an 82 bp repeat sequence with three replications was observed in the D-loop control region, which is usually visible in different species. Regulatory elements were also seen in the control region of the mitochondrial genome, which included termination sequences and conserved regulatory blocks. Genomic compounds showed the highest conservation in rRNA and tRNA, while protein-encoded genes and nonencoded regions had the highest divergence. The mitochondrial genome was phylogenetically assayed using 12 protein-encoding genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In H. huso sequencing, we identified a distinct genome organization relative to other species that have never been reported. In recent years, along with the advancement in sequencing identified more genome rearrangements. However, it is an essential aspect of researching the evolution of the mitochondrial genome that needs to be recognized.

Profiling inflammatory mechanisms, hyperphosphorylated tau of hippocampal tissue and spatial memory following vitamin D3 treatment in the mice model of vascular dementia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 (VitD3) on inflammatory mechanisms, hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the hippocampus, and cognitive impairment of the mouse model of vascular dementia (VaD).

METHODS

In this study, 32 male mice were randomly assigned to the control, VaD, VitD3 (300 IU/Kg/day), and VitD3 (500 IU/Kg/day) groups. VaD and VitD3 groups were gavaged daily for 4 weeks with a gastric needle. For biochemical assessments, blood samples and the hippocampus were isolated. IL-1β and TNF-α were analyzed by ELISA, and p-tau and other inflammatory molecules were measured by western blot.

RESULTS

VitD3 supplements significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the level of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and prevented apoptosis. However, regarding p-tau in hippocampal tissue, this decrease was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The results of behavioral assessments showed that VitD3 significantly improved the spatial memory of treated mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of VitD3 are mainly associated with their anti-inflammatory effects.

Nanoliposomal delivery systems of natural antibacterial compounds; properties, applications, and recent advances

Todays, nanoliposomes (NLPs) are considered as one of the most efficient nanocarriers to deal with bacteria, practically in food products. These nanodelivery systems are able to be loaded with different bioactive compounds. The main aim of this review is investigating recent approaches (mostly from the years of 2018 to 2022) regarding development of nanoliposomal natural antibacterial compounds. In this regard, NLPs alone, combined with films, coatings, or fibers, and in coated forms are reviewed as advanced delivery systems of antibacterial substances. Moreover, a robust and comprehensive coverage of the morphological and physical properties of formulated NLPs as well as their interactions with antibacterial substances are discussed. The importance of NLPs to encapsulate antibacterial ingredients, advantages and drawbacks, antibacterial pathways of formulated NLPs, and comparison of them with pure antibacterial bioactive compounds are also explained.

The effect of Chlorella vulgaris on obesity related metabolic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on metabolic parameters has been established in animal and human studies. However there is a gap for this results summary for a definite conclusion announce. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of CV on body weight, lipid profile, and blood glucose.

CONTENT

PRISMA guidelines were charted in this review. Subject search was performed in MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ISI web of sciences, Google scholar, Cochrane and Scopus databases for randomized clinical trials published in English languages, until December 2020, which assessed the effects of CV on metabolic syndrome related symptoms in clinical trials.

SUMMARY

Out of 4,821 records screened, after duplicate and irrelevant exclusion by title and abstract, 20 articles remained for full text screening. Finally a total of 12 articles met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed for study method and results.

OUTLOOK

The findings showed controversies in anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profile effects. CV may have beneficial effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders; however, collected studies lacked statistical power to reach a definite conclusion. More well-designed studies are required.

Comparison of the accuracy of fixture-level implant impressions using two different materials for splinting

Background. Various materials are used for splinting impression copings, the most common of which are auto-polymerizing resins. In this study, a new light-curing pattern resin (Jig-Gel) was investigated and compared with auto-polymerizing resins using two different splinting methods. Methods. After taking impressions with two different materials, a digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm was used for splinting and measuring the distances between the external parts of the analogs inside the plaster cast. The accuracy was also compared in five groups as follows; group 1: splinting of impression copings by auto-polymerizing acrylic resin, group 2: cutting the splinting of impres-sion copings with self-polymerizing acrylic resin, group 3: splinting of impression copings with a light-cured resin pattern (Jig-Gel), group 4: splinting of impression copings cut by a light-cured resin pattern, and group 5: impression with no splint. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 17. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results. The highest impression accuracy was obtained in the group without cutting the splint of the impression copings using auto-polymerizing acrylic resin. Compared with the impression methods, impression making of non-splint samples in an impression coping was the least accurate, and the results for the two used methods were similar. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that the combination of the impression coping method and auto-polymerizing acrylic resin had the highest accuracy.

Effect of incorporating aluminum oxide nanoparticles on thermal conduction and flexural strength of acrylic resins

Background

The mechanical and thermal properties of polymethyl methacrylate, as the most commonly used material for the fabrication of dental prostheses, should be improved due to its structural weaknesses. The present study aimed to compare the flexural strength and thermal conduction of two heat-cured and self-cured acrylic resins reinforced with aluminum oxide nanoparticles.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, a total of 114 samples consisting of heat- and self-cured three subgroups (1% and 3% Al₂O₃ and the control) with 66 samples for the thermal conduction (n = 11) and 48 samples for the flexural strength (n = 8) tests were prepared. Flexural strength was assessed with a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine. One-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis, followed by post hoc Tukey paired group comparison tests (P < 0.05).

Results

An increase in the aluminum oxide nanoparticle percentage in acrylic resins increased the thermal conduction in heat-cured acrylic resin from 2.142 ± 0.0298 to 2.487 ± 0.0359 m (2)/sec and in self-cured acrylic resin from 2.0150 ± 0.02646 to 2.1475 ± 0.04031 m (2)/sec and decreased the flexural strength in heat-cured acrylic resin from 60.521 ± 8.9278 to 49.747 ± 4.4729 MPa and in self-cured acrylic resin from 37.573 ± 10.9237 to 35.569 ± 6.1531 MPa (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The incorporation of aluminum oxide nanoparticles adversely affected acrylic resin flexural strength; however, it increased the thermal conduction.

CYP1A1 contiguous hypermethylation within a putative CpG block is associated with breast cancer progression: Feasibility to define boundary motives

Having broad specificity for xenobiotics metabolism throughout the body, cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoform 1A1 is of key relevance for carcinogenesis. However, the oncogenic potential of its altered transcription and the underlying mechanism has not been well-established in breast cancer. Direct bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) of the CYP1A1 promoter, enriched by 113 CpGs within and flanking the xenobiotic response elements (XREs) 2 to 10, in paired cancerous and normal tissues from 40 breast cancer patients revealed three distinctly methylated patterns; unmethylated (XREs 2 to 6) and completely methylated (XREs 7 and 8) CpGs, in common for the normal and cancerous tissues, and a putative 171bp CpG block (XREs 9 and 10) contiguously hypermethylated in the tumor tissues. Increased transcription of CYP1A1, observed for the cancerous tissues, was correlated with the hypermethylation of given CpG block, besides simultaneously being associated with upregulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2. Clinical value of the methylation changes, investigated based on the comparisons between the tissue cohorts of different clinicopathological features, exhibited gradual hypermethylation of the corresponding CpG block following disease progression as well as lymphatic involvement. Hypermethylation of given CpG block may has potential to be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and progression of breast cancer.

Evaluation of alternations in DNA methylation of CYP3A4 gene upstream regulatory elements in gastric cancer and in response to Diazinon treatment

BACKGROUND

Little is known about cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) DNA methylation and transcription alterations in gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we initially aimed to address the effect of diazinon pesticide on DNA methylation and transcription changes of the CYP3A4 gene in a human gastric cell line. In the next step, we studied the methylation differences of CpG sites within the upstream regulatory regions of the CYP3A4 gene among human gastric cancerous and healthy tissues.

METHODS

For the in vitro assay, the methylation changes of the C/EBP response element and transcript level of the CYP3A4 gene were studied following treatment of the AGS cell line with various concentrations of diazinon pesticide. In the next phase, the methylation percentages of 24 CpG sites within or around the upstream regulatory elements including near promoter, C/EBP binding site, XREM, and CLEM4 in 11 specimens of human gastric cancer tissue were compared to their adjacent healthy tissues.

RESULTS

Treatment with 10 µM Diazinon significantly increased the CYP3A4 gene transcription by approximately 27-fold, which was correlated with the hypermethylation of 3 CpGs in C/EBP binding sites including -5998, -5731 and -5725 (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Results of bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG sites which are located in -1521 (p=0.003), -1569 (p=0.027), -10813 (p=0.003), -10851 (p=0.001) and -10895 (p=0.0) bp from transcription start site, were significantly hypermethylated in cancerous tissues comparing to their healthy cohort.

CONCLUSION

Hypermethylation of CLEM4 and a region near the core promoter may have a significant association with gastric cancer incidence.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on apolipoprotein A1 and B100 levels in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death around the world. According to the studies, apolipoproteins A1 and B100 play crucial role in CVD development and progression. Also, findings have indicated the positive role of vitamin D on these factors. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to demonstrate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on apolipoproteins A1 and B100 levels in adults. PubMed and Scopus databases and Google Scholar were searched up to 21 December 2020. Relevant articles were screened, extracted, and assessed for quality based on the Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias tool. Data analysis conducted by random-effect model and expressed by standardized mean difference (SMD). The heterogeneity between studies was assessed by I-squared (I2) test. Subgroups and sensitivity Analyses were also conducted. Seven RCTs were identified investigating the impact of vitamin D on Apo A1 levels and six on Apo B100 levels. The findings showed the insignificant effect of vitamin D supplementation on Apo A1 (SMD=0.26 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.10, 0.61; P = 0.155) and Apo B100 (standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.24, 0.12; P = 0.530) in adults. There was a significant between-study heterogeneity in Apo A1 (I2=89.3%, P < 0.001) and Apo B100 (I2 = 57.1%, P = 0.030). However, significant increase in Apo A1 in daily dosage of vitamin D (SMD=0.56 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.02, 1.11; P = 0.044) and ≤12 weeks of supplementation duration (SMD=0.71 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.08, 1.34; P = 0.028) was observed. No significant effects of vitamin D on Apo A1 and Apo B100 levels after subgroup analysis by mean age, gender, study population, dosage and duration of study. Overall, daily vitamin D supplementation and ≤12 weeks of supplementation might have beneficial effects in increasing Apo A1 levels, however, future high-quality trials considering these a primary outcome are required.

Chlorella vulgaris in combination with high intensity interval training in overweight and obese women: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Background

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a multifunctional dietary supplement is known with lots of health benefits. It is possible that CV consumption along with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a short period exercise is more beneficial. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of CV and/or HIIT on anthropometric parameters and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight or obese women.

Methods

Present randomized double-blind clinical trial, included 46 women with overweight or obesity and randomly assigned them to four groups including CV, HIIT, CV+HIIT, and placebo. CV supplementation was 900 mg a day and HIIT program 3 sessions a week. Dietary intake, anthropometric assays and blood samples were taken at the commencement and completion of 8-week intervention.

Results

After 8 weeks, waist circumference (WC) significantly reduced in CV+HIIT group in comparison with placebo group. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were found after CV supplementation and/or HIIT exercise in comparison with placebo group. A significant rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was observed in HIIT and HIIT + CV groups in comparison with placebo group, however CV consumption failed to affect HDL cholesterol levels. CV and/or HIIT significantly lowered, visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulating product (LAP) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in comparison with placebo. However, concurrent administration of CV and HII resulted in greater reduction in this indexes. Among glycemic indices a significant reduction in insulin resistance in CV+HIIT group compared with placebo group were seen.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CV and HIIT could improve lipid profile and glycemic status in overweight and obese women.

Plant-based diets and risk of disease mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

We aimed to examine the association between adherence to plant-based diets (PBDs) and the risk of mortality among the general population. Relevant investigations were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Knowledge. Data were pooled using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model. Twelve prospective cohort studies with 42,697 deaths among 508,861 participants were included. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the highest compared to the lowest category of adherence to the PBDs were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 0.99; I² = 91%, n = 12) for all-cause and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.86; I² = 36%, n = 8) for coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. Among PBDs subtypes, there was an inverse association between healthy plant-based 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96; I² = 0%, n = 2), Pesco-vegetarian 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.92; I² = 0%, n = 2), and Pro-vegetarian 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.88; I² = 61.2%, n = 2) diets and the risk of all-cause mortality. A vegetarian diet was also associated with lower risk of mortality due to cardiovascular 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.99; I² = 0%, n = 5) and CHD 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.85; I² = 35%, n = 7). Our findings show the potential protective role of PBDs against chronic disease mortality. As there were certain limitations in some of the studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

Evaluating Cytotoxic Potential of the Fruit and the Leaf Extracts of Sambucus ebulus (L.) on MCF7 and AGs Cell Lines

Background: Breast and stomach cancers are the most common malignancies in Iranian females and males, respectively. Enriching with phytochemicals that have antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, extracts from dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) holds promises to be used for alternative medication. Materials and Methods: We investigated the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of the leaf and the fruit ethyl-acetate (EA), as well as the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of dwarf elder upon treatment of the MCF-7 and AGS cells. Twenty-seven concentration series ranging from 10 to 2000 μg/mL were administered to the cells, and their growth inhibitory potential was assessed using MTT assay. The potential anticancer compounds of the extracts were quantified applying an improved highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: All extracts showed positive dose-dependent cytotoxic activities on both cell lines. The EA extracts demonstrated more cytotoxicity compared to those of the MeOH ones (P<0.0001). The leaf EA extract showed IC50 values of 65 and 50 μg/mL, while those of the fruit were estimated as 58 and 50 μg/mL on the MCF-7 and AGS cells, respectively. The AGS cell line showed more susceptibility to all extracts tested compared to the MCF-7. MeOH extracts caused only a maximum of ~20% reduction in cell viability at 2000 μg/mL concentration. According to the HPLC analysis, leaf extracts contained phenolic compounds, including p- coumaric acid (0.10 mg per g powder), rutin (0.07 mg per g powder), and quercetin (0.02 mg per g powder). Conclusion: EA extract of the fruit shows the highest cytotoxicity: reducing 35.3% viability of the AGS cells with 10 μg/mL concentration. It can be considered a potential chemopreventive agent for cancer therapies. However, MeOH extracts with far low cytotoxicity or non-cytotoxic at some concentrations would be an appropriate candidate for preventing tumor growth without affecting neighboring normal cells.

A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effect of Probiotic Food or Supplement on Glycemic Response and Body Mass Index in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Updating the Evidence

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effects of probiotics on glucose metabolism and body mass index (BMI), and compare the efficacy of probiotic food with the probiotic supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

METHODS

Online databases Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched until November 2019 to identify eligible articles. Fourteen trials were included.

RESULTS

Probiotic consumption reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD=-0.38, 95% CI: -0.76 to 0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD=-0.64, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.38), fasting insulin concentration (SMD=-0.48, 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.15), HOMA-IR (SMD=-1.01, 95% CI, -1.51 to -0.52), and BMI (SMD=-0.02, 95%CI, -0.17 to 0.13) in intervention groups compared with control groups. Subgroup analysis was conducted to trials with probiotic foods and probiotic supplements. Both of probiotic foods (SMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.26; SMD: -1.17, 95% CI: -2.14 to -0.20, respectively) and supplements (SMD: -0.64, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.27; SMD: -0.98, 95% CI: -1.55 to -0.40, respectively) made significant reduction in HbA1c and HOMA.IR. Meta-analysis of trials with probiotic foods found non-significant changes in FBG and fasting insulin concentration (SMD: 0.11, 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.75; SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.20, respectively); however the changes in trials with probiotic supplements were significant (SMD: -0.73, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.23; SMD: -0.57, 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.17, respectively). Probiotic foods cause a non-significant raise in BMI (SMD: 0.23, 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.49); however, meta-analysis of trials with probiotic supplements found a non-significant reduction in BMI (SMD: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming probiotics could improve glucose metabolism and affect body weight, with a potentially greater effect when probiotics are used as supplements.

A Review of the Impact of Food Policies on Food Security Status and Healthy/Unhealthy Food Consumption

Background:

Food insecurity refers to a household’s financial inability to access adequate food. Food subsidy programs are the right strategies that have been undertaken for many years in some countries.

Aim:

This study aims to summarize and compare the impact of some subsidy programs on food security as a narrative review.

Methods:

Community-based studies analyzing the impact of food policies on food security status and healthy/unhealthy food consumption were reviewed. Our search keywords included food tax, healthy/unhealthy food, food security, food subsidy, targeted subsidy, and Iran.

Results and conclusion:

Some subsidy programs aim to improve food security and nutritional status of low-income individuals. Developing countries, for the improvement of food security and hunger, use some food subsidy programs that can improve the food security status. One of the most used programs is a food subsidy program in schools. Unfortunately, the targeted subsidy policy in Iran has affected the nutritional status and food security of households, therefore, it is necessary to implement a food subsidy program for low-income families. Fruits and vegetable subsidies can increase their consumption. Unhealthy food consumption decreases by implementing food tax programs, especially if the number of tax increases. In general, cash subsidies are more beneficial in improving the nutritional status.

Antibacterial effect of nanocurcumin inside the implant fixture: An in vitro study

Objectives

Infections after implant placement are the main reasons for the failure of implant treatments. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of nanocurcumin inside the implant fixture against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty seven implants were classified in three groups for testing the antibacterial effect of nanocurcumin, chlorhexidine (as negative control), and distilled water (as negative control). Each group was then divided into three subgroups to study the effect of the applied torque on the antimicrobial effect of nanocurcumin. All implant abutment assemblies were submerged in bacteria suspension and were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The contents of each implant were removed to count the colony of bacteria on the surface of plates containing nutrient agar.

Results

Results indicated that the inhibitory rate of bacteria by nanocurcumin was above 99% in all bacteria. Besides, by increasing the amount of applied torque from 10 to 35 N.cm, the CFU of bacteria in exposure to nanocurcumin significantly were decreased (p‐value < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that nanocurcumin can be used inside the implant fixture in order to use antimicrobial effects and further stabilization and success of the implant.

The immediate effect of lumbopelvic manipulation on knee pain, knee position sense, and balance in patients with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Quadriceps and core muscle neuromuscular control impairments are frequently associated with PFP. Lumbopelvic manipulation (LPM) has been shown to improve quadriceps and core muscle activation and decrease their inhibition, but changes in balance and knee joint position sense (JPS) after this intervention remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether LPM decreases knee pain and JPS error and increases balance performance in patients with PFP.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Biomechanics laboratory at a rehabilitation science research center.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with PFP participated in this study that randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received LPM and the other received sham LPM (positioning with no thrust) in a single session. At baseline and immediately after the intervention, the outcomes of pain using a visual analog scale, balance using the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), and JPS at 20° and 60° of knee flexion using a Biodex dynamometer.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in pain, balance control (anterior direction) and JPS in the LPM group immediately after the intervention. In addition, we observed significant differences between groups in pain, balance control (anterior direction) and JPS at 60° of knee flexion immediately after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

A single session of LPM immediately improved balance control, knee JPS, and pain in patients diagnosed with PFP.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Findings suggest that LPM may be used as a therapeutic tool for immediate improvement of symptoms of PFP. However, more research is needed to determine long term results.

Development of a new oligonucleotide block location-based feature extraction (BLBFE) method for the classification of riboswitches

As knowledge of genetics and genome elements increases, the demand for the development of bioinformatics tools for analyzing these data is raised. Riboswitches are genetic components, usually located in the untranslated regions of mRNAs, that regulate gene expression. Additionally, their interaction with antibiotics has been recently suggested, implying a role in antibiotic effects and resistance. Following a previously published sequential block finding algorithm, herein, we report the development of a new block location-based feature extraction strategy (BLBFE). This procedure utilizes the locations of family-specific sequential blocks on riboswitch sequences as features. Furthermore, the performance of other feature extraction strategies, including mono- and dinucleotide frequencies, k-mer, DAC, DCC, DACC, PC-PseDNC-General and SC-PseDNC-General methods, was investigated. KNN, LDA, naïve Bayes, PNN and decision tree classifiers accompanied by V-fold cross-validation were applied for all methods of feature extraction, and their performances based on the defined feature extraction strategies were compared. Performance measures of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F-score for each method of feature extraction were studied. The proposed feature extraction strategy resulted in classification of riboswitches with an average correct classification rate (CCR) of 90.8%. Furthermore, the obtained data confirmed the performance of the developed feature extraction method with an average accuracy of 96.1%, an average sensitivity of 90.8%, an average specificity of 97.52% and an average F-score of 90.69%. Our results implied that the proposed feature extraction (BLBFE) method can classify and discriminate riboswitch families with high CCR, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F-score values.

Association between dietary diversity and obesity in Ardebil adults: a case-control study

Purpose

Obesity is a multi-factorial problem that develops from an interaction between diet, genetics, physical activity, medication, and other factors. This paper aims to examine the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and obesity among adults of Ardebil.

Design/methodology/approach

This case-control study was conducted on 204 cases (obese and overweight participants) and 204 controls (healthy weight individuals) matched by socioeconomic status (SES), age (older than 30 years) and sex. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h food recall questionnaire. Data on physical activity and socio-demographic variables were gathered. DDS was computed based on the scoring of the 14 food groups recommended by the Food and Agriculture organization guideline.

Findings

The DDS of the obese group was higher (5.02 ± 1.02) than that of the healthy weight group (4.23 ± 1.18) (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between DDS and body mass index (BMI) in both groups of study, but this association was more significant in the obese group (β= 0.501,p = 0.021) than that of healthy weight group (β= 0.413,p= 0.042). Vegetable food group score in both groups of the study was associated with obesity inversely (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

This study was conducted for the first time in Ardabil city and the results showed for the first time that there is a relationship between dietary diversity and obesity. People with a higher dietary diversity score are more likely to be obese. In fact, this study for the first time proved that people who are obese have a more varied diet but less vegetables and fruits.

Association of CYP1A1 M2 (A2455G) Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Breast Cancer in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran: A Case-control Study

Background:

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent women malignancies in the world. The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is a key enzyme in xenobiotics metabolism. Moreover, CYP1A1 plays a critical role in the etiology of breast cancer by involving in 2-hydroxylation of estrogen. Therefore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of its coding gene have been verified to be important in cancer susceptibility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of CYP1A1 M2 (A2455G) includes rs1048943 of this SNP polymorphism with the risk of breast cancer in Mazandaran province.

Methods:

Ninety-six breast cancer patients with known clinicopathological characters and 110 healthy women as control were genotyped for CYP1A1 M2 polymorphisms by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

Results:

The analysis of CYP1A1 gene (polymorphism M2) showed that the frequency of homozygous wild genotypes (AA), heterozygous (AG), and mutant genotype (GG) in the patient group, respectively, 78%, 22%, and 0%, and also the frequency of genotypes AA, AG, and GG in healthy included 82%, 16%, and 2%, respectively. Statistical analysis by Logistic regression model at P < 0.05 showed no significant correlation between polymorphisms in CYP1A1M2 and breast cancer risk (odds ratio = 0.84, confidence interval = 0.33–2.17).

Conclusions:

The results indicated that the M2 allelic genotypes were significantly associated neither with breast cancer risk nor with clinicopathological characteristics in Mazandaran province.

Effects of green coffee extract supplementation on level of chemerin, malondialdehyde, nutritional and metabolic status in patients with metabolic syndrome

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of green coffee extract on anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde on subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Sheikh Al Raise Clinic from September 2016 to March 2017. The participants were randomly divided into green coffee group and placebo group. Green coffee group (n = 24) received green coffee extract (GCE), while placebo group (n = 24) took cellulose as a placebo, two capsules (400 mg) two times each day for eight weeks. The anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde were measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks of treatment with GCE. Blood samples were collected before and after eight weeks of supplementation.

Findings

Significant weight loss, from 84.80 ± 2.12 kg to 80.94 ± 2.10 kg (ptime = 0.030, pGC = 0.007), as well as decreases in body mass index (ptime = 0.034, pGC = 0.006) were detected in the green coffee group after eight weeks. Also, the green coffee group has significant lower (pgroup = 0.029, ptime = 0.013) malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the placebo group, and there was a significant difference between two groups at the insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ptime = 0.001, pgroup = 0.048), (ptime = 0.012, pgroup = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and serum chemerin between two groups after eight weeks of supplementation.

Originality/value

This paper showed the statistical difference in body weight, malondialdehyde, insulin and insulin resistance after eight weeks of treatment. GCE might be associated to reduction in the carbohydrate absorption and the enhancement of lipid metabolism.

An Overview of the Epigenetic Modifications of Gene Expression in Tumorigenesis

The five leading causes of cancer-related deaths are lung (1,760,000 deaths), colorectal (862,000 deaths), stomach (783,000 deaths), liver (782,000 deaths), and breast (627,000 deaths) cancers. Epigenetic changes can alter chromatin compaction, leading to the regulation of gene expression without changing the primary DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are normally involved in cellular processes such as genomic stability, chromosome X inactivation, and embryonic development and differentiation. Similar to other types of chromatin modifications, DNA methylation has been verified to affect the expression of various genes. Any impairment in these mechanisms alters the regulation of gene expression and can contribute to malignant cell transformation. Over the past few years, extensive innovations within the field of epigenetics have encouraged its application as a major strategy for the treatment of important diseases such as cancer.

Effect of Ferula persica plant methanol extract on the level of Cox-2 in induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in rat tongue

Background: More than 90% of oral cancers are cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Standard treatment of cancer includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Each of these treatments, however, brings about certain problems and side effects. Today herbal medicine, has become a more preferable option in dealing with health problems or preventing them because this type of medicine has better compatibility with the body and does not cause undesirable side effects. In this study , the effect of Ferula persica plant methanol extraction on Cox-2 levels in SCC induced rat tongue is conducted in vivo.

Methods: In this lab research, 75 rats from SD race in the age – range of 2/5 – 3 months were selected and put in five groups. In order to induce tongue carcinoma, 4– Nitroquinoline 1 (4 NQO) powder was used 3 times a week for each rat. Furthermore, Ferula persica extract was given to each of the groups in order to examine Cox-2 changes in the blood.

Results: Comparison of Cox-2 average in various groups resulted in the observation that there was significant difference between the Cox-2 levels in the groups which had only received carcinogen and the other groups. In this group, Cox-2 level was less and in the group that had received Ferula extract (500 mg) along with carcinogen , Cox-2 level was found to be more than other groups.

Conclusion: Ferula persica extract does not have reducing effect on serum Cox-2.

Nanoclay-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate and its mechanical properties

BACKGROUND

Incorporation of extra fillers into dental resins might enhance their physical properties. In this study, the tensile and impact strengths of modified heat-curing acrylic resin reinforced with nanoclay were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, nanoclay-acrylic resin composite was prepared by mixing 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% of nanoclay with methacrylate monomer in an ultrasonic probe, followed by mixing with the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) powder. 24 cubic 20 mm × 20 mm × 200-mm specimens for each test, 18 samples containing nanoclay and 6 samples for the control group and a total of 48 samples were prepared. The tensile and impact strengths of the samples were tested according to ISO 527 and 179, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by multiple comparison tests (Scheffé's test). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The maximum mean tensile and impact strengths were recorded in the control group, and an acrylic resin containing 2% of nanoclay demonstrated the minimum mean in all the tests. Increasing the percentage of nanoclay in PMMA compromised the tensile strength (P < 0.05) with no effect on its impact strength.

CONCLUSION

Incorporation of nanoclay particles into acrylic resins can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the final products, and this effect is directly correlated with the concentration of nanoparticles.

Study of the regulatory promoter polymorphism (-938C>A) of B-cell lymphoma 2 gene in breast cancer patients of Mazandaran province in Northern Iran

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of breast cancer has been dramatically increasing since the last decade in Iran, and it is now one of the most common female malignant tumors. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family is the most important regulator of apoptosis, and -938C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BCL2 gene promoter has been demonstrated to influence breast cancer susceptibility. In this research, we study the effect of -938C>A allelic variants on breast cancer risk in Mazandaran province at the North of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis performed on 120 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery in some referenced hospitals at Mazandaran province along with 130 healthy individuals as a control. DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples was applied in polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis to determine -938C>A genotype. The association of the -938C>A genotype and breast cancer risk as well as clinicopathological characters were analyzed by logistic regression method.

RESULTS

Results showed that genotype frequency of AA, AC, and CC genotypes was 10%, 62%, and 28% for case and 28%, 50%, and 22% in control group, respectively. In the logistic regression model, BCL2 - 938C/A variant genotype AA was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.041) by 0.31-fold (odds ratio = 0.31, confidence interval = 0.091-0.909) compared to CC genotype. However, no significant association found between -938C>A genotype and clinicopathological characters.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that AA genotype of BCL2 gene (-938C>A) is associated with decreased susceptibility to breast cancer. Hence, investigating the -938C>A SNP of BCL2 gene promoter could be an appropriate molecular marker to determine individual sensitivity to breast cancer.

Low Expression of the bcl2 Gene in Gastric Adenocarcinomas in Mazandaran Province of Iran

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer accounts for about 8% of the total cancer cases and 10% of total cancer deaths worldwide. It is the second lethal cancer after esophageal cancer and is considered the fourth most common cancer in north and northwest Iran. The bcl2 family has a key role in the regulation of apoptosis and change in its expression can contribute to cancer. This study initially scheduled to determine the expression of bcl2 gene in tissue samples of adenocarcinoma cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 10 samples of gastric adenocarcinoma and 10 of normal tissues from Sari hospital were selected and after DNA extraction from tissues, bcl2 gene expression assayed by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated higher expression of the bcl2 gene in control compared with cancer and marginal cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

On one hand BCL2 plays an important role as an oncogene to inhibit apoptosis; on the other hand, it can initiate cell cycle arrest at G0 stage. Our observed association between its expression and patient survival is quite conflicting and may be tissue-specific. The data suggest expression both tumoural and non-tumoral(marginal) groups have lowered expression than controls (P>0.05). Due to the low number of samples we could not examine the relationship with clinicopathological features. However, bcl-2 expression may be important for prognostic outcome or a useful target for therapeutic intervention.

Effect of Nanoclay on Thermal Conductivity and Flexural Strength of Polymethyl Methacrylate Acrylic Resin

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The mechanical and thermal properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin should be improved to counterweigh its structural deficiencies.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the flexural strength and thermal conductivity of conventional acrylic resin and acrylic resin loaded with nanoclay.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The methacrylate monomer containing the 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% of nanoclay was placed in an ultrasonic probe and mixed with the PMMA powder. Scanning electron microscopy was used to verify homogeneous distribution of particles. Twenty-four 20×20×200-mm cubic samples were prepared for flexural strength test; 18 samples containing nanoclay and 6 samples for the control group. Another 24 cylindrical samples of 38×25 mm were prepared for thermal conductivity test. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by multiple-comparison test (Scheffé's test). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.

RESULTS

Increasing the concentration of nanoclay incorporated into the acrylic resin samples increased thermal conductivity but decreased flexural strength (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, adding nanoclay particles to PMMA improved its thermal conductivity, while it had a negative effect on the flexural strength.

Electrochemical investigation of the effect of some organic phosphates on haemoglobin

The effects of DPG,IHP,GTP,GDP and GMP on the structure and stability of haemoglobin were electrochemically investigated with an iodide-modified silver electrode in 0.01 M KNO 3 at pH 7.0.Anodic and cathodic peaks of haemoglobin were observed at 250 mV and 12 mV with a formal potential value of 133 mV vs.Ag/AgCl.The effects of different concentrations of DPG,IHP,GTP,GDP and GMP on the anaerobic redox reaction were determined. The results showed that DPG and IHP can lead to a positive shift in the reduction peak of haemoglobin,indicating that the oxidation peak shift of haemoglobin was small as a result of stabilization of the reduced state and destabilization of the R-like state of haemoglobin.GTP elicited a more positive shift in the cathodic and anodic peaks of haemoglobin at a higher concentration,signifying that it has a low-affinity binding site on haemoglobin.The positive shift of the cathodic and anodic peaks revealed a slight variation in the structure and indicated the unfolding of haemoglobin in the presence of high concentrations of GTP.Our study also showed that GDP and GMP did not cause significant shift the cathodic and anodic peaks of haemoglobin even at high concentrations,refuting the existence of specific GDP-and GMP-binding sites on the protein.Moreover,the iodide-modified silver electrode method proved to be easy and useful in investigating the effects of ligands or other effectors on haemoglobin in solution.