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Kazemi S, Safari S, Komaki S, Karimi SA, Golipoor Z, Komaki A. The effects of carvacrol and p-cymene on Aβ 1-42 -induced long-term potentiation deficit in male rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14459. [PMID: 37727020 PMCID: PMC10916422 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in which oxidative stress plays an important role. In this disease, learning and memory and the cellular mechanism associated with it, long-term potentiation (LTP), are impaired. Considering the beneficial effects of carvacrol (CAR) and p-cymene against AD, their effect was assessed on in vivo hippocampal LTP in the perforant pathway (PP)-dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in an Aβ1-42 -induced rat model of AD. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham: intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of phosphate-buffered saline, Aβ: ICV Aβ1-42 injections, Aβ + CAR (50 mg/kg), Aβ + p-cymene (50 mg/kg), and Aβ + CAR + p-cymene. Administration of CAR and p-cymene was done by gavage daily 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the Aβ injection. The population spike (PS) amplitude and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) slope were determined in DG against the applied stimulation to the PP. RESULTS Aβ-treated rats exhibited impaired LTP induction in the PP-DG synapses, resulting in significant reduction in both fEPSP slope and PS amplitude compared to the sham animals. Aβ-treated rats consumed either CAR or p-cymene separately (but not their combination), and showed an enhancement in fEPSP slope and PS amplitude of the DG granular cells. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that CAR or p-cymene can ameliorate Aβ-associated changes in synaptic plasticity. Surprisingly, the combination of CAR and p-cymene did not yield the same effect, suggesting a potential interaction between the two substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahifeh Kazemi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Student Research CommitteeHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Somayeh Komaki
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Zoleikha Golipoor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
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Bideh M, Safari S, Khedri A, Zangooei M. The effect of hesperetin on estrogen receptor gene expression and its relationship with the downstream pathways of estrogen receptor alpha. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7225-7236. [PMID: 37418087 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08616-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor (ER) is a transcription factor that affects the expression of some genes involved in the progression and development of breast cancer (BC). Hesperetin (Hst) is a flavonoid that inhibits the proliferation of BC cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of Hst on the cell viability of MCF-7 cells and the gene expression of the ERα, ERβ, IL-6, Ps2, and Cyclin D1. METHODS In this study, cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The cells were seeded in RPMI-1640 medium and then exposed to different concentrations of Hst (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µM) for 24 h, and IC50 was calculated. Real-time PCR was used to assess the expression of ERα, ERβ, pS2, Cyclin D1, and IL-6 mRNA. MCF-7 cells were seeded in RPMI-1640 medium and then exposed to different concentrations of Hst (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM) for 24 h. Real-time PCR was carried out using a Step One Real-Time PCR System (ABI, USA) and Amplicon SYBR Green reagents. RESULTS The MTT assay revealed increased cytotoxicity with higher concentrations of Hst, and the IC50 was calculated at 200 µM. Real-time PCR analysis following treatment with Hst showed a significant increase in ERα gene expression at 25 µM of Hst and a decrease in expression at 50, 100, and 200 µM of Hst (p < 0.0001). ERβ gene expression significantly decreased across all concentrations of Hst (p < 0.0001), while IL-6 gene expression decreased significantly in all concentrations (p < 0.0001). pS2 gene expression increased significantly with all concentrations of Hst (p < 0.0001), while Cyclin D1 gene expression did not significantly decrease upon Hst exposure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study demonstrate that Hst has the ability to induce cell death in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, it was observed that Hst reduces the expression of the ER gene and enhances its activity, which can affect the downstream pathways of the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Bideh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zangooei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Safari S, Hasanpoor-Azghady SB, Amiri-Farahani L. The role of men's forgiveness in marital satisfaction and coping strategies of infertile iranian women. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:227. [PMID: 37143021 PMCID: PMC10157946 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and its related problems create tensions in infertile women, which may lead to reduced marital satisfaction and the use of ineffective coping strategies. Considering the important role of forgiveness, marital satisfaction and effective coping strategies in the quality of life of infertile couples, and taking into account the growing number of Iranian infertile couples, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between men's forgiveness, marital satisfaction, and coping strategies of infertile Iranian women. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 200 Iranian infertile couples. The research environment was the most equipped infertility center in the west of Iran. Sampling was continuous. Data collection tools used included a self-generated demographic and fertility questionnaire, the Family Forgiveness Scale (FFS), the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS), and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire-revised (WOCQ-R). RESULTS Husbands' forgiveness had a significant direct relationship with the marital satisfaction of infertile women (r = -0.27, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between Husbands' forgiveness, emotion-focused, and problem-focused coping of infertile women. Among the subscales of forgiveness, only the subscale of recognition had inversely correlated with the emotional coping of infertile women. CONCLUSION The results showed that the higher the forgiveness of husbands, the higher the marital satisfaction of infertile women. Also, with the increase of husbands' forgiveness in the recognition subscale, the use of emotion-focused coping decreased in infertile women. Based on the results with empowering the husbands of infertile women with forgiveness skills, it is possible to take a step towards marital satisfaction and thus improve the quality of life of infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Safari
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Rashid Yasemi st., Valiasr St, Tehran, 1996713883, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Batool Hasanpoor-Azghady
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Leila Amiri-Farahani
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Safari S, Mirazi N, Ahmadi N, Asadbegi M, Nourian A, Ghaderi S, Rashno M, Komaki A. The Protective Effects of Policosanol on Learning and Memory Impairments in a Male Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2507-2519. [PMID: 36680733 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive performance and memory formation. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of policosanol (PCO) on cognitive function, oxidative-antioxidative status, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque formation in an AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ1-40. Healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, sham (5 μL, ICV injection of phosphate-buffered saline), AD model (5 μL, ICV injection of Aβ), acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), AD + acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), and AD + PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage). During the ninth and tenth weeks of the study, the cognitive function of the rats was assessed by commonly used behavioral paradigms. Subsequently, oxidative-antioxidative status was examined in the serum. Moreover, compact Aβ plaques were detected by Congo red staining. The results showed that injection of Aβ impaired recognition memory in the novel object recognition test, reduced the spatial cognitive ability in the Morris water maze, and alleviated retention and recall capability in the passive avoidance task. Additionally, injection of Aβ resulted in increased total oxidant status, decreased total antioxidant capacity, and enhanced Aβ plaque formation in the rats. Intriguingly, PCO treatment improved all the above-mentioned neuropathological changes in the Aβ-induced AD rats. The results suggest that PCO improves Aβ-induced cognitive decline, possibly through modulation of oxidative-antioxidative status and inhibition of Aβ plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Safari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Naser Mirazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Nesa Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Asadbegi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Shahab Ghaderi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masome Rashno
- Student Research Committee, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Safari S, Mirazi N, Ahmadi N, Asadbegi M, Nourian A, Rashno M, Komaki A. Policosanol protects against Alzheimer's disease-associated spatial cognitive decline in male rats: possible involved mechanisms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:755-767. [PMID: 36723631 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06317-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and synaptic failure. OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to explore the possible protective effects of policosanol (PCO) on spatial cognitive capacity, long-term potentiation (LTP) induction, oxidant/antioxidant status, and Aβ plaques formation in an AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ1-40. METHODS Healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, sham (ICV injection of 5 µl phosphate-buffered saline), AG (50 mg/kg; P.O., as PCO vehicle), PCO (50 mg/kg; P.O.), AD model (ICV injection of 5 µl Aβ), AD + AG (50 mg/kg; P.O.), and AD + PCO (50 mg/kg; P.O.). Treatments were performed for eight consecutive weeks. At the end of the treatment course, spatial learning and memory functions, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) induction, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiol group (TTG) levels, as well as the formation of Aβ plaques, were examined. RESULTS The results showed that injection of Aβ reduced spatial learning and memory abilities in the Barnes maze test, which was accompanied by decreases in field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slope, population spike (PS) amplitude, and TTG level and increases in Aβ plaque accumulation and MDA content. In contrast, PCO treatment improved all the above-mentioned changes in the Aβ-infused rats. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that amelioration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairment, modulation of oxidant/antioxidant status, and inhibition of Aβ plaque formation by PCO may be the mechanisms behind its protective effect against AD-associated spatial cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Safari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Naser Mirazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Nesa Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Masoumeh Asadbegi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Masome Rashno
- Student Research Committee, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Mohammadkhani R, Ghahremani R, Salehi I, Safari S, Karimi SA, Zarei M. Impairment in social interaction and hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in a prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac221. [PMID: 36092302 PMCID: PMC9453432 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that prenatal valproic acid exposure in rats leads to autism-like behaviours and social deficits. Long-term potentiation changes in the brain have been proposed as a potential mechanism in the development of autistic behaviour. However, there are controversies regarding the effect of in utero valproic acid exposure on long-term potentiation. This study examined the social interaction and long-term potentiation induction in perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in male offspring of a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. On Embryonic Day 12.5, the pregnant dams received an injection of 500 mg/kg valproic acid (intraperitoneal) to produce the autism model. The sociability test was performed between Postnatal Days 37 and 40. The offsprings were urethane-anaesthetized and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus for surgery, electrode implantation and field potential recording on Postnatal Days 45–55. In the dentate gyrus region, excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude were measured. Valproic acid-exposed offspring showed significantly impaired social interaction. The birth weight in valproic acid-exposed rats was significantly lower than in control rats. The ability of dentate gyrus synapses to induce long-term potentiation was hampered by valproic acid exposure. The decreasing excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude of long-term potentiation provide evidence in favour of this notion. It is widely supposed that the hippocampus plays a central role in the process of learning and memory as well as social interaction and social memory. Therefore, deficiencies in hippocampal synaptic plasticity may be responsible, at least in part, for the social interaction deficits in valproic acid-exposed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Mohammadkhani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand , Birjand 9717434765 , Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan 65178/518 , Iran
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Sandhu HS, Safari S, Bonsell L. 1026 Good Prescribing Laxatives Practice for Trauma Admissions in Orthopaedic Wards at Altnagelvin Hospital. Br J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac269.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
The aim of this QIP is to firstly increase percentage of T&O admissions to Orthopaedic Wards 23+25 prescribed laxatives by 25% by 1st of December over 1 month and to increase awareness among healthcare staff.
Background
Constipation in elderly during inpatient stay is common, 50% of pts>65years will develop this due to multifactorial reasons. Correct laxatives are very important to curb this predicament.
Method
These data were assessed over the following criteria, laxatives prescribed on admission, administered following prescription, monitoring bowel output, suppositories prescribed after admission. Following each week QI cycles, appropriate interventions were made to improve the adherence and data was re-measured again.
Results
From Baseline data, only 45% of patient were prescribed laxatives and only 20% patients received the medication initially. Of this group, only 20% pts had suppositories prescribed following admission. Lastly, 40% of patients had Bowel Opened (BO)>3days ago. First intervention was educating all SHOs to ensure patients received prescription on admission. Following this, mainly laxative prescription increased by 40%, and patient received their laxatives by 2% respectively in PDSA 1.
In PDSA 2, we actively ensured educating nursing staff to encourage laxative prescriptions and to inform doctors for patients with Last BO>3days ago for suppositories prescribing. Following this, laxative prescription increased to 80% while 65% pts received their prescription. Only 15% pts had BO>3days too.
Conclusion
Regular laxatives are superior to PRN & Recommended regime is Senna+Lactulose for patient adherence. Additionally, suppositories should be given as STAT rather than Prn as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- HS Sandhu
- Altnagelvin Hospital , Londonderry , United Kingdom
| | - S Safari
- Altnagelvin Hospital , Londonderry , United Kingdom
| | - L Bonsell
- Altnagelvin Hospital , Londonderry , United Kingdom
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Razali N, Wan Husin W, Safari S, Rosly N, Hamzah F, Abdul Hamid M. A combined technique of temperature preconditioning and modified atmosphere
packaging to prolong the storage life of papaya. Food Res 2022. [DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.6(s1).017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Papaya is a popular tropical fruit for human consumption over the world. However, it has
a relatively short shelf life due to rapid ripening and anthracnose infection after harvest.
Generally, papaya is stored at the optimum temperature of 12°C and can last only two
weeks. After this period, the fruit will begin to ripen and spoil. Theoretically, fruit stored
at lower temperatures will have a longer shelf life. However, papaya is prone to chilling
injuries characterised by pitting and inability to ripen if stored at sub-optimum
temperature, which may also cause secondary postharvest disease attacks if held for a
longer period. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of
temperature preconditioning treatment and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) in
prolonging the storage life of papaya under sub-optimum temperature. In terms of visual
appearance, no chilling injury symptoms were observed in samples stored at a suboptimum temperature of 7°C throughout the storage period. No significant differences
were recorded in the parameters of total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA)
and TSS: TTA ratio. Relatively lower ascorbic acid content and higher firmness value
were recorded in fruits subjected to the combined technique of temperature conditioning
and MAP, which could be associated with delayed ripening. A combination of
temperature preconditioning and MAP techniques maintains the papaya quality under
storage at sub-optimum temperatures as low as 7°C without chilling injury problems, with
a longer shelf life (4 weeks) than only 2 weeks for conventional handling techniques. The
fruits can be ripened by being exposed to ethylene when they are ready to be marketed.
The technology is helpful for the industry, farmers, wholesalers, and exporters,
particularly for the delivery of more extended distribution and periods.
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Safari S, Razali N, Wan Ibrahim W, Abdul Rahim M. Consumer perception and satisfaction for durian taste among the Chinese
consumer: Malaysia vs Thailand durian. Food Res 2022. [DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.6(s1).015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
China is the largest importer of durian globally, with a market share of 65% in 2018.
Malaysia is one of the durian exporters to China (4%) after Thailand (95%). Parallelly to
the population growth, demand for durian in China increased from 677 thousand Mt
(2018) to 878 thousand Mt (2019), with an increase of 51.9% per year. Besides health
benefits, durian is becoming more popular with Chinese consumers as souvenirs or
corporate gifts. A study on consumer perception and satisfaction between Malaysian
durian and Thailand durian was conducted among Chinese consumers in Shenzen,
Guangzhou and Beijing in China. Findings showed that 95.2% liked Malaysian durian
(Musang King or Mao Shan Wang) than Thailand durian (Monthong). An 80 % of
respondents buy durian five times and more a year, with 20.38% of them spending more
than ¥100 (the approximate US $15) for every purchase. The preferable buying place is in
supermarkets and hypermarkets (50.8%). The Chi-square test identified a significant
difference between age, occupation, income, and family members (p<0.05) to quality and
premium perception. In this situation, the Mao Shan Wang durian was marketed to be a
premium product. These findings are essential to promote and increase the demand,
particularly for Malaysian durian. Thus, Malaysia needs to increase durian production and
market strategy to meet global expectations, including China’s market of 4.2 million Mt
by 2030.
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Razali N, Wan Ibrahim W, Safari S, Rosly N, Hamzah F, Wan Husin W. Cryogenic freezing preserves the quality of whole durian fruit for the export
market. Food Res 2022. [DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.6(3).428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Durian (Durio zibethinus cv. Musang King; D197) is a popular durian cultivar due to its
thick flesh and strong sweet taste. The high market demand and shortage of out-of-season
supply contribute to the increase in durian price. Other than that, durian has a short storage
life, and to prolong the storage life of Malaysian durian, freezing treatment has been
applied. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of freezing methods on the
physical and sensory qualities of the whole durian. The freezing method included
conventional (at -18°C) and cryogenic freezing (-110°C). The frozen durian was thawed
and evaluated after 12-hours, 24-hours, and 36-hours for external and internal quality,
dehiscence incidence, and physicochemical parameters (pulp colour, soluble solids
content, total titratable acidity, and percentage of moisture) during 36-hours storage. The
results showed that conventional freezing at -18°C adversely affected the quality of
durian. The fruits were severely dehiscent due to the slow freezing rate. Later, the freezing
injury became obvious when exposed to ambient temperature. In comparison, during
cryogenic freezing durian fruit froze rapidly without any dehiscence. The freezing
methods used in this study did not affect the physicochemical parameters of durian pulp
during 36-hours storage. Cryogenic freezing is noted to be a promising method for
preserving the quality of durian fruit, thus extending the storage life for market expansion.
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Emami E, Safari S, Javanmard P. Hemolytic uremic syndrome following COVID-19; a case report. J Renal Inj Prev 2022. [DOI: 10.34172/jrip.2022.31972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
High incidence of thromboembolic diseases in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported that can affect several organs ranging from cutaneous thrombosis to pulmonary embolism, stroke, coronary thrombosis or kidney infarction. There are two proposed mechanisms for these phenomena, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and endotheliopathy. We report a case of 11-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with generalized tonic colonic seizure with upward gaze which was repeated in emergency room. Respiratory distress and loss of consciousness happened which led to her intubation. Due to increased serum creatinine levels and impaired consciousness which was associated with thrombocytopenia and hemolysis, she underwent plasmapheresis three times by the diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Additionally, antihypertensive therapy was conducted. The patient’s condition improved and was discharged with good circumstances. Two weeks later the patient returned with thromboembolism that happened in the distal part of her left hand which underwent fasciotomy and thrombectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Emami
- Pediatric Nephrology Research Center (PNRC), Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Pedram Javanmard
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Safari S, Ahmadi N, Mohammadkhani R, Ghahremani R, Khajvand-Abedeni M, Shahidi S, Komaki A, Salehi I, Karimi SA. Sex differences in spatial learning and memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses in Wistar rats. Behav Brain Funct 2021; 17:9. [PMID: 34724971 PMCID: PMC8559395 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-021-00184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies show that gender may have a significant impact on brain functions. However, the reports of sex effects on spatial ability and synaptic plasticity in rodents are divergent and controversial. Here spatial learning and memory was measured in male and female rats by using Morris water maze (MWM) task. Moreover, to assess sex difference in hippocampal synaptic plasticity we examined hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses. RESULTS In MWM task, male rats outperformed female rats, as they had significantly shorter swim distance and escape latency to find the hidden platform during training days. During spatial reference memory test, female rats spent less time and traveled less distance in the target zone. Male rats also had larger LTP at PP-DG synapses, which was evident in the high magnitude of population spike (PS) potentiation and the field excitatory post synaptic potentials (fEPSP) slope. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results suggest that sex differences in the LTP at PP-DG synapses, possibly contribute to the observed sex difference in spatial learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Safari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Nesa Ahmadi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran.
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Ahmadi N, Mirazi N, Komaki A, Safari S, Hosseini A. Vanillic acid attenuates amyloid β1-40-induced long-term potentiation deficit in male rats: an in vivo investigation. Neurol Res 2021; 43:562-569. [PMID: 33627050 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1893565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorderliness that involves deductible progressive cognition function caused by amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide accumulation in the interstitial space. The increase of Aβ stimulates all kinds of active oxygen and causes oxidative stress and apoptosis. In this investigation, we researched the neuroprotective impacts of vanillic acid (VA) on the Aβ-induced (Aβ1-40) long-term potentiation (LTP) of the hippocampus - a commonly probed synaptic plasticity model that happens at the same time as memory and learning - in the AD rats.Methods: Forty-five male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups (n = 8 rats/group, 200-220 g), and studied as control (standard diet), sham (vehicle), VA (50 mg/kg), Aβ and Aβ + VA (50 mg/kg) groups. In vivo electrophysiological recordings were implemented after the stereotaxic surgery to gauge the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. By the stimulation at high-frequency of the perforate pathway, long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced. To assess the plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiol group (TTG), blood samples were garnered.Results: In the Aβ-injected rats, EPSP slope, and PS amplitude were significantly reduced after the induction of LTP. Thus, the findings demonstrate that VA decreases the impacts of Aβ on LTP; also, the treatments through VA neuroprotective against the negative effects of Aβ on the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus can decrease the MDA levels and also increase the TTG levels significantly.Discussion: Therefore, based on this experiment on male rats, VA has neuroprotective effects and antioxidants benefits against the Aβ-mediated inhibition of long-term potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesa Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Naser Mirazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Abdolkarim Hosseini
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Abanades S, Abbaspour H, Ahmadi A, Das B, Ehyaei MA, Esmaeilion F, El Haj Assad M, Hajilounezhad T, Jamali DH, Hmida A, Ozgoli HA, Safari S, AlShabi M, Bani-Hani EH. A critical review of biogas production and usage with legislations framework across the globe. Int J Environ Sci Technol (Tehran) 2021; 19:3377-3400. [PMID: 34025745 PMCID: PMC8124099 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-021-03301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This review showcases a comprehensive analysis of studies that highlight the different conversion procedures attempted across the globe. The resources of biogas production along with treatment methods are presented. The effect of different governing parameters like feedstock types, pretreatment approaches, process development, and yield to enhance the biogas productivity is highlighted. Biogas applications, for example, in heating, electricity production, and transportation with their global share based on national and international statistics are emphasized. Reviewing the world research progress in the past 10 years shows an increase of ~ 90% in biogas industry (120 GW in 2019 compared to 65 GW in 2010). Europe (e.g., in 2017) contributed to over 70% of the world biogas generation representing 64 TWh. Finally, different regulations that manage the biogas market are presented. Management of biogas market includes the processes of exploration, production, treatment, and environmental impact assessment, till the marketing and safe disposal of wastes associated with biogas handling. A brief overview of some safety rules and proposed policy based on the world regulations is provided. The effect of these regulations and policies on marketing and promoting biogas is highlighted for different countries. The results from such studies show that Europe has the highest promotion rate, while nowadays in China and India the consumption rate is maximum as a result of applying up-to-date policies and procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Abanades
- Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory, PROMES-CNRS, 7 Rue du Four Solaire, 66120 Font-Romeu, France
| | - H. Abbaspour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - A. Ahmadi
- School of New Technologies, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - B. Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Asaam 788010 India
| | - M. A. Ehyaei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis New City, Iran
| | - F. Esmaeilion
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, School of Advance Technologies, Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
| | - M. El Haj Assad
- Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - T. Hajilounezhad
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - D. H. Jamali
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - A. Hmida
- R, L. Applied Thermodynamic, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
| | - H. A. Ozgoli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Sh. Ehsani Rad St., Enqelab StParsa SqAhmadabad Mostoufi RdAzadegan Highway, 3313193685 Tehran, Iran
| | - S. Safari
- Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Daneshgah Blvd, Simon Bolivar Blvd, 1477893855 Tehran, Iran
| | - M. AlShabi
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - E. H. Bani-Hani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Australian College of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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15
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Samare-Najaf M, Zal F, Safari S, Koohpeyma F, Jamali N. Stereological and histopathological evaluation of doxorubicin-induced toxicity in female rats' ovary and uterus and palliative effects of quercetin and vitamin E. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1710-1724. [PMID: 32666839 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120937329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with demonstrated reproductive toxicity. This study sought to determine the DOX-induced toxicity in the ovary and uterus and the preventive effects of quercetin (QCT) and vitamin E (Vit.E). Female rats were divided into six groups as follows: control, QCT (20 mg/kg), Vit.E (200 mg/kg), DOX (accumulative 15 mg/kg), DOX/QCT, and DOX/Vit.E. After 3 weeks, the toxicity of DOX in ovarian and uterine tissues and the potential palliative effects of QCT and Vit.E were evaluated by histopathological-stereological methods. The findings indicate a dramatic decline in the number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.001), ovarian and its associated structures volume, the volume of the uterus, its layers, and related structures (p < 0.05). Coadministration of QCT and Vit.E with DOX-treated rats demonstrated an alleviative effect on most of the studied parameters. Nevertheless, few adverse effects were recognized concerning these antioxidants administration (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study support the protective role of these dietary supplements in the prevention of DOX-induced toxicity in uterine and ovarian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - F Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Infertility Research Centre, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - S Safari
- Department of Pathology, Marvdasht Martyr Motahari Hospital, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - F Koohpeyma
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - N Jamali
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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16
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Koosha S, Jalalian E, Safari S, Zandrahimi S. Effect of Abutment Angulation and Material on Stress and Strain Distributions in Premaxillary Bone: A Three-Dimensional Finite
Element Analysis. J Res Dentomaxillofac Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/jrdms.2.4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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17
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Nakhjavan-Shahraki B, Yousefifard M, Hajighanbari MJ, Oraii A, Safari S, Hosseini M. Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) prediction rules in identifying high risk children with mild traumatic brain injury. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00068-017-0811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Safari S, Malekvandfard F, Babashah S, Alizadehasl A, Sadeghizadeh M, Motavaf M. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: A novel potential therapeutic avenue for cardiac regeneration. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2016; 62:66-73. [PMID: 27453275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery diseases (CADs) represent a significant cause of death worldwide. During recent decades the rate of cardiovascular mortality has been declined as a result of modern medicine and surgery. However, despite the fact that cardiac cells, including cardiomyocytes (CMCs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and vascular endothelial cells (VEC), can be regenerated by cardiac adult stem cell, the regenerative capacity of these cells are limited and inadequate to functionally regenerate heart damaged tissue. Thus, growth reserve of the heart fails to restore the structural integrity of the myocardium after infarction and healing is associated with scar formation. An explanation for this is that cardiac reside stem cells are present throughout the infarction site but die rapidly by apoptosis. Furthermore, microenvironment surrounding the damage site is not promising for the cells survival and renewal. Hence, recent advances in the stem cell therapy have emerged as an attractive approach to replace the lost cells. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has considered as one of the most promising candidates for regeneration of cardiac cells, lost upon injury. The regenerative capacity of MSCs has primarily been centered on the hypothesis that these cells would engraft, differentiate and replace damaged cardiac cells. However, experimental and clinical observations so far have failed to establish if this differentiated is considerably relevant to MSCs cardiac regenerative properties. Recent reports have suggested that these therapeutic properties, at least in part, are mediated by paracrine factors released from MSCs. This review provides a concise summary of current evidences supporting the paracrine hypothesis of MSCs. In particular, the scope of this review focuses on the role of MSC-derived exosome (MSC-EXs) as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of CADs, particularly ischemic myocardial dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Safari
- Iran University of Medical Sciences Department of Anesthesiology, Rasoul Akram Medical Center Tehran Iran
| | - F Malekvandfard
- Islamic Azad University Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch Tehran Iran
| | - S Babashah
- Tarbiat Modares University Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - A Alizadehasl
- Iran University of Medical Sciences Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center Tehran Iran
| | - M Sadeghizadeh
- Tarbiat Modares University Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - M Motavaf
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital Tehran Iran
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19
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Yousefifard M, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Nasirinezhad F, Baikpour M, Safari S, Saadat S, Moghadas Jafari A, Asady H, Razavi Tousi SMT, Hosseini M. Neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment; A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience 2016; 322:377-97. [PMID: 26917272 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the vast improvements of cell therapy in spinal cord injury treatment, no optimum protocol has been developed for application of neural stem/progenitor cells. In this regard, the present meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of the neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) transplantation depends mainly on injury model, intervention phase, transplanted cell count, immunosuppressive use, and probably stem cell source. Improved functional recovery post NSPC transplantation was found to be higher in transection and contusion models. Moreover, NSPC transplantation in acute phase of spinal injury was found to have better functional recovery. Higher doses (>3×10(6)cell/kg) were also shown to be optimum for transplantation, but immunosuppressive agent administration negatively affected the motor function recovery. Scaffold use in NSPC transplantation could also effectively raise functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yousefifard
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - V Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Nasirinezhad
- Physiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Baikpour
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Safari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Saadat
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Moghadas Jafari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - H Asady
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S M T Razavi Tousi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Hosseini
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Zare-Abdollahi D, Safari S, Movafagh A, Ghadiani M, Tabarraee M, Riazi-Isfahani S, Gorji S, Keyvan L, Gachkar L. Expression analysis of BECN1 in acute myeloid leukemia: association with distinct cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. Int J Lab Hematol 2016; 38:125-32. [PMID: 26765290 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it has been shown that AML-derived cells often remain sensitive to autophagy-inducing stimuli, leading to the idea that harnessing the autophagy can be pertinent to AML cytotoxic therapy. Despite this promising notion, to date, there is no comprehensive study addressing autophagy-related genes expression status in AML. As a critical mediator, BECN1 influences the onset and advance of autophagy and several studies have pointed to the BECN1 recurrent allelic deletion and expression variation in a broad range of tumors. To explore this caveat, we chose this alteration-prone gene to investigate in our study. METHODS We have analyzed the expression status of BECN1 in a series of 128 de novo AML patients using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS In our favorable subgroup, BECN1 expression did not alter (P = 0.301), but in intermediate and unfavorable patients, we have had BECN1 low expression compared to the normal controls (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). We found evidence for the association of reduced expression of BECN1 with FLT3-ITD mutation (19 of 27 patients), monosomal karyotype (all of 11 patients), higher age, and WBC count. CONCLUSION Overall, remarkable association of reduced expression of BECN1 with FLT3-ITD mutation and monosomal karyotype and their functional relationship is interesting which should be addressed and verified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zare-Abdollahi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Safari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Movafagh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Ghadiani
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Tabarraee
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Riazi-Isfahani
- Department of Social Determinants of Health, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Gorji
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - L Keyvan
- Department of Genetics, South PNU Centre, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - L Gachkar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with an estimated 170 million carriers worldwide, remains a major cause of chronic liver disease. Current anti-HCV treatments have significant side effects and have met with only partial success. Therefore, a more effective therapeutic modality for HCV infection is needed. The stability and propagation of HCV is dependent on the interaction between its genome and a highly abundant liver microRNA (miRNA), known as microRNA-122 (miR-122). As a conserved host factor that would not be expected to evolve resistance mutations, miR-122 makes an attractive antiviral target. In this review we will discuss how targeting miR-122, using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), can be a new anti-HCV treatment.
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Zare-Abdollahi D, Safari S, Mirfakhraie R, Movafagh A, Bastami M, Azimzadeh P, Salsabili N, Ebrahimizadeh W, Salami S, Omrani MD. Mutational screening of the NR5A1 in azoospermia. Andrologia 2014; 47:395-401. [PMID: 24750329 DOI: 10.1111/and.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) encodes a nuclear receptor that regulates transcription of multiple genes involved in adrenal and gonadal development, steroidogenesis and the reproductive axis. Human mutations in NR5A1were initially found in two 46, XY female patients suffering from severe gonadal dysgenesis and primary adrenal failure. However, more recent case reports have suggested that heterozygous mutations in NR5A1 may also contribute to the male infertility aetiology. We have analysed the coding sequence of NR5A1 in a cohort of 90 well-characterised idiopathic Iranian azoospermic infertile men versus 112 fertile men. Heterozygous NR5A1 mutations were found in 2 of 90 (2.2%) of cases. These two patients harboured missense mutations within the hinge region (p.P97T) and ligand-binding domain (p.E237K) of the NR5A1 protein. In silico analysis of the mutations showed that founded mutations could be detrimental. In conclusion, findings of the current and previous studies suggest that mutations in the NR5A1 gene are not common in azoospermia, and male infertility and inclusion of NR5A1 mutation screening in the diagnostic workup of male infertility may seem unnecessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zare-Abdollahi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Motavaf M, Safari S, Saffari Jourshari M, Alavian SM. Hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma: the role of the virus x protein. Acta Virol 2014; 57:389-96. [PMID: 24294951 DOI: 10.4149/av_2013_04_389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases and has the fourth highest mortality rate worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been identified as a major risk factor in HCC. Currently available evidence support a critical role of hepatitis B virus x (HBx) gene and protein in the pathogenesis of HBV-induced HCC. HBx protein is a multifunctional regulator that modulates cellular signal transduction pathways, transcriptional regulations, cell cycle progress, DNA repair, apoptosis, and genetic stability by interacting with different host factors. This review describes the current state of knowledge about the biological roles of this protein in the development of HCC.
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Safari S, Zare-Abdollahi D, Mirfakhraie R, Ghafouri-Fard S, Pouresmaeili F, Movafagh A, Omrani MD. An Iranian family with azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency segregating NR5A1 mutation. Climacteric 2013; 17:301-3. [PMID: 24067197 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2013.847079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In brief, we report an Iranian family with a history of both azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency with the same heterozygote mutation in the NR5A1 gene that can be transmitted. As far as we know, this is the first observation that a common mutation in NR5A1 can cause these above-mentioned phenotypes in a family.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Safari
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics , Tehran , Islamic Republic of Iran
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Safari S, Dorkoosh F, Soleimani M, Zarrintan MH, Akbari H, Larijani B, Tehrani MR. Evaluating Gene Delivery Using N-triethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles to AsPC-1 Cells and Predicting the Relation between Transfection, Cytotoxicity and Charge Ratio of Nanoparticles Via Mathematical Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.2174/2210304x11303010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated 170 million carriers worldwide. Current treatments have significant side effects and have met with only partial success. Therefore, alternative antiviral drugs that efficiently block virus production are needed. During recent decades, RNA interference (RNAi) technology has not only become a powerful tool for functional genomics but also represents a new therapeutic approach for treating human diseases including viral infections. RNAi is a sequence-specific and post-transcriptional gene silencing process mediated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). As the HCV genome is a single-stranded RNA that functions as both a messenger RNA (mRNA) and replication template, it is an attractive target for the study of RNAi-based viral therapies. In this review, we will give a brief overview about the history and current status of RNAi and focus on its potential application as a therapeutic option for treatment for HCV infection.
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Mahboobi N, Esmaeili S, Safari S, Habibollahi P, Dabbagh A, Alavian SM. Halothane: how should it be used in a developing country? East Mediterr Health J 2012; 18:159-64. [PMID: 22571093 DOI: 10.26719/2012.18.2.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The anaesthetic agent halothane is still widely used in developing countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran because of its low price. Because of halothane-induced hepatitis, a rare complication, it has been replaced by other inhalation anaesthetics in Western countries; it has been suggested by some Iranian professionals that the Islamic Republic of Iran should do the same. We evaluated various dimensions of this replacement through a literature review to assess the incidence of halothane-induced hepatitis and costs of anaesthetics in the country. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of 30 anaesthesiology/gastroenterology experts about their views on the subject. The results indicate that the incidence of halothane hepatitis in the Islamic Republic of Iran is very low and could mostly be avoided by strict adherence to guidelines. Complete withdrawal of halothane in the Islamic Republic of Iran might not be appropriate at present. Comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies are needed before a decision is made on complete replacement of halothane with other anaesthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mahboobi
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Khaledi A, Larti F, Safari S. Post-infarction myocardial rupture : a case of pericardial tamponade salvaged by auto-blood transfusion. Cardiovasc J Afr 2012; 23:e12-3. [DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2011-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Safari S, Zarrintan MH, Soleimani M, Dorkoosh FA, Akbari H, Larijani B, Rafiee Tehrani M. Evaluation and optimization of chitosan derivatives-based gene delivery system via kidney epithelial cells. Adv Pharm Bull 2012; 2:7-16. [PMID: 24312765 DOI: 10.5681/apb.2012.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-viral vectors have been widely proposed as safer alternatives to viral vectors, and cationic polymers have gained increasing attention because they can form self-assembly with DNA. Chitosan is also considered to be a good candidate for gene delivery systems, since it is already known as a biocompatible, biodegradable, and low toxic material with high cationic potential. However, low solubility and transfection efficiency need to be overcome prior to clinical trial. In this work, we focus on alkyl modified chitosan which might be useful in DNA condensing and efficient gene delivery. METHODS N, N- Diethyl N- Methyl (DEMC) and N- Triethyl Chitosan (TEC) were synthesized from chitosan polymer. In order to optimize the polymers for gene delivery, we used FITC-dextran (FD). Then the optimized polymer concentrations were used for gene delivery. Fluorescent microscope was used, in order to evaluate the polymers' efficiency for gene delivery to human embryonic kidney epithelial cells (HEK 293T). RESULTS This modification increased chitosan's positive charge, thus these chitosan derivatives spontaneously formed complexes with FD, green fluorescence protein plasmid DNA (pEGFP), red fluorescence protein plasmid DNA (pJred) and fluorescent labeled miRNA .RESULTS gained from fluorescent microscope showed that TEC and DEMC were able to transfer FD, DNA and miRNA (micro RNA) to HEK cell line. CONCLUSION We conclude that these chitosan derivatives present suitable characteristics to be used as non-viral gene delivery vectors to epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Safari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Safari S, Dorkoosh F, Soleimani M, Zarrintan M, Akbari H, Larijani B, Tehrani MR. N-Diethylmethyl chitosan for gene delivery to pancreatic cancer cells and the relation between charge ratio and biologic properties of polyplexes via interpolations polynomial. Int J Pharm 2011; 420:350-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Safari S, Selvaganapathy PR, Derardja A, Deen MJ. Electrochemical growth of high-aspect ratio nanostructured silver chloride on silver and its application to miniaturized reference electrodes. Nanotechnology 2011; 22:315601. [PMID: 21727314 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/22/31/315601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The sensitivity of many biological and chemical sensors is critically dependent on the stability of the potential of the reference electrode being used. The stability of a reference electrode's potential is highly influenced by the properties of its surface. In this paper, for the first time, the formation of nanosheets of silver chloride on silver wire is observed and controlled using high anodic constant potential (>0.5 V) and pulsed electrodeposition. The resulting nanostructured morphology substantially improves the electrode's potential stability in comparison with the conventional globular surface structure. The increased stability is attributed to the increase in the surface area of the silver chloride produced by the nanosheet formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Safari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
More than two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Globally, 350-400 million suffer from chronic HBV infection. It is postulated that dentists and dental staff are infected and transmit the virus to their patients more than any other occupation. The aim of this article is to review the HBV incidence in dental society, the points of view of dentists and their patients regarding transmission of the virus during dental procedures, the occurrence of HBV outbreaks in dental clinics and the importance of methods of preventing HBV infection in dentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mahboobi
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Baggaley RF, Solomon AW, Kuper H, Polack S, Massae PA, Kelly J, Safari S, Alexander NDE, Courtright P, Foster A, Mabey DC. Distance to water source and altitude in relation to active trachoma in Rombo district, Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 2006; 11:220-7. [PMID: 16451347 PMCID: PMC6855913 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2005.01553.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between distance to water source, altitude and active trachoma in children in Rombo district, Tanzania. METHODS In each of Rombo's 64 villages, 10 balozis (groups of 8-40 households) were selected at random and all resident children aged 1-9 years were examined for clinical signs of active trachoma. The households of these children and village water sources were mapped using differentially corrected global positioning system data to determine each household's altitude and distance to the nearest water supply. RESULTS We examined 12 415 children and diagnosed 1171 cases of active trachoma (weighted prevalence=9.1%, 95% CI: 8.0, 10.2%). Active trachoma prevalence ranged from 0% to 33.7% across villages. Increasing distance to the nearest water source was significantly associated with rising trachoma prevalence (age-adjusted odds ratio for infection (OR) for highest quartile compared to lowest=3.56, 95% CI 2.47, 5.14, P for trend <0.0001). Altitude was significantly inversely associated with trachoma prevalence (age-adjusted OR for highest quartile compared to lowest=0.55, 95% CI 0.41, 0.75, P for trend <0.0001). These associations remained significant after adjustment in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Trachoma is endemic in Rombo district, although the prevalence varies considerably between villages. Spatial mapping is a useful method for analysing risk factors for active trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Baggaley
- Modelling Unit, Department of Statistics, Modelling and Bioinformatics, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, UK.
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Lord HL, Rajabi M, Safari S, Pawliszyn J. Development of immunoaffinity solid phase microextraction probes for analysis of sub ng/mL concentrations of 7-aminoflunitrazepam in urine. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2006; 40:769-80. [PMID: 16352414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 10/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We report on the development of solid phase microextraction probes for drug analysis, prepared with antibodies specific for benzodiazepines covalently immobilized to the surface. In the technique, immobilized antibody probes are exposed to a sample containing the drug for 30 min. Extracted drugs are subsequently desorbed from the probes in 500 microL of methanolic desorption solution, which is dried, reconstituted in a small volume of injection solution and analysed by LC-MS/MS. The antibodies were characterized both before and after immobilization, to facilitate the rational selection of antibodies for such analyses. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were compared as was the impact of affinity purification of the polyclonal antibody to isolate the drug-specific fraction. The probes were evaluated for utility in analyzing 7-aminoflunitrazepam at sub ng/mL concentrations in urine, which is expected to be found several days after a single oral dose of 2 mg of flunitrazepam. Such analyses are required in monitoring for abuse of this drug, both in terms of 'club drug' use and in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault. In these cases drug concentrations in blood and urine are much lower than in chronic abuse cases and are difficult to analyse by conventional methods. The method developed has a limit of detection of 0.02 ng/mL, with accuracy ranging from 1% to 27% and precision (% R.S.D.) ranging from 2% to 10% between the lower and upper limits of quantitation for the analysis of 7-aminoflunitrazepam in urine. The dynamic range of the method is from 0.02 ng/mL, which is limited by the instrument sensitivity, to 0.5 ng/mL, which is approaching the capacity of the probes. This would allow for quantitative analysis of samples at concentrations below that measurable by many other methods for general benzodiazepines analysis from urine, and a highly selective screen for samples at higher concentrations. The method has similar limits of detection to the most sensitive literature methods specifically designed for such analysis but with the advantage of significantly simplified sample preparation. This simplification makes the technique more amenable for use by both professionals and non-professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Lord
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont., Canada N2L 3G1
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Polack SR, Solomon AW, Alexander NDE, Massae PA, Safari S, Shao JF, Foster A, Mabey DC. The household distribution of trachoma in a Tanzanian village: an application of GIS to the study of trachoma. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2005; 99:218-25. [PMID: 15653125 PMCID: PMC6917506 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2004.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2004] [Revised: 06/16/2004] [Accepted: 06/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of active trachoma in Kahe Mpya, Tanzania, an endemic village of approximately 1000 people, was mapped spatially and analysed for associated risk factors and evidence of clustering. An association between distance to water source and active disease was demonstrated, although this was reduced after accounting for the lack of independence between cases in the same household. Significant clustering of active trachoma within households was demonstrated, adding support to the hypothesized importance of intra-familial transmission. The spatial distribution of trachoma was analysed using the spatial scan statistic, and evidence of clustering of active trachoma cases detected. Understanding the distribution of the disease has implications for understanding the dynamics of transmission and therefore appropriate control activities. The demonstrated spatial clustering suggests inter-familial as well as intra-familial transmission of infection may be common in this setting. The association between active trachoma and geographical information system (GIS) measured distance to water may be relevant for planning control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Polack
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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