The effects of McKenzie and lumbar stabilization exercises on the improvement of function and pain in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

زمینه و هدف: علی رغم مطالعات فراوان در زمینه درمان کمر درد، در مورد مناسب ترین مداخله درمانی توافقی وجود ندارد. هدف از این مطالعه مقایسه تاثیر تمرین های مکنزی با تمرین های ثبات دهنده کمر در بهبود عملکرد و درد مزمن کمر بود. روش بررسی:‌ در یک کارآزمایی بالینی سی و دو بیمار با تشخیص کمر درد مزمن از طریق نمونه گیری در دسترس انتخاب و به صورت تصادفی در دو گروه تمرین های ثبات دهنده (16 نفر) و مکنزی (16 نفر) قرار گرفتند. درد با پرسشنامه مک گیل، ناتوانی با پرسشنامه اسوستری، دامنه حرکتی فلکسیون کمر با آزمون شوبر و زاویه لوردوز کمر با خط کش انعطاف پذیر، قبل و پس از درمان ارزیابی شد. برنامه درمان برای هر دو گروه شامل 10 جلسه تمرین روزانه و هر جلسه حدود یک ساعت بود. از آزمون‌های t مستقل، من‌ویتنی، t زوج و ویلکاکسون برای مقایسه نتایج استفاده گردید. یافته‌ها: بعد از درمان میانگین درد، ناتوانی و لوردوز کمری در هر دو گروه کاهش یافت (001/0

Comparing the effects of vibration and ultrasound waves accompanied with stretching exercises on myofascial trigger points of posterior neck muscles in athletes

زمینه و هدف: درمان های فیزیکی و تمرینات مختلف جهت درمان نقاط ماشه ای توصیه شده اند ولی مطالعه در زمینه تاثیر ویبریشن در نقاط ماشه ای عضلات پشت گردن و همچنین مقایسه آن با تمرینات کششی و اولتراسوند با در نظر گرفتن غیر تهاجمی بودن آن ها اندک است، لذا این مطالعه با هدف مقایسه اثرات درمانی ویبریشن و اولتراسوند توأم با تمرین کششی بر نقاط ماشه ای عضلات پشت گردن ورزشکاران انجام شد. روش بررسی:‌ در این مطالعه کارآزمایی بالینی، 30 ورزشکار با نقاط ماشه ای عضلات پشت گردن از طریق نمونه گیری در دسترس انتخاب شده و بصورت تصادفی در دو گروه ویبریشن (15نفر) و اولتراسوند توأم با تمرین کششی (15 نفر) قرار گرفتند. میزان ناتوانی گردن، درد گردن، درد و ناتوانی شانه قبل و بعد از درمان اندازه گیری شد. برنامه درمان برای هر دو گروه شامل 10 جلسه هفته ای 3 جلسه و هر جلسه حدود 30 دقیقه بود. داده ها با استفاده از آزمون های t‏ مستقل، من ویتنی، t زوجی، ویلکاکسون و آنالیز واریانس یکطرفه تجزیه و تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها: شاخص ناتوانی گردن در گروه ویبریشن از 35/5±33/25 به1/4±93/13 و در گروه اولتراسوند با تمرین از 63/4±20/25 به 36/4±80/13 کاهش یافت (001/0>P). شاخص درد گردن در گروه ویبریشن از 91/3±15 به 70/3±47/6 و در گروه اولتراسوند با تمرین از 56/4±47/13 به 19/4±53/5 کاهش یافت (001/0>P). شاخص درد و ناتوانی شانه در گروه ویبریشن از 53/30±08/69 به 36/22±83/24 و در گروه اولتراسوند با تمرین از 61/23±69/64 به 42/11±27/17 کاهش یافت (001/0>P). اختلافی بین دو گروه از نظر بهبود عملکرد و کاهش میانگین درد و ناتوانی گردن و شانه وجود نداشت. نتیجه گیری: نتایج تحقیق ما نشان داد که تاثیر ویبریشن و اولتراسوند توام با تمرین کششی بر بهبود عملکرد در ورزشکاران دارای نقاط ماشه ای در عضلات پشت گردن برابر و یکسان است

Modulation of transforming growth factor-beta signaling transducers in colon adenocarcinoma cells induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a notable cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, making it a pertinent topic for the study of cancer and its treatment. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), an enterotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus, has been demonstrated to exert anticancer and antimetastatic effects due to its ability to modify cell immunity and cellular signaling pathways. In the current study, SEB was investigated, including whether it exerts its growth inhibitory effects on colon adenocarcinoma cells. This may occur through the manipulation of a key tumor growth factor, termed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and its signaling pathway transducer, Smad2/3. The human colon adenocarcinoma HCT116 cell line was treated with different concentrations of SEB, and cell number was measured using MTT assay at different treatment times. Smad2/3 RNA expression level was analyzed in untreated or SEB-treated cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which indicated significant differences between cell viability and Smad2/3 expression levels. SEB effectively downregulated Smad2/3 expression in the HCT116 cells at concentrations of 1 and 2 mu g/ml (P=0.0021 and P=0.0017, respectively). SEB concentrations that were effective at inhibiting Smad2/3 expression were correlated with those able to inhibit the proliferation of the cancer cells. SEB inhibited Smad2/3 expression at the mRNA level in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The present study thus proposed SEB as an agent able to significantly reduce Smad2/3 expression in colon cancer cells, provoking moderate TGF-beta growth signaling and the reduction of tumor cell proliferation

Down-regulation of miR-135b in colon adenocarcinoma induced by a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor (SD-208).

OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in colorectal cancer (CRC). The SD-208 acts as an anti-cancer agent in different malignancies via TGF-β signaling. This work aims to show the effect of manipulation of TGF-β signaling on some miRNAs implicated in CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the effects of SD-208 on SW-48, a colon adenocarcinoma cell line. The cell line was treated with 0.5, 1 and 2 μM concentrations of SD-208. Then, the xenograft model of colon cancer was established by subcutaneous inoculation of SW-48 cell line into the nude mice. The animals were treated with SD-208 for three weeks. A quantitative real-time PCR was carried out for expression level analysis of selected oncogenic (miR-21, 31, 20a and 135b) and suppressor-miRNAs (let7-g, miR-133b, 145 and 200c). Data were analyzed using the 2-∆∆CT method through student's t-test via the GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS Our results revealed that SD-208 could significantly down-regulate the expression of one key onco-miRNA, miR-135b, in either SW-48 colon cells (P=0.006) or tumors orthotopically implanted in nude mice (P=0.018). Our in silico study also predicted that SD-208 could modulate the expression of potential downstream tumor suppressor targets of the miR135b. CONCLUSION Our data provide novel evidence that anticancer effects of SD-208 (and likely other TGF-β inhibitors) may be owing to their ability to regulate miRNAs expression

Modulation of transforming growth factor-β signalling transducers in colon adenocarcinoma cells induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a notable cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, making it a pertinent topic for the study of cancer and its treatment. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), an enterotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus, has been demonstrated to exert anticancer and antimetastatic effects due to its ability to modify cell immunity and cellular signaling pathways. In the current study, SEB was investigated, including whether it exerts its growth inhibitory effects on colon adenocarcinoma cells. This may occur through the manipulation of a key tumor growth factor, termed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and its signaling pathway transducer, Smad2/3. The human colon adenocarcinoma HCT116 cell line was treated with different concentrations of SEB, and cell number was measured using MTT assay at different treatment times. Smad2/3 RNA expression level was analyzed in untreated or SEB-treated cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which indicated significant differences between cell viability and Smad2/3 expression levels. SEB effectively downregulated Smad2/3 expression in the HCT116 cells at concentrations of 1 and 2 μg/ml (P=0.0021 and P=0.0017, respectively). SEB concentrations that were effective at inhibiting Smad2/3 expression were correlated with those able to inhibit the proliferation of the cancer cells. SEB inhibited Smad2/3 expression at the mRNA level in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The present study thus proposed SEB as an agent able to significantly reduce Smad2/3 expression in colon cancer cells, provoking moderate TGF-β growth signaling and the reduction of tumor cell proliferation

Homeodomain protein transforming growth factor beta-induced factor 2 like, X-linked function in colon adenocarcinoma cells

A member of homeodomain protein namely TGIF2LX has been implicated as a tumor suppressor gene in human malignancy as well as in spermatogenesis. However, to our knowledge, dynamic functional evidence of the TGIF2LX has not yet been provided. The aim of the present study was to investigate the human TGIF2LX target gene(s) using a cDNA-AFLP as a differential display method. A pEGFP-TGIF2LX construct containing the wild-type TGIF2LX cDNA was stably transfected into SW48 cells. UV microscopic analysis and Real-time RT-PCR were used to confirm TGIF2LX expression. The mRNA expressions of TGIF2LX in transfected SW48 cells, the cells containing empty vector (pEGFP-N), and untransfected cells were compared. Also, a Real-time PCR technique was applied to validate cDNA-AFLP results. The results revealed a significant down-regulation and up-regulationby TGIF2LX of Nir1 and Nir2 genes, respectively. The genes are engaged in the cell morphogenesis process. Our findings may provide new insight into the complex molecular pathways underlying colorectal cancer development

Evaluation of SD-208, a TGF-β-RI kinase inhibitor, as an anticancer agent in retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumor in children resulting from genetic alterations and transformation of mature retinal cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SD-208, TGF-β-RI kinase inhibitor, on the expression of some miRNAs including a miR-17/92 cluster in retinoblastoma cells. Prior to initiate this work, the cell proliferation was studied by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) and bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Then, the expression patterns of four miRNAs (18a, 20a, 22, and 34a) were investigated in the treated SD-208 (0.0, 1, 2 and 3 μM) and untreated Y-79 cells. A remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation was found in Y-79 cells treated with SD-208 versus untreated cells. Also, the expression changes were observed in miRNAs 18a, 20a, 22 and 34a in response to SD-208 treatment (P<0.05). The findings of the present study suggest that the anti-cancer effect of SD-208 may be exerted due to the regulation of specific miRNAs, at least in this particular retinoblastoma cell line. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the SD-208 could alter the expression of tumor suppressive miRNAs as well as oncomiRs in vitro. In conclusion, the present data suggest that SD-208 could be an alternative agent in retinoblastoma treatment. © 2016 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Movement Optimization of Robotic Arms for Energy and Time Reduction using Evolutionary Algorithms

This thesis addresses the growing demand for energy-efficient and high-speed industrial robotics. It focuses on optimizing motion parameters, specifically the velocity and acceleration profiles of a robot's tool center point (TCP). Unlike traditional methods that alter trajectory geometry, this approach preserves the trajectory while fine-tuning parameters for energy efficiency and reduced cycle time. It comprehensively explores energy consumption and cycle time optimization, using a robot inverse kinematic model for simulation. This research offers insights into the influential factors, including robot type, task performance, and operating conditions, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally conscious industrial robotics paradigm. We utilized multiple optimization methods, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), grid search, scalarization, and Enhanced Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (EMOPSO), each tailored to explore the complex solution space of robotic applications. Our validation process extends beyond simulations to real-world experiments, affirming the feasibility and real-world applicability of our approach. One key insight gained is the impracticality of grid search for complex robotic systems, owing to its time-intensive nature. Furthermore, we observed the limitations of single-objective optimization, particularly in cases where energy consumption and cycle time must be balanced. As a response, we implemented multi-objective optimization algorithms, with EMOPSO emerging as an instrumental choice due to its adaptability, impressive convergence properties, and capacity to handle dynamic objective functions. Our research findings have been practically demonstrated across a spectrum of industrial applications, including tasks such as pick and place, welding, and gluing, and a unique triangle trajectory. Through real-world validation and optimization, our methodology has showcased its adaptability and versatility. The outcomes of our optimization efforts have yielded substantial benefits, resulting in 25% reduction in energy consumption and 12% decrease in cycle time when compared to average random values for robot TCP velocity and acceleration. Given the absence of industry-specific reference data, we conducted these comparisons with averaged random values, underscoring the effectiveness of our approach

Digoxin Inhibits Retinoblastoma through Suppressing a Non-canonical TGFβ Signaling Pathway.

Aims: Retinoblastoma is a childhood ocular tumor rapidly developing from the immature cells of the retina due to loss of functional retinoblastoma protein. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, has been reported to be effective in inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cytotoxic effects on human cancers. In this regard, the present study aims to investigate whether digoxin could suppress retinoblastoma cancer through the regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Methodology: The effects of digoxin on Y-79 cells, retinoblastoma cancer cell line, were investigated using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoli-umbromide) and BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) assays to measure cellular cytotoxicity effects and cell apoptosis, respectively. Also, a qPCR assay was employed to analyze the mRNA expression levels of TGFβ signaling pathway including C-MYC, P21, P15, TGFβRI, TGFβRII, and SMAD2, 3, and 4 genes. Results: The results of the cell function assays revealed that digoxin inhibited the cell viability and proliferation of Y-79 cells. In addition, it was found that digoxin significantly suppressed C-MYC expression and enhanced the expression of P21, P15, SMAD2 and SMAD4 genes in a dose-and time-dependent manner. However, the obtained results could not detect any significant effect of digoxin on TGFβRI, TGFβRII and SMAD3 genes. Conclusion: Taken together, the findings of the present study suggest that digoxin could be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of retinoblastoma by regulating the cell cycle genes via a non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathway

Pilgrim Prioritisation of Religious Activities: Time Use-based Behavioural Approach in Iran

The present study investigates the time-use activities of pilgrims at their religious destination. The time diary was used to describe the behaviour of pilgrims who came on a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad (Iran) in sufficient detail to measure the overall duration and continuous records of activities. According to the findings, pilgrims spend most of their time on necessary and religious activities, respectively. Free time and shopping activities were also among their other activities. Pilgrims were categorised into three clusters: Active Pilgrims, Tourist-Pilgrims, and Non-active or Passive Pilgrims. Active Pilgrims are mostly involved in religious activities, while Tourist-Pilgrims engage more in recreational activities after completing necessary activities. Non-active / Passive Pilgrims mostly spend their time on necessities and personal activities