Spatial distribution and the impact of geographical factors on brucellosis in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran

Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most important common diseases among man and livestock which are considered as the major problem in the health of the humans and livestock. The Importance of this disease isn’t limited to its physical problems and consequences, but it is considered as a major challenge of economic development in most countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some regional parameters on the prevalence of this disease because of its high prevalence in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Methods: This study was a descriptive- analytical and the registered statistics about those affected by Brucellosis in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari from 2008-2011 abstracted from Center of Public Health of the province. Based on it, spatial distribution maps of Brucellosis were provided by Geographic Information System (GIS). Then, the relationship between this parameter and some regional parameters was studied by using software SPSS. Results: Extent of Brucellosis prevalence wasn’t consistent in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Koohrang had the more prevalence and Lordegan, Farsan and Kiar regions had less risky. There is a meaningful relationship between increase in Brucellosis and temperature in the year 2008, 2010 and 2011 (P<0.05) (P<0.01), rainfall 2008 and 2010 (P<0.05) and moisture 2008, 2010 and 2011 (P<0.01). Conclusion: Environmental factors influence disease prevalence

Comparison of Adsorption and Encapsulation Methods in Preparation of rSAG1-loaded PLGA Nanospheres as Particulate Vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Introduction: Despite all progress in vaccine research against toxoplasmosis, subunit vaccines still deal with poor immunogenicity, which could be overcome by using efficient delivery vehicles like PLGA. The proteinaceous nature of antigens makes the loading of protein more challenging than chemical medicines. Here, we prepared rSAG1-PLGA by adsorption and encapsulation methods and compared their characterizations. Methods and Results: Blank PLGA and rSAG1-encapsulated PLGA nanospheres were prepared using double emulsion solvent evaporation technique at room temperature. rSAG1-adsorbed PLGA nanospheres were prepared by incubating a suspension of freeze-dried blank PLGA with rSAG1 in PBS (pH 7.4) and it was mixed at 4°C overnight. Size, PDI, zeta potential, preparation yield, and adsorption/encapsulation efficiency of all prepared PLGA nanospheres were characterized and summarized in table below: &nbsp; Formulation Size (nm) PDI* Zeta potential (mV) A/E efficiency (%) Yield (%) Blank PLGA 438 ± 11 0.12 ± 0.01 -5.56 ± 0.68 - 86.8 ± 3.56 rSAG1-adsorbed&nbsp; PLGA 486 ± 9.9 0.14 ± 0.02 -1.00 ± 0.33 69.73 ± 3.05 87.4 ± 2.7 rSAG1-encapsulated PLGA 471 ± 8.5 0.20 ± 0.04 -4.66 ± 0.6 46.93 ± 2.51 86.8 ± 2.86 *Poly Dispersity Index, A; adsorption, E; encapsulation Moreover, in vitro release profile of both PLGA nanospheres during 4 weeks demonstrated more or less similar release pattern (zero-order release patterns). However, rSAG1 release in rSAG1-encapsulated PLGA happened slower than release in rSAG1-adsorbed one. Conclusions: &nbsp;Based on obtained size, both rSAG1-adsorbed and rSAG1-encapsulated particles could be efficiently taken up by presenting cells. Higher efficiency of adsorption than encapsulation makes adsorption method more economic in large scale. Protein during encapsulation process faces some stability problems due to exposure to harsh mechanical thermal and chemical stresses affecting protein integrity and immunogenicity. Therefore, protein adsorption would be applied as a suitable method for protein loading. We are going to evaluate the efficiency of both particles in eliciting immune responses in BALB/c

Skin regeneration-related mechanisms of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): a systematic review

IntroductionCalcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a common dermal filler used in aesthetic medicine for volumizing and contouring. Understanding mechanisms of actions of CaHA can help improve our understanding of its clinical applications.MethodsWe performed a systematic review to summarize the skin-regeneration related mechanisms of CaHA. Five bibliographic databases were searched for English-language publications that evaluated CaHA in skin regeneration outcomes including neocollagenesis, cell proliferation and growth factors, angiogenesis, vascular dynamic and inflammatory markers, among others. Methodological rigor of included studies was assessed.ResultsOf 2,935 identified citations, 12 studies were included for final analysis. Collagen production was reported by nine studies, cell proliferation by four, elastic fibers and/or elastin by four, and three studies on angiogenesis, while limited studies were available on the other outcomes. Six were clinical/observational studies. Only seven studies had a control group. Overall, studies showed CaHA resulted in increased cell proliferation, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, as well as in higher elastic fiber and elastin formation. Limited and inconclusive evidence was available on the other mechanisms. The majority of the studies had methodological limitations.DiscussionCurrent evidence is limited but indicates several mechanisms through which CaHA could lead to skin regeneration, volume enhancement, and contouring.Systematic review registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WY49V

Antibacterial and Anti-Adherent Activity of Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus L.) Ethanolic Extract on in Vitro Biofilm Formation of Three Oral Streptococci

Background: Verbascum thapsus (VT) is a medicinal plant that chemical constituents of it revealed the presence of biologically active compounds with antibacterial properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-adherent activities of ethanol extract of (VT) against of three oral streptococci in vitro.Methods: In this study, biofilm formation of S. mutans 1683ATCC35.668, S. sanguinis 1449CIP53.15 and S. salivarius 1448CIP55.128 with ethanol extract of VT was tested using Micro-dilution assay and microtitre plate assay.Results: Results showed that the biofilm formation of three oral streptococci with ethanol extract (leaves and root) of VT wassignificantly lower than that of the control group without ethanol extract of VT. Meanwhile, the reduction degree was correlated to the concentration of ethanol extract of VT positively.Conclusions: These results suggest that antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of VT against three oral streptococci. VT extracts have inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of oral streptococci as the reduction of bacterial growth and reduction of biofilm formationability

Antibacterial and Anti-Adherent Activity of Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus L.) Ethanolic Extract on in Vitro Biofilm Formation of Three Oral Streptococci

Background: Verbascum thapsus (VT) is a medicinal plant that chemical constituents of it revealed the presence of biologically active compounds with antibacterial properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-adherent activities of ethanol extract of (VT) against of three oral streptococci in vitro.Methods: In this study, biofilm formation of S. mutans 1683ATCC35.668, S. sanguinis 1449CIP53.15 and S. salivarius 1448CIP55.128 with ethanol extract of VT was tested using Micro-dilution assay and microtitre plate assay.Results: Results showed that the biofilm formation of three oral streptococci with ethanol extract (leaves and root) of VT wassignificantly lower than that of the control group without ethanol extract of VT. Meanwhile, the reduction degree was correlated to the concentration of ethanol extract of VT positively.Conclusions: These results suggest that antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of VT against three oral streptococci. VT extracts have inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of oral streptococci as the reduction of bacterial growth and reduction of biofilm formationability

Validation of the Iranian version of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale 12-item research short-form for use during global crises (PSAS-IR-RSF-C)

BackgroundDue to its high pervasiveness and adversarial consequences, postpartum anxiety has been one of the most worrying public health concerns in the last decade. According to previous research, the occurrence of mental disorders among women in the postpartum period upsurges significantly in the course of universal disasters. The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale - Research Short Form - for use in global Crises [PSAS-IR-RSF-C] has not been used in Iran for postpartum women during a health system shock. Consequently, this study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version (PSAS-IR-RSF-C) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed with 180 women who were between six weeks and six months after delivery, by random sampling method from December 2021 to June 2022. The validity of the PSAS-RSF-C in terms of face, content, was analyzed, and the construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the questionnaire were measured using (Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's ω) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.ResultsThe content validity index and content validity ratio of the Persian version of the PSAS-IR-RSF-C were 0.96 and 0.98, respectively. A three-factor structure was extracted during the exploratory factor analysis process, and model validity was confirmed by the values of fit indices. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's ω and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) were 0.74, 0.92 (0.78 to 0.93) and 0.97 (0.93 to 0.98), respectively.ConclusionsFor the specific assessment of postpartum anxiety among Iranian women during crises, the Persian version of the PSAS-IR-RSF-C is a valid and reliable tool

NMDA RECEPTORS ARE INVOLVED IN THE ANTIDEPRESSANT-LIKE EFFECTS OF CAPSAICIN FOLLOWING AMPHETAMINE WITHDRAWAL IN MALE MICE

Abstract—Amphetamine withdrawal (AW) is accompanied by diminished pleasure and depression which plays a key role in drug relapse and addictive behaviors. There is no effi- cient treatment for AW-induced depression and underpinning mechanisms were not well determined. Considering both transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) and N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors contribute to pathophysiology of mood and addictive disorders, in this study, we investigated the role of TRPV1 and NMDA receptors in mediating depressive-like behaviors following AW in male mice. Results revealed that administration of capsaicin, TRPV1 agonist, (100 lg/mouse, i.c.v.) and MK-801, NMDA receptor antagonist (0.005 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed AW-induced depressive-like behaviors in forced swimming test (FST) and splash test with no effect on animals’ locomotion. Co-administration of sub-effective doses of MK-801 (0.001 mg/kg, i.p.) and capsaicin (10 lg/mouse, i.c.v) exerted antidepressant-like effects in behavioral tests. Capsazepine, TRPV1 antagonist, (100 lg/mouse, i.c.v) and NMDA, NMDA receptor agonist (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) abolished the effects of capsaicin and MK801, respectively. None of aforementioned treatments had any effect on behavior of control animals. Collectively, our findings showed that activation of TRPV1 and blockade of NMDA receptors produced antidepressant-like effects in male mice following AW, and these receptors are involved in AW-induced depressive-like behaviors. Further, we found that rapid antidepressant-like effects of capsaicin in FST and splash test are partly mediated by NMDA receptors. � 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO

Protective effects of gabapentin against the seizure susceptibility and comorbid behavioral abnormalities in the early socially isolated mice

Adolescence is a pivotal period of brain development during lifespan, which is sensitive to stress exposure. Early social isolation stress (SIS) is known to provoke a variety of psychiatric comorbidities as well as seizure risk. Psychiatric comorbidities present challenging dilemmas for treatment and management in people with seizure disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether gabapentin (GBP) as an anti-epileptic drug is able to alleviate the seizure activity as well as comorbid behavioral abnormalities in socially isolated mice. Results showed that early SIS induced proconvulsant effects along with depressive, aggressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Whereas the administration of both acute and chronic GBP at sub-effective doses produced no alterations in the behavioral profile of socially conditioned counterparts the same treatments effectively reversed the seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole and behavioral deficits in isolated mice. Results of the study indicate that 1) Early SIS could be considered as an animal model of psychosocial stress to investigate the psychiatric comorbidities in seizure disorders, 2) Chronic administration of low dose GBP prevented the shaping of behavioral abnormalities in adulthood, 3) Chronic administration of low dose GBP produced no negative behavioral effects in socially conditioned mice suggesting the safety of the drug, 4) Gabapentin at low doses may be considered as an agent for management of epilepsy in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities

Streptozotocin induced oxidative stress, innate immune system responses and behavioral abnormalities in male mice

Recent evidence indicates the involvement of inflammatory factors and mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. To investigate the possible role of mitochondrial-induced sterile inflammation in the co-occurrence of anxiety and depression, in this study, we treated adult male mice with the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of a single low dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 0.2 mg/mouse). Using valid and qualified behavioral tests for the assessment of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, we showed that STZ-treated mice exhibited behaviors relevant to anxiety and depression 24 h following STZ treatment. We observed that the co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in animals were associated with abnormal mitochondrial function, nitric oxide overproduction and, the increased activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in the hippocampus. Further, STZ-treated mice had a significant upregulation of genes associated with the innate immune system such as toll-like receptors 2 and 4. Pathological evaluations showed no sign of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus of STZ-treated mice. Results of this study revealed that behavioral abnormalities provoked by STZ, as a cytotoxic agent that targets mitochondria and energy metabolism, are associated with abnormal mitochondrial activity and, consequently the initiation of innate-inflammatory responses in the hippocampus. Our findings highlight the role of mitochondria and innate immunity in the formation of sterile inflammation and behaviors relevant to anxiety and depression. Also, we have shown that STZ injection (i.c.v.) might be an animal model for depression and anxiety disorders based on sterile inflammation

Circulating lipoprotein (a) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

AIMS To investigate the association between circulating lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the general population and in patients with chronic diseases, and to elucidate the dose-response relations. METHODS AND RESULTS We searched literature to find prospective studies reporting adjusted risk estimates on the association of Lp(a) and mortality outcomes. Forty-three publications, reporting on 75 studies (957,253 participants), were included. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI ) for the top versus bottom tertile of Lp(a) levels and risk of all-cause mortality were 1.09 (95%CI: 1.01-1.18, I2: 75.34%, n = 19) in the general population and 1.18 (95%CI: 1.04-1.34, I2: 52.5%, n = 12) in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The HRs for CVD mortality were 1.33 (95%CI: 1.11-1.58, I2: 82.8%, n = 31) in the general population, 1.25 (95%CI: 1.10-1.43, I2: 54.3%, n = 17) in patients with CVD and 2.53 (95%CI: 1.13-5.64, I2: 66%, n = 4) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Linear dose-response analyses revealed that each 50 mg/dL increase in Lp(a) levels was associated with 31% and 15% greater risk of CVD death in the general population and in patients with CVD. No non-linear dose-response association was observed between Lp(a) levels and risk of all-cause or CVD mortality in the general population or in patients with CVD (Pnonlinearity > 0.05). CONCLUSION This study provides further evidence that higher Lp(a) levels are associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality and CVD-death in the general population and in patients with CVD. These findings support the ESC/EAS Guidelines that recommend Lp(a) should be measured at least once in each adult person's lifetime, since our study suggests those with higher Lp(a) might also have higher risk of mortality