Hemifacial Microsomia: A Mini-Review and Case Report

Objectives Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is an asymmetric craniofacial malformation, which results from hypoplasia of the first and second branchial arch components and is characterized by a wide spectrum of phenotypic expressions, varying from the underdevelopment of the temporomandibular joint, mandible, facial and trigeminal nerves, masticatory muscles, ears, and hypoplastic maxillary, temporal, orbital, and zygomatic bones to conductive hearing loss due to external and middle ear deformities. Management of this developmental defect is multidisciplinary and associated with various phenotypic spectra and severities. A wide range of treatment protocols, such as surgical interventions, have been proposed, especially for mandibular hypoplasia, including rib or fibular bone grafting, distraction osteogenesis (DO), orthognathic surgery, and a combination of these procedures. Case In this study, the treatment course and 17-year follow-up of a patient with HFM were described. The treatment included autogenous costochondral grafting, followed by full-time application of an asymmetric hybrid functional appliance, fixed orthodontic therapy, orthognathic surgery, and contour modification surgery to achieve optimal facial aesthetics. Conclusion Patients can benefit from functional jaw orthopedics psychosocially and the consequent enhanced facial symmetry during childhood and adolescence is really advantageous   &nbsp

CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Capsule Gene Silencing in Escherichia coli

Background: Genomic engineering of Escherichia coli is applied to design and produce recombinant proteins as the new drugs. The aim of this study was to CRISPR-Cas9 mediated capsule gene silencing in E. coli.Materials and Methods: We suppressed genes involved in capsule expression of E.coli by CRISPR cas9 process. The constructed E.coli was confirmed by microscopic smear, transmission electron microscopy and T7 phage influence assay.Results: The results were shown that the inhibition of capsule production was carried out successfully and there was not any capsule layer around the bacteria.Conclusion: E. coli without any capsule around may proper for replacement of it with other molecules in future

Heart Diseases Associated Genes

Background: Heart diseases are complex pathophysiologic conditions involving biomarkers. Understanding the mechanisms by which a gene selectively triggers intracellular molecular responses provide insight into the complex processes implicated in heart diseases. The aim of this study was to predict heart diseases associated genes. Materials and Methods: A number of computational methods have been developed for human gene prioritization. In this study, we used Beegle and KEGG pathway databases and two online services for gene prioritization and analysis of genes related to heart disease. Results: Over 200 genes and 5 key signaling pathways related to human heart diseases were found. The processes in which gene mutations trigger a response in cells leading to cardiac conditions involve multiple pathways. Conclusion: The genes related to heart diseases could be CRP, NPPB, IL-6, ACE2 and GATA4 with high scores and the researchers should find the diagnostic biomarker between them

Effects of Pharmaceuticals on the Nitrogen Cycle in Water and Soil: A Review

The effects of pharmaceuticals on the nitrogen cycle in water and soil have recently become an increasingly important issue for environmental research. However, a few studies have investigated the direct effects of pharmaceuticals on the nitrogen cycle in water and soil. Pharmaceuticals can contribute to inhibition and stimulation of nitrogen cycle processes in the environment. Some pharmaceuticals have no observable effect on the nitrogen cycle in water and soil while others appeared to inhibit or stimulate for it. This review reports on the most recent evidence of effects of pharmaceuticals on the nitrogen cycle processes by examination of the potential impact of pharmaceuticals on nitrogen fixation, nitrification, ammonification, denitrification, and anammox. Research studies have identified pharmaceuticals that can either inhibit or stimulate nitrification, ammonification, denitrification, and anammox. Among these, amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, narasin, norfloxacin, and sulfamethazine had the most significant effects on nitrogen cycle processes. This review also clearly demonstrates that some nitrogen transformation processes such as nitrification show much higher sensitivity to the presence of pharmaceuticals than other nitrogen transformations or flows such as mineralization or ammonia volatilization. We conclude by suggesting that future studies take a more comprehensive approach to report on pharmaceuticals’ impact on the nitrogen cycle process

The Incidence of Common Complications, Including Ectropion and Entropion, in Transconjunctival and Subciliary Approaches for Treatment of ZMC Fractures

Statement of the Problem: Treating zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures (ZMC Fx) can result in postoperative complications that should be minimized by choosing the best surgical approach. Purpose: This study compared incidence rates of some common postoperative complications with emphasis on ectropion (an outward curling of the lower eyelid) and entropion (an inward curling of the lower eyelid) occurring with transconjunctival or subciliary approaches for the treatment of ZMC fractures. Materials and Method: This prospective study enrolled 80 patients with ZMC Fx who had been surgically treated. Patients were visited within one month and five months postoperatively by the same surgeon. An information checklist was completed for each patient for clinical assessment of postoperative complications. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the type of trauma (simple or comminuted) (p= 0.1) or the frequency of ectropion and entropion one month and five months postoperatively (p> 0.05). The same results were observed for history of massage under the eye or around the field of surgery (p= 0.151), scleral show (p= 0.414), history of post-surgical epiphora (overflow of tears and accumulation of tear) (p= 0.059), duration of the use of suspension/frost sutures (used to prevent eyelid distortion secondary to wound injury applied at the skin inferior to the incision to help elevate the lid) (p= 0.057), and the use of porex (an alloplastic material over the defect in the orbital floor) (p= 0.91). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the transconjunctival approach and the subciliary approach in terms of common postoperative complications such as ectropion and entropion

Phytochemicals as inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha and neuroinflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases

Inflammatory processes and proinflammatory cytokines have a key role in the cellular processes of neurodegenerative diseases and are linked to the pathogenesis of functional and mental health disorders. Tumor necrosis factor alpha has been reported to play a major role in the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many other neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, a potent proinflammatory/proapoptotic tumor necrosis factor alpha could be a strong candidate for targeted therapy. Plant derivatives have now become promising candidates as therapeutic agents because of their antioxidant and chemical characteristics, and anti-inflammatory features. Recently, phytochemicals including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and lignans have generated interest as tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor candidates for a number of diseases involving inflammation within the nervous system. In this review, we discuss how phytochemicals as tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors are a therapeutic strategy targeting neurodegeneration

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

Background: Current recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines. Aims: To provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for “respiratory diseases” within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment. Method: The plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown. Results: A total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine. Conclusions: Our work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches

Harnessing CRISPR technology for viral therapeutics and vaccines: from preclinical studies to clinical applications

The CRISPR/Cas system, identified as a type of bacterial adaptive immune system, have attracted significant attention due to its remarkable ability to precisely detect and eliminate foreign genetic material and nucleic acids. Expanding upon these inherent capabilities, recent investigations have unveiled the potential of reprogrammed CRISPR/Cas 9, 12, and 13 systems for treating viral infections associated with human diseases, specifically targeting DNA and RNA viruses, respectively. Of particular interest is the RNA virus responsible for the recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which presents a substantial public health risk, coupled with limited efficacy of current prophylactic and therapeutic techniques. In this regard, the utilization of CRISPR/Cas technology offers a promising gene editing approach to overcome the limitations of conventional methods in managing viral infections. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest CRISPR/Cas-based therapeutic and vaccine strategies employed to combat human viral infections. Additionally, we discuss significant challenges and offer insights into the future prospects of this cutting-edge gene editing technology

مهندسی ژنتیک در محصولات غذایی و دارویی: فواید، نگرانی‌ها و ملاحظات اخلاقی

Background and Aim: In order to sustain the world’s growing population, the production of food must be more than 70% of what it is produced today. A remarkable and stable solution for the eradication of hunger is using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetic modifications have contributed to larger yields in agriculture and livestock as well as the development of new biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and proteins. Despite the large benefits that genetic engineering and GMOs can bring for us, they may produce some hazards and concerns in certain areas. Moreover, considering the products to be new and also vast changes that they can make in economical, social, health, and safety matters, ethical issues plays an important role in the application of these technologies. Materials and Methods: This is a review study. Research data were collected by searching databases of Web of science, PubMed, Scopus, google scholar, Magiran (Bank of Iran's Magazines Information), SID (Jahad-e Daneshgahi Scientific Information Center) with keywords of Ethic, Genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms and transgenic. Ethical Considerations: The findings of these articles are stated in all stages of the research without bias and with respect to ethical aspects. Findings: In this study, first some of the beneficial effects of such products on humanity and their contribution to the conservation of available resources are pointed out and then possible concerns about mass production and consumption of transgenic products as well as safety issues are discussed. Finally, the need to observe ethical considerations, the importance of respecting the rights of customers and product labeling are mentioned. Conclusion: Adopting rational and prospective policies by observing ethical aspects, enacting integrated laws to avoid consumer's confusion, observing ethical aspects and providing correct and unbiased informing can prevent the possible dangers of this technology and people will profit its benefits.   Cite this article as: Zahedipour F, Hosseini SA, Jalili A. Genetic Engineering in Food and Pharmaceutical Products: Benefits, Concerns and Ethical Considerations. Faslnamah-i akhlaq-i pizishki. 2021; 15(46): e19.زمینه و هدف: به منظور حفظ جمعیت رو به رشد جهان، بایستی تولید محصولات غذایی 70 درصد بیشتر از آنچه تولید امروز است، رشد داشته باشد. یک راه حل قابل توجه و پایدار برای ریشه‌کن‌کردن گرسنگی استفاده از ارگانیسم‌های اصلاح‌شده ژنتیکی (Genetically Modified Organisms) یا تراریخته است. اصلاحات ژنتیکی منجر به بازده بیشتر در کشاورزی و دامداری و همچنین توسعه داروهای جدید زیستی، واکسن‌ها و پروتئین‌ها شده است. با وجود مزایای بزرگی که مهندسی ژنتیک و تراریخته‌ها می‌توانند داشته باشند، احتمال خطرات و نگرانی‌ها در زمینه‌های خاصی را هم ایجاد می‌کنند، به علاوه با توجه به جدیدبودن این محصولات و همچنین تغییرات وسیعی که در مسائل اقتصادی، اجتماعی، وضعیت سلامت و ایمنی می‌توانند ایجاد نمایند، مسائل مربوط به اخلاق زیستی نیز در مورد آن‌ها اهمیت مضاعف می‌یابد. مواد و روش‌‌ها: این مطالعه به روش مروری انجام شده و داده‌های پژوهش با جستجو در پایگاه‌های اطلاعاتی Web of Science، Pubmed، Scopus، Google Scholar، بانک اطلاعات نشریات ایران (Magiran)، پایگاه مرکز اطلاعات علمی جهاد دانشگاهی (SID) با واژگان کلیدی Ethic، Genetic Engineering، Genetically Modified Organisms و تراریخته گردآوری شد. ملاحظات اخلاقی: یافته‌های حاصل از این مقالات در تمام مراحل پژوهش بدون سوگیری و با رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی عنوان شد. یافته‌ها: در این بررسی، ابتدا به برخی از تأثیرات مفید این‌گونه محصولات برای انسان و سهم آن‌ها در حفظ منابع موجود اشاره شده است، سپس نگرانی‌های احتمالی در مورد تولید انبوه و مصرف محصولات ژنتیکی و همچنین مسائل مربوط به ایمنی آن‌ها مورد بحث قرار گرفته است. سرانجام لزوم رعایت ملاحظات اخلاقی، اهمیت رعایت حقوق مشتریان و برچسب‌زنی محصولات عنوان شده است. نتیجه‌گیری: اتخاذ سیاست‌های منطقی و آینده‌نگر با رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی، وضع قوانین یکپارچه به منظور جلوگیری از سردرگمی مصرف‌کنندگان، رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی و اطلاع‌رسانی صحیح و به دور از موضع‌گیری می‌تواند ضمن جلوگیری از مخاطرات احتمالی این فناوری، مردم را ازمزایای آن بهره‌مند نماید