Investigating status of tumorigenic barriers in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM)

Master'sMASTER OF SCIENC

THE ROLE OF WNTS IN ADULT MURINE HEMATOPOIESIS AND INTESTINAL HOMEOSTASIS

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Comparative effectiveness of Low Level Laser therapy and Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders are the most common source of pain on the face. There are multiple etiologies, and several types of treatment have been reported. The use of non-invasive and reversible therapies in the treatment of such problems is recommended. The present study evaluated the effect of low level laser (LLL) therapy and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: In this single-blind study, 40 patients with temporomandibular disorders were randomly divided into four groups: TENS (TENSTem dental), LLL (diode 810 nm CW), sham-TENS, and sham-LLL. All subjects were examined and data on pain and tenderness in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles (using the visual analogue scale) and mouth-opening (distance between incisal edges before feeling pain; mm) were collected before baseline (T1), after each session (T2-T5) and one month after the end of the sessions (T6)), and analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA and Boneferronie statistical tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The decrease in pain (p = 0.000), tenderness (p = 0.000) and increase in mouth-opening ability (p = 0.002) was greater in the TENS and LLL groups than in the placebo groups. At the one-month follow-up, significant decrease in pain and tenderness was recorded in the TENS and LLL groups (p = 0.000). There was no significant differences between TENS and LLL and the placebo groups for maximum mouth-opening at the end of the study (p = 0.692). Conclusion: Using TENS or LLL therapy can improve TMD symptoms at least for the short term. Although the effects of the placebo played a role in improving symptoms, their effects were less importan

Preparation and Characterization of Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine Loaded-Nanostructure Lipid Carriers (NLCs) as a New α-MSH Antagonist and Antityrosinase Agent

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite (SEPI))-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a new antimelanogenesis compound. Methods: In this study, an optimized SEPI-NLC formulation was prepared and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. Then, in vitro drug loading capacity and the release profile of SEPI, and its cytotoxicity were investigated. The ex vivo skin permeation and the anti-tyrosinase activity of SEPI-NLCs were also evaluated. Results: The optimized SEPI-NLC formulation showed the size of 180.1±5.01 nm, a spherical morphology under TEM, entrapment efficiency of 90.81±3.75%, and stability for 9 months at room temperature. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited an amorphous state of SEPI in NLCs. In addition, the release study demonstrated that SEPI-NLCs had a biphasic release outline with an initial burst release compared to SEPI-EMULSION. About 65% of SEPI was released from SEPI-NLC within 72 h, while in SEPI-EMULSION, this value was 23%. The ex vivo permeation profiles revealed that the higher SEPI accumulation in the skin following application of SEPI-NLC (up to 88.8%) compared to SEPI-EMULSION (65%) and SEPI-ETHANOL (74.8%) formulations (P<0.01). An inhibition rate of 72% and 65% was obtained for mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activity of SEPI, respectively. Moreover, results of in vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed SEPI-NLCs to be non-toxic and safe for topical use. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that NLC can efficiently deliver SEPI into the skin, which has a promise for topical treatment of hyperpigmentation

Risk factors associated with long covid syndrome: A retrospective study

Background: Recently, people have recognized the post-acute phase symptoms of the COVID-19. We investigated the long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19, (Long COVID Syndrome), and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. All the consecutive adult patients referred to the healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province from 19 February 2020 until 20 November 2020 were included. All the patients had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. In a phone call to the patients, at least three months after their discharge from the hospital, we obtained their current information. The IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0) was used. Pearson Chi square, Fisher’s exact test, t test, and binary logistic regression analysis model were employed. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In total, 4,681 patients were studied, 2915 of whom (62.3%) reported symptoms. The most common symptoms of long COVID syndrome were fatigue, exercise intolerance, walking intolerance, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Women were more likely to experience long-term COVID syndrome than men (Odds Ratio: 1,268; 95% Confidence Interval: 1,122-1,432; P=0.0001), which was significant. Presentation with respiratory problems at the onset of illness was also significantly associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 1.425; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.177-1.724; P=0.0001). A shorter length of hospital stay was inversely associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 0.953; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.941-0.965; P=0.0001). Conclusion: Long COVID syndrome is a frequent and disabling condition and has significant associations with sex (female), respiratory symptoms at the onset, and the severity of the illness

The Differences between Iranian Male and Female Students in Using Language Learning Strategies

The current study aimed at investigating the differences between male and female Iranian students in using different learning strategies. The participants of the study included 60 Iranian EFL students (30 male and 30 female) in Islamic Azad University in Larestan branch. The results of this study revealed that the frequency of using different learning strategies were different for the  students. In this case, memory strategies were the most frequent and cognitive strategies were the least frequent strategies used by the students. However, there were significant differences between male and female students in the use of different learning strategies. In fact, female students were the ones who were using language learning strategies more often.

The Differences between Iranian Male and Female Students in Using Language Learning Strategies

The current study aimed at investigating the differences between male and female Iranian students in using different learning strategies. The participants of the study included 60 Iranian EFL students (30 male and 30 female) in Islamic Azad University in Larestan branch. The results of this study revealed that the frequency of using different learning strategies were different for the  students. In this case, memory strategies were the most frequent and cognitive strategies were the least frequent strategies used by the students. However, there were significant differences between male and female students in the use of different learning strategies. In fact, female students were the ones who were using language learning strategies more often

Mobile pedunculated left ventricular masses in a man with recurrent emboli.

A 51-year-old man was found to have left ventricular masses by transthoracic echocardiography, one attached to the posterior wall of the left ventricle and another attached to the anterolateral wall of the left ventricle. He had several events of systemic embolization over the last few weeks. Surgical excision was recommended to avoid further embolization. The patient underwent successful resection of the left ventricular masses under cardiopulmonary bypass through the left atrial and transverse aortotomy approach. Histopathologic exam was diagnostic for organized thrombi