Influence of 1 Alpha, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on T helper 17 cells and related cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Emerging data suggests that T helper 17 (Th17) cells play a pathogenic role in SLE and the increased number of these cells correlates with disease activity. In recent years, 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VitD3) has been considered as an immunomodulatory factor. Objective: To investigate the effect of 1,25VitD3 on Th17 cells and on the expression of related cytokines in SLE patients. Method: Thirty SLE patients (newly diagnosed or in remission) were sampled for 10 ml whole blood to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. Isolated cells were cultured in the presence and absence of 50 nM 1,25VitD3. After incubation, cells were harvested and stimulated for 4-5 hours with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin in the presence of brefeldin A. IL-17 secreting cells were analyzed by flowcytometry. RNA was extracted from cultured cells, cDNA was synthesized, and the expression levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-β genes were assessed by real-time PCR. Results: The percentage of Th17 cells (CD3+CD8- IL-17+ T cells) decreased significantly in 1,25VitD3-treated cells (3.67 ± 2.43%) compared to untreated cells (4.65 ± 2.75%) (p=0.003). The expression of TGF-β up regulated (1.38-fold) and the expression of IL-6 (50%), IL-17 (27%) and IL-23 (64%) down regulated after 1,25VitD3 treatment. Conclusion: This study showed that 1,25VitD3 modulates Th17 related pathways in SLE patients and revealed the immunomodulatory effect of 1,25VitD3 on the Th17 mediated autoimmunity. © 2015, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Determination of sheet-like geological structures parameters using Marquardt inversion of the magnetic data

450-457A stable inversion method to estimate the depth to top, width and dip of a sheet-like geological structure from pole-reduced magnetic field is introduced. The inverse modelling is based on Marquardt optimization algorithm. The performance of the proposed method is considered by the theoretical magnetic data due to some dyke–shape models, with and without random noise. The inverted parameters convergence demonstrates the ability of the inversion approach as a powerful and useful tool, especially where the data are corrupted with noise. We employ this method for interpreting a real magnetic data set produced by a tabular structure from Iran. The inferred structure has approximately a depth to top of 17.12 m, a width of 12.74 m and a dip of 100.8 degree anticlockwise from horizontal, i.e. 10.8 degree from vertical towards east

Multivariable teaching-learning-based optimization (MTLBO) algorithm for estimating the structural parameters of the buried mass by magnetic data

U ovom radu je predstavljen prirodno utemeljen multivarijabilni algoritam optimizacije poučavanjem-učenjem (MTLBO). MTLBO algoritam tijekom iterativnog postupka može procijeniti najbolje vrijednosti parametara podzemnih struktura (model) u višepredmetnom problemu. Algoritam djeluje u dvije računske faze: fazi učitelja i fazi učenika. Glavna svrha algoritma MTLBO je mijenjati naučene vrijednosti te poboljšavajući tako vrijednosti parametara modela dovesti do optimalnog rješenja. Varijable svakog učenika (model) su: dubina (z), koeficijent amplitude (k), faktor oblika (q), kut učinkovite magnetizacije (θ) i parametri osi (x0). U radu je korištena MTLBO metoda na podacima magnetskih anomalija uzrokovanih podzemnim strukturama jednostavnog geometrijskog oblika, poput sfere i vodoravno postavljenog cilindra. Učinkovitost MTLBO metode također je proučavana na šumom kontaminiranim sintetičkim podacima, budući da su dobiveni prihvatljivi rezultati. MTLBO metoda je primijenjena za interpretaciju četiri profila magnetske anomalije u Iranu, Brazilu i Indiji.This paper presents a nature-based algorithm, titled multivariable teaching-learning-based optimization (MTLBO) algorithm. MTLBO algorithm during an iterative process can estimates the best values of the buried structure (model) parameters in a multi-objective problem. The algorithm works in two computational phases: the teacher phase and the learner phase. The major purpose of the MTLBO algorithm is to modify the value of the learners and thus, improving the value of the model parameters which leads to the optimal solution. The variables of each learner (model) are the depth (z), amplitude coefficient (k), shape factor (q), angle of effective magnetization (θ) and axis location (x0) parameters. We employ MTLBO method for the magnetic anomalies caused by the buried structures with a simple geometric shape such as sphere and horizontal cylinder. The efficiency of the MTLBO is also studied by noise corruption synthetic data, as the acceptable results were obtained. We have applied the MTLBO for the interpretation of the four magnetic anomaly profiles from Iran, Brazil and India

Application of Deep Neural Network to Predict the High-Cycle Fatigue Life of AISI 1045 Steel Coated by Industrial Coatings

In this study, deep learning approach was utilized for fatigue behavior prediction, analysis, and optimization of the coated AISI 1045 mild carbon steel with galvanization, hardened chromium, and nickel materials with different thicknesses of 13 and 19 mu m were used for coatings and afterward fatigue behavior of related specimens were achieved via rotating bending fatigue test. Experimental results revealed fatigue life improvement up to 60% after applying galvanization coat on untreated material. Obtained experimental data were used for developing a Deep Neural Network (DNN) modelling and accuracy of more than 99%.was achieved. Predicted results have a fine agreement with experiments. In addition, parametric analysis was carried out for optimization which indicated that coating thickness of 10-15 mu m had the highest effects on fatigue life improvement

A Novel Approach for Analyzing the Effects of Almen Intensity on the Residual Stress and Hardness of Shot-Peened (TiB + TiC)/Ti–6Al–4V Composite: Deep Learning

In the present study, the experimental data of a shot-peened (TiB + TiC)/Ti–6Al–4V composite with two volume fractions of 5 and 8% for TiB + TiC reinforcements were used to develop a neural network based on the deep learning technique. In this regard, the distributions of hardness and residual stresses through the depth of the materials as the properties affected by shot peening (SP) treatment were modeled via the deep neural network. The values of the TiB + TiC content, Almen intensity, and depth from the surface were considered as the inputs, and the corresponding measured values of the residual stresses and hardness were regarded as the outputs. In addition, the surface coverage parameter was assumed to be constant in all samples, and only changes in the Almen intensity were considered as the SP process parameter. Using the presented deep neural network (DNN) model, the distributions of hardness and residual stress from the top surface to the core material were continuously evaluated for different combinations of input parameters, including the Almen intensity of the SP process and the volume fractions of the composite reinforcements

Vitamin E and Autoimmune Diseases: A Narrative Review

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the attack of the immune system to normal tissues. Patients with autoimmune diseases usually have the deficiency of dietary factors  that may be related to the etiology of these conditions. Given the role of vitamin E as a physiologic stabilizer of lysosomal membranes, its deficiency can initiate the process of autoimmune diseases or accelerate its progress. It is supposed that vitamin E could reduce oxidative stress, which is an important factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The literature review is indicative of a decrease in the serum levels of vitamin E in almost all autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, there is evidence regarding the possible therapeutic value of vitamin E in the management of autoimmune diseases. Owing to the anti-inflammatory and protective effect of vitamin E against free radicals, and also its important effect on cytokines levels, this vitamin may play a powerful role in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as joint inflammation and damage. Moreover, increased vitamin E intake might decrease the incidence and severity of certain autoimmune diseases through the regulation of the immune system

High Sensitive CRP in Behcet Disease With and Without Uveitis Compared With Idiopathic Uveitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Uveitis is one of the important manifestations of Behcet disease (BD). High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute phase reactant, which may increase in BD. There are controversies in different studies regarding the relation between hs-CRP and uveitis in BD. This study aimed to determine serum values of hs-CRP and its relationship with uveitis in BD. Methods: A total of 94 patients, divided into 3 groups (Behcet"s uveitis (n = 31), Behcet"s without uveitis (n = 37) and idiopathic uveitis (n = 26), participated in the study. Serum levels of hs-CRP were compared among those groups. Result: The mean serum hs-CRP level was 6.49 ± 3.27 mg/L (BD with uveitis), 6.41 ± 3.85 mg/L (BD without uveitis) and 6.97±3.9 mg/L (idiopathic uveitis. Tukey test was done among groups and there were no significant differences between them (P = 0.69). Conclusion: Our results revealed no significant difference among the 3 groups regarding the mean serum hs-CRP level. However, further studies are warranted in this regard

Hyperferritinemia: A possible marker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus?

Abstract: Objectives: Comparing the serum ferritin levels of patients with systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) during different phases of activity with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients as controls. Materials & Methods: Sixty SLE patients (56 females and 4 males) were divided into two groups marked as 1) low/no active (SLEDAI≤10) including 18 patients and 2) active (SLEDAI≥11) composed of 42 patients. Serum ferritin was determined in both SLE and control groups including 20 patients with OA and 20 with active RA (according to DAS28). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13.0. Results: Of 60 SLE patients, 61.7% had hyperferritinemia. Contrarily, only %5 and 15% of OA an RA patients showed elevated serum ferritin levels, respectively (P<0.001). In differentiating between SLE and RA, hyperferritinemia showed a specificity of 85% and a sensitivity of 61.6% with positive predictive value of 92.5% and negative predictive value of 42.5%. The mean ferritin titer in SLE patients was 2.7 times higher than normal value whereas it was 0.10 and 0.35times in OA and RA, respectively (P<0.001). Ferritin levels were elevated in 27 cases of active SLE and 10 of low/no active SLE but the difference was insignificant. Of SLE patients with nervous system involvement, all (6; 10%) had elevated level of serum ferritin (P<0.04).Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is common in patients with SLE but in case of considerably high titers, the nervous system involvement should be considered. In women with polyarthritis, hyperferritinemia could be considered as a useful marker to differentiate between SLE and RA. [Abbasi M, Sahebari M, Amini A, Saghafi M. Hyperferritinemia: A possible marker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus? Life Sci J 2013;10(3s):335-337] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 47 Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Ferritin, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nervous system, SLE Disease Activity Inde

Skin inflammatory reactions to capsaicin in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to healthy controls

Objective: Previous studies have examined the role of sensory nerves and neural mediators in symmetrical joint inflammation and autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we sought to examine the association between capsaicin skin test and disease activity in RA patients. Materials and Methods: Eighty RA patients (case group) and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this experiment. The subjects in case group were calcified to newly diagnosed patients and those previously diagnosed with RA. A topical solution of capsaicin (0.075%) was applied on the volar forearm during the skin test, and evaluations were done after 5, 10, and 20 min. The parameters recorded in capsaicin skin test were time to tingling, area of induration (cm2), and area of redness (cm2). Results: A faster capsaicin skin reaction was observed in healthy controls compared to the case group (p=0.02). Newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed RA patients were not significantly different in terms of reaction latency (p=0.06). The redness area after 15 (p=0.04) and 20 (p=0.001) min was significantly larger in previously diagnosed RA patients than in newly diagnosed ones. The ​​area of redness and time to tingling did not show any difference between active and inactive RA patients, but after 15 and 20 min, the area of redness was significantly greater in inactive RA patients compared to active RA patients (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggested that capsaicin skin test is not an efficient tool for the examination of synovial inflammation and disease activity in RA

Frequency and Predictors of Opioid Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy Patients

Background: Pain is one of the most challenging symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthropathies (SpAs), and pain relief is one of the top priorities for improving health-related quality of life. When medication therapy does not significantly reduce pain, chronic opioid consumption becomes more prominent in such patients. This study aimed to evaluate the state of opioid use in RA and SpA patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 316 patients with RA and spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) from January to March 2014. The convenience sampling method was used to select the participants, and by obtaining verbal consent, everyone was given 15 minutes to complete a checklist independently. Demographic and opioid use data were evaluated in terms of opioid use and its predictors. In this regard, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the predictors of opioid consumption in patients. All analyses were conducted using SPSS 21 and the significance level was set at P<0.05.Findings: About 9.5% of all participants, including 8.8% of RA and 22.6% of SpA cases, were opioid abusers. In the first step of the analysis, it was observed that opioid abuse was significantly higher in men, married participants, urban residents, patients with no biological therapy, and patients with a negative family history of addiction. The most prevalent ways of drug abuse were smoking and ingestion. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis revealed SpA and other factors significantly increase the chance of opioid abuse. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed male gender (OR=10.4) and negative family history of addiction (OR=3.19) significantly affected addiction in RA and SpA patients with a 95% confidence interval.Conclusion: Lack of suitable responsiveness to medication therapy to relieve pain, inconsistent pain evaluation, and shame of asking direct questions about addiction in RA and SpA patients may lead to opioid consumption in some cases. Seronegative SpA may make patients more prone to addiction. However, in this study, male gender and no family history of addiction were related to opioid abuse