Emad Behboudi, Parisa Zeynali, Niloofar Zahedian Nezhad, Vahideh Hamidi Sofiani,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Vitamin A is fat-soluble compounds of retinoid derivate, consisting of retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. Vitamin A also affects cell growth and differentiation, playing a critical role in the normal formation and function of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. According to the role of vitamin A in enhancing immune function, it is known as an anti-inflammatory agent. Also, vitamin A supplementation by reducing morbidity and mortality in different infectious diseases, such as measles, diarrheal disease, measles-related pneumonia, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and malaria considered as a crucial factor against infection. So vitamin A deficiency can be life-threatening, because of impairing the response to infection and significant risk of development of severe respiratory infections in infants and young children. In this paper, we have discussed the effects of vitamin A in modulating immune responses in viral infections and the direct effects of this vitamin on viral replication by comparing its role during different types of viral infections.
Mohammadreza Kheyrandish, Fahime Bafande, Mehdi Sheikh Arabi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the field of tissue engineering is the production of scaffolding in nano-scale. The study of structural-functional connections in pathological and normal tissues with biologically active alternatives or engineered materials has been developed. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) is a suitable environment consisting of gelatin, elastin and collagen types I, II and III, etc., which are provided to cells for wound healing, embryonic development, cell growth and organogenesis, and. They also play a role in transmitting structural integrity and overall strength to tissues. In tissues, ECM manufacturers are structurally 50 to 500 nm in diameter; nanotechnology must be used to create scaffolds or ECM analogues. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of ECM-engineered analogues in various ways. To date, three self-assembly, phase separation and electrospinning techniques have been developed to activate nanofiber scaffolds. With these advances and the construction of a "biomimetic" environment, engineered tissue or scaffolding is now possible for a variety of tissues. This study will discuss the three existing methods for creating Tissue engineering scaffolds that are able to mimic new tissue, as well as the discovery of materials for use in scaffolding.
Mahmood Poorjam, Zeinab Mohammadi, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Various investigation has shown the magnitude role of adenosine receptors in cancer development. The A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 G-protein-coupled cell surface Adenosine Receptors (ARs) are found to be upregulated in many types of cancers. The adenosine receptor function has been affected by specific ligands such as agonists and/or antagonists regulated cancer (Neoplasms) cells proliferation via signaling pathways. Adenosine not only is an important intermediate metabolite but also acts as the essential ligand of adenosine receptors in physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, many studies have shown that adenosine receptors expression has increased in many types of cancer. In this review, we first describe adenosine's role in physiological condition and in cancer development. We further, discuss the type of adenosine receptors, distribution, expression, and their roles in cancer.
Mohammad Jafari Shiran, Saeed Naseri, Tahereh Sadeghian-Rizi, Saeed Khani, Mohammad Shoormij, Seyedeh Simin Dakhilpour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The fatty liver is a reversible form of fat accumulation in the liver cells. The burden of this disease is increasing worldwide. In general, due to the lack of proper treatment and the multiple side effects of existing chemical medicines, researchers have focused on the use of herbal medicines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) and Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) on fatty liver in rats fed with high fat diet as respects these plants have been frequently applied in traditional medicine for treatment of the liver-related diseases.
Material and Methods: For this study, 30 Wistar rats weighing 120-220 g were used. The rats were divided into 5 groups and received 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mL/kg of mixture of aqueous extracts of burdock and chicory.
Results: Results showed that this aqueous extract reduced the liver macro-vesicles and microvesicles and symptoms of steatosis without any specific liver complications. It was found that 500 and 1000 mL/kg of extract had the most effective therapeutic effect.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that extract of burdock-chicory has the potential to ameliorate fatty liver in rats fed with high-fat diet. This study provides evidence that burdock-chicory extract could be considered as a potential dietary supplement strategy for prevention and treatment of fatty liver. Based on these results, the extract was formulated, and entered the pharmaceutical market.
Mahmoud Mohammadi, Leila Kohan, Mohsen Saeidi, Marie Saghaeian-Jazi, Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common and mostly progressive pathological outcome in various chronic inflammatory disorders. Dermal (skin) fibrosis, which is associated with intense skin lesions, is a result of an uncontrolled healing process in the dermis, particularly disproportionate fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Animal models are substantial tools in biomedical investigations and have been considerably employed to evaluate miscellaneous features of diseases that cannot be demonstrated otherwise in humans. To date, various skin fibrosis models have been generated, including the transgene and/or genetic models and chemical and drug-induced models. However, genetic models are sophisticated and need access to convoluted methods. Accordingly, the introduction of affordable and easy to generate fibrosis models in the skin is crucial. Here, we aimed to introduce the chemical/drug-induced skin fibrosis animal models to provide an updated list of available approaches.
Fatemeh Mohajer, Saeid Khanzadi, Mohammad Hashemi, Mohammad Azizzadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, to avoid the use of synthetic preservatives, which do more harm than good, numerous studies are currently focused on using natural ingredients to enhance food product quality and shelf life. Since no study has been conducted on combining coatings with electrolyzed water containing natural antimicrobial compounds, the present study has innovation and priority. In the present study, the effect of chitosan coating prepared through Neutral Electrolyzed Water (NEW) on inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated in rainbow trout fillet over 12 days at 4 ˚C was examined.
Material and Methods: Fish samples were allocated into six groups following inoculation with E. coli O157:H7 (final concentration: ~ 105 CFU/g). Treatments included control (CON), distilled water (DW), neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), chitosan 2% (CH), chitosan coating prepared by neutral electrolyzed water (CH/NEW), and neutral electrolyzed water followed by chitosan (NEW+CH). Treatments were kept at low temperature (refrigerator) and counting bacteria was done on 0, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days. Data analyses were done through repeated measure ANVOA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Results: As indicated by the findings, the reduction rate of EW, CH, CH+WE, and CH/EW samples were 1.04, 1.45, 2.01, and 2.02 log CFU/g compared with the CON, respectively. The highest reduction rate was observed in the CH/NEW sample, due to the antimicrobial activity of chitosan and neutral electrolyzed water.
Conclusion: Chitosan coating can be combined with NEW in fish to increase the safety against pathogenic bacteria and E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, it can suggest the use of these natural antimicrobial compounds in the food industry.
Yousef Mohammadi-Kebar, Saeed Hoseini-Asl, Ahad Azami, Farhad Salehzadeh, Sanam Sadeghian,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Behcet's Disease (BD) is a rare severe recurrent inflammatory disorder affecting several body organs. Since Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and BD affect almost a specific population, both diseases can mimic the other clinically, and these two diseases sometimes occur in the same family and the same patient, also due to the high prevalence of BD in Iran and performing a small number of studies about MEFV gene mutations in patients with BD, this study aimed to determine the frequency of MEFV gene mutations in Ardabil patients with BD.
Material and Methods: Fifty patients with BD were diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria for BD (for oral pests, genital pests, and ocular lesions, 2 points each, skin symptoms, vascular symptoms, positive pathogenesis test, and neurological symptoms, 1 point each). A score of 4 or higher indicated BD. All patients were analyzed for five common MEFV mutations (M694V, V726A, M680I, M694I, and E148Q) using amplification refractory mutation system and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) restriction-digestion testing methods. A cohort of 224 healthy people who had been previously genotyped regarding the five common MEFV mutations served as the control group.
Results: The mean age of patients was 38.68±11 years. Most BD patients (56%) and 50.4% of the control group were women. Of all patients, 66% (33) mentioned that their parents had no family relationship. Among 50 patients with BD, 12 (24%) had mutations in the MEFV gene, of which seven patients (58.3%) had E148Q mutation. Among healthy individuals, 57 patients (25.4%) had mutations, of which 39 (68.4%) had E148Q mutation. The difference between the two groups was not significant.
Conclusion: Results showed that most patients with BD had mutations in the MEFV gene and the most common case was E148Q mutation which was similar to the healthy population in terms of BD agent.
Saeed Pirmoradi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by decreased cognitive function in patients due to forming Aβ peptides and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain. Therefore, the need to develop new treatments can reduce this risk. Acetylcholinesterase is one of the targets used in the design of new drugs for the treatment of AD. The researchers obtain new inhibitory ligands based on natural compounds from various medicinal plants, such as the family of Asteroideace, Malvacea, Zingbracea, Hypericacea, and Ebenacea, for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods: After selecting the reference compound of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with the help of bioinformatics tools such as pharmit and ZINCPHARMER for virtual search through the structural and pharmacologic properties of the reference inhibitor compound, several thousand natural structures of several serious ligands were obtained. Then, the ligands were compared by examining the docking process with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, and their interactions were visualized with the help of Discovery Studio. Then, the top selected ligands in terms of toxicity, allergy, toxicity, and ADME prediction were evaluated with tools such as molsoft, PKCSM, ADMEtlab2.0, Swiss ADME.
Results: The results revealed that these obtained ligands, like donepezil, have the ability of favorable interactions with different amino acids, the crucial of which are HIS381, TRP385, and GLN527 of AChE, and they all fall in the active site or binding pocket of the active site. The present docking supports this hypothesis that these compounds are possible and valuable small molecule ligands for targeting/inhibiting acetylcholinesterases. Indicatively, according to the binding free energy calculation results, it can be concluded that these ligands can compete with donepezil and affect the formation of acetylcholinesterase complexes. Cholinesterase/donepezil can have an excellent competitive inhibitory effect on it.
Conclusion: On the other hand, the study on the designed ligands showed that with favorable interactions and lower binding energy, they form more stable complexes with acetylcholinesterase and can be proposed as inhibitors competing with donepezil in a bind to this enzyme.
Mahmoud Heidari, Fereshteh Dardmeh, Hiva Alipour, Nasrinsadat Azami ,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Semen quality and related parameters correlate directly with fertilization, consequently assisting reproductive technology outcomes. Traditional studies on carob (Ceratonia siliqua) have demonstrated its effect on male fertility potential via the reductive effect on reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to investigate the effect of carob kibble extract on sperm motility.
Methods: The extract was made using acetone as a solvent, followed by vacuum evaporation and filtration. Following thawing, each of the forty human semen samples was divided into four groups and exposed to concentrations of 0.0 (control), 0.05, 0.2, and 0.8 mg/ml of the extract. Percentages of progressive motile, non-progressive motile, and immotile sperms, as well as other kinematic parameters, were assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis immediately after exposure to the concentrations (T0) and one hour later (T1). Data were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance and paired sample t-student tests using SPSS software. The level of p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: No significant difference was found between groups at T0 or T1 values. However, a comparison of matched doses at T0 and T1 indicated that lower doses 0.05 and 0.2 mg/ml could significantly (p<0.05) inhibit natural decline in motility.
Conclusion: Adding lower doses of carob kibble extract on a thawing medium could have a supportive effect on sperm motility. However, adding the extract to a vitrification solution before a freezing process, as well as oral intake of the extract seems to have more efficiency than would be a subject for further studies.
Keywords: Carob, Kinematic parameters, Frozen sperm, Antioxidant
Amir Abbas Barzegari, Ahmad Aghaee, Kamran Shahabi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Promising results were obtained by using medicinal plants for the treatment and prevention of opioid withdrawal syndrome. A native Iranian plant, Echinophora platyloba, has shown analgesic effects that may be mediated through opioid receptors. Thus, the present research evaluated the effects of the ethanolic extract of E. platyloba on the acquisition of morphine dependence in mice.
Methods: Thirty-two male mice were randomly allocated into four groups of eight. Morphine dependence was induced in the mice by subcutaneous administration of morphine (50, 50, and 75 mg/kg)×3 days, plus a single dose of morphine (50 mg/kg) on the fourth day. Withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (4 mg/kg) 2 hours after the last dose of morphine. On days of dependence induction and before each morphine dose, the mice received intraperitoneal injections of saline (10 ml/kg) or plant extract (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg). After the injection of naloxone, the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in each animal were monitored for 30 minutes.
Results: Administering morphine with this method induced morphine dependence in mice that were treated with saline before morphine. However, the mice that received the plant extract showed a significant decrease in the withdrawal symptoms including the number of jumping (P<0.01), rearing (P<0.05), grooming (P<0.05), and diarrhea (P<0.01) compared with the saline-treated mice.
Conclusion: Administration of the hydro-ethanolic extract of E. platyloba before morphine may inhibit the induction of morphine dependence. Therefore, the plant extract may be considered a therapeutic agent for the prevention of morphine dependence in morphine users.
Fateme Yazdani,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Letter to the Editor
Fatemeh Abbasi , Nazanin Mortazavi , Nasser Behnampour , Masoud Mohammadi, Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third most common cancer in developing countries. Early detection of oral cancer can reduce mortality in several ways. The aim of the present study was to combine the quantitative results of various studies concerning serum and salivary microRNAs for early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guideline. We searched all the relevant English studies in international databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Embase, and Wiley until February 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. A total of 672 articles were found. After screening, 93 articles were approved for systematic review. Finally, 5 completely relevant articles were examined in the meta-analysis.
Results: Considering all studies regarding miRNAs, the combined results indicated that AUC = 0.73, with a sensitivity of 71.68% and a specificity of 69.95%, could be used for HNSCC diagnosis. Due to the moderate sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs, they may be able to confirm or exclude suspected cases of this disease, enhancing their utility as clinical diagnostic indicators.
Conclusion: The available data provide evidence that miRNAs, especially MiR-31 expression in the saliva, serum, or plasma, can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for HNSCC patients. However, controlled clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to validate different miRNAs.
Saeed Mahdianipur, Saeed Mohammadi, Afifeh Jaefari, Homa Davoodi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with extensive physiological effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and various biological functions, including the regulation of immunity through 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) expressed by immune cells such as macrophages. Phenelzine, a medication used in managing treatment-resistant depression, acts as a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This enzyme metabolizes serotonin into 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Antidepressants e.g., Phenelzine may benefit patients with neurological disorders, who can also be prone to immune-related conditions and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine, serotonin, and 5-HIAA on RAW264.7 macrophages.
Methods: We cultured RAW264.7 macrophages as a model that could express transporter receptors and enzymes associated with serotonin. We utilized MTT assay to evaluate the survival of RAW264.7 cells exposed to different concentrations of Phenelzine, serotonin, and 5-HIAA, pre-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Results: Our findings revealed that LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells exhibited increased resistance to the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine. Treatment with serotonin resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in RAW264.7 cell proliferation. In contrast, 5-HIAA did not significantly impact cell viability.
Conclusion: The present study reveals the effect of Phenelzine and serotonin on viability of RAW264.7 macrophages, particularly in the context of inflammation. It demonstrates increased resistance to the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS. Our study contributes to a broader understanding of the potential systemic impacts of antidepressant medications and the intricate interplay between the serotonergic system and immune responses.
Mahsa Mahdizadeh, Zahra Arab-Bafrani, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Because this disease is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, its treatment is challenging and the survival rate of patients is relatively low. One of the parts that is disturbed in the tumor tissue of esophageal cancer is the tight connections between cells. Claudin-4 (CLDN-4) is one of the tight junction regulatory proteins whose changes are involved in cancer formation. In this systematic review, we examine the changes in CLDN-4 and the factors that affect its level in samples and cell lines related to esophageal cancer.
Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles that examined CLDN-4 gene and protein expression in patients with esophageal cancer or cell lines related to esophageal cancer. A number of 202 manuscripts were obtained in the beginning, and after screening and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies remained.
Results: Six studies, including 596 patients and seven cell lines related to esophageal tissues, were included in this systematic review. The studies were related to Japan, South Korea, China, and Finland. In these studies, the level of CLDN-4 in cancer samples related to esophageal cancer and their location in esophageal tissue cells have been examined.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be concluded that the change in the level of CLDN-4 in the tumor tissues of esophageal cancer altered the tight junctions from the normal state in the normal esophageal tissues, leading to a change in normal barrier function. However, considering the conflicting results in the reports, more studies are needed to accurately interpret the role of CLDN-4 in esophageal cancer.
Saeed Mahdianipur , Mahafarin Maralani , Homa Davoodi ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and adrenaline/noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine), are key neuromodulators in the nervous system that influence complex behavioral and cognitive functions. They also affect peripheral tissues and inflammation, playing a crucial role in the biology of various malignancies, including breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide. These neurotransmitters are essential for mammary gland development and are linked to depression, a major breast cancer risk factor. Elevated levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines in depression may mediate neuroendocrine, neural, and immune pathways, affecting the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters. In the tumor microenvironment, serotonin and norepinephrine generally exhibit pro-tumorigenic effects, while dopamine has shown promising anti-tumor activity by enhancing immune responses. Histamine also shows potential in anti-tumor immunity, although its effects on breast cancer progression remain inconclusive. Research into the relationship between these neurotransmitters and breast cancer cell growth highlights their significant role in breast cancer biology and their potential in improving treatment outcomes. This review explores the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in breast cancer progression, their immunomodulatory functions, and the therapeutic potential of targeting these neurotransmitters. By analyzing these complex relationships, we aim to illuminate novel therapeutic strategies that could enhance the clinical management of breast cancer.
Zeinab Mohammadi, Marie Saghaeian Jazi , Seyyed Mehdi Jafari , Seyed Mostafa Mir , Massoud Amanlou , Jahanbakhsh Asadi ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Bone remodeling involves a balance between osteoblast-driven formation and osteoclast-mediated resorption, with disruptions leading to diseases like osteoporosis. Midazolam (MDZ), known for its sedative properties, has shown effects on cellular differentiation and hydroxyapatite formation in dental cells. However, its role in promoting osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) remains unexplored, motivating this study to investigate its potential in bone regenerative therapies.
Methods: Human bone marrow stem cells were cultured in the complete media with α-MEM, 10% FBS, and 1% pen/strep. Cell viability was determined with MTT assay in different concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) for 72 hours. Osteogenic differentiation was induced over 21 days using the selected doses of MDZ with osteogenic medium. The Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was performed to determine the calcium deposit for osteoblast cells. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The MTT results for different concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) showed no significant cytotoxic effects on hBMSCs after 72 hours. Furthermore, ARS staining revealed increased calcium deposits in 0.5 µM MDZ compared to untreated and DMSO groups (P-Value =0.0001). These findings suggest that MDZ promotes mineralization at lower concentrations, highlighting its potential in osteogenic applications.
Conclusion: Midazolam promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, particularly at 0.5 µM concentration, without cytotoxic effects. These findings demonstrate that MDZ may be a potential compound for osteoblastogenesis; however, these findings require further in vivo studies to confirm the idea.
Gwunireama Israel Ukie , Collins Gospel Uchechukwu ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: This study compares the hand patterns and 2D:4D digit ratios (index finger length divided by ring finger length) of the Ikwerre and Ogoni ethnic groups in Rivers State, Nigeria, documenting their finger measurements and prevalence of specific hand characteristics.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1,925 participants, ranging in age from 15 to 60, were gathered through a straightforward random sampling method. Their index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) lengths were measured from the basal crease to the tip using a Digital Vernier Caliper. The 2D:4D ratios were then calculated for each subject on both hands. Based on the digit ratios, the overall hand patterns were evaluated, categorized as A, B, and C types, and then examined. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was employed for the data analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence level.
Results: The findings showed that the digit ratios of male and female Ikwerre subjects were 0.95±0.04 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.08 and 0.98±0.05, respectively. The digit ratios for Ogoni males and females were 0.95±0.05 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.05 and 0.97±0.05, respectively. Moreover, hand pattern A (2D˂4D) showed a higher prevalence in both genders in both ethnic groups. Right hand (82.1% for Ikwerre and 80.5% for Ogoni) and left hand (74.5% for Ikwerre and 77.4% for Ogoni), followed by pattern C (2D˃4D), right hand (17.5% for Ikwerre and 19.4% for Ogoni), and left hand (24.8% for Ikwerre and 22.3% for Ogoni). The least prevalent hand pattern was type B (2D=4D) for both genders across the ethnic groups.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both Ikwerre and Ogoni groups have similar digit ratios, with hand pattern A being the most common, pattern C less common, and pattern B rare, showing consistent hand characteristics between the two ethnicities.
Mina Rahmati , Masoud Arabfard ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with ischemic strokes comprising the majority of cases. Despite advances in neuroimaging, there is a pressing need for supplementary diagnostic tools to enhance accuracy. This study explores the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to predict ischemic stroke using RNA-seq data from the GEO database (GSE22255).
Methods: We developed and evaluated various machine learning models, including Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection), based on their accuracy, precision, specificity, and sensitivity. The analysis utilized a dataset comprising 54,676 genes across 40 samples (20 cases and 20 controls). All modeling was conducted using IBM SPSS Modeler version 18.
Results: The models were assessed based on their classification accuracy, performance evaluation scores, and AUC/Gini AUC metrics. The Random Forest model achieved the highest accuracy (96.67% in training, 80% in testing), while the CHAID algorithm provided interpretable results with key variables (TP53, CYP1A1, and CYP2D6) identified. The KNN model exhibited strong performance with notable confidence in its predictions.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of ML techniques, particularly Random Forest, to enhance stroke diagnosis and provide insights into stroke pathology, offering a novel approach to improving clinical decision-making. However, the study is limited by the small sample size, and future work should focus on validation with larger datasets and integration with other omics data for clinical application.
Milad Ahmad-Aghdami , Saeed Mohammadi ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations and the production of autoantibodies, making early diagnosis challenging. Traditional diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity, leading to delayed intervention and irreversible organ damage. Single-cell technologies offer a novel opportunity to investigate the cellular landscape of SLE at the level of individual cells. By profiling the gene expression, protein expression, and functional states of thousands of individual cells simultaneously, these technologies can reveal critical findings such as the expansion of type I interferon-producing pDCs and dysregulated T/B cell subsets involved in SLE pathogenesis. This editorial highlights the transformative potential of single-cell analysis in identifying disease-relevant cell populations and their functional states, ultimately paving the way for earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment, and improved outcomes for patients with SLE.
Aboalfazl Jafari-Sales , Zahra Ghahremani , Aylin Golestani , Mohadeseh Ghorbanpour Koulani Jadid , Kosar Hosseini-Karkaj , Kosar Soleymanpour , Mohammad Mahdi Salek Faramarzi , Mehrdad Pashazadeh ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: A major contributor to hospital-acquired infections, particularly in burn units, is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Because this bacterium produces extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), antibiotic resistance is a significant treatment concern. In this work, P. aeruginosa isolates from burn victims in Tabriz were examined for antibiotic resistance patterns and the presence of the blaTEM gene.
Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 100 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from patients hospitalized in the burn wards of Tabriz hospitals over a six-month period. Standard biochemical methods were used to identify microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance patterns were assessed by the disk diffusion technique according to clinical and laboratory standards institute protocols. Additionally, the presence of the blaTEM gene was investigated by polymerase chain reaction, and ESBL production was confirmed by the combined disk test.
Results: The highest resistance rates were observed for levofloxacin (97%) and meropenem (92%), while the lowest was for ceftazidime (69%). Furthermore, 58% (58/100) of the isolates were ESBL-positive, half of which (50%, 29/58) carried the blaTEM gene.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that P. aeruginosa strains in burn units of Tabriz hospitals exhibited high antibiotic resistance. Half of ESBL-positive isolates carried the blaTEM gene, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns and prudent use of antibiotics.
