Showing 40 results for HN
Nasrin Ramezani , Behnaz Vanaky , Nader Shakeri , Zahra Soltanian , Fatemeh Fakhari Rad , Zahra Shams ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that regular exercise can affect apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax as important apoptosis factors in diabetic rats.
Methods: After inducing diabetes in 20 male Wistar rats (weighing 250 ± 1.15 g), the rats were randomly divided into a control group and a training group. The training group performed high-intensity interval training five days a week for four weeks, and the control group did not perform any training. After the intervention, RNA was extracted and TCF mRNA was subjected to real time RT-PCR for measuring Bax and Bcl-2 expression in the heart tissue of diabetic rats. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics V22 using independent t-test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results: The expression of Bcl-2 increased significantly and the expression of Bax decreased significantly after the four-week training intervention.
Conclusion: The high-intensity interval training can have beneficial effects on the expression of apoptotic genes in rats with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Bax, Bcl-2, High intensity interval training, Heart, Type 2 diabetes.
Mishar Kelishadi, Pezhman Hashemi, G.hossein Ashrafi , Naser Behnampour, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 13, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a variety of life-threatening injuries and diseases. However, viral contamination of these products is a great threat to recipients. Screening donors for GB virus C by nucleic acid testing is not routinely implemented worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of GBV-C RNA in whole blood/red cell components.
Methods: In this cross sectional pilot study, we collected 153 units of packed RBCs from blood banks of two public hospitals in Gorgan (northeast of Iran), between October and November 2014. The samples were screened for the presence of GBV-C RNA in plasma by nested RT-PCR using specific primers targeting highly conserved regions of 5' UTR of GBV-C. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Overall, 48 (31.37%) whole blood or red cell components were positive for GBV-C viremia. The GBV-C RNA was detected in 31/88 citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine 1 (CPDA1) RBC, 16/50 washed RBC and 1/13 reduced-leukocyte RBC. However, whole blood CPDA1 was negative for GBV-C viremia. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed GBV-C contamination.
Conclusions: Transmission of GBV-C infection was observed in blood products. Thus, efforts should be made to develop new strategies for assuring blood transfusion safety.
Keywords: Molecular testing, Epidemiology, Transfusion-transmissible infections, GB Virus C.
Hadi Bazzazi, Yaghoub Yazdani, Nasser Behnampour, Hadi Hossein-Nataj, Ali Memarian, Mehrdad Aghaei,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: T helper (Th) lymphocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. As a new subset of lymphocytes, Th9 is thought to be involved in a wide range of disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we evaluated frequency of Th9 and Th2 cells and its correlation with disease activity in patients with different stages of RA.
Methods: The frequency of circulating interleukin 9- and/or interleukin 4-producing CD3+CD8-T cells was determined among 41 patients with established RA, 14 patients with very early RA (VERA) and 23 healthy controls by flow cytometry analysis. Then, correlation of cell frequencies with disease activity score 28 (DAS-28) was assessed. Serum levels of interleukin 6 and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: Frequency of Th9 cells was significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls (P=0.009). Moreover, mean percentage of circulating Th9 cells in patients with inactive VERA was significantly higher than that in those with active disease (P=0.046). In addition, mean percentage of Th9 cells had a negative correlation with the DAS-28 (r=-0.568, P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the mean serum level of interleukin 6 and percentage of Th2 and Th9 cells (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Our results suggest that Th9 cells may have a potential role in RA initiation. Thus, targeting Th9 cells could be a promising strategy for advanced RA therapies.
Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Th2 cells, Th9 cells.
Zahra Mirshekar, Nasser Behnampour, Abolfazl Amini, Ghazal Alizad, Ghorban Mohammad Kouchaki, Farhad Niknejad,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Aspergillosis is a widely distributed infectious disease, which is difficult to manage. According to recent studies, the prevalence of resistant Aspergillus fumigatus has increased from 3.3% to 6.6%. Acquired triazole resistance in Aspergillus species is an evolving global health challenge, which has made the control of diseases caused by Aspergillus a concern. This study was performed to investigate prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from environmental samples.
Methods: In this study, 316 soil samples were collected from three hospitals and a university campus in Gorgan (Iran) from July to September 2017. Two grams of each sample were suspended in 5 ml of 0.2M NaCl with 1% Tween 20. Then, 100 µl of the suspension was plated on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol, SDA supplemented with chloramphenicol and voriconazole (VOR, 1 mg/L) and SDA supplemented with chloramphenicol and itraconazole (ITC, 4 mg/L). The plates were incubated at 37 °C and examined for growth after 24, 48 and 72 hours.
Results: We detected Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans isolates in 187(59.2%), 84(26.6%), 147(46.5%) and 65(20.6%) samples, respectively. We found no VOR resistant isolate. However, 21 (25%) A. flavus and 16 (8.6%) A. fumigatus isolates were intermediate for VOR. In addition, seven (8.3%) A. flavus, 68 (36.4%) A. fumigatus, 41 (27.9%) A. niger and three (4.5%) A. nidulans isolates were resistant to ITC.
Conclusion: We were able to detect A.fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger from all four sampling sites in Gorgan, North of Iran. A. fumigatus is the most prevalent and most resistant isolate in the studied area. History of previous agriculture activity and use of pesticides in the proximity of sampling sites may have affected the rate of ITC resistance.
Mahnaz Shahbazi, Naser Behpoor, Mohammad Faramarzi, Ebrahim Banitalebi,
Volume 15, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Bone-related osteokines play an important role in the response of bone metabolism to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of different intensities of resistance training on serum levels of some osteokines associated with the Wnt signaling pathway and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) pathway in old male Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty-four old (23 months) male Wistar rats (mean weight: 437.93±33 g) were randomly divided into three groups of moderate-intensity resistance training (n=8), high-intensity resistance training (n=8) and control (n=8). Moderate- and high-intensity resistance trainings were performed at 60% and 80% maximal voluntary carrying capacity, respectively. The level of wclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL was evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and at significance level of ≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that sclerostin (p=0.014), OPG (p=0.049) and RANKL (P=0.034) differed significantly between the study groups. The Tukey post-hoc comparison showed that sclerostin decreased significantly in the high-intensity resistance training group compared to moderate-intensity resistance training group (P=0.048). In addition, OPG decreased significantly in the moderate-intensity resistance training group compared to the control group (P=0.033). Moreover, RANKL decreased significantly in the high-intensity resistance training group compared to the control (P=0.048).
Conclusion: The results showed that resistance training with appropriate repetition and intensity can have positive effects on bone formation signaling pathways.
Behnoush Khasheii, Pezhman Mahmoodi, Abdolmajid Mohammadzadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2021)
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance is a global health problem. In recent years, due to the indiscriminate use of antibacterial compounds, many bacterial pathogens, including staphylococci, members of the
Enterobacteriaceae family including
Klebsiella pneumoniae and bacteria such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Acinetobacter baumannii have become multi-drug resistant. Consequently, it is important to explore alternative approaches for eliminating resistant strains. Bacteria synthesize low-weight molecules called siderophores to chelate iron from the environment as a vital element for their growth and survival. One way to deal with resistant bacterial strains is to utilize siderophore-mediated iron uptake pathways as entrance routes for drug delivery. Therefore, the production of drugs with Trojan horse strategy in the form of conjugated siderophore-antibiotic complexes has recently received much attention
for dealing with resistant isolates.
In this review, we discuss the efficacy of siderophore-antibiotic conjugates as a Trojan horse strategy for eliminating drug-resistant pathogens.
Puja Kumari Jha, Rachna Agarwal, Rafat Sultana Ahmed,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Turnaround time (TAT) is an important quality indicator for benchmarking laboratory performance. Delay in TAT may affect patient safety; thus, continuous monitoring and analysis of laboratory workflow is mandatory. This study was designed to improve the TAT of two biochemistry laboratories serving in tertiary care teaching hospitals (multispecialty and super-specialty) through the application of quality tools namely quality failure reporting, the Fishbone model, and process mapping.
Methods: First, TAT was defined for routine (four hours) and urgent samples (two hours). Then, TAT failureincidents in 2018-2019 were analyzed using the Fishbone model. The process map of TAT was studied and made more value streamed and lean after removal of waste steps.Corrective action plans were prioritized and implemented for potential causes with more adverse outcomes. Pilot solutions were implemented for six months and TAT failures incidents were reanalyzed.
Results: The quality failure in TAT reporting was reduced by 22% (from 34% to 12%) for urgent samples and by 19% (from 27% to 8%) for routine samples after the implementation of quality tools in multispecialty hospital laboratory. In the super-specialty hospital laboratory, the improvement was more profound and the TAT percentage achieved after the corrective actions was 96.57% and 98% for urgent and routine samples, respectively.
Conclusion: Implementation of quality failure reporting culture along with quality tools led to significant improvement in TAT and higher quality laboratory performance in terms of efficiency, reliability, and increased patient safety.
Madhusudana Hn, Akriti Kashyap, Sunita Patil, Gurpuneet Basra, Navnath Dighe, Sashindran Vk,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Intraoperative blood transfusion is a common medical intervention worldwide. Although mostly lifesaving when indicated, inappropriate administration of intraoperative can be potentially life-threatening. The aim of this study was to analyze the most common surgery/invasive procedures requiring intraoperative transfusion and to determine indications for intraoperative transfusion as well as the outcome of the patients after intraoperative transfusion.
Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic database of medical records was done for surgical patients who received intraoperative transfusion from June 2019 to December 2019. Preoperative hemoglobin values, associated comorbidities, and physiological triggers including hypotension and tachycardia were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.
Results: A total of 36 patients (age range: 9-80 years) were studied. Orthopedic surgeries (53%) were the most common surgeries that required intraoperative transfusion. Preoperative anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dl) was the predominant reason for intraoperative transfusion. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (36.3%) was the most frequent comorbidity among the cases of intraoperative transfusion. Half the cases received two units of packed red blood cell (pRBC), while 39% of the cases received one unit of pRBC. The remaining 11.1% received more than two units of pRBC. Furthermore, 77.7% of the patients were discharged to home within a week, while 16.6% of the patients were discharged after a prolonged hospital stay (> one week). The remaining 5.5% died in the hospital within a week of the procedure/surgery.
Conclusion: Transfusion practices vary among physicians, hospitals, and countries. The findings highlight that the hospital might be the most important determinant of the number of administered transfusions, with some adopting programs to reduce transfusions for elective surgery.
Mahmoud Karimizadeh Esfahani, Mohsen Najjari, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi, Somayeh Dolatabadi, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Mycotic keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea that can cause blindness. Its incidence, risk factors, and the etiological agents vary worldwide and nationwide. Therefore, proper documentation of these data is essential for better disease management. In this review, we aimed to make a clear picture of this infection in the Middle East.
Methods: Data on fungal keratitis from 1986 to 2018 in the Middle East were systematically collected from five English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Irandoc). A total of 35 studies were included in the review.
Result: The pooled prevalence of fungal keratitis in the Middle East was estimated at 26% (95% confidence interval: 19-32%; I2=98.88%, p<0.001) using random-effect model, with considerable variation among the countries. The prevalence of fungal keratitis was highest in Egypt (36%) and Iran (34%) and lowest in Oman (9%). Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. were the most common causative agents (28%) among filamentous fungi, and Candida (13%) was the predominant yeast species causing fungal keratitis. Based on the data, fungal keratitis was more prevalent in males (39%) than in females (23%).
Conclusion: Our study is the first systematic review on mycotic keratitis among the Middle Eastern countries. These epidemiological estimates can be used by policy makers to improve treatment strategies, especially in this part of the world.
Background and objectives: Mycotic keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea that can cause blindness. Its incidence, risk factors, and the etiological agents vary worldwide and nationwide. Therefore, proper documentation of these data is essential for better disease management. In this review, we aimed to make a clear picture of this infection in the Middle East.
Methods: Data on fungal keratitis from 1986 to 2018 in the Middle East were systematically collected from five English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Irandoc). A total of 35 studies were included in the review.
Result: The pooled prevalence of fungal keratitis in the Middle East was estimated at 26% (95% confidence interval: 19-32%; I2=98.88%, p<0.001) using random-effect model, with considerable variation among the countries. The prevalence of fungal keratitis was highest in Egypt (36%) and Iran (34%) and lowest in Oman (9%). Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. were the most common causative agents (28%) among filamentous fungi, and Candida (13%) was the predominant yeast species causing fungal keratitis. Based on the data, fungal keratitis was more prevalent in males (39%) than in females (23%).
Conclusion: Our study is the first systematic review on mycotic keratitis among the Middle Eastern countries. These epidemiological estimates can be used by policy makers to improve treatment strategies, especially in this part of the world.
Ommolbanin Younesian, Behnaz Khodabakhshi, Sara Hosseinzadeh, Seyedeh Somayeh Hosseini Alarzi, Samareh Younesian, Mojtaba Pourmomen, Mana Zakeri, Ali Hosseini, Professor Hamidreza Joshaghani,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2023)
Abstract
Background: Although public health interventions have slowed the spread of SARS CoV 2 infections, the worldwide pandemic of COVID 19 is progressing. Thus, effective and safe vaccination against SARS CoV 2 is an important tool for controlling the COVID 19 pandemic. Now in the early stages of COVID 19 vaccination, vaccinated individuals are interested in using antibody tests to confirm vaccination success and estimate the time of protection. Here, we assessed anti spike IgG responses in the general population 2 weeks after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine.
Methods: This study included blood samples of 67 individuals without a previous SARS CoV 2 infection taken 14 days after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. Anti spike IgG responses were assessed with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Anti spike IgG was detected in 55 (82.1%) of 67 samples 14 days after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. Antibody levels were significantly lower in males than in females, and 9 (75%) of 12 seronegative individuals were males.
Conclusion: Vaccination resulted in detectable anti spike IgG in 82.1% of individuals, and gender may be an important factor in the humoral response.
Mahnoosh Fatemi, Fereshte Ghandehari , Danial Salehi, Parastoo Torabian,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2023)
Abstract
Background: Discovering new cytotoxic compounds has received significant attention due to the rise in drug resistance and the adverse effects associated with chemotherapy drugs. In this study, the cytoplasmic extract of Lactobacillus casei was used to produce iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2o3 NPs), and the cytotoxic effects of NPs were investigated on MCF-7 and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells.
Methods: The cytoplasmic extract of L. casei was mixed with 103M iron sulfate solution and incubated for 3 weeks at 37 °C and 5% CO2. The coprecipitation method was used to synthesize chemical Fe2o3 NPs. The synthesis of NPs was studied by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the cytotoxic effects were evaluated with dilutions (10, 100, and 1000 µg/mL) on MCF-7 and HEK cells.
Results: X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy presented the mean of NPs synthesized by the green method to be about 15 nm and their shape to be spherical, as well as the average of chemically synthesized NPs to be about 20 nm with cubic structure. Chemical and green synthesized NPs only at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL were able to significantly reduce the survival rate of normal HEK-293 cells; chemically synthesized NPs decreased MCF-7 cell survival only at 1000 µg/mL and green synthesis at 100 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL.
Conclusion: Generating Fe2o3 NPs is biologically safe using the green synthesis method and the cytoplasmic extract of L. casei, which may be a suitable candidate for the treatment of cancer cells.
Suresh Jaiswal, Bijay Subedi, Ashmita Sapkota, Pushpa Sharma, Manisha Timilsina, Maheshwor Timilsina, Bishnu Raj Tiwari,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: Intestinal infections with Helicobacter pylori mainly occur during childhood. If contracted, these infections may cause chronic gastritis, frequently leading to peptic ulcer disease in later life. This study aims to detect the prevalence of H. pylori infections in patients with active gastritis.
Methods: The study included 150 participants who were consuming daily anti-gastritis drugs to reduce the gas and were considered active gastritis patients and were recruited from Lekhnath 12, now known as Pokhara metropolitan-30, from May 2018 to March 2019. They were screened for H. pylori antibodies for detection of infection by the immunochromatographic rapid detection kit, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 2016.
Results: Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in these participants. Among the 150 participants, 54 were males (36%) and 96 were females (64%). The results showed that 47 (31.3%) of the patients were positive for anti-Helicobacter pylori test. The age group 30 to 40 had the highest prevalence of 21 (14.0%). Using public water showed the highest prevalence with a P value of 0.04.
Conclusion: There should be an additional aspect required for the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis, which is the healthcare providers' and patients' awareness of the cause and most efficient treatments for this medical condition. Using only anti-gastritis drugs is not sufficient; treatment against Helicobacter pylori requires the right pathway of treatment by the use of several antibiotics.
Samin Zamani, Sima Besharat, Nasser Behnampour, Armina Behnam, Negar Asgari, Nazanin Mortazavi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2024)
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by abnormal immune responses, leading to inflammation and scarring in the large intestine. The bacteria Prevotella melaninogenica, found in the intestine and mouth, may contribute to UC. This study focuses on the detection of P. melaninogenica in the saliva of UC patients and compares them with the healthy control (HC) group.
Methods: The present study was a case-control study including 40 UC patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) with an average age of 43.0 3± 10.3. This study used a real-time PCR test to investigate the frequency and average number of P. melaninogenica from the 16S rRNA gene sequence of P. melaninogenica in both groups.
Results: P. melaninogenica was more frequent in UC patients (77.5%) than HCs (45%) (p = 0.003). The patient group had more bacteria (339.31 ± 1082.29) than HCs (61.29 ± 154.03) (p = 0.005). Women in the UC group had more P. melaninogenica (492.35 ± 1427.61) than the control group (56.98 ± 123.50) (p = 0.0342). Similarly, men in the UC group (262.85 ± 664.97) had more bacteria than the control group (72.62 ± 222.76) (p = 0.015).
Conclusion: The current study showed that dysbiosis in P. melaninogenica, a bacterium in human saliva, could be important in the development of UC. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its use as a potential biomarker in the UC.
Sudhanshu Subrat , Manohar Lal Prasad , Kavya Varshney , Kanika Bansal , Mayank Mahajan, Anindya Chowdhury ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2024)
Abstract
Background: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Various studies have examined the neuroprotective effects of magnesium and potassium ions through their effects on the glutamate receptor and the endothelium, achieved by lowering blood pressure and through their anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The objective of our study was to determine the prognostic significance of serum magnesium and serum potassium levels in acute stroke.
Methods: An observational study was conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, for 18 months on 150 adults in patients with acute stroke, enrolled within 72 hours after applying appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Correlations between the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission with serum levels of magnesium and potassium were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 27.0.
Results: Two groups were formed based on serum magnesium levels: <1.5 mg/dL and >1.5 mg/dL. Similarly, two groups were created based on serum potassium levels: <3.5 mEq/L and >3.5 mEq/L. A significant correlation was found, using Spearman’s coefficient test, between serum potassium and magnesium levels and the GCS score at admission, as well as the mRS score at discharge (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Lower concentrations of magnesium and potassium are associated with increased cerebral arterial contraction and greater neurological damage.
Mohammed Fabin, Jayakrishnan Jayakumar, Swathy Shanker,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2024)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder whose pathophysiology has been linked to various genetic and environmental factors. The main mechanism of the development of complications has been implicated as inflammation-mediated. Various blood cell parameters are being used as early indicators of inflammation-mediated endothelial dysfunction; thereby predicting the severity or prognosis of DM. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting glycemic control in patients with DM.
Methods: This is a retrospective, hospital-based study conducted from August 2023 to December 2023. A total of 134 patients were included in the study. The hematological and biochemical reports of the study population were retrieved, and the data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0.
Results: In this study, it has been found that PLR is significantly increased in patients suffering from DM with poor glycemic control compared to those patients with good glycemic control (P<0.001). In concordance with other studies, a positive association was observed between PLR and disease severity.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, PLR may be used as a predictive marker in assessing the severity and prognosis of DM; however, the exact cut-off value is yet to be determined.
Afrooz Daneshparvar , Iman Jamhiri , Vahid Razban, Jafar Fallahi , Nasrin Hamidizadeh , Behnam Moghtaderi , Mehdi Dianatpour ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Background: A rare heterozygous DYRK1B mutation (R102C) recently linked to a familial form of metabolic syndrome prompted this study to introduce the R102C mutation into the mouse DYRK1B gene, utilizing recombinant lentiviruses for long-term gene expression.
Methods: In the present fundamental study, the DYRK1B R102C mutation was generated via Overlap Extension-PCR (OE-PCR) and inserted into the LeGO-iG2 transfer vector with a GFP marker. Recombinant lentiviruses were produced by co-transfection of the transfer vector carrying DYRK1B R102C, psPAX2 (Packaging vector), and pMD2 (Envelope vector) into HEK-293T cells.
Results: The accuracy of the intended mutation was confirmed through OE-PCR and sequencing. Expression of DYRK1B and successful gene transfer were visualized using a fluorescence microscope to detect the GFP marker. Lentiviral titer was quantified using flow cytometry, with an infection efficiency of 108 TU/ml in HEK-293T cells.
Conclusion: DYRK1B plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, central obesity, early-onset coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and adipogenesis, suggesting its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions. Lentiviruses carrying the DYRK1B R102C mutation offer significant advantages for both in vitro and in vivo research on metabolic syndrome. This study showcases the successful application of recombinant lentiviral vectors for gene transfer into eukaryotic cells.
Aradhana Harrison , Aswathy Prabha , Karishma Krishna , Vejay Viknesh Marudhadurai , Jahnavi Chikkegowda, Rajshree Choudhary ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Background: β-thalassemia trait (BTT) can be screened by several discriminator indices (DIs) using complete blood counts (CBC). These DIs can help differentiate BTT from other causes of anaemia, thus reducing the financial burden of laboratory testing. At standard cut-off values, statistical analyses traditionally used to compare the diagnostic competence of these DIs give variable results. This study establishes new optimal cut-off values to improve the applicability of these DIs for BTT screening.
Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on anaemic adults whose high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and CBC results achieved over the past 6 months were reviewed. Based on HPLC reports, patients were categorised into BTT and non-BTT groups, with each group comprising 25 age- and sex-matched patients. Discriminator indices, including Mentzer’s Index (MI), Green and King Index (GKI), Sehgal Index (SI), Shine and Lal Index (SLI), Srivastava Index (SrI), and England and Fraser Index (EFI), were calculated for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed respective to standard cut-off values to establish new optimal cut-off values with the highest sensitivity and specificity.
Results: According to the results, SrI emerged as the best index, offering high sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s Index, accuracy, and odds ratio. On the other side, SLI and GKI were observed to be poor indices with low sensitivity and specificity. The new optimal cut-off values for the best performance of each DI for BTT screening were as follows: SrI ≤3.5, MI ≤11.4, GKI ≤59.7, SI ≤709.4, SLI ≤941.1, and EFI ≤1.91.
Conclusion: The performance of DIs at standard cut-off values was poor to screen BTT. New optimal cut-off values provided maximal sensitivity and specificity thereby enhancing their performance as screening parameters for BTT in regions with a high-prevalence of the condition. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the new cut-off values for BTT screening.
Sharabeh Hezarkhani , Khosro Ghojoghi , Sara Hosseinzadeh , Naser Behnampour , Farshid Fathabadi , Zahra Hesari , Hamid Reza Joshaghani ,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2024)
Abstract
Background: Leptin and adiponectin, two members of the adipokine family, play roles in increasing lipid metabolism and inhibiting lipogenesis. Reduced levels of these cytokines are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in type-2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome compared to a control group.
Methods: Three groups of individuals participated in this study: 47 type-2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome (DM+MetS), 25 type-2 diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome (DM-MetS), and 40 individuals with no history of diabetes or metabolic syndrome (Control group). Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum levels of fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were measured using the enzymatic method. Blood pressure, height, and weight were recorded using stadiometers, while leptin and adiponectin levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: A significant difference was observed between the DM+MetS group and the DM-MetS group in serum leptin (p = 0.004) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) levels. In patients with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, serum leptin (p = 0.530) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) levels were lower compared to the control group.
Conclusion: A decrease in the serum levels of key adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, in type-2 diabetic patients may serve as a predictor of metabolic syndrome.
Kavitha Paul Konikkara, Aiswarya Mukundan , Reena John ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2025)
Abstract
Background: The surge of COVID-19 has weighed heavily on health-care systems and hospitals. Health-care workers are at high risk of exposure both in the community and workplace when providing care to patients. Quantitative assays to detect antibodies against SARS COV-2 help to determine individual antibody titer and in longitudinal monitoring of antibody response. The present study was undertaken as there is not much data available regarding the presence of SARS COV-2 antibodies among health care workers in Kerala. The objective was to estimate the IgG antibody response and to find out the associated factors in vaccinated health-care workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 vaccinated health- care workers. The blood sample was collected from health care workers and quantitative determination of humoral antibodies (Including IgG) was done by Chemiluminescence immunoassay. The antibody response was correlated with various factors. Analysis was done using the software IBM SPSS Version 25.
Results: The seroconversion rate following the Covishield vaccine was found to be 99.47% with mean, median, and standard deviation of antibody titer being 1291.0, 311.40 and 1792.500, respectively. Statistical significance in antibody titer was observed among different categories of health care workers and in those with previous COVID-19 infection. Higher titer was noted within 3 months of vaccination and thereafter waning of titer was seen which was also statistically significant.
Conclusion: No correlation was observed with age, gender, co-morbidities, area of work and Body Mass Index (BMI). Vaccination plays a major role in containing the infection. The immune response among vaccinated health-care workers was satisfactory.
Pius Omoruyi Omosigho, Guobadia Precious Oghogho, Ugiagbe Victory Osayekewmen, Olalekan John Okesanya, Janet Mosunmola Oladejo , Uyigue Paulinus Osarodion,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2025)
Abstract
Background: Candida species are known to be the most frequently encountered fungal pathogens in humans. There has been a noticeable rise in the occurrence of human infections caused by Candida over the past few decades. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify different species of Candida and determine the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species isolated from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 104 Candida isolates were obtained from various clinical specimens using a simple random sampling technique. The isolates were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and were later sub-cultured on CHROMagar Candida after morphological characteristics observation and identification of Candida species were confirmed based on characteristic color production on CHROMagar. Antifungal susceptibility testing for Candida isolates was conducted following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M44-A recommendations for Amphotericin B, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, and Nystatin. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Candida albicans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 72.1% of isolates, followed by Candida krusei (17.3%), Candida tropicalis (7.7%), and Candida glabrata (2.9%). High vaginal swabs showed the highest frequency of Candida isolates (46.2%). Females exhibited a higher preponderance of candidiasis (81.3%) compared to males. With p-values of 0.007* and 0.028*, respectively, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata exhibited significant differences in susceptibility to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole antifungal drugs. The antifungal susceptibility testing indicated variations in resistance patterns among different Candida species.
Conclusion: The study revealed a predominance of Candida albicans in clinical specimens, with emerging cases of non-albicans species. Antifungal resistance to clinically available agents raised concerns, necessitating continuous surveillance and monitoring of susceptibility patterns. The results underscore the importance of developing targeted strategies to combat the challenges posed by antifungal resistance.
