Legal Approach to Energy Security of Iran: With Special References to Crude Oil and Gas

Elham Aminzadeh,Nasser Khodaparast 이준국제법연구원 2019 Journal of East Asia and International Law Vol.12 No.1

The effect of melatonin on prevention of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: an animal study in rats

Afshin Yadegari,Atousa Aminzadeh,Sam Seyyedkhamesi,Maedeh Aminian 대한구강악안면외과학회 2020 대한구강악안면외과학회지 Vol.46 No.4

Objectives: Melatonin induces human stem cells, converts pre-osteoblasts to mature osteoblasts, and reduces the duration of this transition. However, melatonin itself prevents activation of osteoclasts. Here, we evaluate the role of melatonin in prevention of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-interventional study, 30 rats were evaluated in 3 groups. The first and second groups received saline and zoledronic acid, respectively, for 4 weeks and the third group received 4 weeks of zoledronic acid and 3 weeks of melatonin simultaneously. Firstright-maxillary-molar extraction was performed for all animals, which were sacrificed after 4 weeks of recovery. The extraction sockets were examined histologically for the presence of osteonecrosis, number of osteoclasts and fibroblasts, severity of inflammation, and vascularization. Data were analyzed by chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact statistical tests (α=0.05). Results: Osteonecrosis was observed in 20%, 90%, and 70% of the first, second and third groups, respectively (P=0.008). The lowest number of osteoclasts and fibroblasts was seen in the third group. Conclusion: Melatonin may effectively prevent some undesirable side effects of bisphosphonates. However, further studies are required to confirm the results of this study.

Pineal and Suprasellar Germinoma Cooccurence with Vertebra Plana: A Case Report

( Farrokh Seilanian Toosi ),( Behzad Aminzadeh ),( Mohammad Faraji Rad ),( Sirous Nekooei ),( Mahsa Nahidi ),( Ehsan Keykhosravi ) 대한뇌종양학회 대한신경종양학회 2018 Brain Tumor Research and Treatment Vol.6 No.2

Germinoma is the most common type of intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs). Pineal gland and suprasellar region are the most frequent sites of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Intracranial masses caused by Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) mimics features of CNS GCTs. LCH frequently involve spine and is the most common cause of vertebra plana in children. A 15-year-old boy presented with progressing symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, general headache, nausea and severe back pain. Brain MRI showed brain tumor with simultaneous involvement of suprasellar region and pineal gland. An excisional biopsy of suprasellar mass was done. The pathologic assessment confirmed the diagnosis of germinoma. Patient’s treatment continued accordingly. A spine MRI, done due to persistent backache, showed a vertebra plana. We reevaluated the primary diagnosis suspecting LCH. Germinoma of CNS was confirmed and a biopsy of vertebral lesion resulted in hemangioma. Thus we report a case of CNS germinoma with co-occurrence of vertebra plana. We emphasized the importance of histopathologic diagnosis of pineal/suprasellar masses and primary investigation of other CNS regions including spine for possible metastasis or comorbidities.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Sonographic Features before and after Surgery in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Association with Clinical Findings

Mahla Daliri,Motahareh Ebrahimnejad,Samane Najafi,Behzad Aminzadeh,Maryam Emadzadeh,Department of Neurosurgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Scie,Ali Moradi 대한정형외과학회 2022 Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Vol.14 No.4

Background: The interest in ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is growing. This paper aimed to find the correlation of postoperative changes in these modalities’ parameters with clinical outcomes. Methods: Boston CTS questionnaire-symptom severity (BQ-SS), Boston CTS questionnaire-functional status (BQ-FS), and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires (for pain, paresthesia, and grip weakness assessment) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Various imaging parameters of the median nerve and carpal tunnel were evaluated using US and MRI at two levels of the hook of the hamate (distal) and the pisiform (proximal) once preoperatively and then 3 months postoperatively. Corresponding US and MRI parameter measures were compared, and correlational analysis was performed between alteration of imaging findings and changes in clinical parameters postoperatively. Results: Patients’ functional status (BQ-FS score) was positively correlated with the nerve width both in US and MRI at the proximal level (r = 0.457 and r = 0.453, respectively) and also with the MRI nerve circumference at the distal level (r = –0.482). Correlation between paresthesia and the nerve width was notable in MRI at the distal hook of the hamate level (r = –0.403). Grip weakness VAS score was correlated with the nerve width-to-height ratio (WHR) in US at the distal level (r = 0.432). Conclusions: Changes in US and MRI parameters of the median nerve width, circumference, and WHR were associated with clinical changes in patients with CTS after surgery.

Comparative effects of systemic administration of levofloxacin and cephalexin on fracture healing in rats

Shayan Golestani,Arash Golestaneh,Atousa Aminzadeh Gohari 대한구강악안면외과학회 2022 대한구강악안면외과학회지 Vol.48 No.2

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of systemic administration of levofloxacin or cephalexin on fracture healing in rats. Materials and Methods: In this animal study, tibial fractures not requiring fixation were artificially induced in 30 male Wistar albino rats using a 1.1 mm surgical bur. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=5). Groups 1 and 2 received daily subcutaneous saline injections. Groups 3 and 4 received subcutaneous injections of 25 mg/kg levofloxacin twice daily. Groups 5 and 6 received daily subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg cephalexin. The rats in Groups 1, 3, and 5 were sacrificed after 1 week, while the rats in Groups 2, 4, and 6 were sacrificed after 4 weeks. The score of fracture healing was determined through histological assessment of sections from the fracture site according to Perry and colleagues. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The mean score of fracture healing at 4 weeks was significantly higher than that at 1 week in the saline, levofloxacin, and cephalexin groups (P<0.001). At 1 week, no significant difference was noted among the three groups of saline, levofloxacin, and cephalexin in the mean score of fracture healing (P=0.360). However, this difference was significant at 4 weeks (P=0.018), and the mean score in the saline group was significantly higher com-pared to that in the levofloxacin group (P=0.015). Conclusion: It is recommended not to prescribe levofloxacin for more than 1 week after surgical management of bone fractures due to its possible adverse effects on fracture healing.

The Effects of Auriculotherapy on Shoulder Pain After a Cesarean Section

Abedini Maryam,Manshoori Azita,Bakhtar Babak,Aminzadeh Fariba,Sadeghi Tabandeh 사단법인약침학회 2020 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.13 No.5

Background: Postcesarean section shoulder pain caused by constrained upper extremity movement limits the maternal activities of breastfeeding and neonatal care. Objectives: This study aims at investigating the effects of auriculotherapy on shoulder pain after a cesarean section. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 candidates for a cesarean section were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into control and intervention groups by the minimization method. In the intervention group, ear seeds were placed on shoulder and muscle relaxation points from two hours prior to surgery until 24 hours after it. In the control group, ear seeds were placed on placebo points. Shoulder pain was assessed on a numerical pain scale in 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups 1 and 6 hours after surgery. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups 24 hours after surgery and the mean pain score was lower in the intervention group (independent t-test, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of auriculotherapy is recommended for the prevention and alleviation of shoulder pain after a cesarean section.

Silver Nanoparticles Exert Apoptotic Activity in Bladder Cancer 5637 Cells Through Alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 Genes Expression

Sajedeh Daei,Nasrin Ziamajidi,Roghayeh Abbasalipourkabir,Zeynab Aminzadeh,Mohammad Vahabirad 전남대학교 의과학연구소 2022 전남의대학술지 Vol.58 No.3

Bladder cancer is defined as a urinary tract malignancy that threatens men’s and women’s health. Due to the side effects of common chemotherapies, novel therapeutic strategies are necessary to overcome the issues concerning bladder cancer treatments. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a means to develop the next-generation objectives of cancer diagnosis and treatment among various novel therapies. Owing to the special characteristics that they can offer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated in this study to evaluate their apoptotic impact on bladder cancer 5637 cells. In this study, an MTT assay was conducted and appropriate concentrations of AgNPs were selected. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis levels were determined using fluorimetric and Annexin/PI flow cytometry assays, respectively. Moreover, the activity of caspase 3,7, mRNA expression of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) were assessed based on colorimetric and qRT-PCR methods, respectively. The results indicated that AgNPs can significantly reduce the viability of 5637 cells in a dose-dependent mode as well as having the ability to elevate ROS production. Flow cytometry data showed that AgNPs lead to a remarkable increase in the apoptosis rate as compared with the control. Consistent with this, the induction of apoptosis was revealed by the overexpression of Bax, accompanied by a reduction in Bcl-2 expression compared to the control. Furthermore, AgNPs remarkably stimulated caspase 3,7 activation. In summary, AgNPs can mediate apoptosis in 5637 cells via excessive ROS formation, up-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and caspase 3,7 activation.

A Giant Sacrococcygeal Chordoma: A Case Report

Ehsan Keykhosravi,Amin Tavallaii,Mona Maftouh,Behzad Aminzadeh 대한뇌종양학회 2022 Brain Tumor Research and Treatment Vol.10 No.1

Sacrococcygeal chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor. Although there are tough membranes such as the periosteum and presacral fascia (which resist transgression by the tumors), chordoma usually invades the rectal wall. The serious problem with these tumors is the late diagnosis and its high likeli- hood to become enlarged. The main treatment options for this tumor is surgical resection, radiothera- py, and chemotherapy. Due to the tumor vicinity to important organs such as bladder and its neurovas- cular structures, it makes surgical excision extremely challenging. The aim of this study is to describe a 50-year-old man with a giant sacrococcygeal mass. The novelty of this case report is the huge and unique size of the tumor which has not reported previously as well the special surgical approaches performed to remove the tumor.

Evaluation of Gene Expression Changes of Serotonin Receptors, 5-HT3AR and 5-HT2AR as Main Stress Factors in Breast Cancer Patients

Hejazi, Seyed Hesam,Ahangari, Ghasem,Pornour, Majid,Deezagi, Abdolkhaleagh,Aminzadeh, Saeed,Ahmadkhaniha, Hamid Reza,Akbari, Mohamad Esmail Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Breast cancer is a serious and potentially lethal multi-factor disease among 40-50 aged women in both developed and developing countries. Also, various studies have pointed to roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin in development of cancers, through action on various types of receptors. This study was conducted to evaluate serotonin receptor (5HT2AR and 5HT3AR) genes expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of breast cancer patients in comparison with the healthy people and in the MCF7 cell line. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 30 patients and 30 healthy individuals. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs and MCF-7 cells. and 5HT2AR and 5HT3AR were detected by RT-PCR techniques. Finally, serotonin receptor gene expression variation in breast cancer patients and MCF-7 cells were determined by real time-PCR. This latter indicated significant promotion in expression of 5HT3AR and 5HT2AR in PBMCs in breast cancer patients but expression of 5HT2AR in the MCF-7 cell line was significantly decreased. In conclusion, after performing complimentary tests, determine of gene expression changes in serotonin receptors (5HT2AR and 5HT3AR) may be useful as a new approach in treatment of breast cancer based on use of antagonists.

Enhancing the Thermostability of Cellulase from Clostridium thermocellum via Salt Bridge Interactions

Reyhane Zamani,Sayyed Shahryar Rahpeyma,Moein Aliakbari,Mousa Naderi,Mohsen Yazdanei,Saeed Aminzadeh,Jafar Khezri,Kamahldin Haghbeen,Ali Asghar Karkhane 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.4

Improving the thermal stability of enzymes is an essential factor in the industrial applications of enzymes. Many methods related to increased thermal stability were explained, and increasing salt bridges is one of the strategies for improving the thermal stability of enzymes. In this study, mutations T59E, I145R, N149R, V219D, and A262R are introduced into the native cellulase gene to produce the mutant 5M-cel5E cellulase. In silico results showed that the mutation increased the salt bridges from 15 to 28. Root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) calculations confirmed that the mutation increased protein stability. Furthermore, the docking results showed that the affinity of cellobiose for the 5M-cel5E active site (-122.759) was slightly decreased compared to native cellulase (-130.93). No enzymatic activity was found in 5M-cel5E cellulase after cloning, expression and purification. Activated the enzyme with a back mutation of R149N, the result of which was named 4M-cel5E. The last mutation increases the salt bridges from 15 to 22, creating 4 salt bridge networks. The 4M-cel5E enzyme exhibited a maximum activity of 463 U/mg at pH 6.0 and 45°C. The mutations also increased the enzyme thermal stability up to 1.5 and 3.4-fold at temperatures of 65 and 67oC, respectively. These mutations made the Clostridium thermocellum cellulase suitable for various industries such the biofuel and paper.