Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2024 | Volume:34 | Issue:2|Papers Count:11

Background: The invention of artificial intelligence has changed the way of life in general. Currently, artificial intelligence is used throughout the pharmacology research and the field of drug discovery, and this technology has the power to revolutionize the drug discovery process and improve efficiency, accuracy, and time of process. Materials and methods: In this review article, the results of the published articles were systematically analyzed into the topics of artificial intelligence application in pharmacology, drug industry and drug discovery. The information obtained from the above articles was also classified and reviewed in the same order. Results: The review of 88 revealed the benefits of using artificial intelligence including the expansion and improvement of structures in the drug design process (such as the drug INS018-055 for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis), better prediction of the effect of the ligand on the receptor, and better cooperation of the health care providers. Disadvantages were the problems of scientific decision-making with artificial intelligence, ethical concerns in the field of pharmaceuticals and recognition of the limitations of approaches based on artificial intelligence. Strengthening neural networks of databases, integration of artificial intelligence with traditional experimental methods, as well as the use of in silico computer tools facilitate the possibility of solving problems. Conclusion: The optimal use of artificial intelligence approaches will lead to the acceleration of the drug discovery process, therefore, it is necessary to carry out more studies related to the effect of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical research.

Background: Bacterial nanocellulose as a natural hydrogel with unique properties such as high biocompatibility, and non-toxicity has been investigated as a modern dressing in recent years. Accordingly, this research aimed to improve the physical and chemical properties of this biopolymer for biomedical uses by eco-printing clove plant on bacterial cellulose. Materials and methods: For this purpose, the purified layers of bacterial nanocellulose were printed using different amounts of clove in an eco-print method, and consequently, the properties were investigated with ATR-FTIR, XRD, FEESEM, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity tests. Results: The characterization tests confirmed the chemical nature, crystal structure and nanofibrous substrate of bacterial cellulose. Also, the eco-print process did not have a negative effect on the surface hydrophilic properties of the finished samples, and in addition, the water absorption capacity of the sample treated with 10 grams of clove plant was increased by two times compared to the untreated sample. Additionally, all the samples showed antibacterial properties against two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, while increasing the amount of clove active substance on the samples intensified the antimicrobial properties of the layers. Accordingly, the treated samples with 10 gr of clove resulted in the formation of a 30-mm diameter inhibition zone for both bacteria mentioned above. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the bacterial nanocellulose treated with clove plant has a high capacity as a modern environmentally friendly wound dressing.

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-to micron-sized vesicles with the ability to transport bioactive cargos. All types of cells have the ability to release EVs, which have been demonstrated to be involved in a number of essential cell functions. There are various methods for isolating EVs, each with advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to invistigate at the non-ultra centrifugation method and ultra-centrifugation method for isolating EVs. Materials and methods: Clostridium perfringens ATCC13124 was used in this experimental study. Following culture, EVs were extracted using two methods: Non-Ultra method and Ultra-method. To examine chemical characteristics, the EV protein concentration was measured using a NanoDrop device, and the EV protein pattern was identified using SDS-PAGE. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to examine the EVs' physical properties. Results: Our results showed that the EVs isolated by the Ultra-method had a higher protein content compared to the Non-Ultra method (3. 17 and 1. 46 mg/ml, respectively). The Ultra-method isolated more and larger EVs compared to the Non-Ultra method. Also, protein patterns of the EVs by SDS-PAGE method were similar in both methods. Conclusion: The present study showed that the Ultra-method can be a more efficient and cost-effective way for isolation EVs from Clostridium perfringens than the Non-Ultra method.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive damage of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and reduction of dopamine in the striatum. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of PD, and antioxidant agents can be useful in reducing the rate of neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of p-Cymene in the reserpine-induced (RES) PD rat model. Materials and methods: 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, including control, receiving vehicle of p-Cymene + receiving vehicle of reserpine (VP+VR), receiving reserpine (1 mg/5 days/intraperitoneal) + vehicle of p-Cymene (RES+VP), receiving p-Cymene (50 mg/14 days/oral) + vehicle of reserpine (p-Cymene+VR) and receiving reserpine+p-Cymene (RES+p-Cymene) were divided. After the treatment, the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluation (catalepsy test and shuttle box test). At the end, the level of hippocampal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) by ELISA and malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbituric acid method and the density of apoptotic neurons in different areas of the hippocampus were measured. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in catalepsy behavior, amelioration of avoidance memory, a significant increase in CAT and SOD, and a decrease in MDA in the RES+p-Cymene group compared to the p-Cymene+VR group. On the other hand, p-Cymene prevented the increase in the density of apoptotic neurons caused by RES in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Conclusion: In general, the results showed that p-cymene had a protective effect in the PD model and prevented motor-cognitive disorders and neuronal damage caused by RES.

Background: Alginate is a natural polysaccharide that can cross-link with calcium ions and form a gel. Platelet-rich plasma, as a source of growth factors, has opened new horizons for use in regenerative medicine and regeneration of damaged tissues. The aim of this study was to synthesize calcium alginate hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma and examine its morphology with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Materials and methods: 5 Wistar rats (200-300 g) were used in this study. The animals were anesthetized and their blood was collected via cardiac puncture and centrifuged twice to obtain platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP and 6% calcium chloride solution were poured into 1% alginate solution (within a mechanical stirrer) separately using an insulin syringe needle, drop by drop at the same time. After gelation and freeze-drying, its morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscope. Results: In microscopic examination, the platelets of platelet-rich plasma trapped inside the calcium alginate hydrogel were visible as platelet aggregation. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the ability of calcium alginate hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma as a suitable substrate for the storage and transfer of platelets rich in growth factors for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

Background: Diarrhea is one of the most important causes of death in the world. Shigella is one of the causes of diarrheal diseases. Global studies have also shown that the prevalence of this bacterium as well as the resistance in Shigella are strongly increasing. Also, the resistance of Shigella species to third generation cephalosporins is increasing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics on the survival rate and also to investigate the expression of surface factors related to survival and bacterial biofilm. Materials and methods: In this study, a sample of Shigella bacteria was prepared according to ATCC standard from Pasteur Institute of Iran and Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from dairy products was used. Samples were freshly cultured in culture medium. Then the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on Shigella was co-cultured in 96-well plates in the presence of 1% glucose. After 24 hours RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed and the survival and expression of the genes for the production of binding factors and bacterial biofilm were evaluated by Real Time technique. Results: This study showed that the co-cultivation of Lactobacillus plantarum could significantly reduce the population of Shigella bacteria and also significantly reduced the expression of genes related to BSSS and OSPE 2 binding factors. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Lactobacillus plantarum could have an effect on the control and recovery process of Shigella bacteria.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder and is considered a pro-inflammatory disease. Obesity is also a common pro-inflammatory phenotype in PCOS patients, which may play a role in the initiation or exacerbation of inflammation in PCOS patients. In this study, the role of various obesity indicators in increasing inflammation in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients has been investigated. Materials and methods: 40 patients under 35 years were divided into two groups: PCOS and non-PCOS. Different obesity indices (body mass, neck circumference, arm circumference, and waist to hip circumference) were measured in each patient. Follicular fluid samples were collected from each patient. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in follicular fluid samples of patients was quantitatively evaluated using the ELISA method. The number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) was recovered and their quality was scored. Results: In the PCOS group, various obesity indices were significantly increased compared to the non-PCOS group (P ≤0. 001). The concentration of TNF-α in the PCOS group was significantly higher than the other group (P<0. 001). There were no significant differences in the number of retrieved COC per patient and the quality of oocytes between the groups (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Considering the important role of inflammation in the development of PCOS disease, management of obesity in PCOS patients may help to reduce inflammation and can potentially help to design personalized therapeutic approaches.

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the most important infectious diseases. Beta-lactam antibiotics, especially the third and fourth generations of cephalosporins, are effective in treating this infection. The production of beta-lactamase enzyme by bacteria is the most important mechanism of resistance to various beta-lactam antibiotics, which poses a serious threat to the use of these drugs in the future. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of new beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive research, 100 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from urine samples collected from the hospitals and laboratories of Alborz province. The isolates were identified by standard biochemical and microbial tests. The pattern of antibiotic resistance of the isolates to 11 different antibiotics was investigated by the Kirby Bauer method. The isolates were analyzed phenotypically in terms of β-lactamase production (NDM-1). In the case of isolates with β-lactamase blaNDM-1, PCR was done with the help of specific primers, and finally the PCR product was sequenced and analyzed. Results: The pattern of antibiotic resistance was observed as follows: ampicillin (85%), imipenem (70%), kanamycin (66%), cefotaxime (51%), ceftriaxone (51%), tetracycline (50%), ceftazidime (% 49), ciprofloxacin (46%), neurofloxacin (36%), gentamicin (29%), meropenem (27%). The results of PCR showed that 2% of the isolates had blaNDM-1 gene. Conclusion: The increase of antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates and the emergence of new beta-lactamases warn that the policy of using antibiotics to treat bacterial infections should be changed.

Background: The one of consequences of global epidemic of the Covid-19 virus in 2019 was the psychological impact on people, especially the surviving victims of this virus and its psychopathologic outcomes. The Aim of this study was the prediction of stress perception based on cognitive flexibility, perceived social support and metacognitive beliefs with the mediation of emotional cognitive regulation in Corona survivors. Materials and methods: This study was done based on the assumption of descriptive correlational research and the implementation of stress perception questionnaires, cognitive flexibility, perceived social support, metacognitive beliefs and emotional cognitive regulation on 200 people from the Corona survivor community who were selected by available sampling method. Results: The results showed that cognitive flexibility, metacognitive beliefs, emotional cognitive regulation had a positive effect on stress perception, while perceived social support and stress perception had a negative association. Also, cognitive flexibility, perceived social support and metacognitive beliefs had a positive effect on stress perception through the mediation of cognitive emotional regulation and predict stress perception during the covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The present results highlighted the positive effect of cognitive flexibility, metacognitive beliefs, emotional cognitive regulation with stress perception, and on the other hand, it showed the negative effect of perceived social support with stress perception. Also, the research variables with the mediating factor of cognitive emotional regulation were predictors of stress perception in the survivors of Covid-19.

Background: Pain is an unfortunate sentiment associated with damage to the body tissue. Nurses play a crucial role in pain management as one of the care principles. Hence, this study was conducted to determine nurses' knowledge and attitude about the pain management ladder method in 2020. Materials and methods: In this descriptive correlational study, 215 nurses from Kerman Payambar Azam Hospital were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a questionnaire that assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward the pain management ladder method, and analysis was performed using SPSS23. Results: The results of data analysis showed that the participants' knowledge and attitude mean scores regarding the pain management ladder method were 17. 08 ± 4. 75 and 71. 7 ± 6. 88, respectively, at the moderate level. The results indicated a positive and significant correlation between knowledge and attitude toward pain management (r= 0. 335, p= 0. 001). Among the demographic variables, there was a significant correlation between the knowledge mean score and age, work experience, and workplace (p<0. 05). However, there was no significant correlation between the attitude mean score and demographic variables. Conclusion: Regarding our findings, the moderate level of nurses’ knowledge and attitude mean scores were inadequate to manage pain, and the presence of positive correlations between these two variables and some demographic characteristics need more attention for planning training courses.

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a common phenomenon worldwide, leading to delays in the acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite vaccination services being available. Some of the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy include perceived risks, certain religious beliefs, and lack of awareness. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 537 people were evaluated. The data collection tool was two-part inventory: The first part included demographic information, the second part was to measure awareness, attitude and performance. After performing face and content validity, 32 questions, including 10 awareness, 7 attitude and 6 performance questions, were used. The frequency (percentage) was measured for quantitative variables and linear regression was used for qualitative variables. Results: The results indicated that the mean (± standard deviation) age of the participants was 12. 77 ± 30. 90 years, and the majority of participants (73%, 394 individuals) were female. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were 74. 16 ± 74. 2, 57. 26 ± 50. 4, and 16. 26 ± 22. 4, respectively. The results also showed that variables such as marital status, education, history of COVID-19 infection, and history of vaccination were associated with knowledge. Attitudes towards vaccination were significantly correlated with age, occupation, education, and vaccination history. Factors such as age, education, and history of COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with individuals' behaviors towards vaccination (p<0. 05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, increasing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals play an influential role in encouraging community participation in vaccination. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in educational programs to promote COVID-19 vaccination.