Daneshvar Medicine: Basic and Clinical Research Journal
Year:2011 | Volume:19 | Issue:95|Papers Count:12

Background and Objective: Chimeric antigen T cell receptors provide a good approach for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. In this new kind of chimeric T cell receptor, nanobodies are replaced as variable fragment of T cell receptor. Nanobodies (VHH) are the smallest fragments of antibodies that have great homology to human VH and low immunogenic potential. VHH-hing-CD28-CD3, construct was made in our laboratory. Tumor cells rarely provide costimulatory signals and hence CAR receptors that transmit just a CD3, signal can only initiate target cell killing and interferon γ release and fail to induce full activation. Although incorporation of a CD28 component results in IL-2 (Interlukin 2) release and limited proliferation, T cell activation remains incomplete. To optimize CAR signaling, tripartite endodomains were constructed which consist of CD28-OX40-CD3z. During T cell activation, OX40 transmits a potent and prolonged T cell activation signal and it is crucial for maintaining an immunological response.Materials and Methods: We designed overlapping primers that contain 60% of OX40 sequence, then, CD28-Ox40-CD3z region was synthesized by SOE-PCR. Consequently, it was replaced with CD28-CD3z region in VHH-Hing-CD28-CD3z construct. Then, this construct was transfected in Jurkat T cells, so IL-2 secretion and T cells proliferation were increased.Results: CD28-OX40-CD3z tripartite cytoplasmic domain provided a full complement of activation, proliferation, and survival signals for enhanced anti-tumor activity.Conclusion: With IL-2 and semi-quantitative RT PCR, it is concluded that mRNA expression of pCDNA-1-hinge-CAR-OX40 and pCDNA-2- hinge-CAR-OX40 constructs are the same but the function of pCDNA-2- hinge-CAR-OX40 construct is more than the others.

Background and Objective: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent used by the Iraqi forces during the Iraq-Iran war. So far some statistical methods have only been applied to discriminate between exposed and non-exposed Sardasht inhabitants, using immunological variables. This paper focuses on allocating objects to exposed and nonexposed groups and choosing the best model, using a variety of qualitative and quantitative variables available.Materials and Methods: The participants had been recruited from Sardasht (exposed) and Rabat (non-exposed) residents. In general, a sample of 372 and 128 in case and control groups were assessed in this study. To allocate the persons to the exposed group, a logistic regression model was used. Models with main effects of the independent variables were compared using sensitivity, specificity and the area under their ROC curves.Results: Sensitivities of quantitative, qualitative and mixed models are as follows: 0.953, 0.948 and 0.952. Specificities of these models are 0.225, 0.524 and 0.542 respectively. Variables included in the mixed model are IL-18BP (p<0.001), sP-selectin (p=0.003), itching (p<0.001), plaque (p=0.017), chronic cough (p=0.029), sputum (p=0.017), hyperpigmentation (p=0.026) and bulbar conjunctive (p=0.025).Conclusion: According to the models' sensitivities, specificities, R2 and the area under their ROC curves on the one hand and the simplicity of qualitative variables usage on the other hand, the qualitative model could be preferred to as the mixed one.

Background and Objective: Due to the effect of garlic on immune system and a relationship between immune responses and pregnancy outcome, we designed this study to evaluate the effect of immunomodulator fraction of garlic (R10) on main parameters in pregnancy period.Materials and Methods: One week after mating of 30 female BALB/c mice, they were divided into four groups: one group received R10 fraction for one week, one group received R10 fraction for two weeks and their corresponding control groups. Intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 mg/kg of the fraction continued until 18th days of pregnancy. During this time, blood pressure was measured and their urine for protein and creatinnine assay and serum for uric acid assay were collected.Results: Injection of 0.2 mg/kg of R10 fraction for two weeks significantly increased systolic blood pressure, declined urine protein and protein to craetinene ratio in non-pregnant mice. No significant difference was observed regarding urine creatinine between the groups. In both groups (i.e. pregnant and non-pregnant) serum level of uric acid increased as compared to control group.Conclusion: Garlic isolated R10 fraction which was used at a higher dose in this study compared to its immunostimulatory dose increased blood pressure and uric acid. Since this may cause preeclampsia, it is suggested to have precaution for use of high dose garlic and R10 fraction in pregnancy period and more study are warranted on pregnancy in human and animal models.

Background and Objective: Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is an important biomaterial in medical and dental applications. Due to low solubility of its particles, it has had little application in bone reformation. For this reason, nanohydroxyapatite (Nano-HA) with a higher surface area and higher solubility has attracted the attention of researchers as an effective strategy for bone grafting purposes. There have been controversies regarding biocompatibility of the latter particles. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biocompatibility of nano-HA on L929 fibroblast cells.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, nano-sized, rod- like hydroxyapatite particles sterilized, then L929 fibroblast cells were cultured on 96-well plate. Cells were exposed to nano-HA at the following concentrations: 15.75, 32, 65, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 ppm. Later, for measuring the cell toxicity of the material, MTT method was utilized to measure the absorption, which evaluated the viability of the cells for each concentration and time point. The statistical ANOVA test was used in this study.Results: Results of this study showed that although cell viability decreased by increasing concentration and time but ANOVA analyze indicated that there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: The results indicate that “Nano-HA" biomaterial has acceptable compatibility with L929 fibroblast cells.

Background and Objective: Although mild stress could cause activity and impetus in life, but too much of it may cause physical and psychological illness. One of the most effective factors on stress is religion and religious beliefs. The aim of this research was to study the effect of Holy Quran on perceived stress in personnel of Arak University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods: In this educational trial, study sample consisted of 80 personnel of Arak University of Medical Sciences that were randomly chosen and assigned to control and experimental groups (each with 40 persons). Data collection was through a standard questionnaire including perceived stress standard (Pss-14). Before intervention, both groups filled questionnaires, then, in experimental group, the Holy Quran recitation was played for 20 minutes during two weeks. One month after intervention, both groups filled questionnaires and intervention was examined.Results: The results showed that the degree of stress in experimental and control groups after intervention was 29.06±17.59, and 40.98±15.35 respectively and there was significant difference between the two groups (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Since Holy Quran recitation reduced degree of stress, it can be used as a non-pharmacological, safe and cheap procedure for stress reduction, so, Holy Quran recitation is suggested for personnel as a daily habit.

Background and Objective: Virtual reality is a computerized technology with virtual environment and objects, which people manipulate virtual environment voluntarily through active participation. Aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sensorimotor play in virtual environment on eye-hand coordination of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Materials and Methods: In this single blinded, randomized, controlled trial, eye-hand coordination of a convenience sample size of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (n=16) in Ahvaz city was measured in 2 equal groups. Treatment protocol consisted of one and half hours sessions of sensorimotor play in virtual environment for 4 weeks, every other day. Measures were conducted pre, post and 3 months after the treatment period by Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency. Sample randomization and data analysis by repeated measure ANOVA were conducted by SPSS-16 software with alpha level set at 0.05.Results: Data analysis for Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency was indicative of significant difference in virtual reality group compared to control group in visual motor coordination (mean change- virtual reality: 1.53, control: 0.03) and upper limb coordination (mean change- virtual reality: 1.23, control: 0.06). Follow up analysis showed retention of results in both groups.Conclusion: Sensorimotor play in virtual environment through its characteristics such as interactive and motivational environment, repetitive practice, and augmented feedback can improve eye-hand coordination in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Background and Objective: Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea are the most common disorders in gynecologic diseases at reproductive age. Oral hormonal therapies are often used for treatments that have lots of side effects. Today the world is moving toward integrating Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) into mainstream medicine. Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) is one of the richest branches of complementary medicine. It uses the term "Ehtebas-e Tams" for both diseases.Dystemperment (Sou-e-mezaj) is one of the major causes of diseases known in Traditional Iranian Medicine and treatment is based on it. In this article, we studied the frequency of symptoms of dystemperments in patients suffering from amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared including dystemperment symptoms based on Traditional Iranian Medicine textbooks. The samples included 69 women (15 to 45 years old) suffering from amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea.Results: In this study, the frequency of each symptom is separately mentioned. Camparison between simple dystemperments, cold, and also dry dystemperments were seen more in the patients. Between humoral dystemperments, phlegmatic and melancholic dystemperments were more frequent.Conclusion: In Traditional Iranian Medicine textbooks, the dystemperments responsible for these diseases are exactly the same as listed in the results. This may show that coldness and dryness can be related to retention of mense and also it shows that we can use and trust these texts as a reliable source in our studies and remedies.

Background and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of PectaSol on modification of Doxorubicin (Dox) cytotoxicity and apoptosis and cell cycle in prostate cancer cell lines (DU-145 & LNCaP)Materials and Methods: Human prostate carcinoma DU-145 and LNCaP cell lines were treated with various concentrations of pectaSol, Dox, or a combination of both.Cell viability was determined via the MTT assay and cell cycle progression was determined by flow cytometry using Flowmax Software.Results: DU-145 (androgen independent) cell lines were more sensitive than LNCaP (androgen dependent) cell lines.Combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a 17.6% and 19.6% (p<0.001) decrease in the viability of the DU-145 and LNCaP cells. The IC50 values decreased 1.5 fold and 1.3 fold in the DU-145 and LNCaP cells, respectively. Treatment with both drugs led to an increase in Sub-G1 arrest (54.6% versus 12.2% in Dox) in DU-145. In LNCaP cells, combination of both drugs led to an increase in G2-M arrest (61.68% versus 53.56% in Dox).Conclusion: Based on our findings, the progressive cytotoxicity effect of Dox and PectaSol together induce rapid cell death in DU-145 through apoptosis and in LNCaP cells through cell cycle arrest (G2-M arrest).

Background and Objective: Advances in technology, medical and nursing knowledge, changes in role of nurses, professionalization and specialization of professional relationships within and between professionals cause moral distress in nurses. These moral distresses may cause negative physical and psychological effects on nurses, especially in ICU nurses, so, recognition of these distresses is critical. Since moral distresses must be described in cultural context, it is necessary to do basic researches. This study was conducted to explain the experiences of nurses in the intensive care unit.Materials and Methods: This study was a qualitative study with content analysis approach that conducted with unstructured and deep interviews with 18 individual and two group interviews with clinical nurse and nurse educators whom working in different cities in Iran. A purposive sample is selected and data analysis with qualitative content analysis was done.Results: During the process of content analysis, five themes eventually revealed the nature of ICU nurses’ experiences. These themes include: "institutional barriers and constraints", "communication problems", "death/worsening patient’s condition", “futile actions, malpractice and medical/care errors" and "inappropriate allocation of responsibilities, resources and care workers competencies”.Conclusion: Findings showed that intensive care nurses are faced with several moral distresses. Results of this study were suggested that the nursing leaders with program planning and more precise control in this issue can reduce moral distress factors in ICU nurses and prevent harmful outcomes.