Amelioration of amyloid beta (Aβ1-40) neurotoxicity by administration of silibinin; a behavioral and biochemical assessment

Objective(s): Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death in the world. Currently, treatment mostly used to slow down the disease progression. Herbal remedies are considered by many in the community as a natural and safe treatment with fewer side effects. Silibinin, the active ingredient of Silybum marionum, has anti-oxidant, neurotrophic and neuroprotective characteristics. Therefore, here, the effect of different doses of Silibinin extract on oxidative stress and expression of neurotrophic factors was investigated. Materials and Methods: Forty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, lesion; Aβ1-40 injection, lesion-treatment; Aβ1-40 injection followed by different doses of silibinin (50, 100, 200 mg / kg) through gavage and lesion-vehicle group; Aβ1-40 injection + vehicle of silibinin. Morris water Maze (MWM) was done 28 days after the last treatment. Hippocampal tissue was removed for biochemical analysis. Production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of BDNF/VEGF and cell viability were measured using Griess, fluorimetry, Western blotting and MTT techniques.  Results: Different concentrations of silibinin improved behavioral performance in animals. Higher doses of Silibinin could improve memory and learning function through MWM. Also, increasing the concentration of silibinin resulted in decreased ROS and NO production in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: Consequently, silibinin may act as a potential candidate for alleviating symptoms of AD

Priprava mikrokuglica s antigenom leptospira od biološki razgradivih alginatnih polimera.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. Although the currently available whole cell leptospiral vaccines can induce protection against Leptospirosis, further study for a new generation of vaccine that can stimulate long-term immunity is needed. Biodegradable microspheres as antigen delivery systems have been extensively investigated for decades, especially those based on hydrophilic polymers, such as alginate and chitosan, which have excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize alginate microspheres as an antigen delivery system for immunization against leptospirosis. Alginate microspheres containing Leptospiral antigen (LA) were prepared by an emulsification method and characterized for shape, size distribution, loading efficiency (LE), loading capacity (LC) and release profie. The effects of some parameters (such as concentration of alginate and emulsifiers and stirring rate) on microspheres characteristics were investigated. The optimal condition parameters for the preparation of LA loaded alginate microspheres were estimated. The optimum concentrations were obtained for alginate and emulsifiers, 3.5 % (w/v), span 80 (0.2 % w/v) and tween 80 (3.75 % w/v), respectively. Moreover, appropriate homogenizing rate was obtained at 500 rparticle size of the microspheres as 200 μm, loading efficiency 97 % and loading capacity 8 %. A suitable release profile was observed for in vitro release test of LA from alginate microspheres over an extended period of time (192 hours). These results make the alginate microspheres particularly interesting for an LA delivery system.pm. Our results showed the mean particle size of the microspheres as 200 μm, loading effiiency 97 % and loading capacity 8 %. A suitable release profile was observed for in vitro release test of LA from alginate microspheres over an extended period of time (192 hours). These results make the alginate microspheres particularly interesting for an LA delivery system.Leptospiroza je zoonoza prouzročena patogenim vrstama roda Leptospira, a proširena je diljem svijeta. Iako današnja cjepiva protiv leptospiroze, proizvedena od cijelih bakterijskih stanica, mogu pružiti zaštitu od leptospiroze, potrebna su daljnja istraživanja nove generacije cjepiva koja će moći potaknuti tvorbu dugotrajne imunosti. Biološki razgradive mikrokuglice istražuju se desecima godina kao mogućnost sporog otpuštanja antigena, a posebice su zanimljive one od hidrofilnih polimera kao što je alginat i kitosan, koji imaju izvrsnu biološku kompatibilnost, nisu toksični, a biološki su razgradivi. Svrha ovog rada bila je pripraviti alginatne mikrokuglice i odrediti njihova svojstva pogodna za otpuštanje antigena u postupku imunizacije protiv leptospiroze. Alginatne mikrokuglice s antigenom leptospira bile su pripravljene postupkom emulgacije te im je bio određen oblik, opseg distribucije, učinkovitost ugradnje antigena u mikrokuglice, kapacitet ugradnje i profil otpuštanja antigena. Istraženi su učinci nekih pokazatelja (kao što je koncentracija alginata i emulgatora te omjer miješanja) na obilježja mikrokuglica. Procijenjeni su optimalni uvjeti za pripravu alginatnih mikrokuglica na koje je vezan antigen leptospira. Optimalna koncentracija za alginat bila je 3,5 % (w/v), a emulgator span 80 (0,2 % w/v) i tween 80 (3,75 % w/v). Odgovarajuća homogenizacija postignuta je na 500 okretaja. Rezultati su pokazali da je srednja veličina mikrokuglica bila 200 μm, učinkovitost ugradnje antigena 97 %, a kapacitet 8 %. In vitro je ustanovljeno da se antigen leptospira oslobađao s alginatnih mikrokuglica tijekom 192 sata. Ti rezultati pokazuju da alginatne kuglice mogu biti od posebnog interesa za oslobađanje antigena leptospira u organizmu

Serological, pathological and scintigraphic assessment of Hemiscorpius lepturus effects on renal dysfunction in rats

Objective(s): Hemiscorpius lepturus is one of the dangerous scorpions of Iran leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) especially in infants. The purpose of this animal study was to compare the serological, pathological and scintigraphic data to quickly predict the occurrence of this disorder.Materials and Methods: In two groups of animals, each contained five rats, H. lepturus venom (1200 µg/Kg) were injected intravenously via the tail vein. At three hours and one week later, 99m Tc-DMSA (3 mCi) was intravenously injected and renal scintigraphy was performed after an hour. Moreover, plasma levels of creatinine, sodium, potassium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. At the end of the study, renal tissues were excised and prepared to perform pathological evaluation after Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.Results: All serological indices were remained unchanged compared to control. A large number of glomerular fibrin thrombi with entrapped red blood cells and simplified tubular epithelium in dilated and ectatic tubules were observed in high power field (×100) four hours after envenomation, which reduced significantly one week later. In our scintigraphic study, there was a statistically significant difference (

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Enteric trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles containing hepatitis B surface antigen for oral delivery

Oral vaccination is the preferred route of immunization. However, the degradative condition of the gastrointestinal tract and the higher molecular size of peptides pose major challenges in developing an effective oral vaccination system. One of the most excellent methods used in the development of oral vaccine delivery system relies on the entrapment of the antigen in polymeric nanoparticles. In this work, trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticles were fabricated using ionic gelation teqnique by interaction hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), a pH-sensitive polymer, with TMC and the utility of the particles in the oral delivery of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was evaluated employing solutions that simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. The particle size, morphology, zeta potential, loading capacity, loading efficiency, in vitro release behavior, structure, and morphology of nanoparticles were evaluated, and the activity of the loaded antigen was assessed. Size of the optimized TMC/HPMCP nanoparticles and that of the antigen-loaded nanoparticles were 85 nm and 158 nm, respectively. Optimum loading capacity (76.75%) and loading efficiency (86.29%) were achieved at 300 µg/mL concentration of the antigen. SEM images revealed a spherical shape as well as a smooth and near-homogenous surface of nanoparticles. Results of the in vitro release studies showed that formulation with HPMCP improved the acid stability of the TMC nanoparticles as well as their capability to preserve the loaded HBsAg from gastric destruction. The antigen showed good activity both before and after loading. The results suggest that TMC/HPMCP nanoparticles could be used in the oral delivery of HBsAg vaccine

The relationship between professional autonomy and job performance among Iranian ICU nurses: the mediating effect of job satisfaction and organizational commitment

Abstract Background Although previous studies have linked professional autonomy to nurses’ job performance, research lacks how job satisfaction and organizational commitment mediate this relationship. Addressing this gap is essential for improving nursing practice outcomes. This study aims to determine the mediating effect of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in this relationship among Iranian nurses. Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in Urmia teaching hospitals from October 2022 to June 2023. Four hundred twenty nurses were recruited using quota sampling. Eligible participants were selected non-randomly from predetermined numbers at four hospitals, and recruitment continued until the required sample size was achieved. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Varjus Professional Autonomy Scale, the Porter Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Paterson Job Performance Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 23 and SmartPLS ver. 3. Results Professional autonomy had a positive, direct, and strong effect on nurses’ job performance (β = 0.708, t-value = 9.867, p < 0.001). Professional autonomy had a positive, direct, strong impact on job satisfaction (β = 0.854, t-value = 39.736, p < 0.001) and a positive, minor, and direct effect on organizational commitment (β = 0.199, t-value = 3.150, p = 0.000). Professional autonomy positively affects job performance through job satisfaction (β = 0.4016, 95% CI: 0.3280, 0.4736) and organizational commitment (β = 0.7582, 95% CI: 0.6088, 0.9086). Conclusions Healthcare managers should promote nurses’ autonomy and job satisfaction to enhance their performance. They can improve working conditions by offering competitive salaries, simplifying promotion processes, and involving nurses in decisions related to patient care. Additionally, essential steps to consider are supporting nursing autonomy, organizing educational classes, and implementing strategies such as stress reduction programs, reducing workloads, addressing nursing shortages, and decreasing working hours

The comparison of nanoparticle adjuvant with the montanide adjuvant for hyper-immunization to produce anti-snakebite serum

Background & Objective: Currently selection and use of nanoparticle adjuvant is very important. Due to the lack of effective anti-snakebite serums to treat it and high cost of purchasing external anti-snakebite serums, preparation of suitable internal nanoparticles to produce hyper-immunization plasma has become very important. In order to minimize the disadvantages associated with traditionally used adjuvants in ovines and to produce potent antivenum, a comparison was made between various adjuvants for their immune-potentiation capacity and safety. Material & methods: The present study was conducted in 15 sheep, divided into three groups and hyper-immunized using crude venom of cobra snake (Naja naja oxiana) along with three adjuvants, Montanide, aluminum phosphate and poly methyl methacrylate through subcutaneous route at intervals of a week. Periodic standard safety assessments were done. Results: The neutralization activity (LD50) of pooled sera samples by 9th week, obtained with aluminum phosphate, Montanide and poly methyl methacrylate groups were 1.5, 2.2 and 2 LD50/ml respectively. The sheep of poly methyl methacrylate group showed minimum local reactions at injection site, while sheep from other two groups exhibited moderate reactions. However, these were transient and reabsorbed or healed subsequently. Conclusion: Poly methyl methacrylate nanoparticle adjuvant could be a possible alternative to the emulsion adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenomous preparation considering its acceptable immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals

Effectiveness of small group training on behavioral skills of icu nurses

Aim and background: Numerous errors can occur during administration of nutrient-medication orders through feeding tubes. Proper performance of the nurses can enhance the patients’ safety and prevent from the future complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of training in small groups on the performance of nurses in administration of nutrient-medication orders.Materials and methods: This is an experimental study conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Urmia. 80 nurses were entered to the study by census sampling method. Their knowledge and performance in terms of medication administration were evaluated before and one month after the training program.Findings: It was observed that before training, the knowledge of the nurses in control group (90.6%) and intervention group (80%) was in weak level. After training, the knowledge state of 97.1% of intervention group’s nurses improved to good level. Before training, most of the nurses of both groups showed improper performance. However, training program improved the performance of the nurses in intervention group.Discussion and conclusion: Some errors may happen during medication administration by feeding tubes which could result in undesirable complications. In this regard, improvement and application of correct medication administration techniques can result in increase of drugs’ and diets’ effectiveness, patients’ safety and reduction of feeding tubes blockage