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Objectives: To compare the efficacy of balance exercises in the aquatic and Non-aquatic environments compared with control in patients with grade 2 or 3 knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: For this single-blind, randomized control trial study, 43 women with mild to moderate knee OA were recruited through a simple non-probability sampling method. They were randomly assigned to the aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), Non-aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), and a control group (n=13). The intervention programs comprised aquatic and Non-aquatic balance training. Fall risk, the primary outcome, was measured by the Biodex balance system before and after the intervention. One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were used for analyzing data. Results: After 4 weeks training, the Mean±SD fall risk score significantly decreased from 3.49±1.14 to 2.59±1.22 (P

In the present work, PEG4000 as a hydrophilic polymer was conjugated to the surface of graphene oxide (GO) for effective drug loading and targeting release of doxorubicin. The synthesized nanohybrid was characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Doxorubicin as an anticancer drug was immobilized on the nanohybrid surface, and the release profile at two diverse pH besides the MTT assay was investigated. The IC50 value for the nanohybrid obtained was 0.31 μg/mL. In this work, PEG4000 as a biocompatible polymer grafted on the GO surface to increase the biodispersibility of the drug carrier in a biological environment, but it is the first report of PEG 4000-GO nanohybrid-based drug carrier.

Introduction: In recent years, more attention was dedicated to developing new methods for designing of drug delivery systems. The aim of present work is to improve the efficiency of the antibacterial drug delivery process, and to realize and to control accurately the release. Methods: First, graphene oxide (GO) was prepared according to the modified Hummers method then the GO was modified with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Zn-based metal-organic framework (MOF-5) through the solvothermal technique. Results: Performing the various analysis methods including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), EDX, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Zeta potentials on the obtained bio-nanocomposite showed that the new modified GO has been prepared. With using common analysis methods the structure of synthesized materials was determined and confirmed and finally, their antibacterial behavior was examined based on the broth microdilution methods. Conclusion: Carboxymethylcellulose/MOF-5/GO bio-nanocomposite (CMC/MOF-5/GO) was successfully synthesized through the solvothermal technique. Tetracycline (TC) was encapsulated in the GO and CMC/MOF-5/GO. The drug release tests showed that the TC-loaded CMC/MOF5/GO has an effective protection against stomach pH. With controlling the TC release in the gastrointestinal tract conditions, the long-time stability of drug dosing was enhanced. Furthermore, antibacterial activity tests showed that the TC-loaded CMC/MOF-5/GO has an antibacterial activity to negatively charge E. coli bacteria in contrast to TC-loaded GO.

Introduction: In the recent decades, starch has been modified using different methods for the various forms of applications. Some new starch derivatives were prepared through a simple and convenient method in the grafting of amino acids: L-alanine, L-leucine and L-phenyl alanine to starch. Methods: First, the amine groups of amino acids were protected using phthalic anhydride then the acidic side of amino acids were activated with chlorination using thionyl chloride, and the resultant acid chlorides were reacted with starch in aqueous media at room temperature. Results: Performing the various spectroscopy experiments on the obtained compounds showed that the new derivative of starch has been formed. The structure of all synthesized materials was determined and confirmed using common spectroscopy methods and their thermal behavior was examined using DSC experiment. Conclusion: New amino acid derivatives of starch and their nanocarriers successfully prepared through a simple and convenient method. The size of nanocarriers evaluated using DLS and TEM experiments. The spherical shape of particles shows that nanocarriers have been formed and the size of these particles are approximately 92, 137 and 97 nm. Performing the wettability test determined that all the resulted materials are soluble in water. Nanocarriers of the obtained modified starches were prepared using dialysis method and naproxen was utilized as a model drug molecule. The drug release dynamics in buffered solution were studied and investigation of the drug release mechanism showed that in case of L-alanine- and L-phenylalanine-modified starches, drug release followed the Fickian diffusion with a slight deviation.

Recognition of valid sources is one of the important and essential stages of any research. The purpose of this research has been to introduce the medical works of the digital collections of the Research Center of Quran, Hadith and Medicine’s Sciences of Tehran University of Medical Sciences to facilitate access to resources and to pave the way for research. This article which is based on a descriptive method, by referring directly to the files of each work, its content has been studied independently to identify the medical works from non-medical ones. After required reviews, the medical works of this collection were divided into three sections including:1- medical work with a specific compilation date 2- medical work with unspecified compilation date and 3- collections (including more than one work in a book or treatise). In the following, the classification of works was done based on overall content and academic topics. According to the type of publication, the above works were divided into four groups of manuscripts, lithography, lead print and new print. Finally, the type of language used in writing these works was discussed. As a result, the number of works based on the date of writing, types of works according to overall content, scientific issues raised, the way of publishing works regarding the existence of manuscripts and print works and also the language of their writing were determined.

In Safavid era, Ottoman rulers were interested in science and culture, and there were always Iranian physicians, astronomers, scholars, artists and poets in their courts. Although there were always wars between most Ottoman sultans and the Safavid kings, they could not prevent Iranian culture from influencing that land. At the same time, artists and scholars went to other countries, including the country of Ottoman Empire for fame, and besides, despite the wars with Safavid rulers, sultans of Ottoman attempted to bring Iranian scientists and artists to their land. In the meantime, two Iranian doctors, who happened to be father and son named Hakim Muhammad Sabzevari and Hakim Ghiaseddin Sabzevari, entered Ottoman Empire territory, and made scientific works and medical care in Ottoman Court; these two Iranian physicians are studied in this paper.

Introduction: Peptide dendrimers build up from amino acids and they simulate to artificial proteins with globular architecture. These characteristics furnish dendrimers with best biodegradability and biocompatibility in drug delivery systems. Methods: A barbell-like dendrimer from glutamic acid dimethyl ester-poly (ethylene glycol)-glutamic acid dimethyl ester as ABA-type triblock copolymer PG-PEG-PG) was prepared with liquid-phase peptide synthesis via a divergent approach. PEG 600 diacid (PEG-A) and glutamic acid dimethyl ester were as the core and the monomeric building blocks, respectively. Linear-dendritic copolymer was prepared in the presence of DCC in pyridine. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used for measuring the size of first generation (G1-COOH) and second generation (G2-COOH) of dendrimer compounds. Thermal behavior of the synthesized dendrimers was investigated using DSC. Results: The desired generations G1-COOH, G2-COOH and G3-COOH were prepared by divergent method using PEG diacid 600 as a core compound. The size range of the resulted particles was found to be 20-100 nm for various generations. The isolated dendrimer was examined as the drug-delivery agent and the controlled release was carried out for drug molecule in pH 7.4. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the synthesized biocompatible dendrimers could potentially be utilized as a drug carrier agent.

Polymers are widely used advanced materials, which are found almost in every material used in our daily life. To date, the importance of polymers has been much more highlighted because of their applications in different dominions of sciences, technologies and industry – from basic uses to biopolymers and therapeutic polymers. The main aim of this editorial is to accentuate the pragmatic impacts of polymers in human daily life.

Introduction: In this work, the use of β-cyclodextrine (β-CD)-modified dendrimers as a nanocapsule with a biocompatible shell have studied. β-CD-modified dendrimers have designed and synthesized to enhance the loading capacity of the final dendrimers with encapsulation properties. Methods: To achieve β-CD-modified dendrimers, first citric acid dendrimers were synthesized and then the end functional groups of dendrimers were grafted to β-CD through ester linkages. The molecular structures of resulted dendrimers were verified using common spectroscopic methods such as 1H NMR, FT-IR and the diameters of obtained nanocarriers were evaluated with using dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. The isolated dendrimers were utilized as the drug delivery agents and the encapsulation and the controlled release of guest drug molecule Naltrexone (NLX) was investigated in different pH’s using UV spectroscopy method. Results: It was established that the loading capacity of dendrimers depend on several factors such as their generation and the structure and number of conjugated modifier end groups. Conclusion: Increasing in the number of branches and the size of interior voids and number of conjugated β-CDs cause to enhance the loading capacity.

Introduction: Citric acid-polyethylene glycol-citric acid (CPEGC) triblock dendrimers can serve as potential delivery systems. Methods: In this investigation, CPEGC triblock dendrimers were synthesized and then imidazole groups were conjugated onto the surface of the G1, G2 and G3 of the obtained dendrimers. In order to study the type of the interactions between the functionalized dendrimers and a drug molecule, Naproxen which contains acidic groups, was examined as a hydrophobic drug in which the interactions would be of the electrostatic kind between its acidic groups and the lone pair electrons of nitrogen atom in imidazole groups. The quantity of the trapped drug and also the amount of its release were measured with UV spectrometric method in pH 1, 7.4 and 10. The average diameter of the nanocarriers was measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique Results: The size range of particles was determined to be 16-50 nm for different generations. The rate of the release increased in pH=10 in all generations due to the increase in Naproxen solubility and the hydrolysis of the esteric bonds in the mentioned pH. The results showed that the amount of the trapped drug increased with the increase in the generation of the dendrimer and pH. Conclusion: Based on our findings, we suggest CPEGC triblock dendrimers possess great potential to be used as drug/gene delivery system.

Objective: The anatomy of the human cervical region has a special complexity. Ultrasonography is a scanning technique, which has been successfully used to identify and measure the cervical muscle dimensions. The purpose of this study was to detect the dimensional changes of the human Semispinalis Capitis Muscle (SECM) with Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS) during isometric cervical extension. Materials & Methods: Six junior ice hockey players took part in the study. We simultaneously measured the values of estimates, such as breadth or anteroposterior dimension (APD) and width or lateral dimension (LD), of the SECM cross-sectional area during isometric cervical extension at different maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) percentile levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). Results: The result of multiplication of the linear dimensions (APD×LD), considered as the size of the SECM, increased (P

Purpose. A simple type of photoresponsive amphiphilic linear-dendritic diblock copolymer has been synthesized and investigated for its ability to act as a drug carrier. These structures contain hydrophilic polyethylene oxide monomethyl ether (PEOM) as hydrophilic block and carbosiloxane dendritic branches as hydrophobic block grafted by two and six Magneson II as azo chromophore, PEOM-Azo, 2 and PEOM-Azo, 6 respectively. Self-assembling of the amphiphilic macromolecules of PEOM-Azo, 2 and PEOM-Azo, 6, briefly were represented as PEOM-Azo [2, 6], leads to the formation of their micellar aggregates in aqueous media. Method. Their micellar properties such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), aggregation number and thereby total numbers of azo-groups in each micellar aggregates were determined. Also, they were characterized by TEM, SEM and DLS. Results. The unloaded aggregates examined under UV light (366 nm), which were observed to be smaller than 300 nm. The release patterns of the encapsulated drug molecule from these aggregates were investigated as regulated by the PEOM-Azo [2, 6] systems in trans and cis forms. Conclusion. A comparison of the release behavior of the loaded PEOM-Azo [2, 6] systems indicated that the release rate of the encapsulated active molecules from the carriers was slower when the azo moieties were in trans form as compared to that the azo in the cis form. The in vitro release behavior of drug from these polymeric systems represents potential of the carriers for controlled drug delivery. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Background: Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging aggressive pathogen that causes severe infections in critically ill patients. Therefore, the assessment of this pathogen, characterized by inclination for biofilm formation, elevated colonization rate, and resistance to multiple drugs, holds a paramount importance. There is no data regarding the isolation of C. auris in our tertiary care hospitals' intensive care units (ICUs). The current case study was arranged to assess the incidence of C. auris central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) problem in our (ICUs)., Methods: Specimens of central venous catheter blood, peripheral blood, and catheter tips were collected from 301 critically ill patients with suspected (CLABSI). Microbiological cultures were utilized to diagnose bacterial and fungal superinfections. The fungal species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing were conducted using the Brilliance Chrome agar, VITEK® 2 compact system, and MALDI-TOF MS., Results: All included specimens (100%) yielded significant growth. Only 14 specimens (4.7%) showed fungal growth in the form of different Candida species. When comparing the identification of C. auris, MALDI-TOF MS is considered the most reliable method. Brilliance CHROMagar demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, whereas VITEK only showed a sensitivity of approximately 33%. All recovered isolates of C. auris were fluconazole resistant., Conclusion: C. auris is a highly resistant emerging pathogen in our ICUs that is often overlooked in identification using conventional methods., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) followed by high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was developed for the differentiation of Mycobacterium species. Rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium species is necessary for the effective diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene was tested as the target since this has been identified as a suitable target for the identification of mycobacteria species. During the temperature gradient and primer optimization process, the melting peak (Tm) analysis was determined at a concentration of 50 ng DNA template and 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 µM primer. The qPCR assay for the detection of other mycobacterial species was done at the Tm and primer concentration of 62 °C and 0.4 µM, respectively. The HRM analysis generated cluster patterns that were specific and sensitive to distinguished small sequence differences of the Mycobacterium species. This study suggests that the 16S rRNA-based real-time PCR followed by HRM analysis produced unique cluster patterns for species of Mycobacterium and could differentiate the closely related mycobacteria species., (© 2014 The Authors.)