Stem cell therapy in stroke: a review literature

Stroke is an important cause of death in the world and disability world-wide especially in developed countries. Following acute phase of stroke, some procedures and medical treatment such as thrombolytic agents has been recommended; nevertheless many patients have enduring deficits. Thus, there is a realistic need to develop treatment strategies for reducing neurological deficits. However, the stem cell [SC] therapy could arrange an alternative intervention for disease modifying therapy. In this article, we present a brief review of different methods of SC therapy in stroke patients and discuss the results with different cell types and routes of administration

Restless legs syndrome in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients: a case-control study

Restless legs syndrome [RLS] is a common movement disorder. The occurrence of this syndrome is due to genetic factors and lifestyle. This study performed to determine restless legs syndrome [RLS] prevalence in Iranian multiple sclerosis [MS] patients and the possible risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted with MS patients, and the age- and sex-matched control group comprised healthy persons. Then, all subjects were asked about RLS symptoms. After the diagnosis of RLS, the patients were divided into two groups: With and without RLS. In both groups, the following variables were evaluated: Age, sex, other underlying disease, duration of MS, MS course, family history of RLS, history of anemia, and drug intakes. The severity of the disease in subjects diagnosed with RLS was also evaluated. A total of 126 patients in the MS group and 126 healthy controls were included in the study, with no statistically significant differences between them in terms of age and gender. In MS group, 82 [65.1%] and, in control group, 16 [12.7%] had RLS. The frequency of RLS in the MS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group. Among MS patients, 60 male [73.2%] and 22 female [26.8%] had RLS. Mean age of MS patients with RLS was significantly higher than that in MS patients without RLS. MS patients and higher EDSS score had more RLS symptoms. We suggest that RLS always be considered during neurological examinations of MS patients

Predictors of smoking cessation and duration: implication for smoking prevention

There are few articles studding the factors associated with successful smoking cessation in Iranian smokers. The aim of this study is to clarify the association between socio-demographic factors and smoking behavior, such as number of failed smoking cessation and duration of abstinence in Iranian population. A self-administered questionnaire survey of 673 participants was conducted in a local government health-care center. The questionnaire included items on socio-demographic information including, age, marital status, education, income, and job. Furthermore, information on smoking cigarettes including number of smoking per day, duration of smoking, cigarettes brand, nicotine concentration, and history of cessation was obtained. Mean +/- SD of age and daily cigarette consumption were 39.7 +/- 1.1 and 22.1 +/- 1.1 respectively. Failure rate of smoking cessation was higher in the lower age group [odds ratios [OR] 2.9; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.1, 7.7] and less than 10 numbers smoking per day [OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3, 4.5] and duration of smoking more than 30 years [OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2, 9.3] and foreign cigarette brand [OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 2.7]. Length time of cessation was prominent in participants with lower age group [OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.3, 22.1], and less than 10 numbers smoking per day [OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5, 4.9] and lower in smokers with duration of smoking more than 10 and 10-19 years [OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.12, 0.89], [OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17, 0.76], respectively. The above results suggest that there are a significant association between socio-demographic factors and smoking-related behaviors in the Iranian population, consistent with previous reports world-wide. These factors should be considered to have appropriate public-health and policy response

Is anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody a good value biomarker for Alzheimer disease?

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is one of the most important neurodegenerative disorder. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] may all be involved in the development of vascular disease such as AD. The aim of this study is detection of seropositivity for anti-CCP antibody in AD patients. In our study, 30 patients with AD and 29 healthy controls [age and-sex matched] were recruited. Homocysteine and anti-CCP was measured by spectrophotometrically and immunoassay. Mean +/- SE anti-CCP was higher significantly between AD [13.6 +/- 3] and healthy subjects [4.8 +/- 0.2] [P = 0.006]. In the patients, anti CCP serum level was in high range [32.1%] of abnormal levels, but there was no significant difference in serum homocysteine in AD patients compared with controls. There is no correlation between anti-CCP and homocysteine levels in AD patients [P = 0.75], but between age and anti-CCP level observed a significantly correlation [P = 0.04]. It needs more studies to clarify confirmation the role of anti-CCP antibody production in AD patients

effect of pioglitazone on the Alzheimer's disease-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and nowadays the role of endothelial cell [EC] injury has been proposed in pathological process in AD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- gamma [PPAR- gamma] agonist has anti-inflammatory properties through activation in glial cells and improves vascular function and prevent atherosclerotic disease progression. The aim of this study is evaluation of pioglitazone effects as a drug of PPAR- gamma agonist on endothelial apoptosis induced by sera from AD patients. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs] were treated with sera from AD patients [n = 10] and sera from controls [n = 10]. Apoptosis was identified by annexin V-propidium iodide staining and cell death detection kit. Apoptosis was evaluated after and before adding of 10 micro M pioglitazone on EC. Nitrite [NO[2]] levels were determined in the culture supernatants. Induced apoptosis by the serum of patients was inhibited markedly when pioglitazone used before treating HUVECs with the sera of AD. Also, the measurement of nitrite concentration showed significantly greater levels of dissolved NO[2]/NO[3] metabolite in the culture media of HUVECs treated by sera of AD patients [P < 0.05], while the rate of nitric oxide significantly decreased when pioglitazone exists in culture media. Further studies are justified to investigate the novel role of the PPARs in the prevention of the neuronal and endothelial damage in neurological disorder and present a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's patients

Can vitamin D suppress endothelial cells apoptosis in multiple sclerosis patients?

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an autoimmune disease of central nerves system, in which neurological disabilities occur in young adults. Despite increasing number of studies on MS, some aspects of this disorder are still unclear. In the previous studies, it has been proven that there is direct relation between MS incidence and vitamin D deficiency. Thereby, strong evidence in MS pathogenesis suggests that endothelial cells [EC] could be harmed in MS. In addition, functional changes in EC and macrovascular injuries lead blood-brain barrier disruption in MS. Current study is the first investigation to elucidate positive influences of vitamin D against EC apoptosis in MS. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs] were cultured and then treated with sera from patients with active MS [in relapse] and sera from healthy volunteer participants as control group [each group n=15]. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5- [3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt [MTS] assay for cell surveillance and cell-death detection kit for evaluating apoptosis were used in this study. There was a significant decrease in apoptosis rate by the serum of patients, just when 1,25[OH][2]D[3] applied before treating HUVECs with sera from active MS [in relapse]. Furthermore, the cells surveillance increased markedly with the presence of 1,25[OH][2]D[3] in culture, too. With regard to increment in EC apoptosis rate, which treated by the sera from MS patients and decrement in apoptosis rate by the presence of vitamin D in culture media, it could be proposed that vitamin D pre-treatment can be used for MS patients, due to its beneficial effects on protecting EC apoptosis

Identification of morphine accumulation in the rat embryo central nervous system: a C14-morphine administration study

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may cause delay or defect of embryo development or abnormal nervous system function in the human and animal models. In the present study, the highest density of morphine accumulation in the central nervous system of rat embryos was evaluated using C14-morphine. Female Wistar rats [W 170-200 g] used and were crossed with male rats and coupling time was recorded [Embryonic day 0-E0]. Experimental groups received 0.05 mg/ml of C14-morphine in drinking water daily. On the 10[th] and 17[th] days of pregnancy, pregnant rats were anesthetized and the embryos with these uterus and placenta were surgically removed and were fixed in formalin 10% for 4 week. Then the embryos were processed, sectioned in 25 micro m and 5 micro m thicknesses, fixed on the glasses for further evaluations. The sectioned in 25, the glasses were fixed on the Blanc black and white film for 6 h. Then, the films were appeared and their negatives were prepared. The sectioned in five staining hematoxylin and eosin by light microscope and MOTIC software. Our results indicated that the highest C14-morphine accumulation was observed in the vesicles and the ventricular choroid plexus [CP] of [E17] embryos, whereas, in the [E10] embryos. Highest concentration was observed in the brain vesicles and the ventricular CP. In addition, this study showed the surface area of lateral, 3[rd] and 4[th] ventricular CP in the experimental groups were increased in compared to control groups. Our results indicated that effects of morphine on reduction of embryos brain development may be due to the highest accumulation of C14-morphine in the CP and brain vesicles

Anxiety of women employees and the process of maternal role

Regarding the social and economic changes and developments, the increasing presence of working women in the present society and their important role in the family, paying more attentions to the importance of maternal role among working women who face multiple roles seems to be necessary. Hence, the process of maternal role among working women has been investigated in this study. The grounded theory approach is used in this qualitative research. In-depth and unstructured interviews were the main way in collecting the data. Initially, the targeted sampling was started and continued gradually to the data saturation, in the form of theoretical sampling based on the obtained classes. The data was analyzed using Strauss and Corbin analysis. Accuracy and validity by four criteria in this study included: Credibility, dependability, Confirmable potential, Transferability or Fittingness. Data analysis led to the identification of the core variable of role conflict. The main classes of occupied mothers' experiences included: different pregnancy experience, returning concerns, supportive umbrella, role assignation, role overlap, role strain, gradual acceptance, satisfaction and erosion. The acceptance of numerous roles such as maternal and marital roles by working women creates various role expectations of them from their children, spouses, family and the society which in turn forces them to meet both family and job requirements and expectations; This causes role conflict in working mothers and endure a lot of pressure and stress, that can influences of mental and physical health of the mothers

Olanzapine versus haloperidol: which can control stuttering better?

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of olanzapine versus haloperidol to control the signs and symptoms of stuttering. Ninety-three patients were recruited in a 12-week single-blind randomized clinical trial, which was held between October 2009 and October 2010. Forty-three patients received olanzapine [5 mg/day] and 50 patients, haloperidol [2.5 mg/day]. Before and after the study, they were evaluated by a speech pathologist by Van Riper's questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16. T-test was used to compare the data between the two groups. Mean of stuttering score [SD] before treatment was 4.67 [0.81] and 4.40 [1.14] in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively [P > 0.05]. After treatment, the mean [SD] score was 2.87 [1.32] and 1.56 [0.71] in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively [P = 0.000]. It seems that olanzapine does have better impact in controlling stuttering, and it may be recommended to prescribe olanzapine for stutters as the first choice to control the stuttering under a careful follow-up

Study of type A and B behavior patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis in an Iranian population

In adults, throughout life, uniqueness maintains the equivalent; but, it might be tailored in the track of neurological disarrays. As in the partition of cognitive function associated with multiple sclerosis [MS], numerous studies have been performed, but there are very few reports in this area of behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of personality types A and B in relation to individuals' behaviors with MS and type A behavior with demographic characteristics and the level of disability. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between September 2010 and March 2011 on 50 patients who were referred to MS clinic [located at the Kashani hospital], Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre [INRC]. The subjects were evaluated using Friedman and Rosenman questioner and the Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]. The data were analyzed by SPSS software [version 17] based on Chi-square test and independent T-test. Of the subjects, 65% were of personality type A and 35% were of personality type B [X2: 3.5, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in individuals with type A behavior in relation to gender and marital status. In connection to EDSS [EDSS < 4.5 or EDSS > 4.5], patients with higher EDSS score, i.e., individuals with EDSS > 4.5 mostly had type A behavior pattern. People with type A behavior pattern are reported to have more stress, nervousness, and anxiety. In this study, MS patients had more characteristics of type A than type B behavior. This behavior was increased in individuals with EDSS score >4.5

Application and preventive maintenance of neurology medical equipment in Isfahan Alzahra hospital

Nowadays Medical equipment plays an important role in the treatment and in the medical education. Using outdated preventive maintenance [PM] system may cause problems in the cutting edge medical equipment, Nervous system disease's equipment [In diagnosis and treatment] which are crucial for every medical center. Based on above facts we focused on nervous system treat units' equipment and informed the supervisors and their colleagues about the latest equipment maintenance status and promoted methodical and correct method to be used for medical equipment maintenance. This research is an analytical descriptive and has been done on the base information from a particular time to past. We gathered our required information of 2009 from Alzahra Medical Center. We divided this research info 2 main phases. In the first phase, we picked out Neurosurgery and Neourology diseases medical equipment [diagnosis and therapy equipment] and in the second phase, we need to implement a methodical PM for every equipment. Research has shown that there are 19 nervous system equipment in Alzahra Medical center, categorized in diagnostic [13 pcs], therapeutic [4 pcs] and diagnostic therapeutic [2 pcs]. As we declare in methods part of this research, we categorized medical equipment in Food and Drug Administration [FDA] segmentation. Capital-scarce equipment: Magnetic resonance imaging, Eco Doppler, Kamalaarak ultrasonic surgical aspirator, Stereotactic, computed tomography-scan, euroendoscope/vital-scarce equipment: Coblation, Sonoco, vaterjet/ scarce equipment: Transcranial color Doppler, electroencephalogram, electromyography, surgical microscope. Survey of application and preventive maintenance of neurology medical equipment in Isfahan Alzahra hospital show there is no P.M system. Implementing a complete P.M system for this medical center is crucial to preventing cause problems for these medical equipment and decreasing maintenance costs and gaining uptime. Researchers of this article have tried to provide PM, use of texts, web and experts

Could MDMA promote stemness characteristics in mouse embryonic stem cells via mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors?

Ecstasy, or 3, 4 [+/-] methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], is a potent neurotoxic drug. One of the mechanisms for its toxicity is the secondary release of glutamate. Mouse embryonic stem cells [mESCs] express only one glutamate receptor, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 [mGlu5], which is involved in the maintenance and self-renewal of mESCs. This study aims to investigate whether MDMA could influence self-renewal via the mGlu5 receptor in mESCs. In this expremental study, we used immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] to determine the presence of the mGlu5 receptor in mESCs. The expression of mGlu5 was evaluated after MDMA was added to mESCs throughout neural precursor cell formation as group 1 and during neural precursor cell differentiation as group 2. The stemness characteristic in treated mESCs by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry was studied. Finally, caspase activity was evaluated by fluorescence staining in the treated group. One-way ANOVA or repeated measure of ANOVA according to the experimental design was used for statistical analyses. In this study mGlu5 expression was shown in mESCs. In terms of neuronal differentiation, MDMA affected mGlu5 expression during neural precursor cell formation [group 1] and not during neural precursor differentiation [group 2]. MDMA [450 micro M] induced a significant increment in self-renewal properties in mESCs but did not reverse 2-methyl-6[phenylethynyl] pyridine [MPEP, 1 micro M], a non-competitive selective mGlu5 antagonist. Fluorescence staining with anti-caspase 3 showed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the MDMA group. We observed a dual role for MDMA on mESCs: reduced proliferation and maintenance of self-renewal. The lack of decreasing stemness characteristic in presence of MPEP suggests that MDMA mediates its role through a different mechanism that requires further investigation. In conclusion, despite being toxic, MDMA maintains stemness characteristics