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1.
Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol ; 23(2): 220-230, 2024 Apr 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38822516

ABSTRACT

During epithelial to mesenchymal transition, the ability of cancer cells to transform and metastasize is primarily determined by N-cadherin-mediated migration and invasion. This study aimed to evaluate whether the N-cadherin promoter can induce diphtheria toxin expression as a suicide gene in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced cancer cells and whether this can be used as potential gene therapy. To investigate the expression of diphtheria toxin under the N-cadherin promoter, the promoter was synthesized, and was cloned upstream of diphtheria toxin in a pGL3-Basic vector. The A-549 cells was transfected by electroporation. After induction of EMT by TGF-ß and hypoxia treatment, the relative expression of diphtheria toxin, mesenchymal genes such as N-cadherin and Vimentin, and epithelial genes such as E-cadherin and ß-catenin were measured by real-time PCR. MTT assay was also performed to measure cytotoxicity. Finally, cell motility was assessed by the Scratch test. After induction of EMT in transfected cells, the expression of mesenchymal markers such as Vimentin and N-cadherin significantly decreased, and the expression of ß-catenin increased. In addition, the MTT assay showed promising toxicity results after induction of EMT with TGF-ß in transfected cells, but toxicity was less effective in hypoxia. The scratch test results also showed that cell movement was successfully prevented in EMT-transfected cells and thus confirmed EMT occlusion. Our findings indicate that by using structures containing diphtheria toxin downstream of a specific EMT promoter such as the N-cadherin promoter, the introduced toxin can kill specifically and block EMT in cancer cells.


Subject(s)
Cadherins , Diphtheria Toxin , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Humans , A549 Cells , Antigens, CD/genetics , Antigens, CD/metabolism , beta Catenin/metabolism , beta Catenin/genetics , Cadherins/genetics , Cadherins/metabolism , Cell Movement/genetics , Cell Movement/drug effects , Diphtheria Toxin/genetics , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Genes, Transgenic, Suicide , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Vimentin/genetics , Vimentin/metabolism
2.
Environ Geochem Health ; 46(7): 236, 2024 Jun 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38849629

ABSTRACT

The significant increase in the pollution of heavy metals and organic pollutants, their stable nature, and their high toxicity are gradually becoming a global crisis. In a recent study, a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), as well as an assessment of their ecological risks in the sediments of 32 stations located in commercial and industrial areas (Mainly focusing on petrochemical and power industries, desalination plants and transit Ports) of Hormozgan province (East and West of Jask, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Bandar Lengeh) was performed during 2021-2022. The sediment samples were digested with HNO3, HCl and HF solvents. The concentration of heavy metals was determined with furnace and flame systems of atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration of heavy metals showed significant spatial changes between stations. The ecological assessment indices between the regions indicated that the stations located in Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru Beach, and Khor gorsouzuan had a higher intensity of pollution than other places and significant risks of pollution, especially in terms of Cr and Ni. The average contamination degree (CD) (14.89), modified contamination degree (MCD) (2.48), pollution load index (PLI) (2.32), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) (100.30) showed the sediments in the area of Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru beach and Khor gorsouzuan, experience significant to high levels of pollution, especially Cr and Ni. Using contamination factor (CF) and Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Cr was considered the most dangerous metal in the studied areas. Based on the global classification of marine sediment quality for the concentrations of TPHs, the sediments of the studied stations were classified as non-polluted to low pollution. In all regions, indices of the PELq (General toxicity) and CF (Contamination factor) were much lower than 0.1 and 1 respectively, showing the absence of adverse biological effects caused by TPHs in sediments. It is necessary to consider comprehensive and impressive strategies to control and reduce pollution of heavy metals, especially in the areas of Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru Beach, and Khor gorsouzuan, so that the sources of this pollution are required to be identified and managed.


Subject(s)
Geologic Sediments , Hydrocarbons , Metals, Heavy , Petroleum , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Geologic Sediments/analysis , Iran , Risk Assessment , Hydrocarbons/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Petroleum/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Petroleum Pollution/analysis
3.
Clin Cardiol ; 47(5): e24282, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38801137

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultra-low contrast administration during coronary angiography has been previously shown to be feasible and safe among patients with stable chronic kidney disease. In the present study, we investigate the safety of ultra-low contrast coronary angiography in patients with pre-existing acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: The study was a retrospective single-center evaluation of hospitalized patients who had AKI and required coronary angiography. Ultra-low contrast use was defined as ≤18 mL of contrast media. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of a case series of eight inpatients with AKI who required coronary angiography. The mean age was 57 (±16) years and half were females. All patients had chronic kidney disease with a mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate of 34 (±17) mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean creatinine before angiography was 3 (±1) mg/dL and volume of contrast administered was 14 (±4) mL. One patient had a 0.1 mg/dL increase in creatinine during admission, and no patients had further AKI up to 1-week postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggest that ultra-low contrast coronary angiography can be safely performed in patients with pre-existing AKI The study should be viewed as hypothesis-generating due to its small sample size. A larger cohort is required to validate the results.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury , Contrast Media , Coronary Angiography , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Acute Kidney Injury/diagnosis , Coronary Angiography/methods , Female , Contrast Media/administration & dosage , Contrast Media/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Creatinine/blood , Coronary Artery Disease/diagnosis , Coronary Artery Disease/complications , Risk Factors , Adult
4.
Cell Commun Signal ; 22(1): 239, 2024 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38654309

ABSTRACT

Cancer, ranked as the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, leads to the death of approximately seven million people annually, establishing itself as one of the most significant health challenges globally. The discovery and identification of new anti-cancer drugs that kill or inactivate cancer cells without harming normal and healthy cells and reduce adverse effects on the immune system is a potential challenge in medicine and a fundamental goal in Many studies. Therapeutic bacteria and viruses have become a dual-faceted instrument in cancer therapy. They provide a promising avenue for cancer treatment, but at the same time, they also create significant obstacles and complications that contribute to cancer growth and development. This review article explores the role of bacteria and viruses in cancer treatment, examining their potential benefits and drawbacks. By amalgamating established knowledge and perspectives, this review offers an in-depth examination of the present research landscape within this domain and identifies avenues for future investigation.


Subject(s)
Bacteria , Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Bacteria/drug effects , Animals , Oncolytic Virotherapy , Viruses/drug effects
5.
Chem Biodivers ; 21(5): e202400033, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38488267

ABSTRACT

In this research, the extract of Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A.Mey. was encapsulated using the mini-emulsion polymerization method based on methyl methacrylate polymers with a nanometer size. The encapsulated extract was characterized using different analytical techniques. Furthermore, the loading efficiency and release of the plant extract were examined. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of an expectational product. The TEM and SEM imaging showed a spherical morphology for the prepared encapsulated extract. The average size of poly-methyl-methacrylate nanoparticles containing Ephedra extract was found to be approximately 47 nm. The extract loading efficiency and encapsulation efficiency test demonstrated a dose-depending behavior on E. intermedia extract for both analyses, which is highly advantageous for traversing biological barriers. The release assay shows a controlled release for the extract at phosphate buffer solution (PBS). A 38 % release was calculated after 36 hours. The results obtained from the present study reveal that encapsulating the plant extract is a suitable alternative to control and increase their medicinal properties.


Subject(s)
Emulsions , Ephedra , Plant Extracts , Polymerization , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Emulsions/chemistry , Humans , Ephedra/chemistry , Particle Size , Methanol/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Drug Liberation
6.
Heliyon ; 10(3): e24954, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38317978

ABSTRACT

Litter is a common pollution in the urban environment and public places such as beaches, which has serious health and economic consequences. Several indexes are used to interpret the pollution status caused by litter, which have different limitations and strengths. In this review, the efficiency and characteristics of different indexes were compared. For this purpose, related articles were searched in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge, and after screening, 21 articles were selected. The main questions of this study included factors affecting the interpretation of pollution in different indexes and the criteria considered in each index. The results showed that the existing indexes based on the type of litter include two categories of comprehensive indexes such as Clean Environment Index and specific indexes such as Cigarette Butt Pollution Index. Also, the index can be divided into two categories in terms of spatial application, including general indexes such as Environmental Status and specific indexes such as Clean Coast Index. An important difference in the indexes is the importance of the impact of the pollution potential of different litter in the assessment of the status in indexes such as Clean Environment Index and Environmental Status, while indexes such as Clean Coast Index evaluate the status based only on the density of litter. According to the capabilities of each of the indexes, it is necessary to pay attention to the local needs as well as the characteristics of each index in using in urban management plans.

7.
Front Pharmacol ; 15: 1339580, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38333005

ABSTRACT

In recent decades, scholarly investigations have predominantly centered on nanomaterials possessing enzyme-like characteristics, commonly referred to as nanozymes. These nanozymes have emerged as viable substitutes for natural enzymes, offering simplicity, stability, and superior performance across various applications. Inorganic nanoparticles have been extensively employed in the emulation of enzymatic activity found in natural systems. Nanoparticles have shown a strong ability to mimic a number of enzyme-like functions. These systems have made a lot of progress thanks to the huge growth in nanotechnology research and the unique properties of nanomaterials. Our presentation will center on the kinetics, processes, and applications of peroxidase-like nanozymes. In this discourse, we will explore the various characteristics that exert an influence on the catalytic activity of nanozymes, with a particular emphasis on the prevailing problems and prospective consequences. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest advancements achieved in the domain of peroxidase mimetic nanozymes in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The primary focus is on their use in catalytic cancer therapy, alongside chemotherapy, phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The primary objective of this work is to offer theoretical and technical assistance for the prospective advancement of anticancer medications based on nanozymes. Moreover, it is anticipated that this will foster the investigation of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving efficacious tumor therapy.

8.
J Interferon Cytokine Res ; 44(4): 143-157, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38421721

ABSTRACT

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that acts in dual and paradoxical ways in the immunotherapy of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Numerous clinical trial studies have shown that the use of different doses of this cytokine in various autoimmune diseases, transplantations, and cancers has resulted in therapeutic success. However, side effects of varying severity have been observed in patients. In recent years, to prevent these side effects, IL-2 has been engineered to bind more specifically to its receptors on the cell surface, decreasing IL-2 toxicities in patients. In this review article, we focus on some recent clinical trial studies and analyze them to determine the appropriate dose of IL-2 drug with the least toxicities. In addition, we discuss the engineering performed on IL-2, which shows that engineered IL-2 increases the specificity function of IL-2 and decreases its adverse effects.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases , Neoplasms , Humans , Interleukin-2/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Immunotherapy
9.
Biochem Genet ; 62(1): 18-39, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37394575

ABSTRACT

A new era of medical technology in cancer treatment is a directly specific modification of gene expression in tumor cells by nucleic acid delivery. Currently, the main challenge to achieving this goal is to find a non-toxic, safe, and effective strategy for gene transfer to cancer cells. Synthetic composites based on cationic polymers have historically been favored in bioengineering due to their ability to mimic bimolecular structures. Among them, polyethylenimines (PEIs) with superior properties such as a wide range of molecular weight and a flexible structure may propel the development of functional combinations in the biomedical and biomaterial fields. Here, in this review, we will focus on the recent progressions in the formulation optimization of PEI-based polyplex in gene delivery to treat cancer. Also, the effect of PEI's intrinsic characteristics such as structure, molecular weight, and positive charges which influence the gene delivery efficiency will be discussed.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Polyethyleneimine , Polyethyleneimine/chemistry , Gene Transfer Techniques , Genetic Therapy , Transfection , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/therapy
10.
Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov ; 19(3): 342-353, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37005514

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. During this phenomenon, Snail can promote tumor progression by upregulating mesenchymal factors and downregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, interventions on the expression rate of Snails may show beneficial therapeutic applications. METHODS: In this study, the C-terminal region of Snail1, capable of binding to E-box genomic sequences, was subcloned into the pAAV-IRES-EGFP backbone to make complete AAV-CSnail viral particles. B16F10 as a metastatic melanoma cell line, with a null expression of wild type TP53 was transduced by AAV-CSnail. Moreover, the transduced cells were analyzed for in vitro expression of apoptosis, migration, and EMT-related genes, and in vivo inhibition of metastasis. RESULTS: In more than 80% of the AAV-CSnail transduced cells, the CSnail gene expression competitively reduced the wild-type Snail functionality and consequently lowered the mRNA expression level of EMT-related genes. Furthermore, the transcription level of cell cycle inhibitory factor p21 and pro-apoptotic factors were promoted. The scratch test showed a decrease in the migration ability of AAV-CSnail transduced group compared to control. Finally, metastasis of cancer cells to lung tissue in the AAV-CSnail-treated B16F10 melanoma mouse model was significantly reduced, pointing out to prevention of EMT by the competitive inhibitory effect of CSnail on Snail1 and increased apoptosis of B16F10 cells. CONCLUSION: The capability of this successful competition in reducing the growth, invasion, and metastasis of melanoma cells indicates that gene therapy is a promising strategy for the control of the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Animals , Mice , Humans , Snail Family Transcription Factors/genetics , Snail Family Transcription Factors/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Melanoma/genetics , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Cell Movement , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Neoplasm Metastasis
11.
Int J Neurosci ; : 1-10, 2023 Dec 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38064237

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease inflict economic and health burdens on societies. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is accompanied by progressive degradation of memory, decision-making, and judgment. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and loss of balance. Extensive research has pinpointed inflammation as a cause of the onset and progression of both diseases. However, it has not been confirmed which one is more formidable in terms of inflammation. METHODS: To assess the extent of inflammation that is implicated in AD and PD and answer the question of which one is more inflammatory, serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandin E2 (PEG2), were measured in AD and PD patients as well as a healthy group. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant increase in IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IP-10, MCP-1, PEG2, and TNF-α in AD and PD patients compared with the control. Interestingly, IFN-γ did not manifest any significant difference in AD or PD patients compared with the control. CONCLUSION: As a hallmark of our results, it could be inferred that inflammation, as the underlying etiological cause, plays a more crucial role in PD compared with AD. Based on our results, it is proposed that anti-inflammatory remedies would be putatively more effective in PD rather than AD.

12.
J Cardiol Cases ; 28(6): 236-238, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38126052

ABSTRACT

Most infectious endocarditis patients can be managed medically. However, non-responders to antibiotics and ongoing sequelae such as septic emboli, may require mechanical interventions. AngioVac (Angiodynamics, Latham, NY, USA) is a percutaneous aspiration device used for removal of thrombi, emboli, masses, and vegetations. Main drawbacks are the requirement for a perfusionist, two large-bore accesses, and meticulous de-airing. These drawbacks make the procedure more time-consuming and possibly increase the risk of complications. AlphaVac (Angiodynamics) omits the motor element, thereby overcoming several of the limitations. In the current report, we describe two cases of percutaneous aspiration of tricuspid valve vegetations using AlphaVac. Learning objective: To consider manual percutaneous aspiration of infective valvular vegetations using the AlphaVac cannula in case of insufficient response to antibiotics or for prevention of emboli.

14.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 125(Pt A): 111101, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37922568

ABSTRACT

There are multiple treatment strategies that have been reported for breast cancer, while new and effective therapies against it are still necessary. Stimulating the immune system and its components against cancer cells is one of the unique treatment strategies of immunotherapy and long dsRNAs are immunostimulant in this regard. Based on bioinformatics approaches, a fragment of the Rice ragged stunt RNA virus genome was selected and synthesized according to its immunogenicity. Based on the in vitro transcription technique, dsRNA was synthesized and its binding ability to the PEI/PEI-Ac Polyethylenimine (PEI) or Acetylated polyethylenimine (PEI-Ac) was verified by the gel retardation assay. Then, the PEI-Ac was synthesized by adding acetyl groups to the PEI, and the results of the 1H NMR method indicated its successful synthesis. After cancer induction by 4 T1 cells in Balb/C mice, intraperitoneal (IP) and intratumoral (IT) treatment by the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA were performed and the tumor growth inhibition was evaluated. Results demonstrated that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can lead to a decrease in tumor weight and volume in both the IP and IT routes. Also, by using macro-metastatic nodule counting and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining we showed that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can prevent micro and macro-metastasis in the lung. Therefore, the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA acts as an effective inhibitor of growth and metastasis of the breast cancer models. We showed that viral dsRNA can exert its antitumor properties by stimulating TNF-α and IFN-γ. In general, our results revealed that dsRNA derived from the plant virus genome stimulates the intrinsic immune system and can be a potential immune stimulant drug for cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Adjuvants, Immunologic , Neoplasms , Animals , Mice , Polyethyleneimine , RNA, Double-Stranded
15.
Dent Med Probl ; 60(3): 467-472, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37796053

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been applied for the management of craniomaxillofacial disorders, including intraoral wounds, as well as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) lesions. However, the proper combination of laser features and tissue characteristics remains the major challenge in the realm of photobiomodulation (PBM). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy in treating RAS lesions, and to compare 2 techniques, different with regard to the distance between the fiber tip and the ulcer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 138 patients (94 males and 44 females) with untreated RAS were divided into 3 groups: focused laser (energy density: 48 J/cm2; power density: 0.797 W/cm2; spot size: 0.1256 cm2); defocused laser (energy density: 21 J/cm2; power density: 0.354 W/cm2; spot size: 0.2826 cm2); and placebo. In the focused group, laser irradiation was performed with the laser tip kept 1 mm away from the lesion. Acrylic cylinders were prepared to precisely fit the handpiece tip and hold it in the proper position. In the defocused group, acrylic cylinders were prepared to set the laser tip 6 mm away from the lesion to obtain defocused irradiation. Finally, in the placebo group, a routine laser therapy procedure was carried out with a helium-neon (He-Ne) red light laser. The lesion size, and pain intensity and duration were recorded. RESULTS: Photobiomodulation showed a significantly more efficient pain relief as compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001) and also significantly better results in decreasing pain duration (p < 0.001). Besides, the diameter of the lesions in the exposed cases decreased during the 3 consecutive days of the study, while an increase in the diameter of the lesions was noticed in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The Nd:YAG laser therapy, with the conditions and adjustments of the present study, may be successfully applied to manage RAS lesions, using either focused and defocused scanning techniques.


Subject(s)
Laser Therapy , Lasers, Solid-State , Stomatitis, Aphthous , Female , Humans , Male , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Laser Therapy/methods , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Pain/etiology , Stomatitis, Aphthous/radiotherapy , Stomatitis, Aphthous/surgery
16.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 14654, 2023 09 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37669982

ABSTRACT

Metronidazole (MNZ) is an extensively used antibiotic against bacterial infections for humans and farm animals. Prevention of antibiotics discharge is essential to prevent adverse environmental and health impacts. A member of metal-organic frameworks, zeolite imidazole framework-67 with cobalt sulfate precursor (ZIF-67-SO4) and exceptional physio-chemical properties was prepared via room temperature precipitation to adsorb MNZ. The study framework was designed by Box-Behnken Design to evaluate the effect of pH, ZIF-67-SO4 dose, and contact time on adsorption efficiency. The polynomial model fitted the adsorption system indicated the optimal condition for 97% MNZ removal occurs at pH = 7, adsorbent dosage = 1 g/L, and mixing time = 60 min. The model also revealed that the removal increased with contact time and decreased at strong pH. Equilibrium and kinetic study also indicated the adsorption of MNZ followed the intra-particle diffusion model and the Langmuir isotherm model with a qmax = 63.03 mg/g. The insignificant loss in removal efficacy in use-reuse adsorption cycles reflected the practical viability of ZIF-67-SO4.


Subject(s)
Body Fluids , Metronidazole , Animals , Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Adsorption , Animals, Domestic
17.
Cell J ; 25(9): 633-644, 2023 Sep 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37718766

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: T-cells express two functional forms of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1): membrane (mPD-1) and soluble (sPD-1). The binding of mPD-1 and its ligand (PD-L1) on tumor cells could lead activated lymphocytes toward exhaustion. Selective deletion of the transmembrane domain via alternative splicing of exon-3 in PD-1 mRNA could generate sPD-1. Overexpression of sPD-1 could disrupt the mPD-1/PD-L1 interaction in tumor-specific T cells. We investigated the effect of secreted sPD-1 from pooled engineered and non-engineered T cell supernatant on survival and proliferation of lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, we designed two sgRNA sequences upstream and downstream of exon-3 in the PDCD1 gene. The lentiCRISPRv2 puro vector was used to clone the dual sgRNAs and produce lentiviral particles to transduce Jurkat T cells. Analysis assays were used to clarify the change in PD-1 expression pattern in the pooled (engineered and non-engineered) Jurkat cells. Co-culture conditions were established with PD-L1+ cancer cells and lymphocytes. RESULTS: CRISPR/Cas9 could delete exon-3 of the PDCD1 gene in the engineered cells based on the tracking of indels by decomposition (TIDE) and interference of CRISPR edit (ICE) sequencing analysis reports. Our results showed a 12% reduction in mPD-1 positive cell population after CRISPR manipulation and increment in sPD-1 concentration in the supernatant. The increased sPD-1 confirmed its positive effect on proliferation of lymphocytes co-cultured with PDL1+ cancer cells. The survival percent of lymphocytes co-cultured with the pooled cells supernatant was 12.5% more than the control. CONCLUSION: The CRISPR/Cas9 exon skipping approach could be used in adoptive cell immunotherapies to change PD-1 expression patterns and overcome exhaustion.

18.
Cortex ; 167: 235-246, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37579642

ABSTRACT

Performing a secondary task while driving causes a decline in driving performance. This phenomenon, called dual-task interference, can have lethal consequences. Previous fMRI studies have looked at the changes in the average brain activity to uncover the neural correlates of dual-task interference. From these results, it is unclear whether the overall modulations in brain activity result from general effects such as task difficulty, attentional modulations, and mental effort or whether it is caused by a change in the responses specific to each condition due to dual-task interference. To overcome this limitation, here, we used multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to interrogate the change in the information content in multiple brain regions during dual-task interference in simulated driving. Participants performed a lane-change task in a simulated driving environment, along with a tone discrimination task with either short or long onset time difference (Stimulus Onset Asynchrony, SOA) between the two tasks. Behavioral results indicated a robust dual-task effect on lane-change reaction time (RT). MVPA revealed regions that carry information about the driving lane-change direction (shift right/shift left), including the superior parietal lobe (SPL), visual, and motor regions. Comparison of decoding accuracies across SOA conditions in the SPL region revealed lower accuracy in the short compared to the long SOA condition. This change in accuracy was not observed in the visual and motor regions. These findings suggest that the dual-task interference in driving may be related to the disturbance of information processing in the SPL region.

19.
Neuroimage ; 279: 120320, 2023 10 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37586444

ABSTRACT

Emotion regulation plays a key role in human behavior and overall well-being. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive self-brain training technique used for emotion regulation to enhance brain function and treatment of mental disorders through behavioral changes. Previous neurofeedback research often focused on using activity from a single brain region as measured by fMRI or power from one or two EEG electrodes. In a new study, we employed connectivity-based EEG neurofeedback through recalling positive autobiographical memories and simultaneous fMRI to upregulate positive emotion. In our novel approach, the feedback was determined by the coherence of EEG electrodes rather than the power of one or two electrodes. We compared the efficiency of this connectivity-based neurofeedback to traditional activity-based neurofeedback through multiple experiments. The results showed that connectivity-based neurofeedback effectively improved BOLD signal change and connectivity in key emotion regulation regions such as the amygdala, thalamus, and insula, and increased EEG frontal asymmetry, which is a biomarker for emotion regulation and treatment of mental disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression and coherence among EEG channels. The psychometric evaluations conducted both before and after the neurofeedback experiments revealed that participants demonstrated improvements in enhancing positive emotions and reducing negative emotions when utilizing connectivity-based neurofeedback, as compared to traditional activity-based and sham neurofeedback approaches. These findings suggest that connectivity-based neurofeedback may be a superior method for regulating emotions and could be a useful alternative therapy for mental disorders, providing individuals with greater control over their brain and mental functions.


Subject(s)
Emotional Regulation , Neurofeedback , Humans , Neurofeedback/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain/physiology , Electroencephalography
20.
Comput Methods Programs Biomed ; 240: 107683, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37406421

ABSTRACT

The use of deep neural networks for electroencephalogram (EEG) classification has rapidly progressed and gained popularity in recent years, but automatic feature extraction from EEG signals remains a challenging task. The classification of neuropsychiatric disorders demands the extraction of neuro-markers for use in automated EEG classification. Numerous advanced deep learning algorithms can be used for this purpose. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the main factors and parameters that affect the performance of deep neural networks in classifying different neuropsychiatric disorders using EEG signals. We also analyze the EEG features used for improving classification performance. Our analysis includes 82 scientific journal papers that applied deep neural networks for subject-wise classification based on EEG signals. We extracted information on the EEG dataset and types of disorders, deep neural network structures, performance, and hyperparameters. The results show that most studies have focused on clinical classification, achieving an average accuracy of 91.83 ± 7.34, with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) being the most frequently used network architecture and resting-state EEG signals being the most commonly used data type. Additionally, the review reveals that depression (N = 18), Alzheimer's (N = 11), and schizophrenia (N = 11) were studied more frequently than other types of neuropsychiatric disorders. Our review provides insight into the performance of deep neural networks in EEG classification and highlights the importance of EEG feature extraction in improving classification accuracy. By identifying the main factors and parameters that affect deep neural network performance in EEG classification, our review can guide future research in this area. We hope that our findings will encourage further exploration of deep learning methods for EEG classification and contribute to the development of more accurate and effective methods for diagnosing and monitoring neuropsychiatric disorders using EEG signals.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Neural Networks, Computer , Humans , Electroencephalography/methods
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