Physiological and pathological consequences of exosomes at the blood-brain-barrier interface.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) interface with multicellular structure controls strictly the entry of varied circulating macromolecules from the blood-facing surface into the brain parenchyma. Under several pathological conditions within the central nervous system, the integrity of the BBB interface is disrupted due to the abnormal crosstalk between the cellular constituents and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Exosomes (Exos) are nano-sized extracellular vesicles with diverse therapeutic outcomes. These particles transfer a plethora of signaling molecules with the potential to modulate target cell behavior in a paracrine manner. Here, in the current review article, the therapeutic properties of Exos and their potential in the alleviation of compromised BBB structure were discussed. Video Abstract.

Preliminary Reliability and Validity of the Iranian Computerized Version of Memory Tasks of the Betula Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of an Iranian computerized memory battery modeled after the Betula study. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of an Iranian computerized memory battery modeled after the Betula study ( Nilsson et al., 1997). The researchers developed this battery as an assessment tool in the Sepidar prospective cohort study. One hundred and ninety-nine participants aged 19-83 years were tested extensively on different aspects of memory. Exploratory factor analysis of the data demonstrated factors similar to those reported by the Betula study. RESULTS: The authors succeeded to converge the cross-sectional findings of the study and the data from longitudinal studies of memory aging by correcting possible cohort effects. Investigating age differences in episodic and semantic memory factor scores corrected by education and socioeconomic status revealed no significant difference between younger and older adults before ages 53 to 60, though linear age-related declines existed thereafter. CONCLUSION: The results support the reliability and construct validity of this computerized battery for memory assessment in Iranian adults.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its relation to depression among workers in kindergarten.

BACKGROUND: Working in a closed environment for more than 7-8 hours can affect both psychological and physical health among kindergarten workers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and depression as well as the correlation between them, if any, among kindergarten workers. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observation, one hundred and five healthy female staff members (age: 34.27±7.01 year, working duration: 7.42±0.81 hr/d, BMI: 24.50±2.61 kg/m2 (mean±SD)), who have had at least one year of working experience, were selected randomly from 10 kindergartens. The subjects completed both the Cornell musculoskeletal and Patient Health (PHQ-9) questionnaires to enable the assessments of MSD and depression scores accordingly. The correlation between both questionnaires was then measured to find any links. To assess the reliability of Farsi-language versions of the Cornell questionnaire and PHQ-9, the Inter-class Correlation Co-efficient (ICC) was measured through test-retest with 1-week delay and the prevalence of MSD and depression were subsequently assessed as well. RESULTS: The Inter-class Correlation Co-efficient (ICC) illustrated that the Farsi version of MSD instruments showed high levels of repeatability. The ICC coefficient was (0.932-0.987, p < 0.001) for the Cornell questionnaire and the Cronbach alpha for PHQ-9 questionnaire was 0.861. The highest severity of pain was related to lower back (30.5%), and after it, neck (27.6%), right shoulder (27.6%) and left shoulder (25.7%) pain, respectively. The results of PHQ-9 questionnaire indicated that 41.9% (n = 44) of subjects had a severe depression. There was a significant (r = 0.338, p < 0.01) relation between depression and MSD. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of depression and severity of physical pain was an issue among staff in kindergartens. More study will be needed to define all aspects of this issue.

First report on the co-inheritance of beta-globin IVS-I-5 (G-->C) thalassemia with delta globin CD12 {Asn-->Lys (AAT-->AAA)}HbA2-NYU in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Co-inheritance of ß- and δ-globin mutations in Iran is not uncommon. This situation may interfere with correct diagnosis and genetic counseling of α- and ß-thalassemia in screening programs. Here we report the co-inheritance of ß- and δ-globin gene mutations in an individual with microcytosis, hypochromia and a normal hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) level. METHODS: Genomic DNA extraction, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing of δ- and ß-globin genes were exploited for detection of the mutations in these two genes in an individual with low hematological indices and normal HbA2. RESULTS: ARMS-PCR technique revealed the ß(+) IVSI-5 (G to C) mutation and direct DNA sequencing of the δ-globin gene detected a previously reported delta codon 12 (AAT-->AAA) HbA2-NYU. This study reports HbA2-NYU in association with the ß IVSI-5 (G to C) mutation in Iran. DISCUSSION: This report emphasizes that normal HbA2 expression in a ß-goblin carrier is due to mutation in the δ-globin gene and may cause misdiagnosis of thalassemia.