Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is associated with cognitive impairments, particularly memory deficits. The hippocampus, a critical region for memory consolidation, is highly vulnerable to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress following injury. One of its key molecular mediators, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), plays a vital role in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Potentilla reptans L. root (PRL), a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of PRL on hippocampal neurons, memory function, and hippocampal BDNF levels in rats following CCI induction. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control, CCI, CCI + Vehicle (normal saline), and CCI + PRL (50 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days). Cognitive performance was assessed using the novel object recognition test, following behavioral testing, brain tissues were harvested for histological assessment of hippocampal dark neurons and BDNF protein expression. The findings indicated that CCI significantly reduced the recognition index (RI) during the novel object recognition test and decreased hippocampal BDNF levels. Histological analysis also revealed a significant increase in the number of dark neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions compared to the control group. In contrast, PRL treatment significantly improved RI, elevated BDNF levels and reduced neuronal damage in the CA1 and CA3 regions relative to the CCI groups. These results suggest that PRL extract exerts neuroprotective effects in the CCI model, as demonstrated by improved memory performance, reduced neuronal damage, and increased hippocampal BDNF levels.

A. baumannii is a critical nosocomial pathogen with increasing antibiotic resistance. Colistin heteroresistance (CHR), which cannot be detected by standard methods, threatens the effectiveness of this definitive treatment. This study aimed to characterize carbapenem resistance, detect CHR, and investigate its molecular mechanisms. One hundred forty seven A. baumannii isolates were characterized. Carbapenemase genes were detected by PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and broth microdilution. Heteroresistance (HR) was detected using population analysis profiling (PAP). The expression of efflux pump (adeB, adeG) and porin (ompA, carO) genes in HR isolates quantified by Real-time PCR analysis. The predominant carbapenemase genes were blaOXA-51 (97

High-yield recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli requires balancing growth with proper folding at low temperatures. Here, we engineered 6 S RNA -a reversible σ⁷⁰ antagonist- as a modulator to enhance yields under cold stress (18 °C). Transcriptomic reanalysis of GSE74809 revealed growth phase-specific regulation: deletion of 6 S RNA upregulated amino acid biosynthesis during logarithmic growth but downregulated ribosomal and translation-related genes in the stationary phase. To test its functional impact, 6 S RNA and antisense constructs were cloned into pET‑24a(+), validated by RT‑qPCR, and evaluated at 18 °C and 37 °C. Both overexpression and knockdown impaired growth yet increased total protein levels (BCA, OD₆₀₀‑normalized). CFU enumeration confirmed reversible attenuation without toxicity, followed by asymmetric 18 h growth reduction: controls achieved 5.48‑fold expansion, whereas 6 S overexpression reached 2.39‑fold (44

BACKGROUND:Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae), known as Sumac, is a commonly used spice, which is rich in various classes of phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, polyphenolic compounds, organic acids, and may be beneficial for cardiovascular disease risk factors. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of Sumac supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors, including anthropometric measures, glycemic profile, inflammatory markers, and lipid profile. Additionally, we explored the dose-response relationship and optimal duration of Sumac supplementation for its effects on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS:Relevant randomized clinical trials were identified through electronic database searches (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMBASE) up to March 2025. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was employed to evaluate study quality. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) in changes between intervention and placebo groups were calculated. A random-effects model, meta-regression, and non-linear modeling explored heterogeneity, dose-response relationships, and the overall impact of Sumac supplementation. RESULTS:Fifteen trials, with interventions ranging from 4 to 12 weeks and involving 917 participants, were included. Sumac supplementation demonstrated significant improvements in glycemic and lipid profile. Conversely, no significant effects were observed on other cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:Sumac supplementation improved lipid profile, and glycemic parameters suggesting potential benefits in addressing cardiovascular risk factors, despite no significant effects on inflammatory parameters.

The current study aimed to assess the independent effect of a high Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score on the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) overall and its subsites. Also, we tested for the interaction effect of smoking tobacco and opium with the DMFT score on the risk of developing HNSCC. We included 899 pathologically confirmed cases of HNSCC and 3477 healthy visitor controls. We used multivariable unconditional logistic regression analyses to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for study centers, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and alcohol, cigarettes, water pipes, and opium use. We found an OR of 2.0 (95% CI: 1.6, 2.5) between DMFT scores higher than 17 and the risk of HNSCC. This was higher for laryngeal (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.5, 5.2) than lip oral cavity (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.0) cancers. We found a positive association between Decayed and Missing teeth, however, it was reversed for the number of Filled teeth. The association for those who had higher DMFT score was significantly higher (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.7, 3.0) among smokers than non-smokers (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: (1.2, 2.3). A higher DMFT score was associated with an increased risk of HNSCC, with an interaction between DMFT score and smoking.