Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS), is located in the city of Rafsanjan in Kerman Province, south central of Iran.The university was established by the Iranian Ministry of Health in 1986. At the present, RUMS have five schools including School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing & Midwifery, School of Para-medicine and School of Health in which students are studying in various disciplines and grades including professional doctorate in Medicine, Professional doctorate in Dentistry, Master of Biochemistry, Master of Physiology, Bachelor of nursing, Bachelor of laboratory Sciences, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Radiology, Bachelor Of Anesthesiology, Bachelor of Operating Room and Technician of Emergency Medicine.Currently, the number of academic members at the University of Medical Sciences is 190. So far, 20 courses of medical students have graduated from Rafsanjan School of Medicine. At present, over 1400 students of various disciplines and levels are studying in the university.The university manages or supervises four hospitals including Aliebn-e-Abitaleb, Niknafs, Moradi and Anar Vali-e-Asr, as well as all urban and rural health centers and clinics in the Rafsanjan and Anar counties..
Engineering cytocompatible biointerfaces with controllable micro/nano-topography and network stability remains a central challenge in polysaccharide-based scaffolds for soft tissue applications. In this study, a solvent-assisted crosslinking approach is proposed, in which sebacic acid promotes chitosan dispersion while simultaneously participating as a mild dicarboxylic crosslinker during scaffold fabrication. In combination with sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT), a dual-modified chitosan–alginate scaffold (CSMA) was obtained, exhibiting reduced swelling (≈ 18.4-fold), high interconnected porosity (≈ 84.2
Myocardial infarction (MI) induces brain injury. Myrtenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of myrtenol following myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol (ISO) in male rats. This experimental study involved 36 male Wistar rats. They were divided into six groups. Rats received ISO (85 mg/kg) for two days. Subsequently, they were treated with vehicle or myrtenol (5, 25, or 50 mg/kg) once daily, one hour after the last ISO injection, for seven days. Behavioral tests (spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance) were conducted post-treatment. Hemodynamic parameters and serum troponin were assessed. Tissue samples (heart/brain tissue) underwent histopathological examination via H E and Nissl staining methods. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in heart and brain tissue. Western blot analysis was used for the assessment of inflammatory (TNF and NF-κB), cell death (Bax, Bcl2, and Cleaved caspase-3), and nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) markers in brain tissue. ISO significantly reduced latency time and spontaneous alternation compared to control (p < 0.001). Myrtenol improved these parameters at 25 mg/kg (p < 0.01) and 50 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Myrtenol also reduced MDA content, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, TNF, and NF-κB protein expression and also increased Bcl2, and Nrf2 proteins, TAC level, SOD, GPx, and catalase enzyme activity in heart/brain tissues when compared to ISO group (p < 0.05). Myrtenol improved memory function and hemodynamic parameters. It decreases brain oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death markers, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex hematologic malignancy characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Despite advances in therapy, resistance remains a significant obstacle to curing the disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a broad family of regulatory RNA molecules, have recently been recognized as important players in MM biology, influencing disease progression and treatment response. This review explores current insights into the diverse roles of lncRNAs in MM, focusing on their involvement in key molecular processes, including miRNA sponging, epigenetic regulation, apoptosis, and interactions with signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and STAT3. Additionally, the review evaluates emerging treatment strategies targeting lncRNAs, including RNA-based therapeutics, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and exosome-mediated delivery systems, assessing their potential to overcome drug resistance and improve clinical outcomes. By integrating molecular research with clinical implications, this review emphasizes the promise of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in MM and offers a framework for future research and development.
OBJECTIVES:Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains the most prevalent form of anemia in children and adolescents globally. In addition to iron (Fe), other trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg), may influence hematopoiesis, yet the extent of their dysregulation in IDA remains unclear. METHODS:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the serum levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mg in pediatric IDA populations. The literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 2025. The data were standardized to consistent units (μmol/L), and pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. The study protocol was registered online (PROSPERO number: CRD42024578704). RESULTS:Eight articles encompassing twelve datasets and 1105 participants were included. Compared to controls, IDA patients had significantly lower levels of Fe (WMD: -13.07 μmol/L, 95% CI: -16.09 to -10.05), Zn (WMD: -4.33 μmol/L, 95% CI: -5.30 to -3.35), and Mg (WMD: -18.17 μmol/L, 95% CI: -21.00 to -15.33) but higher levels of Cu (WMD: 4.33 μmol/L, 95% CI: 2.21-6.46). High heterogeneity (I² > 95%) was noted for Fe, Zn, and Cu. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent trends across age, gender, and geography. CONCLUSION:Pediatric IDA is associated with broad alterations in trace elements, highlighting potential roles for Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mg in the pathophysiology of anemia. These findings may inform comprehensive nutritional strategies in managing IDA.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold substantial promise in regenerative medicine owing to their immunomodulatory, neuroregenerative, and self-renewal properties. Adipose tissue (AT) serves as an optimal MSC source due to its high yield and rapid proliferation. This study evaluated the safety and exploratory clinical effects of non-cryopreserved, culture-expanded autologous AT-MSCs in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). High-dose fresh autologous AT-MSCs (4.4 × 106 ± 1.7 × 106 cells) were intravenously administered to 10 female patients with SPMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score 4–6) in two doses, seven days apart. Adverse events were monitored for 9 months post-transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments quantified lesion number, volume, and contrast-enhancing lesions. EDSS scores, depression, and quality-of-life measures were evaluated over 9 months. MSC immunomodulatory effects were assessed via gene expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and peripheral blood regulatory T-cell (Treg) proportions. No serious adverse events occurred over 9 months. AT-MSC therapy reduced T2-FLAIR lesion number and volume, improved EDSS scores, and enhanced psychological outcomes. It also increased Treg cell proportions and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression while decreasing inflammatory cytokines. High-dose fresh AT-MSCs appear safe and well-tolerated in SPMS patients, with promising exploratory clinical benefits. These findings support AT-MSCs as a potential multiple sclerosis therapy. Trial registration Registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Reference: IRCT20091127002778N1 at 2018-01-10).
