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Iovino L, VanderZwaag J, Kaur G, Khakpour M, Giusti V, Donadon M, Chiavegato A, Tenorio-Lopes L, Greggio E, Tremblay ME, Civiero L. Investigation of microglial diversity in a LRRK2 G2019S mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106481. [PMID: 38527708 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia contribute to the outcomes of various pathological conditions including Parkinson's disease (PD). Microglia are heterogenous, with a variety of states recently identified in aging and neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we delved into the diversity of microglia in a preclinical PD model featuring the G2019S mutation in LRRK2, a known pathological mutation associated with PD. Specifically, we investigated the 'dark microglia' (DM) and the 'disease-associated microglia' (DAM) which present a selective enrichment of CLEC7A expression. In the dorsal striatum - a region affected by PD pathology - extensive ultrastructural features of cellular stress as well as reduced direct cellular contacts, were observed for microglia from old LRRK2 G2019S mice versus controls. In addition, DM were more prevalent while CLEC7A-positive microglia had extensive phagocytic ultrastructural characteristics in the LRRK2 G2019S mice. Furthermore, our findings revealed a higher proportion of DM in LRRK2 G2019S mice, and an increased number of CLEC7A-positive cells with age, exacerbated by the pathological mutation. These CLEC7A-positive cells exhibited a selective enrichment of ameboid morphology and tended to cluster in the affected animals. In summary, we provide novel insights into the occurrence and features of recently defined microglial states, CLEC7A-positive cells and DM, in the context of LRRK2 G2019S PD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Iovino
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy; Stella Maris Foundation, IRCCS, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - J VanderZwaag
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - G Kaur
- University of Padua, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy
| | - M Khakpour
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - V Giusti
- University of Padua, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy; San Camillo Hospital srl Società unipersonale, IRCCS, Venice, Italy
| | - M Donadon
- University of Padua, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy
| | - A Chiavegato
- National Research Council (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Section of Padova, Padova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova, Italy
| | - L Tenorio-Lopes
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - E Greggio
- University of Padua, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy; University of Padova, Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Padova, Italy
| | - M E Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - L Civiero
- University of Padua, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy; San Camillo Hospital srl Società unipersonale, IRCCS, Venice, Italy.
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Chevrier J, Lane G, Khakpour M, Vatanparast H, Batal M. Food Security Among Syrian Refugee Families in Quebec, Canada. Ecol Food Nutr 2023:1-26. [PMID: 37345879 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2023.2228704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to understand how socioeconomic, geographic and cultural factors affect the food security status of Syrian refugee households in Quebec, Canada. Using a mixed methods study design, 49 households were assessed for their food security and socioeconomic status, followed by structured interviews with 35 households and 9 service providers. 52% of refugee households were food insecure, and although not significantly different, food insecurity was higher among privately sponsored refugee households in the Montreal area. Food insecurity appears mainly due to food access issues. Syrian refugees possess agricultural and cooking skills that could be beneficial in promoting community food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanie Chevrier
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ginny Lane
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Mahasti Khakpour
- Department of Health, Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Hassan Vatanparast
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Malek Batal
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Asamoah GD, Khakpour M, Carr T, Groot G. Exploring Indigenous Traditional Healing programs in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: A scoping review. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:14-25. [PMID: 35768321 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and catalog ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare system through policies and programs in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. DATA SOURCES A scoping review was conducted, guided by the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases for sources of information include CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Public Health ProQuest, Global Health EBSCO, iPortal, and grey literature. STUDY SELECTION 2 reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies for inclusion against the selection criteria independently. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were transferred to Covidence for further abstract and full-text review. DATA EXTRACTION Of a total of 2,017 articles identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction for this scoping review. Data items extracted include study title, authors, year of publication, publication type, publication source, support policy or program, health system or service, Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and significant findings. DATA SYNTHESIS 2 categories emerged from the analysis of the source of evidence. That is, healthcare systems and services with programs and policies supporting Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and ways Indigenous Traditional Healing was adopted and utilized within the identified support programs. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the various ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare systems in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Indigenous Traditional Healing practices can be utilized as either the primary choice of treatment, to support Western biomedical treatment or through the adoption of Indigenous Traditional knowledge within the mainstream healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Darko Asamoah
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Mahasti Khakpour
- Interdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, 110 A - Annex, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada.
| | - Tracey Carr
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Gary Groot
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
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De Felice E, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Golia MT, González Ibáñez F, Khakpour M, Di Castro MA, Garofalo S, Di Pietro E, Benatti C, Brunello N, Tascedda F, Kaminska B, Limatola C, Ragozzino D, Tremblay ME, Alboni S, Maggi L. Microglial diversity along the hippocampal longitudinal axis impacts synaptic plasticity in adult male mice under homeostatic conditions. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:292. [PMID: 36482444 PMCID: PMC9730634 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02655-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a plastic brain area that shows functional segregation along its longitudinal axis, reflected by a higher level of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) compared to the ventral hippocampus (VH), but the mechanisms underlying this difference remain elusive. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of microglia-neuronal communication in modulating synaptic transmission and hippocampal plasticity, although its role in physiological contexts is still largely unknown. We characterized in depth the features of microglia in the two hippocampal poles and investigated their contribution to CA1 plasticity under physiological conditions. We unveiled the influence of microglia in differentially modulating the amplitude of LTP in the DH and VH, showing that minocycline or PLX5622 treatment reduced LTP amplitude in the DH, while increasing it in the VH. This was recapitulated in Cx3cr1 knockout mice, indicating that microglia have a key role in setting the conditions for plasticity processes in a region-specific manner, and that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway is a key element in determining the basal level of CA1 LTP in the two regions. The observed LTP differences at the two poles were associated with transcriptional changes in the expression of genes encoding for Il-1, Tnf-α, Il-6, and Bdnf, essential players of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, microglia in the CA1 SR region showed an increase in soma and a more extensive arborization, an increased prevalence of immature lysosomes accompanied by an elevation in mRNA expression of phagocytic markers Mertk and Cd68 and a surge in the expression of microglial outward K+ currents in the VH compared to DH, suggesting a distinct basal phenotypic state of microglia across the two hippocampal poles. Overall, we characterized the molecular, morphological, ultrastructural, and functional profile of microglia at the two poles, suggesting that modifications in hippocampal subregions related to different microglial statuses can contribute to dissect the phenotypical aspects of many diseases in which microglia are known to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. De Felice
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - E. Gonçalves de Andrade
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - M. T. Golia
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - F. González Ibáñez
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Faculté de Médecine and Centre de Recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - M. Khakpour
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - M. A. Di Castro
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S. Garofalo
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - E. Di Pietro
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - C. Benatti
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - N. Brunello
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - F. Tascedda
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - B. Kaminska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - C. Limatola
- grid.419543.e0000 0004 1760 3561IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Ragozzino
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia), Rome, Italy
| | - M. E. Tremblay
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Faculté de Médecine and Centre de Recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - S. Alboni
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - L. Maggi
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Groot G, Ollegasagrem S, Khakpour M, Panahi A, Goodridge D, Lloyd J, Kinsman L, Rotter T, Tymchak Z, Carr T. Facilitators and Barriers to Clinical Pathway Uptake and Utilization Among Primary Care Providers in Saskatchewan - A Qualitative Study. CLIN INVEST MED 2022; 45:E1-9. [DOI: 10.25011/cim.v45i2.38450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Clinical Pathways (CPWs) are multidisciplinary, evidence-based, complex interventions designed to standardize patient care. In Saskatchewan, development, implementation and evaluation of the seven provincial CPWs (Hip & Knee, Spine, Pelvic Floor, Prostate Assessment, Fertility Care, Lower Extremity Wound Care and Acute Stroke) present significant challenges, leading to low utilization. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW utilization by Saskatchewan family physicians.
Methods: To identify the facilitators and barriers to CPWs, a qualitative interpretive approach consisted of eight one-on-one key informant interviews and five focus groups held with 30 family physicians in two larger urban and two smaller Saskatchewan cities. Inductive, thematic analysis of the interviews based on the Theoretical Domain Framework for behavioral changes was used to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW uptake and utilization.
Results: Fifty-one themes were mapped under 14 Theoretical Domain Framework domains. Major barriers included the following: system-level (knowledge and communication, social/professional identity, family physician engagement and education); objective clarification (goals, belief about consequences of implementing CPW); and technical and resource related (administrative, access to local specialists, enforcement and incentives). The most prominent barrier was lack of systematic CPW promotion and inconsistencies in communication between the following: organization-to-practitioner; organization-to-organization; and practitioner-to-practitioner. Facilitators who mitigated barriers were need for optimized and integrated information technology services (i.e., Electronic Medical Records) and optimism towards CPW usage and patient outcomes.
Conclusions: This exploratory study identified specific improvements and recommendations required to promote uptake of CPWs based on perceived facilitators and barriers.
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Askarian M, Khakpour M, Taghrir MH, Akbarialiabad H, Borazjani R. Investigating the epidemiology of methanol poisoning outbreaks: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 19:1388-1393. [PMID: 33323771 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-20-00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to identify relevant studies from 2000 to 2020 regarding methanol poisoning outbreaks and map the existing literature with a focus on the epidemiology and global burden of disease. INTRODUCTION Methanol poisoning occurs in individuals or as an outbreak. Illicit productions are responsible for most methanol poisoning outbreaks; however, there are some occupational, suicidal, and homicidal incidences as well. In methanol poisoning outbreaks, medical facilities get overwhelmed quickly. The current WHO fact sheet dates back to 2014 and there have been no updates since. Based on our preliminary search, it seems that the course of methanol outbreaks has changed. INCLUSION CRITERIA The study will include peer-reviewed articles and gray papers that focus on the epidemiology of methanol poisoning outbreaks. This review will consider all methanol poisoning outbreak victims without any limitation in geographical, social, cultural, or gender-based demographics. METHODS A three-step search strategy will be used. First, an initial search will be done in MEDLINE and Scopus to identify key terms. Those key terms will then be searched across included databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and sources for gray literature. In a third step, references and Google Scholar will be searched manually. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, then full texts for identifying inclusion criteria and data extraction. Disagreements will be resolved by a senior author. Extracted data will be tabulated and mapped. Quantitative data will be reported using descriptive numerical summary analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Askarian
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Health Behavior Science Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Khakpour
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | | | - Roham Borazjani
- Student research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Vatanparast H, Koc M, Farag M, Garcea J, Engler-Stringer R, Qarmout T, Henry C, Racine L, White J, Iqbal R, Khakpour M, Dasarathi S, D'Angelo S. Exploring food security among recently resettled Syrian refugees: results from a qualitative study in two Canadian cities. IJMHSC 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2019-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a qualitative in-depth account of the status and experience of food insecurity for Syrian refugee households in Toronto and Saskatoon, Canada. The study considers the range of geographic, socio-economic, cultural and gendered components shaping and determining the barriers and management of food insecurity.
Design/methodology/approach
The study included 54 semi-structured interviews with refugee families in Toronto and Saskatoon who resettled in Canada after November 2015. In addition, 15 semi-structured in-person or telephone interviews were conducted with settlement and support agencies to measure their capacity to respond to issues of food insecurity for Syrian refugees.
Findings
Syrian refugees reported experiencing food insecurity as part of the broader resettlement journey, including in the transitional phase of refuge and in each settlement context in Canada. Income status in Canada was reported as a key barrier to food security. Low-income barriers to food security were experienced and shaped by factors including food affordability, physical access and availability and the extent of familial or other support networks including sponsorship relationships. Participants also reported how managing food insecurity contributed to the intensification of gender expectations.
Originality/value
The analysis reveals food insecurity as both an income and non-income based concern for refugees during the process of resettlement. The study also highlights the importance of considering variations between primary barriers to food security identified by Syrian families and key informants as critical to the development of strategies designed to mitigate the impacts of resettlement on food security.
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Khakpour M, Iqbal R, GhulamHussain N, Engler-Stringer R, Koc M, Garcea J, Farag M, Henry C, Vatanparast H. Facilitators and Barriers toward Food Security of Afghan Refugees Residing in Karachi, Pakistan. Ecol Food Nutr 2019; 58:317-334. [PMID: 30991835 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2019.1598982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study comparatively assesses how Afghan refugees in Pakistan understand both the factors and barriers affecting their food security status before and after refuge. Through qualitative in-depth interviews with 25 Afghan refugee families, we assess how quality of life, together with perceptions of a balanced meal, food environments both pre- and post-migration and push and pull factors of migration, impact food security and food choices for refugee families. Furthermore, our results reveal that regardless of the length of protracted status for Afghan refugees, food insecurity remains as a consistent condition for refugee families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasti Khakpour
- a Department of Nutrition, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- b Department of Community Health Sciences , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - Naveera GhulamHussain
- c Department of Community Health Science , Agha Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - Rachel Engler-Stringer
- d Community Health and Epidemiology , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada
| | - Mustafa Koc
- e Department of Sociology , Ryerson University , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Joseph Garcea
- f Political Studies , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada
| | - Marwa Farag
- g School of Public Health , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada
| | - Carol Henry
- a Department of Nutrition, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada
| | - Hassan Vatanparast
- h College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , University of Saskatchewan , SK , Canada
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Abstract
A novel biomaterial application of porous microspheres is for sustained delivery of biologically active agents. Recent studies have pointed out the importance of biomaterial porosity in promoting biocompatibility and controlling release rate of active agents. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of chain-extending agent on the porosity and release behavior of polyurethane (PU) microspheres prepared using a two-step suspension polycondensation method with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as the isocyanate, polyethylene glycol (PEG400) as the diol, and 1,4-butanediol as the chain-extending agent. Chain-extending agent was used to increase the ratio of hard to soft segments of the PU network, and its effect on microsphere morphology was studied with scanning electron microscopy. According to the results, porosity was significantly affected by the amount of chain-extending agent. The pore size decreased as the concentration of chain-extending agent increased from zero to 50 mole%. With further increase of chain-extending agent to 60 and 67%, PU chains became stiffer and formation of pores was inhibited. Therefore, pore morphology was significantly affected by variations in the amount of chain-extending agent. The release behavior of microspheres was investigated with diazinon as the active agent. After an initial burst, corresponding to 3% of the incorporated amount of active agent, the release rate was zero order.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jabbari
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Controlled Delivery Systems for Biologically Active Agents, School of Biomedical Engineering, Amir-Kabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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Nik-Akhtar B, Khakpour M, Safai B, Hesabi AM. Dialysis and peptic ulcer. Practitioner 1979; 222:107, 9. [PMID: 419040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
The present communication describes studies on thirty-three patients with haemorrhagic cystitis. The current epidemic variant of influenza type A virus, A/Tehran/5/75 (H3N2) [antigenically similar to A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2)], was recovered from the throats of eighteen and the urine of three patients. HI antibody rises to A/Tehran/5/75 virus were detected in over 50% of the cystitis patients tested.
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Abstract
In order to evaluate the preventive value of specific immune serum globulin against hepatitis type B, we have used this immune globulin in required doses in 12 patients (10 with AU antigen negative and 2 with AU antigen positive) with chronic renal failure who required maintenance hemodialysis for a period of 15 months, and we were able to prevent hepatitis type B in our dialysis patients.
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Khakpour M, Nik-Akhtar B. Diabetes mellitus following a mumps epidemic. J Trop Med Hyg 1975; 78:262-3. [PMID: 1223328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
The antihypertensive effect of two adrenergic blocking agents (Alprenolol and Propranolol) have been studied in a group of 107 patients with essential hypertension. A significant reduction of 20 mmHg in the systolic blood pressure was recorded for the group using Alprenolol and 25 mmHg in the group using Propranolol. The corresponding decrease of 7-10 mmHg in the diastolic blood pressure for the entire group was also significant. These two drugs may be of therapeutic value in essential hypertension, independently or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
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Nik-Akhtar B, Hanjani A, Khakpour M, Rashed MA. The role of the nephrotic syndrome in familial mediterranean fever. J Trop Med Hyg 1974; 77:208-10. [PMID: 4416479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Nasseri M, Mohagheghpour N, Khakpour M. Effects of dietary supplementation on the humoral immune response of malnourished mice. Nutr Metab 1974; 17:347-51. [PMID: 4219952 DOI: 10.1159/000175558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effects of dietary supplementation on the humoral immune response were studied in a group of protein-calorie malnourished mice. The immune response, as assessed by the number of PFC and RFC as well as by serum anti-SRBC titer, was markedly impaired in the protein-calorie malnourished animals. However, this impairment was no longer apparent 14 days after the start of a ‘normal’ diet.
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Abstract
The interaction of protein-calorie malnutrition and A<sub>2</sub>/RI/5<sup>-</sup> influenza virus infection in rats was studied and the extension of the lung lesions in malnourished rats seemed to be less than those in the normal animals. Viral isolation was made in a higher percentage from the lungs of normal animals as compared to the malnourished ones. The antibody response in both groups was almost identical. These observations give indication that at least in our experiment, malnutrition does not enhance the influenza infection in rats.
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Abstract
During an outbreak of influenza specimens were obtained from 21 patients with influenza-like illnesses and from 29 healthy subjects in close contact with the patients. Throat washings from 12 of the patients were positive for influenza virus but virus was not detected from the blood specimens. One healthy contact became ill 12 hours after the specimens were obtained, and the virus was isolated from his blood and throat washings. The remaining contacts showed no clinical illness; but the virus was isolated from the throat washings of four of them, with no viral isolation from the blood specimens.
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Abstract
Antibody specific for viral neuraminidase can be demonstrated in mice following (i) pulmonary infection with influenza virus, (ii) immunization with ultraviolet-in-activated influenza virus, (iii) immunization with isolated neuraminidase of influenza A(2) virus, and (iv) passive immunization with sera of rabbits immunized with isolated A(2) neuraminidase. Neuraminidase antibody produced by any of these methods exerts a profound inhibiting effect on virus replication in the lungs of mice challenged with strains of virus having homologous neuraminidase protein, even in the absence of hemagglutinating inhibiting antibody to the challenge virus, and results in markedly decreased pulmonary virus titers and diminished lung lesions. These observations suggest that antineuraminidase immunity may play a significant role in the protection against influenza virus challenge observed in mice after infection or artificial immunization.
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