Acellular Fish Skin for Deep Dermal Traumatic Wounds Management; Introducing a Novel Dressing.

The optimal therapy for deep wounds is based on the early debridement of necrotic tissue followed by wound coverage to avoid a systemic inflammatory response and optimize scar-free healing. The outcomes are affected by available resources and underlying patient factors, which cause challenges in wound care and suboptimal outcomes. Here we report a patient with deep dermal injury wounds, who was treated with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) gel, plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF) gel, and acellular fish skin. Patient's outcomes regarding healing and scar quality were collected objectively and subjectively for one year after the injury. Wounds treated with acellular fish skin demonstrated accelerated wound healing, a significantly higher water-storage capacity, and better pain relief. Furthermore, improved functional and cosmetic outcomes, such as elasticity, skin thickness, and pigmentation, were demonstrated. It seems that, the PRGF gel and PRF in combination with acellular fish skin grafts resulted in the faster healing of wounds and better functional and aesthetic outcomes than split-thickness skin grafts treatment.

Assessment of the Response of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells to Photodynamic Therapy: Highlighting the Role of Il-17 Signaling Pathway.

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method based on the application of a photosensitive agent and the administration of light irradiation on the treated samples. PDT is applied as an effective tool with minimal side effects against tumor tissues. This study aimed to assess the targets of critical genes by PDT at the cellular level of cancer to provide a new perspective on its molecular mechanism. Methods: To assess the effect of PDT, we extracted the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the gene expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with PDT from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The queried DEGs were evaluated via a regulatory network and gene ontology enrichment to find the critical targets. Results: Among 76 queried significant DEGs, 27 individuals were interacted by activation, inhibition, and co-expression actions. Thirty DEGs were related to the five classes of biological terms. The IL-17 signaling pathway and PTGS2, CXCL8, FOS, JUN, CXCL1, ZFP36, and FOSB were identified as the crucial targets of PDT. Conclusion: PDT as a stimulator of gene expression and an activator of gene activity overexpressed and hyper-activated many genes. It seems that PDT introduces a number of genes and pathways that can be regulated by anticancer drugs to fight against cancers.

Evaluation of the Cellular Resistance Process in Treated Cells Via Extracorporeal Photopheresis.

Introduction: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a therapeutic method applied against some diseases such as cancers. Using 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and UVA radiation in ECP is associated with achievement in the treatment of patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Evaluation of cellular resistance versus ECP is the aim of this study. Methods: Data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were analyzed via the GEO2R program. The significant DEGs were assessed via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis by using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The critical genes were evaluated via gene ontology by using the ClueGO application of Cytoscape software. The identified biological processes were determined and analyzed. Results: Fifty-seven significant DEGs were determined. The main connected component of the PPI network including 32 queried significant DEGs plus 50 first neighbors was constructed. Nineteen histones as critical nodes were assessed via gene ontology, and "nucleosome organization" was pointed out as the crucial biological process. Finally, 15 histones from H2A, H2B, and H3 histone families were identified as the key genes that are involved in the resistance property of the treated cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, 15 members of H2A, H2B, and H3 families (especially H2A family) were considered as the origin of resistance versus ECP treatment. It is concluded that sensitivity to ECP treatment depends on gross molecular events which are involved in the functions of histones.

Histopathologic Changes of Appendicitis Stage During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: We decided to compare the pathology stage of appendicitis in patients referred to Firoozabadi Medical Center before and after the official announcement of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran because we believe that people's fears of COVID-19 are keeping them away from hospitals and it likely causes them to come in later stages of the disease. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Methods: In this retrospective study, histopathology records of all acute appendicitis patients who underwent an emergency appendectomy in the surgical unit in our institute between December 2019 and April 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The study period was designed to include 2 months before and 2 months after the officially announced onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran on February 20, 2020. All cases of complicated appendicitis (perforated appendicitis, phlegmonous appendix, itis or abscess) were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe our study variables. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic variables on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Version 22. Results: The study was conducted on 170 clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis patients. The odds ratio for gender was equal to 0.45 (0.23, 0.86), which means that women presented at an earlier pathological stage than men ( p = 0.016). Also, patients who had health insurance were 50% less likely to present in later pathological stages than those who did not ( p = 0.024). The COVID-19 outback did not have a significant role in the pathological stage at presentation ( p = 0.235). Conclusion: The number of appendicitis patients was down by about 50% following the outbreak announcement in Iran. Surprisingly, we did not find any significant changes in the distribution pattern of appendicitis pathological staging after the outbreak. Being uninsured and male sex were found to have the most significant roles in delayed hospital presentation and higher pathological stages in patients with acute appendicitis.

Evaluation of Positive Predictors of Micrometastasis in Central Lymph Nodes in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer; A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background & Objective: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common primary cancer originating from thyroid follicular cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the positive predictors of micrometastasis in central lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population was all known PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection of the central neck nodes based on the current indications. Confirmation of central lymph node involvement was performed by permanent smear after surgery. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. A P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no significant relationship between age, gender, family history of PTC, family history of thyroid disease, multinodularity, history of other thyroid diseases, involvement of two thyroid lobes, and tumor grade with central lymph node involvement (P>0.05). There was a significant relationship between the tumor pathology and size with central lymph node involvement (P<0.05). Moreover, logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that female gender, multinodularity, and tumor size had a significant relationship with the incidence of central lymph node involvement (P<0.05). Conclusion: Female gender, multinodularity, and larger tumor size may be predictors of micrometastasis in central lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

Introducing critical common dysregulated proteins in esophageal, gastric, and intestinal cancers.

Aim: The current study aimed to determine the common dysregulated proteins between esophageal, gastric, and intestinal cancers. Background: Though there are several documents about the role of AKT1 in promoting of esophageal, gastric, and intestinal cancers, there is not enough evidence about the dominant role of AKT1 relative to the other oncogene genes in the promotion of the three studied cancer types. Methods: One hundred proteins related to each of esophageal, gastric, or intestinal cancer were retrieved from the STRING database and interacted by Cytoscape software v 3.2.7. 2 to create the correlated interactomes. The network was analyzed by the "NetworkAnalyzer" application of Cytoscape to find the centrality parameters of the nodes. Results of network analysis and action map assessment were used to determine the common critical proteins between the three studied cancers. Results: One hundred proteins were extracted for each of the studied cancers. Among 42 common dysregulated proteins, 36 individuals were selected through network analysis and were screened through action map assessment. Eighteen proteins were introduced as the important common proteins. Finally, AKT1 was a candidate for the crucial dysregulated proteins common in the three analyzed diseases. Conclusion: The findings indicate that AKT1, relative to the other oncogene genes, is a suitable candidate to be evaluated in patients as a prediagnostic tool to reduce endoscopy and colonoscopy rates.

Network Analysis of Effect of Light-Dark Time Ratio on the Gene Expression Profile of Mouse Skin.

Introduction: Circadian rhythms refer to daily cyclic events such as activity and rest in biology. A protein-based core related to the mechanism of circadian is identified. In the present study, the gene expression profiles of mouse skin in different conditions of light-dark times were investigated via protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to explore the main affected genes. Methods: GSE174155 was derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and was analyzed via GEO2R to find the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene expression profiles of Cry-null (genotype: cryptochrome-1(-/-): crytochrome-2 (-/-)) mouse skin versus the wild-type samples in the various circadian times (CTs) were assessed. The queried DEGs plus 50 first neighbors were included in a PPI network via the STRING database by Cytoscape software. The networks were analyzed and the central nodes were evaluated. Results: Three groups of mice based on CTs were identified. 15, 15, and 14 central nodes were determined as central nodes for the analyze networks. There was not a common central node for the analyzed networks. Conclusion: It was pointed out that the light/dark time ratio had a gross effect on the gene expression profile of the skin in the mice. Results imply more investigations to suggest a standard protocol related to CT, considering human lifestyle and exploring suitable protective methods for the jobs which are fixed in the abnormal CT sets.

Introducing BDNF and SNAI1 as the Crucial Targeted Genes by UV Radiation.

Introduction: Due to widespread penetration of UV radiation in human life, the biological effect of UV radiation is studied through many investigations in the field of medicine. There are many assessments about UV radiation which are concerned with protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. In the present study, a network analysis associated with the complementary evaluation of UV radiation on human primary melanocytes is presented. Methods: The gene expression profiles of the irradiated human primary melanocytes and the control cells were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and were evaluated via PPI network analysis and action map assessment. Results: 69 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were included in the main component of the PPI network. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), SNAI1, and SOCS1 were highlighted as the top dysregulated and hub genes. Results indicate that BDNF and SNAI1 participate in the regulatory unit including the total hubs and top dysregulated genes. Conclusion: Considerable down-regulation of BDNF and up-regulation of SNAI1 as the two critical targeted genes by UV radiation are accompanied by gross alteration in cell functions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Interactome Profile Analysis: A Perspective From Molecular Mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the complex neuropsychiatric conditions. This disorder disables individuals in many different aspects of their personal and social life. Interactome analysis may provide a better understanding of this disorder's molecular origin and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, the OCD-associated genes were extracted from the literature. The criterion for gene selection was to choose genes with at least one significant report. Furthermore, by applying Cytoscape and its plugins, protein-protein interaction network, and gene ontology of the 31 candidate genes related to OCD from genetic association studies is examined. The cross-validation method was used for network centrality assessment. RESULTS: A scale-free network, including 1940 nodes and 3269 edges for 31 genes, was constructed. According to the network centrality evaluation, ESR1, TNFα, DRD2, DRD4, HTR1B, HTR2A, and CDH2 showed the highest values and can be considered hub-bottlenecks elements. It is also confirmed by the number of 123 cross-validation tests that the frequency of these essential genes remains unaltered against the initial seed genes' changes with the accuracy of 0.962. Besides, enrichment analysis identified four highlighted biological processes related to the 31 candidate genes. The top biological processes are determined as dopamine transport, learning, memory, and monoamine transport. CONCLUSION: Among 31 initial genes, 7 were introduced as crucial elements for onset and development in OCD and can be suggested for further investigations. Furthermore, the complex molecular origin of OCD requires high-throughput screening for diagnosis and treatment goals. The findings are a possible valuable source to establish molecular-based diagnostic tools for OCD.

Bioinformatics Investigation and Contribution of Other Chromosomes Besides Chromosome 21 in the Risk of Down Syndrome Development.

INTRODUCTION: Down syndrome as a genetic disorder is a popular research topic in molecular studies. One way to study Down syndrome is via bioinformatics. METHODS: In this study, a gene expression profile from a microarray study was selected for more investigation. RESULTS: The study of Down syndrome patients shows specific genes with differential expression and network centrality properties. These genes are introduced as RHOA, FGF2, FYN, and CD44, and their level of expression is high in these patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that besides chromosomes 21, there are additional contributing chromosomes to the risk of Down syndrome development. Besides, these genes could be used for clinical studies after more analysis.

C-reactive protein as a possible marker for severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection.

AIM: The present study aimed to introduce a possible biomarker to differentiate between severe and fatal conditions of COVID-19. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, appearing as a complicated health problem, has changed the lifestyle of people in recent years. Clinical findings indicate mild, severe, and fatal conditions of this disease. Prediction of disease severity is a significant point in managing COVID-19 infection. METHODS: In this study, 195 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that discriminate between fatal and severe conditions in patients were extracted from the literature and screened to determine the significant ones. The significant DEGs plus the 90 first neighbors added from the STRING database were included in the interactome using Cytoscape software v 3.7.2. The central nodes of the analyzed network were identified and assessed. RESULTS: Ten significant DEGs were candidates for assessment, of which 9 were recognized by the STRING database. IL6, ALB, TNF, CRP, INS, MPO, C3, CXCL8, TTR, and TLR4 were determined as central nodes; IL6, CRP, and TTR were highlighted as the critical genes related to the severity of COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: CRP was identified as the best possible biomarker with levels related to the severity and fatality of COVID-19 infection.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Effects on Rat Blood Hemostasis Via Significant Alteration in Fibrinogen and Plasminogen Expression Level.

Introduction: There are many documents about the significant role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in different processes such as regenerator medicine and bone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the role of LLLT in blood hemostasis in rats via bioinformatic investigation. Methods: The differentially expressed plasma proteins of treated rats via LLLT from the literature and the added 50 first neighbors were investigated via network analysis to find the critical dysregulated proteins and biological processes by using Cytoscape software, the STRING database, and ClueGO. Results: A scale-free network including 55 nodes was constructed from queried and added first neighbor proteins. Fibrinogen gamma, fibrinogen alpha, and plasminogen were highlighted as the central genes of the analyzed network. Fibrinolysis was determined as the main group of biological processes that were affected by LLLT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that LLLT affects blood hemostasis which is an important point in approving the therapeutic application of LLLT and also in preventing its possible complication.

Effect of UV Laser Radiation on "Positive Regulation of Telomere Maintenance" in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Introduction: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may cause a variety of skin cancers and damage to the eye lens. The assessment of different aspects of UV damage has attracted researchers' interest. UV radiation to simple biological models such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae of yeast family could help to find out different molecular changes resulting from radiation. The assessment and network analysis of gene expression data about yeast cells radiated by the UV laser was the aim of this study. Methods: The gene expression profiles of S. cerevisiae samples in the presence of the UV laser at 30 seconds radiation and 15 minutes' post-radiation time are compared with the control profiles. The significant expressed genes interacted and the central nodes and related biological terms were identified. Results: The main connected component of the network including 427 nodes was analyzed and 11 central differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined. RPN11, UBI4, HSP82, and HSC82 as critical DEGs and "positive regulation of telomere maintenance" as a related biological term were introduced. Conclusion: The finding has provided a new perspective on laser application in the rejuvenation process. It seems that the laser can be used as a suitable agent against the aging process which is a limiting factor in human life.

Assessment of Post-Radiation Time Effect on Gene Expression Profiles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Samples After Appling a UV Laser.

Introduction: Widespread application of lasers in different fields of medicine implies more investigations into the molecular mechanism of laser effects on the human body. Network analysis of the dysregulated genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae samples are irradiated by a UV laser and harvested 30 minutes after radiation compared with a 15-minute group is the aim of this research. Methods: The significant dysregulated genes interacted via the STRING database, and the central nodes were determined by "Networkanalyzer" application of Cytoscape software. The critical genes and the related biological terms were identified via action map analysis and gene ontology assessment. Results: The gene expression profiles of the samples with 30-minute post-radiation time were different from the samples with 15 minutes of post-radiation time. 9 potent central genes, 50% of which were similar to the nodes of the 15-minute group, were identified. The terms "positive regulation of telomere maintenance" were targeted in the two sample groups. Conclusion: In spite of large alteration in the gene expression profiles of the samples, the results indicated that the main affected biological term for the 15-minute and 30-minute groups was similar.

Investigating the Effects of Ibuprofen on the Gene Expression Profile in Hippocampus of Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease through Bioinformatics Analysis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are identified as effective in many diseases. One of which is neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease (AD). In this study gross alteration of gene expression in AD mice by ibuprofen treatment is investigated via Protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis. Expression profiling of microarray dataset GSE67306 was retrieved from GEO database and analyzed via GEO2R tool. PPI analysis was performed via Cytoscape 3.7.0. and its plug-ins including Network Analyzer, Gene MANIA, and CluePedia. Numbers of 10 central genes including Htr1a, Sstr2, Drd2, Htr1b, Penk, Pomc, Oprm1, Npy, Sst, and Chrm2 were identified as potential biomarkers. However, the role of Penk gene was highlighted. The finding indicates that ibuprofen changes gene expression level of several genes that are involved in AD.

Neuroprotective Properties of Photobiomodulation in Retinal Regeneration in Rats: Perspectives From Interaction Levels.

Introduction: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is known as low-level laser (or light) therapy and is applied in different fields of medicine. However, it is required that its molecular and cellular mechanism be investigated. This study aims to assess the neuroprotective properties of PBM in the rat retina. Methods: GSE22818 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the regulation of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which are produced by light damage in the rat retina by the pretreatment of PBM application was assessed via network analysis and gene ontology enrichment. Results: The 78 produced DEGs by light-damage in the rat retina were protected via PBM pretreatment action. Among these determined DEGs, 53 individuals were included in the main connected component of the constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Ccl2, Icam1, Cxcl10, Timp1, and Fos were determined as hub nodes. Eight clusters including 26 regulated biochemical pathways by PBM pretreatment were identified. The critical DEGs based on the action maps were introduced. Conclusion: The finding indicates that PBM treatment protects rat retina against light damage via the prevention of Fos, Ccl2, Icam1, Cxcl10, and Myc dysregulation.

Evaluation of preoperative liver function test efficacy in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

AIM: The present study aimed at investigating the necessity of preoperative liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. BACKGROUND: Significant relationship between common bile duct (CBD) stones and acute cholecystitis is reported. There are contradictory reports about the effect of CBD stones on liver function tests in patients (LFTs). METHODS: In the current study, patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who referred to hospitals during January 2015 and May 2016 were enrolled. Routine tests and ultrasonography were performed on all patients before surgery. Data were presented as means ± SD and qualitative variables as frequency (percentage) were considered. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS software. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 270 patients (58 males and 212 females) who referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pre- operative LFTs were normal in 249 patients (85%) and abnormal LFT was detected in 41 patients (15 %). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 15 % of patients with cholelithiasis without dilated CBD had impaired LFTs. Routine LFTs in preoperative evaluation of symptomatic cholelithiasis usually reveals normal findings and is not helpful in uncomplicated cholelithiasis.

Assessment of Dysregulation of HERC6 and Essential Biological Processes in Response to Laser Therapy of Human Arm Skin.

Introduction: The widespread application of lasers in medicine, especially in the treatment of diseases implies more investigations to understand the precious molecular mechanism of the laser effect on the human body. In the present study, the prominent role of HERC6 in response to CO2 Laser therapy of human skin is investigated. Methods: The numbers of 16 gene expression profiles before and after the treatment with the CO2 laser are downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) are analyzed to find the significant DEGs. Gene ontology analysis revealed that HERC6 and a set of its neighbors played a significant role in response to laser application. Results: The expression changes of 52 significant DEGs were compared via heat map analysis and 27 significant DEGs were introduced as the critical genes which are involved in response to laser irradiation. "Thymidylate kinase activity" among 9 clusters of biological terms was highlighted as an important biological process related to the identified DEGs. HERC2 was proposed as a critical DEG which was related to several essential cellular processes in response to laser application. Conclusion: The findings from the present study indicate that HERC6 and the numbers of its first neighbors are involved in the essential cellular response to laser therapy of human skin.

Assessment of Laser Effects on Skin Rejuvenation.

Laser skin resurfacing has changed the approach of facial skin rejuvenation over the past decade. This article evaluates the laser effects on skin rejuvenation by the assessment of laser characteristics and histological and molecular changes, accompanied by the expression of proteins during and after laser-assisted rejuvenation of skin. It is important to note that different layers of skin with different cells are normally exposed to the sun's UV radiation which is the most likely factor in aging and damaging healthy skin. To identify the expression of proteins, using validated databases and reviewing existing data could reveal altered proteins which could be analyzed and mapped to investigate their expression and their different effects on cell biological responses. In this regard, proteomics data can be used for better investigation of the changes in the proteomic profile of the treated skin. Different assessments have revealed the survival and activation of fibroblasts and new keratinocytes with an increase of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis and the reduction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) as a result of different low-power laser therapies of skin. There are a wide range of biological effects associated with laser application in skin rejuvenation; therefore, more safety considerations should be regarded in the application of lasers in skin rejuvenation.

Evaluation of Laser Effects on the Human Body After Laser Therapy.

Lasers have wide applications in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and various medical fields. Laser therapy like the other methods has advantages and disadvantages. Some risks such as bleeding, pain, and infection are created after laser therapy. Explanation and evaluation of laser effects on cell function, tissue, and the body are the aims of this study. We reviewed papers available from 1986 to 2019 about the effects of lasers on cells and tissue. An online search of PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar using such keywords as "laser", "cell", "tissue", "body" and "side effects" was performed. The laser photons are absorbed by chromophores, resulting in the target heating and localized damage. Laser irradiation alters cellular metabolism and cellular functions. These alterations may be accompanied by undesired side effects which can be monitored via metabolites level change in the body. Based on this finding, laser therapy may be associated with several side effects and complications; therefore, before treatment, the determination of laser types and their properties is necessary to avoid creating side effects. The advantages and disadvantages of the treatment type should be considered in order to choose the best treatment with the least side effects. The patients' awareness of possible side effects before treatment and also an effective follow-up and management of patients after action are two important points in laser therapy. Training curriculum definition should be determined for laser applicant qualifications in different medical fields.