Biomedical subjects

A Ahmadi

Publications and source records attributed to A Ahmadi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Association of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor polymorphism in dementia.

There is an increasing interest in how oxidative stress can cause cells to go into apoptosis in both normal ageing and in neurodegenerative disorders. Previous research has implicated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as being involved in the pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by protecting the neurons through reducing neuronal susceptibility to oxidative stress. IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) polymorphisms alter cerebral and systemic levels of IGF-1 and may alter the function of the receptor. We genotyped the IGF-1R gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to assess whether this gene polymorphism can be linked to dementia. We used leukocyte DNA from 72 patients with AD, 75 patients with vascular dementia (VaD), 14 patients with mixed dementia (AD+VaD), and a control group consisting of 209 individuals without a history of progressive neurological disorders. Analysis of gene frequency for gender revealed a significant difference between female VaD patients and female controls carrying at least one A allele (OR = 1.8, CI 95% 1.1-2.9, p = 0.02), but not for male patients. In addition, we found a strong tendency to a difference between all cases of female dementia patients and controls carrying the A allele (OR = 1.5, CI 95% 0.99-2.2, p = 0.054). Our results suggest that the A allele of IGF-1R may be involved in the pathogenesis of VaD in females.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Nematic and polar order in active filament solutions.

Using a microscopic model of interacting polar biofilaments and motor proteins, we characterize the phase diagram of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous states in terms of experimental parameters. The polarity of motor clusters is key in determining the organization of the filaments in homogeneous isotropic, polarized, and nematic states, while motor-induced bundling yields spatially inhomogeneous structures.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

PubMed2005

The 158V polymorphism of Fc gamma receptor type IIIA in early rheumatoid arthritis: increased susceptibility and severity in male patients (the Swedish TIRA project).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of Fcgamma receptor IIIA (FcgammaRIIIA) 158V/F polymorphism on susceptibility and disease severity in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In 181 Swedish patients (128 women, 53 men) with RA of recent onset, disease and disability variables such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) scores were monitored regularly during 3 yr. Three hundred and sixty-two controls were recruited from the same geographical area as the patients. FcgammaRIIIA genotyping was performed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In all RA patients, FcgammaRIIIA-158VV was significantly over-represented compared with controls [odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-3.5, P<0.05]. After stratifying for sex, the difference remained in the male population (OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.03-11, P<0.05) but disappeared among women (OR 1.4, 95%CI 0.7-3.1, P=0.4). In addition, 158VV patients were more likely to exhibit early joint erosions (OR 6.1, 95%CI 1.4-28, P<0.01). At baseline, patients with different FcgammaRIIIA genotypes did not differ with respect to measures of disease activity or functional ability. Thereafter, in male patients with at least one V allele the mean DAS28 and HAQ scores were higher compared with 158FF. In contrast, female patients with at least one 158V allele displayed lower mean DAS28 and HAQ scores compared with those with 158FF. CONCLUSIONS: In a male population, the FcgammaRIIIA-158VV genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing RA, and the 158V allele with more severe disease in early RA.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Cervical muscle strength measurement in two groups of elite Greco-Roman and free style wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Free style and Greco-Roman are two types of wrestling. [figure: see text] OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the maximal isometric strength of cervical extension (ISCE) and the maximal isometric strength of cervical flexion (ISCF) in two groups of elite wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects. METHODS: Fourteen elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (aged 19-25 years), 16 elite free style wrestlers (aged 18-25 years), and 16 non-athletic subjects (aged 18-25 years) participated in this study. All wrestlers competed at international level with the Iranian national team. Maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of cervical extensor and flexor muscles were measured using a custom made device. The ratios of ISCE to weight (ISCE/weight), ISCF to weight (ISCF/weight), and ISCF to ISCE (ISCF/ISCE) were calculated for group comparisons. Pearson product moment test was used to estimate correlation between maximal isometric strength measurements and anthropometric variables. A one way analysis of variance was computed to compare ISCE/weight, ISCF/weight, and ISCF/ISCE among groups. RESULTS: There was significant correlation between maximum cervical extension and flexion strengths and weight in all groups (p<0.05, n = 46). The ratios of cervical muscle strengths to weight were significantly higher in wrestlers than in non-athletic subjects (p<0.00). Greco-Roman wrestlers appeared to be stronger than free style wrestlers following comparison of all ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Neck muscle force measurements may be a useful test for athletes in combat sports like wrestling. They can be applied to identify the weakness of a group of muscles in the neck area and to devise a proper training program.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of HESA-A (a marine compound) pretreatment against thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage in rabbits.

HESA-A, a marine compound, has been shown to exhibit antihepatic cancer, antitumor and anti-Parkinson effects. The hepatoprotective potential of HESA-A pretreatment at doses of 125 mg and 250 mg per day orally for a period of 40 days was evaluated against thioacetamide-induced liver damage in rabbits. Biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase in serum were estimated to assess liver function and lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and the antierythrocyte lysis effect of plasma for measurement of antioxidant potential capacity. Data on the hepatic biochemical parameters revealed the hepatoprotective potential of HESA-A pretreatment against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits. There was an increase in total antioxidant and antierythrocyte lysis and a decrease in MDA in plasma after HESA-A treatment. These results strongly suggest that HESA-A has a protective action against preoperative damage to biomembranes.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Multiple sclerosis and exposure to organic solvents, investigated by genetic polymorphisms of the GSTM1 and CYP2D6 enzyme systems.

An association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and exposure to organic solvents has been discussed. Organic solvents are metabolised by enzyme systems like glutathione Stransferase M1 (GSTM1) and CYP2D6, which express polymorphisms in the general population. GSTM1 null genotype has been associated with solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy. Our aim was to see if a defect in one of these enzyme systems could explain the association between MS and exposure to organic solvents. In our study, 50 patients with MS were investigated, including 24 who had been significantly exposed to organic solvents and 26 who were not exposed. Polymerase chain reaction-based methods were used for genotyping GSTM1 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms in leukocyte DNA. No differences in genetic predisposition were found between MS patients exposed and those not exposed to organic solvents regarding GSTM1 null or CYP2D6 poor metaboliser genotypes. The possible association between multiple sclerosis and solvents may not, as for chronic toxic encephalopathy, be explained by defects in these systems.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Predictors of long-term results after treatment of iliac artery obliteration by transluminal angioplasty and stent deployment.

PURPOSE: To investigate initial and long-term success rate after percutaneous treatment of iliac artery occlusion with angioplasty and stent deployment. To investigate the influence of vascular comorbidity, lesion length, stent placement and lesion coverage as possible predictors of outcome. METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 1999, 80 iliac recanalizations were performed on 78 patients, median age 61.1 +/- 11.5 (SD) years. All patients were followed up by clinical examinations, duplex ultrasound and intravenous digital subtraction angiography. Mean follow-up time was 2.0 +/- 1.53 (SD) years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the influence of cofactors on patency. RESULTS: One, 2 and 4 years after recanalization, primary patency was 78.1%, 74.5% and 64.0%; secondary patency was 88.8%, 88.8% and 77.9%, respectively. Patients with shorter occlusions, complete lesion coverage and patent ipsilateral femoral arteries had significantly longer patency rates. Complications included inguinal hematoma (n=1), technical failure (n=3) aortic dissection (n=1), embolic occlusions (n=7), gluteal claudication (n=1) and genital necrosis after subsequent urethral surgery in one patient with contralateral occlusion and ipsilateral overstenting of the internal iliac artery with subsequent stenosis. Complications were of permanent clinical significance in seven of 78 (9%) of the patients. In 17 (22%) cases, percutaneous reintervention was performed with angioplasty in the stent (n=16) or deployment of a new stent (n=1). CONCLUSION: Endoluminal stent placement has its place in an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach as a viable therapeutic alternative to major transabdominal bypass surgery and can be performed with comparable complication rates. Patients with short occlusions, patent femoral arteries, and stents covering the entire occlusion have significant longer patency.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The effects of 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging on early murine in-vitro embryo development.

Although no ionizing radiation is involved, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are exposed to powerful static magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio-frequency fields that may be potentially damaging. Our study aims to document the effect of MRI imaging sequences on early murine embryo development (two-cell to blastocyst stage) in vitro. Two-cell murine embryos were exposed to various lengths of MRI using pulse sequences employed in present day clinical imaging. Early murine embryo development was documented in vitro, and blastocyst development rates were computed for both the control and exposed groups. There were no significant differences detected in the rate of blastocyst formation between the control groups and the embryos exposed to MRI.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Interferon therapy for orbital infiltration secondary to Erdheim-Chester disease.

PURPOSE: To describe a 55-year-old male with Erdheim-Chester disease with bilateral orbital infiltration and visual loss who was successfully treated with interferon-alpha. METHODS: Interventional case report. RESULTS: The patient was treated with interferon-alpha and had an improvement in his clinical signs, including his visual acuity, after 4 weeks of interferon therapy. CONCLUSION: Interferon-alpha can be effective in the treatment of orbital infiltration secondary to Erdheim-Chester disease.

Exophthalmos↗

PubMed2001

Long-term results of systemic thrombolysis therapy in aorto-iliac occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: Long term results of systemic lysis therapy with ultrahigh-dose urokinase (UHUK) in reopening aorto-iliac occlusive disease have not yet been evaluated. This prospective trial investigates the long-term primary patency rate, the rate of complications and assesses the role of different expected influence parameters on the primary patency rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 72 patients with aorto-iliac occlusive disease received daily intravenous infusions of UHUK either until reperfusion or--after at least 3 cycles--no progress in recanalization could be stated on two consecutive days by duplex scanning. RESULTS: Systemic lysis therapy was morphological at least partially successful in 44 patients (61.1%). Concomitant percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 41 patients (56.9%), surgery in 7 patients (9.7%) and both in further 5 patients (6.9%). In patients without surgery hemodynamical success could be achieved in 39 patients (54.2%) and even more important clinical success in 51 patients (70.8%). Compared to baseline results patients improved significantly in ankle/brachial pressure index and in Fontaine stages (p < 0.001), the same results could be seen after a mean follow-up period of 62 months. Thrombolysis was complicated in 4 patients (5.6%) by macroembolizations but no major bleedings or deaths occurred. Primary patency was 76%, 64%, and 43% after 1, 5 and 10 years. Male sex and distal localization were significantly correlated with lower primary clinical patency. CONCLUSION: Systemic lysis therapy is an alternative to surgical intervention in acute and subacute aorto-iliac occlusive disease, because it offers acceptable long-term results with a low rate of complications.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Insecticidal activity of common reagents for insect foreign bodies of the ear.

OBJECTIVE: Insects commonly present as painful and distressing foreign bodies of the external ear canal. Removing live insects can be challenging, especially for primary care physicians who have limited equipment. The purpose of this study is to compare the insecticidal activity of commonly available preparations for insects that are most frequently recovered from ear canals: cockroaches (German and American), ticks, beetles, and honeybees. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded. METHODS: One hundred seventy insects of each species were placed in test tubes and submerged in 17 test preparations (10 tubes per preparation, 1 insect per test tube). Insect activity was stimulated by agitation of the test tube. Responses were monitored, and the time until death was measured. RESULTS: Most test preparations exhibited some insecticidal activity against most insect species. Ticks were completely resistant to all of the test reagents. Ethanol killed the American cockroaches (mean time, 32.6 s), German cockroaches (mean time, 29.6 s), and honeybees (mean time, 19.6 s) the most rapidly. CONCLUSION: Many commonly available reagents may be used to kill or immobilize insect foreign bodies of the ear.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2001

Cervical epidural actinomycosis. Case report.

Cervical actinomycosis causing spinal cord compression is a rare clinical entity. In a review of the literature, the authors found only 13 cases with actinomycosis-related spinal neurological deficit. The authors describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented with neck pain and partial paresis of the upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a long cervical epidural enhancing lesion that extended from C-1 to T-2. The radiological findings resembled metastasis and other epidural infections. The patient was treated medically with penicillin and amoxicillin for 7 months and recovered neurologically. The authors conclude that although cervical epidural actinomycosis is a rare clinical entity resembling metastasis and other infections in this region, it should be considered so that this unique infection can be diagnosed in the least invasive fashion and, whenever possible, unnecessary surgery can be avoided.

Actinomycosis↗

PubMed2000

A severe case of vascular thoracic outlet syndrome.

We report a 21-year-old patient who presented at the outpatient department of angiology with incipient necroses in the fingertips of the right hand. Colour-coded duplex sonography and angiography demonstrated occlusion of the right brachial, ulnar and radial arteries, obviously resulting from an embolism from the subclavian artery narrowed by a cervical rib. After partly successful local thrombolysis this accessory rib was resected. We review angiologic signs and neurological symptoms of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and analyse the current literature regarding diagnostic procedures and treatment. This complicated and severe case of TOS in a young patient ending with paresis of the right arm and partial finger amputation emphasises the importance of early diagnosis of this condition.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

GSTM1 and mEPHX polymorphisms in Parkinson's disease and age of onset.

Both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of PD and biotransformation of exogenous and endogenous compounds and may play a role in inter-individual susceptibility. Therefore, we investigated the presence of null genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1, and two polymorphisms of mEPHX in subjects with Parkinson's disease and in a reference population. The study included 35 male PD patients and a male control group including 283 subjects. Homozygosity of the histidine (H) 113 isoform of mEPHX was significantly increased in PD patients (odds ratio = 3.8 CI 95% 1. 2-11.8) and analysis of allele frequencies displayed an increased frequency of the H-allele among PD patients (odds ratio = 1.9 CI 95% 1.1-3.3). However, a significantly elevated median age for the onset of PD was found among GSTM1 gene carriers (median age = 68 years) compared to PD patients being GSTM1 null genotypes (median age = 57 years). Our observations suggest that (H) 113 isoform of mEPHX, which has been suggested as a low activity isoform, is overrepresented in PD patients and that inherited carriers of the GSTM1 gene postpone the onset of PD. These detoxification pathways may represent important protective mechanisms against reactive intermediates modifying the susceptibility and onset of PD.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

The role of antithrombotic therapy on the patency of peripheral bypasses.

Peripheral bypass surgery is a well-established treatment for symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the legs. To improve the long-term patency antithrombotic drugs and other adjuvant treatment are applied. In this review we summarize the results of randomized studies concerning antithrombotic treatment for prophylaxis after peripheral bypass surgery. Heparin is used routinely intra- and perioperatively without strong data, and according to few data low molecular weight heparin may be superior in this situation. Aspirin had positive effects in placebo-controlled studies after infrainguinal PTFE-bypasses, furthermore it is recommended due to its general cardiovascular risk reduction. Ticlopidine improved long-term patency in one randomized study after venous bypass surgery. Otherwise there are some data that long-term oral anticoagulation may be preferable in patients after venous bypass surgery.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗

PubMed2000

Effects of transvenous regional guanethidine block in the treatment of critical finger ischemia.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of transvenous regional guanethidine block in the treatment of patients with critical finger ischemia. Twenty-seven patients (17 collagen vascular disease, four thromboangiitis obliterans, three embolism, three atherothrombosis) presenting with ischemic rest pain and/or ulcerations of the fingers received a single block with 5 mg guanethidine injected in 60 mL into the clinically more affected hand under 30 minutes of arterial arrest. Marked hyperemia was induced in the treated upper limb, increases (p < 0.01) in finger blood flow, finger skin temperature, and laser Doppler flux were higher and longer lasting than in forearm blood flow, persisting for a whole month. Effects in patients with ischemic finger ulcers were less pronounced than in those without, yet statistically significant increases of all evaluated parameters were observed in these patients too. No effects were seen in the contralateral untreated upper limb or in systemic blood pressure. Subjective symptoms (reduction of rest pain, numbness, vasospastic attacks) were improved in 25/27 (92.6%) patients, ischemic rest pain disappeared in 20/27 (74.1%), and complete healing of finger tip ulcerations within 1 month was achieved in 10/12 (83.3%) affected patients. No side effects were observed. This described method combines good clinical efficacy with lack of undesirable side effects and can be repeated easily. Therefore, this technique is recommended for broader clinical use.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Colour duplex sonography-guided local lysis of occlusions in the femoro-popliteal region.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate colour duplex sonographic guidance of local lysis of occlusions in the femoropopliteal region. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients (8 female, mean age 67) with peripheral artery disease with acute and subacute occlusions in the superficial femoral or popliteal artery were included in this study. The lesions were identified by colour duplex ultrasound (Acuson 128 XP/10) After anterograde puncture the guidewire was advanced through the arterial lesions under B-mode image control. The Mewissen Infusion Catheter and a Katzen infusion wire were then accurately positioned within the lesion under B-mode image control. The fibrinolytic drugs were then inserted into the occlusions, initially 2.5 mg rt-PA as a bolus followed by Urokinase (50,000 IU/h) for 24 hours. After control duplex sonography (over 24 hours) the additional angioplasty was performed either under fluoroscopic or exclusively under ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: Eleven of 13 patients with occlusions in the femoro-popliteal region were partially recanalised after ultrasound guided local lysis and after the additional angioplasties (nine under fluoroscopic and three under ultrasound guidance) the arteries were completely recanalised. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that not only is the positioning of the catheter and the guidewire for local lysis exclusively under colour duplex guidance possible, but also the surveillance of the local lysis and the additional angioplasty. In the case of any complications, however, easy access to angiography should be possible.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Fertilizing ability of DNA-damaged spermatozoa.

In order to investigate the fertilizing ability of DNA-damaged sperm, they were exposed to gamma radiation prior to insemination. The presence of DNA-strand breaks were detected by the TUNEL test. Fertilization rates of 64.3, 59.9, 58.5, and 61.1% were achieved when sperm were subjected to 5, 10, 50, and 100 GY, respectively. This rate was 53.2% in the control group with no significant difference (P > 0.01). The blastocyst development was decreased from 49.8% in the control group to 20.3, 7.8, 3.4, and 2.3% with sperm exposed to doses of 5, 10, 50, and 100 GY, respectively. Of the transferred blastocyst in the control group, 69.8% were implanted and 33.9% developed into live fetuses. These rates were 57.1 and 21. 4%, 20 and 0% when sperm were exposed to doses of 5 and 10 GY with a significant difference (P < 0.01). The present study clearly shows that DNA-damaged sperm (regardless of degree of damage) have the ability to fertilize the oocyte, but that embryonic development is very much related to the degree of DNA damage. However, the oocyte has the capacity to repair DNA damage of sperm when it is damaged less than 8%. Damage beyond this level will result in low rate of embryonic development and high early pregnancy loss. J. Exp. Zool. 284:696-704, 1999.

Animals↗