1.The Effect of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters
Seyed Mohsen RAFIZADEH ; Hesam HASHEMIAN ; Masoud KHORRAMI-NEJAD ; Ali HADI ; Ghazal GHOCHANI
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(1):31-40
Purpose:
To determine the effect of lower eyelid blepharoplasty (LEB) surgery on corneal biomechanical parameters before and 4 months after the procedure.
Methods:
In this prospective longitudinal study, corneal biomechanical parameters measured by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology device were evaluated before and 4 months after LEB surgery.
Results:
The study included 19 eyelids of the right eyes of 19 patients who underwent LEB, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 10.1 years (range, 37–72 years). Four months after the procedure, significant increases were observed in the first applanation time (p = 0.007), second applanation time (p < 0.001), highest concavity time (p = 0.004), intraocular pressure (p = 0.009), and biomechanical-compensated intraocular pressure (p = 0.007). In addition, the absolute value of highest concavity delta arc length and stress-strain index showed a significant decrease after the LEB (p = 0.021 and p = 0.037, respectively). Other corneal biomechanical parameters did not show significant differences following the LEB procedure (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The resection and repositioning of the fat pockets in LEB lead to biomechanical changes of the cornea in the direction of increasing corneal stiffness.
2.Carvacrol attenuated haloperidol-induced Parkinson’s disease via TNF/NFκβ-NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis
Faisal ALBAQAMI ; Khawaja Waqas AHMAD ; Fawad Ali SHAH
Laboratory Animal Research 2025;41(1):93-103
Background:
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating and the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with a high prevalence. Parkinson’s disease has a multifaceted etiology characterized by an altered redox state and an excessive inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of carvacrol in a haloperidol-induced Parkinson’s model. In female Sprague-Dawley rats, the animal Parkinson model was induced by intraperitoneally administering 1 mg / kg of haloperidol once daily for fifteen days. Carvacrol was administered at a dose of 25 and 50 mg / kg once daily for fifteen days before haloperidol administration. In order to further illustrate the vital role of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) pathway, we administered 50 mg / kg of the TNF-α inhibitor thalidomide once daily for 15 days.
Results:
Our results showed that haloperidol-induced motor deficits, changed endogenous antioxidant enzymes, along with higher levels of inflammasome (NLRP3) and other inflammatory mediators. Moreover, increased levels of lipid peroxidase (LPO) indicated a significant rise in oxidative stress due to haloperidol. Moreover, carvacrol reduced these effects by preventing pyroptosis mediated by the inflammasome (NLRP3) and TNF-α. The administration of thalidomide mitigated oxidative stress and suppresses inflammatory pathways through the augmentation of the intrinsic antioxidant system. Further, co-treatment of carvacrol with thalidomide synergized the neuroprotective effect of carvacrol as demonstrated by various immunoassays and histology analyses.
Conclusions
Taken together, our findings suggest that carvacrol mitigated haloperidol-induced Parkinson-like symptoms, partially through the downregulation of TNF-α and NLRP3.
3.Delayed Aneurysm Rupture Following Endovascular Treatment with Contour Device: A Case Report
Osman KOC ; Mostafa MAHMOUD ; Ehab MAHMOUD ; Ali AYYAD ; Ahmad OWN
Neurointervention 2025;20(1):24-27
Delayed rupture of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment is a rare but serious complication. We report the first documented case of late aneurysmal rupture following treatment with a Contour intrasaccular device. A patient in their 60s with a basilar tip aneurysm underwent endovascular treatment using a 14-mm Contour device. Fifteen months later, the patient presented with a fatal intraventricular hemorrhage, and imaging revealed device displacement and aneurysm growth. This case underscores the importance of meticulous device sizing and follow-up, especially for large aneurysms.
4.Preparation and Biodistribution Assessment of 177Lu-curcumin as a Possible Therapeutic Agent
Sara VOSOUGHI ; Nafise SALEK ; Mohammad ghannadi MARAGHEH ; Simindokht Shirvani ARANI ; Ali Bahrami SAMANI ; Masoud ARABIEH
Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;59(1):62-71
Purpose:
Curcumin as a potent anti-inflammatory and cancer-prevention molecule was labeled with n.c.a 177Lu. The combi-nation of 177Lu as a theranostic agent and curcumin as an anti-cancer can be considered for nuclear medicine.
Methods:
First, n.c.a 177Lu (specific activity = 48 Ci/mg) was prepared using the extraction chromatography method. Then,semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations were applied to get a deeper insight into the complexation reaction between Lu+3 and curcumin ligand. UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used for the determination of the metal-to-curcumin ratio. Sub-sequently, a mixture of (111–333 MBq) n.c.a 177Lu, 50 µL curcumin solution in ethanol, and 450 µL acetate buffer at pH = 5was incubated for 1 h at 95 ºC. The Lu-curcumin complex chemical structure was characterized using IR spectroscopy.Finally, the prepared complex was analyzed by different quality control tests.
Results:
Complexometry using UV-Vis studies showed a 1:2 ratio for Lutetium: curcumin complex which is in agreement with theoretical calculations. The IR-spectra analysis also confirmed the complex formation. The radiochemical purity of n.c.a 177Lu -curcumin was more than 95% as determined by radio-TLC. The stability of up to 48 h was observed for theprepared complex in serum. The partition coefficient was calculated for the compound (logP = -0.31). Evaluating biodistri-bution in tumoral mice exhibited high tumor uptake (%ID/gtissue = 2.03).
Conclusion
The promising results showed that n.c.a 177Lu-curcumin can be considered as a possible radiopharmaceutical agent for therapeutic applications.
5.Can activator protein-1 transcription factors be monitored in the maternal circulation to predict set on labor?
Toghrul YAHYAYEV ; Tugce Senturk KIRMIZITAS ; Ali BENIAN ; Tuba GUNEL
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):139-147
Objective:
We aimed to compare gene expression levels in myometrial tissues and serum from pregnant women undergoing cesarean section (CS) with and without uterine contractions. The myometrial activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor family (JUN, FOS, and fos-related antigen-2 [FOSL2]) was evaluated as a contraction-related marker in maternal circulation to predict labor timing.
Methods:
Samples were collected from pregnant women undergoing CS. Uterine contractions were observed in the experimental group (n=10) but not in the control group (n=10). Gene expression of JUN, FOS, and FOSL2 was analyzed in serum and myometrial samples using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad software (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA).
Results:
Given the non-normal data distribution, JUN, FOS, and FOSL2 gene expression levels increased in the CS group with uterine contractions. However, this increase was not statistically significant in either tissue or serum samples. Nevertheless, the correlation of JUN messenger RNA expression between maternal circulation and myometrial tissue was statistically significant in the CS group with contractions (p<0.01).
Conclusion
This is the first study to investigate AP-1 transcription factor expression in matched tissue and serum samples in relation to uterine contractility. The increased expression of JUN, FOS, and FOSL2 in the CS group with contractions suggests these genes may play a key role in initiating or propagating human labor, indicating that contractionassociated AP-1 could serve as a biomarker for labor timing.
6.Prevalence and Predictors of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children with Portal Hypertension: A Single Center Study
Nehal El KOOFY ; Sawsan Hassan OKASHA ; Hala Mounir AGHA ; Noha ALI ; Ahmed Said BEHAIRY ; Hanan Mina FOUAD ; Rehab Hamdy ZAWAM
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2025;28(2):101-112
Purpose:
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) in children with portal hypertension.
Methods:
We recruited children of both sexes aged 3–15 years with portal hypertension that was clinically suspected and confirmed by the presence of varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The participants underwent clinical examination, 6-min walk distance (6-MWD), and echocardiography.
Results:
We enrolled 94 children with portal hypertension: 26.6% with pre-hepatic causes and 73.4% secondary to chronic liver disease. Among our participants, 13.8% had one or more cardiac manifestations, such as exercise intolerance, dyspnea on exertion, cyanosis, or orthopnea, whereas 86.2% were asymptomatic. EGD examination revealed grade I varices in 54.3% of cases, grade II–III in 43.6%, and grade IV in 2.1%. Pulmonary hypertension (>35 mmHg) was detected in 30.9% of cases using echocardiography; two of them were >45 mmHg. Patients with POPH had significantly more frequent dyspnea on exertion, lower O 2 saturation, and more severe variceal grades than those with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Five (6.9%) cases had <300 m 6-MWD, with no significant difference between patients with normal and those with elevated pulmonary artery pressure. The duration of portal hypertension and 6-MWD were correlated significantly with the echocardiographic measures. High-grade varices (p=0.04) and low O 2 saturation (p=0.03) were identified as risk factors for POPH.
Conclusion
POPH was detected in 30.9% of our study group. High-grade varices and low O 2 saturation are predictors of POPH. Echocardiography screening is crucial for the early detection of cases.
7.Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationships Between Objective Physical Activity With Depression and Stress Among Nurses in Türkiye
Tug˘ba Mutlu BOZKURT ; Mehmet Ali ÖZTÜRK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):311-319
Objective:
Nurses belong to a professional cohort that frequently experiences depression and stress. The objective of this research was to examine the correlation between objective physical activity (PA) with depression and stress among nurses, with a specific focus on the mediating role of resilience.
Methods:
This study employed the descriptive-correlation method. One-hundred twenty-seven nurses (76 women) working in hospitals in Bitlis province, Türkiye in 2023 were selected using a convenience sampling. To measure PA, depression, stress, and resilience, ActiGraph GT3X-BT accelerometer, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were utilized, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation test and structural equation modeling.
Results:
Nurses, particularly women, experienced a moderate level of depression and stress. Moreover, the number of step counts was significantly higher in day vs. night shift. Overall, the nurses in this study, especially women, engaged in PA levels that were significantly below the international guidelines for adults (p<0.001). Additionally, higher intensity levels of PA (i.e., moderate PA [MPA] and vigorous PA [VPA]) were found to be linked with reduced levels of depression (β=-0.528, β=-0.410, respectively) and stress (β=-0.605, β=-0.531, respectively). Lastly, resilience was identified as a significant mediator in the correlation between MPA and VPA with depression and stress (p<0.05).
Conclusion
These findings hold great significance as they demonstrate the positive impact of both resilience and PA on the mental well-being of nurses. It is advisable for healthcare authorities to formulate policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the overall stability and performance of the healthcare sector.
8.Enhanced recovery after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy using articulating laparoscopic instruments in older adults with gastric cancer: a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data
Seohee CHOI ; Takahiro KINOSHITA ; Kazutaka OBAMA ; Katsunobu SAKURAI ; Naoshi KUBO ; Naruhiko IKOMA ; Ali GUNER ; Hyoung-Il KIM
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2025;108(2):86-92
Purpose:
As the number of older adults with gastric cancer requiring gastrectomy has increased, it has become increasingly important to use techniques that enhance surgical safety and reduce postoperative complications in this vulnerable patient population. Articulating laparoscopic instruments (ALIs) may improve maneuverability and precision, leading to better outcomes in older patients. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes of older adults undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer using conventional versus ALIs.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 147 older patients (aged ≥70 years) who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2017 and 2024. Surgery was performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments in 61 patients and ALIs in 86 patients. The median follow-up period was 20 months.
Results:
Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the articulating group than in the conventional group (4.6 ± 2.0 days vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 days, P = 0.030). Time to first flatus was also significantly shorter in the articulating group (2.4 ± 0.7 days vs. 2.8 ± 1.0 days, P = 0.022). However, there were no significant differences in overall complications, major (≥grade III) complications (conventional, 1.2% vs. articulating, 0%; P = 0.398) overall survival, or recurrence-free survival between groups.
Conclusion
The use of articulating instruments in older adults undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was associated with shorter postoperative hospital stays and faster recovery of bowel function, with no apparent detrimental effects on complications, recurrence, or survival. These findings suggest that ALIs enhance recovery and possibly overall surgical outcomes in this patient population.
9.The Effect of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters
Seyed Mohsen RAFIZADEH ; Hesam HASHEMIAN ; Masoud KHORRAMI-NEJAD ; Ali HADI ; Ghazal GHOCHANI
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(1):31-40
Purpose:
To determine the effect of lower eyelid blepharoplasty (LEB) surgery on corneal biomechanical parameters before and 4 months after the procedure.
Methods:
In this prospective longitudinal study, corneal biomechanical parameters measured by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology device were evaluated before and 4 months after LEB surgery.
Results:
The study included 19 eyelids of the right eyes of 19 patients who underwent LEB, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 10.1 years (range, 37–72 years). Four months after the procedure, significant increases were observed in the first applanation time (p = 0.007), second applanation time (p < 0.001), highest concavity time (p = 0.004), intraocular pressure (p = 0.009), and biomechanical-compensated intraocular pressure (p = 0.007). In addition, the absolute value of highest concavity delta arc length and stress-strain index showed a significant decrease after the LEB (p = 0.021 and p = 0.037, respectively). Other corneal biomechanical parameters did not show significant differences following the LEB procedure (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The resection and repositioning of the fat pockets in LEB lead to biomechanical changes of the cornea in the direction of increasing corneal stiffness.
10.Carvacrol attenuated haloperidol-induced Parkinson’s disease via TNF/NFκβ-NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis
Faisal ALBAQAMI ; Khawaja Waqas AHMAD ; Fawad Ali SHAH
Laboratory Animal Research 2025;41(1):93-103
Background:
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating and the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with a high prevalence. Parkinson’s disease has a multifaceted etiology characterized by an altered redox state and an excessive inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of carvacrol in a haloperidol-induced Parkinson’s model. In female Sprague-Dawley rats, the animal Parkinson model was induced by intraperitoneally administering 1 mg / kg of haloperidol once daily for fifteen days. Carvacrol was administered at a dose of 25 and 50 mg / kg once daily for fifteen days before haloperidol administration. In order to further illustrate the vital role of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) pathway, we administered 50 mg / kg of the TNF-α inhibitor thalidomide once daily for 15 days.
Results:
Our results showed that haloperidol-induced motor deficits, changed endogenous antioxidant enzymes, along with higher levels of inflammasome (NLRP3) and other inflammatory mediators. Moreover, increased levels of lipid peroxidase (LPO) indicated a significant rise in oxidative stress due to haloperidol. Moreover, carvacrol reduced these effects by preventing pyroptosis mediated by the inflammasome (NLRP3) and TNF-α. The administration of thalidomide mitigated oxidative stress and suppresses inflammatory pathways through the augmentation of the intrinsic antioxidant system. Further, co-treatment of carvacrol with thalidomide synergized the neuroprotective effect of carvacrol as demonstrated by various immunoassays and histology analyses.
Conclusions
Taken together, our findings suggest that carvacrol mitigated haloperidol-induced Parkinson-like symptoms, partially through the downregulation of TNF-α and NLRP3.

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