Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences

D47 and SIGLEC15 Immune Checkpoint Genes Expression and Apoptotic Pathway Activation Following Photodynamic Therapy with Zinc Phthalocyanine in the B-CPAP Thyroid Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:34:18 +0000

Background & Objectives: Thyroid cancer is one of the most prevalent endocrine malignancies.Photodynamic therapy is an emerging minimally invasive therapeutic modality that employs aphotosensitizer in conjunction with light irradiation to induce targeted cytotoxicity. The presentstudy was designed to evaluate the effects of zinc phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamictherapy on the expression of immune checkpoint genes CD47 and SIGLEC15, as well as keygenes involved in apoptotic pathways, in papillary thyroid cancer cells.

Materials & Methods: The human papillary thyroid cancer cell line B-CPAP was exposedto various concentrations of zinc phthalocyanine and subsequently irradiated using a675 nm diode laser at a fluence of 24 J/cm². Cellular viability, reflecting mitochondrialmetabolic activity, was assessed using the MTT assay. The relative mRNA expressionlevels of CD47, SIGLEC15, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bcl-2 genes were quantified usingquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Zinc phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamic therapy markedly reduced the viabilityof B-CPAP cells. The treatment activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, as demonstrated by thesignificant upregulation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 transcripts alongside the downregulation ofBcl-2 expression. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in the mRNA expression levels ofthe immune checkpoint molecules CD47 and SIGLEC15 was observed following treatment.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide novel evidence that zinc phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamic therapy simultaneously induces apoptosis while downregulatingthe critical immune checkpoints CD47 and SIGLEC15 in thyroid cancer cells. This dualmechanism of action underscores the therapeutic potential of photodynamic therapy as aneffective strategy for enhancing antitumor efficacy through both direct cytotoxic effectsand the potential mitigation of immune evasion.

Jesaconitine from Aconitum Species as a Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor: An in Silico Docking Study for Alzheimer’s Disease Management

Akbar Nasri, Morteza Sadeghi — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:34:59 +0000

Background & Objectives: One of the established pharmacological strategies forslowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the inhibition of theacetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. Current research has increasingly focused onthe identification of novel compounds, particularly naturally derived metabolites, thatexhibit potent modulatory activity alongside favorable toxicological profiles. In thiscontext, diterpenoid alkaloids represent a promising therapeutic class for modulating ADpathology through AChE inhibition.

Material & Methods: In this in silico study, molecular docking analyses were performedto screen and characterize diterpenoid alkaloids with the potential to attenuate ADprogression.

Results: Jesaconitine demonstrated a binding affinity of −6.72 kcal/mol, surpassing thatof the reference inhibitor Tacrine (−6.21 kcal/mol). Docking simulations revealed criticalinteractions within the active site of AChE, including conventional hydrogen-bondingnetworks involving the residues Ser125, Asn87, and Tyr337.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study identify Jesaconitine as a promising leadcompound for the management of AD through AChE inhibition, based on in silico dockingpredictions. Moreover, these results provide a theoretical framework for the developmentof novel AChE inhibitors and indicate that Jesaconitine warrants further experimental andpharmacological investigation.

Auditory and Stress Effects of Long-Range Acoustic Devices in Hybrid Warfare: A Narrative Review

Amir Nejad-Moghaddam, Mohammad Reza Mansouri Rad — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is increasingly employed in hybrid warfare due to its unique capability to generate highly directional sound waves. The physiological effects of LRAD exposure raise significant concerns, as such exposure can result in acute hearing damage, disequilibrium, and pronounced psychological stress. Sound levels produced by LRAD systems may exceed 160 dB, posing a substantial risk to auditory function and often causing severe discomfort or pain. Prolonged exposure has been associated with an elevated incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with affected individuals experiencing flashbacks and heightened auditory sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensory overload and disorientation induced by LRAD emissions can impair decision-making capacity and situational awareness, thereby complicating crisis response. In conclusion, although LRAD serves a critical tactical function in contemporary hybrid conflicts, the well-documented risks of both acute and long-term psychological and physiological harm to combatants and non-combatants necessitate the urgent development of comprehensive operational guidelines and robust ethical frameworks. Such measures are essential to ensure that its deployment aligns with human rights standards and minimizes long-term collateral harm

Lifestyle Medicine and Preventive Strategies for Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Armin Alizadeh Shirazi Nezhad, Amirali Ebrahimbabaei — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background & Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leadingcause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are driven predominantly by modifiablelifestyle-related factors. In recent years, lifestyle medicine has emerged as a distinct clinicaldiscipline and academic field at many leading universities, employing evidence-basedlifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and, in some cases, reverse chronic disease. Thisreview examines the role of lifestyle medicine in the prevention and management of NCDs.

Material & Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, andGoogle Scholar to identify relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025. Morethan 130 studies, clinical guidelines, and position statements addressing lifestyleinterventions, NCD outcomes, and implementation strategies were reviewed. Prioritywas given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and largeprospective cohort studies evaluating the six core pillars of lifestyle medicine and theirimplementation in clinical practice and public health settings.

Results: Evidence across diverse study designs consistently demonstrates that whole-food, plant-predominant dietary patterns, regular physical activity, smoking cessation,reduced harmful alcohol consumption, restorative sleep, effective stress-managementstrategies, and strong social relationships are associated with a lower incidence andslower progression of major NCDs, as well as improved quality of life. Emerging evidencefurther supports the integration of lifestyle medicine into primary care, community-basedinterventions, and health-professional education.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports lifestyle medicine as an effective andcomprehensive framework for addressing the behavioral determinants of NCDs. Asthe field continues to expand clinically and academically, integrating lifestyle medicineprinciples into healthcare delivery systems and professional training programs maysubstantially strengthen the prevention and long-term management of chronic diseases.

Bioinformatics-Based Prediction of Potential Immunogenic Epitopes in Eimeria tenella ROP Proteins as Candidate Vaccine Targets

Nastaran Paknejad, Ali Dalir Ghaffari, Mahdi Khadem Mohammadi — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:37:26 +0000

Background & Objective: Avian coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, imposes substantial economic losses on the global poultry industry. Rhoptry proteins (ROPs), as critical virulence determinants involved in host cell invasion, represent promising targets for vaccine development. This in silico study was designed to conduct a comprehensive immunoinformatic characterization of six key E. tenella ROPs to identify and prioritize potent T-cell and B-cell epitopes for rational vaccine design.

Materials & Methods: The physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, and post-translational modification (PTM) sites of the six ROPs were systematically predicted using a suite of validated web-based tools. Secondary and tertiary structures were modeled, followed by rigorous refinement and validation procedures. Subsequently, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted using human HLA allele surrogates. Their immunogenic potential, including the capacity to induce IFN-γ and IL-4 responses, was thoroughly evaluated. Linear B-cell epitopes were then identified and screened based on antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and optimal solubility profiles.

Results: The findings demonstrated that all selected ROPs are antigenic, non-allergenic, and predominantly hydrophilic, with several exhibiting favorable solubility characteristics. Diverse PTM sites were identified, suggesting complex post-translational regulation. A repertoire of high-affinity and immunogenic CTL and HTL epitopes was detected, among which several candidates showed the potential to induce both IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) responses, indicative of balanced immune activation. In addition, multiple linear B-cell epitopes with high antigenicity scores were identified.

Conclusion: This study presents the first comprehensive bioinformatic blueprint of six E. tenella ROPs and highlights a rich pool of immunogenic epitopes for subsequent experimental validation and vaccine development.

Synergistic Effects of Bacterial Nanocellulose and HUVEC-Conditioned Medium on Burn Wound Healing

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:38:13 +0000

Background & Objective: Burn injuries are inherently challenging to manage due to extensive tissue destruction and the substantial edema that ensues. This experimental animal study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of bacterial nanocellulose (BC) dressing combined with human umbilical vein endothelial cell-conditioned medium (HUVEC-CM) on the healing process of second-degree burn wounds in rats.

Materials & Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: healthy control (no wound), negative control (untreated wounds, sham), BC dressing treatment, HUVEC-CM treatment, and combined BC plus HUVEC-CM treatment (n = 10 per group). A standardized burn wound with a diameter of 10 mm was created on the dorsal surface of each rat. The healing process was assessed macroscopically, using wound contraction percentage, and histopathologically over a 14-day period.

Results: The combination group demonstrated the smallest wound area by day 3 and exhibited significantly enhanced wound closure on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). On day 3, wound closure percentages were as follows: negative control (-1.8 ± 1.7%), BC group (5.6 ± 2.1%), HUVEC-CM group (4.9 ± 2.4%), and combination group (9.1 ± 6.3%). The greatest degree of wound closure was observed in the combination group on day 14 (71.3 ± 6.8%). Histological analysis revealed that the combination treatment reduced early necrosis and inflammation, promoted granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis by day 7, and resulted in complete re-epithelialization by day 14.

Conclusion: The combined application of BC and HUVEC-CM synergistically enhances burn wound healing by mitigating early tissue damage and promoting subsequent regenerative processes. This approach represents a promising bioactive strategy for advanced burn wound management.

Chronic Continuous Whole-Body 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi Exposure (Estimated SAR ~1.4 W/kg) Reduces Serum Thyroid Hormones and Alters Thyroid Histology in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:39:21 +0000

Background & Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum thyroid hormone levels and thyroid histopathology following chronic whole-body exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation in adult male Wistar rats using an estimated whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR).

Materials & Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar rats (150 to 200 g) were randomly allocated to either the control group (n = 10) or the Wi-Fi exposure group (n = 10). The exposure group underwent continuous whole-body irradiation with a 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi signal for 24 h/day over a 30 day period. The estimated mean whole-body SAR in the exposed group was 1.4 W/ kg (range: 1.2 to 1.6 W/kg). Serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured using radioimmunoassay. Thyroid tissues were subsequently processed for histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Statistical analyses were conducted using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results: Compared with the control group, rats exposed to Wi-Fi radiation exhibited significantly lower serum concentrations of T3 (1.73 ± 0.16 vs. 2.14 ± 0.17 ng/mL; p < 0.001), T4 (6.88 ± 0.19 vs. 7.38 ± 0.30 μg/dL; p = 0.003), and TSH (0.03 ± 0.01 vs. 0.05 ± 0.02 mIU/L; p = 0.014). Histopathological evaluation demonstrated reduced follicular diameter, manifested by the appearance of microfollicles, diminished colloid content, and disorganization of follicular epithelial cells in exposed animals relative to controls.

Conclusion: Continuous exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation at an estimated whole- body SAR of approximately 1.4 W/kg (range: 1.2 to 1.6 W/kg) for 30 days was associated with reduced serum T3, T4, and TSH concentrations, together with structural alterations in thyroid tissue in adult male rats.

Comparison of Mental Health and Resilience among Patients with Acute and Chronic Urticaria and Healthy Individuals

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:40:09 +0000

Background & Objective: Urticaria is a common inflammatory skin disorder that, particularly in its chronic form, may result in substantial psychological and social consequences. Despite extensive evidence regarding mental health disturbances among affected individuals, the role of resilience as a psychological protective factor has remained insufficiently explored, particularly in comparative studies. This study aimed to compare mental health and resilience among patients with acute urticaria, patients with chronic urticaria, and healthy individuals.

Materials & Methods: This causal-comparative study was conducted in Arak, Iran, between 2019 and 2020. A total of 90 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and equally assigned to three groups: patients with acute urticaria (n = 30), patients with chronic urticaria (n = 30), and healthy individuals (n = 30). Mental health was assessed using the Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25), while resilience was measured using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS version 20.

Results: The findings indicated that patients with chronic urticaria exhibited the highest levels of mental health disturbances and the lowest levels of resilience compared with patients with acute urticaria and healthy individuals. In addition, patients with acute urticaria demonstrated poorer psychological status than healthy individuals across most domains.

Conclusion: Chronic urticaria is associated with marked psychological vulnerability and diminished resilience. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating psychological screening, resilience-enhancing interventions, and patient education into the routine management of patients with chronic urticaria in order to improve long-term adaptation and quality of life.