Poshtmashhadi M, Molavi Nojomi M, Malakout S.k, Bolhar J, Asgharzadeh Amin S, Asgharnejad Farid Aa,
Volume 65, Issue 4 (3 2007)
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial stressors and the quality of the support system are important factors in attempted suicide. This research has studied these stressors and the condition of the support system in suicide attempt cases in Karaj, Iran.
Methods: This is a part of the Iranian section of the widest multisite study on suicide prevention (SUPRE-MISS) proposed and directed by the WHO in eight countries, including Iran. Here we present data obtained from 632 suicide attempters presenting in emergency centers over a period of ten months.
Results: According to the time lapse from the stressor to the suicide attempt, proximal stressors are considered to be precipitating while distal stressors are considered to be perpetuating factors. Although, family conflicts were found to increase the risk of suicide one year after the conflict, conflicts with family (25%) and spouse (35%) were the most frequent stressors one month before the attempt, acting as proximal factors. Conflict with spouse was more prominent for people who had been married less than seven years. Conflict with family was the most important stressors for 15-25 year-old attempters. Though it is not clear which areas of conflict are more crucial in a suicide attempt, especially considering gender differences, educational and financial problems were more prominent one year before the suicide attempt. The support system was more crucial for female attempters: Although they received more practical support than males, females complained more of deficiencies in support.
Conclusions: The roles of different psychological stressors in attempted suicide vary according to the time lapse from the stressor until the suicide. Family and marital conflicts can be precipitating and perpetuating factors, while educational and financial problems appear to be perpetuating factors. Family is considered to be an important support system for a great number of attempted suicide cases, especially since it offers practical support. Support systems are crucial in preventive programs for suicide, especially among women.
Mohamad Sarkheil, Mehran Mohseni, Akbar Ali Asgharzadeh , Ali Rasouli Bozcheloie ,
Volume 82, Issue 5 (August 2024)
Abstract
Background: Based on the recommendation of the European Committee and ICRP, DRL values should be determined at the local, national and regional levels for CTDIvol (Computed Tomography Dose Index volume) and DLP (Dose Length Product) dose indicators. According to the radiation protection guidelines, it is essential study has determined DRL in Saveh hospitals
Methods: This study was conducted with two methods based on the results and calculations obtained from the annual Quality Control (QC) reports and the Data Collection (DC) method related to patient scans. In this study, by referring to the annual reports of each device and using radiation components during dosimetry and determining CTDIair or CTDIw, the correction factor was obtained. Using this factor and existing equations, DLP and CTDIvol were calculated based on quality control standards. The second quartile or the median was determined as DRL for head, sinus, chest and abdomen/pelvis imaging protocols and its values were compared with each other and other studies. This study was conducted in February and March 2023 in three hospitals in Saveh city.
Results: The diagnostic reference levels of CTDIvol index were obtained in both QC and DC methods for head (32.76 and 32.36), sinus (11.73 and 9.89), chest (6.06 and 5.11) and abdomen/pelvis (11.86 and 10.56) imaging. The highest DRL values of DLP index in both QC and DC methods are for head, abdomen/pelvis, chest and sinus CT scans, respectively. In the QC method, these values were (603.99), (478.15), (187.15), and (132.65) respectively, and in the DC method, the values were (601.84), (427.76), (219.01), and (114.81) mG.cm.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study and the lack of significant difference between the DRL values of CTDIvol and DLP indicators in both QC and DC methods, it is recommended that the centers, if they have the acceptance criteria for annual quality control, can determine the DRL by referring to the device console information from the DC method.
Samaneh Arab, Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani , Najmeh Fattahi , Zakiye Ekhlasi, Samira Asgharzade,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Retinal photoreceptor degeneration is a major cause of blindness. Stem cell therapies offer promise, and the miR-183/96/182 cluster, particularly miR-182 and miR-183, plays a crucial role in photoreceptor development and survival. Targeting these miRNAs may enhance human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells) hBMSCs (differentiation into photoreceptor-like cells, improving their therapeutic potential.
Methods: This in vitro study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021 at the Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. hBMSCs were cultured in DMEM with fetal bovine serum and transfected with miR-182 and miR-183 mimics using Lipofectamine, with a scramble miRNA control. Transfection efficiency and miRNA overexpression were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours using real-time PCR. miRNA expression was normalised to Snord, while mRNA levels were normalised to GAPDH using the 2−ΔΔCt method. Photoreceptor-like differentiation was assessed by measuring the expression of retina-specific transcription factors and markers (OTX2, CRX, NRL, SLC1A1, PKCα, Recoverin, and RHO). Statistical analyses included the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Mann-Whitney U test for group comparisons. Data were reported as Mean ± SEM, with 95% confidence intervals, and significance set at α = 0.05.
Results: Transfection of miR-182 and miR-183 significantly increased miRNA levels at 24–48 hours (P < 0.001) compared to the scramble control. This led to a marked upregulation of retinal-related genes, including CRX, OTX2, PKCα, Recoverin, NRL, and RHO, indicating activation of the photoreceptor gene network. Time-resolved analysis revealed stronger effects at 24–48 hours, supporting a transient window for pro-differentiation. RHO and CRX exhibited the most significant increases, while OTX2 and PKCα showed parallel rises, suggesting coordinated activation of early and intermediate photoreceptor programs. Scramble controls did not show comparable changes.
Conclusion: Transient overexpression of miR-182 and miR-183 in hBMSCs activates a photoreceptor-like gene expression program, promoting differentiation toward photoreceptor-like cells. This finding supports the potential use of miR-182/183 in stem cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration. Further studies should confirm protein expression, functional outcomes, and in vivo efficacy.
