Fatemeh Shahsavari

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most prevalent adult‐onset movement disorders, which significantly impairs quality of life. So far, there are few therapeutic options with limited efficacy. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of baricitinib, a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor, in the harmaline‐induced model of ET. Male Swiss mice were randomly assigned to five groups ( n = 8): control, harmaline, and harmaline plus baricitinib at 10, 20, or 50 mg/kg doses. ET was induced using harmaline (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Baricitinib was administered orally daily for 14 days. Assessments included behavioral tests and cerebellar gene expression analysis of inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, IL‐6, NF‐κB), neurotrophic factors (BDNF), ET‐related targets (Lingo‐1, NMDA receptor), and histopathological evaluation. Baricitinib reduced harmaline‐induced tremor severity. The drug also significantly ameliorated anxiety‐like behaviors in elevated plus maze and open field tests, while reducing depressive‐like behavior in the tail suspension test. Passive avoidance outcomes changed in a direction suggestive of improved retention; however, the high‐dose findings should be interpreted cautiously because 50 mg/kg was associated with motor coordination impairment. Molecular analyses revealed baricitinib completely normalized cerebellar pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6 and suppressed NF‐κB expression. The drug restored BDNF levels and reduced Lingo‐1 expression. Histopathological examination also suggested reduced Purkinje cell degeneration, with 20 and 50 mg/kg doses reducing Purkinje cell degeneration to control levels. Baricitinib reduced tremor and affective behaviors in a harmaline‐induced ET model, though gait abnormalities persisted. Cognitive benefits at lower doses were observed, with cautious interpretation required for the high dose due to motor effects. Molecular and histological analyses supported anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, indicating selective benefits via neuroinflammatory modulation.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive kidney damage and decreased renal function. There may be differences in the incidence of CKD between males and females. This study aimed to evaluate the variations in biochemical and pathological parameters, including induced circadian rhythm changes, in male and female rats with CKD. Methods: 24 male, 24 intact female, and 24 ovariectomized female rats were divided into CKD and control groups, with two subgroups for each main group (n = 6). After inducing CKD, urine samples were collected at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 12:00 p.m. (noon) to measure urea, creatinine, and protein levels. The right kidneys were evaluated histopathologically. The data were analyzed using a three-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction for post hoc analysis. Results: CKD increased urine volume, urea, creatinine, urine protein levels, GFR, and histopathological indices compared to the control group at both time points. In addition, male rats exhibited more significant damage in renal function and structure at 12:00 p.m. compared with intact female and ovariectomized rats. Conclusions: CKD and circadian rhythm both affect the physiological functions of the kidneys. However, sex differences potentially contribute to the development and progression of these changes.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide concern that decreases the beneficial effects of antibiotics. Escherichia coli is a prevalent etiological agent of infections, particularly within hospital intensive care units. Therefore, comprehending the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli is essential for effective treatment. This study evaluated the antibiotic resistance characteristics of E. coli collected from patients admitted to Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, Iran. Methods: This retrospective study examined 139 patients hospitalized at Afzalipour hospital between September 2017 and August 2019. E. coli isolates from clinical specimens were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility using disk diffusion and agar dilution techniques. The data were analyzed with a chi-square test in SPSS. Results: Cefazolin and cefotaxime were the most resistant drugs within the examined population. In contrast, gentamicin and amikacin demonstrated reduced resistance rates. The resistance level varied based on the sample type and the department where the patients were admitted. Conclusion: Excessive and wrong uses of antibiotics develop antibiotic resistance in E. coli. Therefore, gentamicin and amikacin can be considered to reduce antibiotic resistance challenges.

Background and Aims: Knowing study and learning strategies is a basic step for educational interventions, especially in the field of medical sciences. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the study and learning strategies in the dental clinical course students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran in the academic ...

Fatemeh Shahsavari, Mehdi Abbasnejad, Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani, and Maryam Raoof. Korean J Pain 2022;35:261-70. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2022.35.3.261

Background and Aim: It has been suggested that oral lichen planus (OLP) can be a potential premalignant lesion. Reports are also available on the role of bcl-2 and p53 proteins in malignant transformation of OLP into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Due to controversies in these reports, the present study aimed ...