Galen Medical Journal
Year:2020 | Volume:9 | Issue:1|Papers Count:82

Traditional medicine (TM) that developed over the years within various societies consists of medical experimental knowledge and practices, which apply natural methods and compounds for general wellness and healing. Moomiaii as a pale-brown to blackish-brown natural exudate is one of the natural compounds in traditional medicine that has been used over 3000 years in many countries of the world especially in India, China, Russia, Iran, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. We reviewed all English-language studies about Moomiaii that we accessed them. In traditional medicine, many beneficial activities have been attributed to Moomiaii and to its main constituents, Humic acid and Fulvic acid, which are widely used to prevent and treatment of different diseases. Some modern scientific investigations showed that Moomiaii as a safe dietary supplement can be beneficial in various health complications. Even though the beneficial effects of Moomiaii have been confirmed in traditional and modern medicine, it seems that additional in-vitro/in-vivo studies and comprehensive clinical trials are necessary to explain the whole mechanisms of action and to determine the effective doses in various diseases. We discuss and clarify the claimed health beneficial effects of Moomiaii in some wide-spread diseases regarding its anti-ulcerogenic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antioxidative and anticancer properties.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by an elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with a normal T4. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in patients SCH is high. Some studies suggested that Vitamin D supplements could be reduced serum concentration of TSH so improve SCH and prevent overt hypothyroidism. This study aims to explore the effect of vitamin D replacement on subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine patients, diagnosed with both subclinical hypothyroidism and Vitamin D deficiency by the Endocrinology outpatient clinics between January 2018 and March 2019, were included in this trial. The patients with overt hypothyroidism, cardiovascular risk factors, or positive TPO antibody, abnormal T4, and pregnant women were excluded from this study. The 40 subjects were investigated who received vitamin D supplements for two months. Analyses were conducted through paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-test using SPSS 24 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results: The mean serum levels of TSH was decreased from 6. 89 mIU/l in the pre-test to 3. 34 mIU/l in the post-test, and the difference was found to be statistically significant at P<0. 001. Conclusion: We found that the TSH mean level significantly dropped through the use of vitamin D supplements. Thus, it is recommended that all the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism be screened and treated with vitamin D supplements.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in situ antagonistic effects of Lactobacillus probiotic strains on clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori. Also to investigate their immunomodulation effects on a macrophage cell model. Materials and Methods: Anti-microbial effects of probiotic lactobacilli against H. pylori was assessed using the well and disk diffusion methods. Effects of lactobacilli probiotics strains, as well as their cell-free supernatant on adhesion of H. pylori to MKN-45 gastric epithelial cells, were examined in their presence and absence. Immunomodulation effects of probiotic lactobacilli were performed using the U937 macrophage cell model. Incubation of host cells with probiotics and their cell-free supernatants with cultured host cells was performed in different optimized conditions. The supernatant of host cells cultured in their presence and absence was used for cytokines measurement. Results: Two probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus PTCC1607, could inhibit the growth of clinical H. pylori in vitro. They could also inhibit attachment of H. pylori to MKN-45 cells. Cell-free supernatant of L. acidophilus had a stimulating effect on the production of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ ) by U937 cells. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that, L. acidophilus ATCC4356 and L. rhamnosus PTCC1607 probiotic strains can inhibit the growth of clinical H. pylori in vitro. Treatment of U937 with alive H. pylori plus cell-free supernatant of L. acidophilus, have a significantly higher capacity to stimulate IFN-γ production than H. pylori alone. So, the metabolite (s) of this probiotic may have an immunomodulatory effect in immune response versus H. pylori.

Background: Lamotrigine is one of the newest antiepileptic drugs that is used as one of the most common treatments in pregnancy. Since the investigation of the teratogenic effects of lamotrigine is very limited and there is no report of its teratogenic effects on fetal gonads, we aimed to investigate the teratogenic effects of lamotrigine on embryonic gonads. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on nine female Wistar female rats (8 weeks, weighing 180-200 mg). At first, the animals were inspected regularly by the preparation of vaginal smear and in the estrus phase in separate cages of mating, and after observing the vaginal plaque, were randomly divided into three groups (n=3). Control group did not receive any treatment. In the lamotrigine group (20mg/kg), and the vehicle group (same volume of normal saline) were injected intraperitoneally from days 8 to 13 of pregnancy. On day 20, animals were anesthetized by sodium pentobarbital (40 mg/kg), and embryos were extracted through laparotomy. First, fetuses were weighed, and their height (crown-rump length) was measured. Then the gonads of the fetuses were removed and, stained with H & E, and examined by optical microscope. Results: Our results showed that in the lamotrigine group, the number of seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cells in the male embryos and the number of oocytes in the female embryos decreased significantly compared to the control and vehicle groups (P≤ 0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that treatment with 20 mg/kg lamotrigine in mothers during pregnancy could cause damage to fetal gonads.

Background: Transplantation of cryopreserved follicles can be regarded as a promising strategy for preserving fertility in cancer patients under chemotherapy and radiotherapy by reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. The present study aimed to evaluate whether fibrin hydrogel supplemented with platelet lysate (PL) could be applied to enhance follicular survival, growth, and angiogenesis in cryopreserved preantral follicle grafts. Materials and Methods: Preantral follicles were extracted from 15 four-week-old NMRI mice, cryopreserved by cryotop method, and encapsulated in fibrin-platelet lysate for subsequent heterotopic (subcutaneous) auto-transplantation into the neck. Transplants were assessed in three groups including fresh follicles in fibrin-15%PL, cryopreserved follicles in fibrin-15%PL, and cryopreserved follicles in fibrin-0% PL. Two weeks after transplantation, histological, and immunohistochemistry (CD31) analysis were applied to evaluate follicle morphology, survival rate, and vascular formation, respective-ly. Results: Based on the results, fibrin-15% PL significantly increased neovascularization and survival rate (SR) both in cryopreserved (SR=66. 96%) and fresh follicle (SR=90. 8%) grafts, compared to PL-less fibrin cryopreserved transplants (SR=28. 46%). The grafts supplemented with PL included a significantly higher percentage of preantral and antral follicles. Also, no significant difference was observed in the percentage of preantral follicles between cryopreserved and fresh grafts of fibrin-15% PL. However, a significantly lower (P=0. 03) percentage of follicles (23. 37%) increased to the antral stage in cryopreserved grafts of fibrin-15%PL, compared to fresh grafts (35. 01%). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that fibrin-PL matrix could be a promising strategy to improve cryopreserved follicle transplantation and preserve fertility in cancer patients at the risk of ovarian failure.

Dear Editor: Chronic diseases are distinguished in terms of the public health care system because chronic diseases may cause disability and impose a high cost per year on society. The elderly is often associated with several chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, osteoarthritis, depression, cancer, diabetes, and mental disorders. One of the best practices for preventing chronic diseases is exercise. There is a relationship between increased obesity and the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between chronic anterior sinusitis with the width and height of ethmoid sinus and also assess the ethmoid length and roof asymmetry in the Iranian adult population. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 patients who were referred with clinical signs of rhinosinusitis to the ENT Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Study participants were divided into healthy and sinusitis groups based on the level of sinus involvement. Computed tomography images were applied to calculate ethmoid height and width. A paired t-test was used to assess the roof and width asymmetry and an independent t-test was used to investigate the association between ethmoid height and width with the incidence of rhinosinusitis. Results: The mean age of sinusitis and healthy groups was 42. 5± 18. 9 and 38. 4± 17. 1 years, respectively. Of a total 422 subjects, 63. 4% of whom were men. The overall prevalence of rhinosinusitis was 28. 0%. We observed a statistically significant difference in terms of ethmoid height, and in both healthy and sinusitis group right ethmoid roof was statistically lower (P<0. 05). However, no statistical difference was observed between the left and right side regarding the ethmoid sinus width (P>0. 05). We also estimated correlation coefficients for rhinosinusitis score and ethmoid sinus height and width, which were not statistically significant (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Our study shows that the right side of the ethmoid roof was lower in comparison to the left side, and it should be fully understood and regarded in rhino sinus surgery. We also observed no association between sinusitis score and height and width of the ethmoid sinus.

Background: This study aimed to compare sheep burnt wool and human amniotic membrane (AM) on second-degree burn wound healing in rats. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two adult male rats of Sprague Dawley underwent general anesthesia, and a deep second-degree burn was created on their skin by a hot iron plate. Afterward, human AM, silver sulfadiazine ointment (SSD), and sheep burned wool were used on wound area for burn treatment. On days 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and histopathological assessments were done. Results: Human AM, in comparison with other groups, significantly (P<0. 05) showed better improvement in all pathologic variables. Burned wool showed significant improvement compared to the control group on day 7 in the angiogenesis, on day 14 in granulation tissue formation and epithelial formation, and on day 21 in new epithelial formation (P<0. 05). Burned wool compared with SSD ointment in granulation tissue formation improved significantly (P<0. 05) on days 7 and 14. Also, SSD ointment in comparison with the control group significantly improved (P<0. 05) granulation tissue formation and macrophage on day 7. Conclusion: Human AM has a significant effect on the treatment of second-degree burn. Burned wool has a better effect on wound healing than SSD ointment and negative control group without treatment in terms of granulation tissue and epithelium formation.

Background: Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) is a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation which is shown to be related to the patient’ s survival in multiple malignancies. An important implication of this marker potentially is neoplasms in which there is no correlation between prognosis and histopathological staging and also has no reliable chemical markers associated with prognosis. Herein, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic role of LMR in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: In the current systemic review and meta-analysis, we conducted a systemic search of databases and indexing sources, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and ProQuest up to May 2019 toinclude studies on the prognostic significance of LMR on patients with HCC. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) values were extracted from the studies and analyzed. The pooled hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval was explored to identify the prognostic value of the LMR in the survival of the patients with HCC. Results: A total of 12 studies with a total sample size of 3750 cases were included. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies; therefore, subgroup analysis was also performed. Overall analysis regarding OS showed an insignificant relationship between LMR and patient’ s prognosis, dividing to subgroups based on LMR cut-offs did not yield any significant result, subgroup analysis for RFS founded statistically significant results and LMR was significantly related to DFS. Conclusion: High LMR was associated with increased DFS and RFS, in return this association was not observed for OS.

Background: Plastic biliary stent placement has been widely used as a safe approach for the management of hilar neoplasms or the dilation of benign biliary obstruction. Despite the complexity of this procedure, this approach is followed by a few complications. The incidence rate of stent migration is about 10%. In a majority of cases, the migrated stents are retained within the gastrointestinal tract and pass through the intestine with no complication or need for medical intervention. Case Report: In this paper, we described the case of the migrated biliary stent with prolonged abdominal pain, which was removed successfully by using double-balloon. Conclusion: In the case of patient with prolonged abdominal pain and previous history of biliary stent placement, migration of stent should be considered as differential diagnosis and Double-Balloon Enteroscopy can be a safe approach in those cases.

Dear Editor: During marital life, numerous variables affect how couples communicate with each other, and these variables can lead to the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the couple with the marital relationship [1]...

Background: Cervical cancer cells are known as radioresistant cells. Current treatment methods have not improved the patients’ survival efficiently; thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy. Gold nanomaterials with different shapes and sizes have been explored as radiosensitizers. The present study compared the radiosensitizing effects of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the HeLa cell line irradiated with megavoltage X-rays. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxicity of AuNRs and AuNPs on HeLa cells in the presence and absence of 6-MV X-ray was investigated using the MTT assay. For this aim, HeLa cells were incubated with and AuNPs and AuNRs at various concentrations (5, 10, and 15 µ g/mL) for 6 hours. Afterward, HeLa cells were irradiated with 6-MV X-ray at a single dose of 2 Gy. Results: The results showed that the addition of AuNRs and AuNPs could enhance the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells. Both AuNRs and AuNPs showed low toxicity on HeLa cells, while AuNRs were more toxic than AuNPs at the examined concentrations. Moreover, it was found that AuNRs could enhance the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells more than spherical-shaped AuNPs. Conclusion: This study revealed that the shape of nanoparticles is an effective factor when they are used as radiosensitizing agents during radiotherapy.

Background: Overuse of antibiotics is a cause of bacterial resistance. It is known that electromagnetic waves emitted from electrical devices can cause changes in biological systems. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted from common Wi-Fi routers on changes in antibiotic sensitivity to opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: Standard strains of bacteria were prepared in this study. Antibiotic susceptibility test, based on the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, was carried out in Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Two different antibiotic susceptibility tests for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were conducted after exposure to 2. 4-GHz radiofrequency radiation. The control group was not exposed to radiation. Results: Our findings revealed that by increasing the duration of exposure to electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 2. 4 GHz, bacterial resistance increased against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, especially after 24 hours (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The use of electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2. 4 GHz can be a suitable method for infection control and treatment.

Background: The sensitivity to the radiation among human population depends on various parameters. This variation could lead to dissimilar outcome of radiotherapy in similar situations. Mizaj is a well-known term in Persian medicine that present an individualized medicine viewpoint. All of the people will be categorized in cold, moderate, and warm Mizaj. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the possible association between Mizaj and radiosensitivity by comet assay. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood sample of 30 healthy volunteers (10 cold, 11 moderate and nine warm Mizaj) were taken and divided into two identical parts. The first part was exposed to 4 Gy x-rays, and the second part was regarded as the sham control. Then, DNA damages of samples were evaluated by the neutral comet assay. Results: The results showed that the mean percentage of damaged cells, in all of the irradiated groups including A (warm), B (moderate) and C (cold) was significantly higher than the controls (P<0. 001). Moreover, DNA damage rate in the irradiated warm Mizaj group was higher than both cold and moderate irradiated groups, but the difference between moderate and cold irradiated groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results are indicating that warm Mizaj persons could be more radiosensitive than other groups, which their importance in radiotherapy individualization should be evaluated in more extensive studies.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are as effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with a propensity to cause less major bleeding. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice in a large tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: In this study, patients who received rivaroxaban at a tertiary referral hospital were included in this study. All adverse events were recorded, including major bleeding, non-major bleeding events, symptomatic thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) and all-cause death. Results: A total of 509 patients were prescribed rivaroxaban during the study period. The most common indication for rivaroxaban was non-valvular AF (65. 3%) and VTE (34. 7%). The mean age was 60. 4 ± 16. 4 years, and 50. 8% were female. The median CHA2DS2-Vasc score was 2. 1 in patients on rivaroxaban for non-valvular AF. Bleeding occurred in 72 (14. 1%) patients, of which 20 (3. 9%) had major bleeds. Thrombosis events occurred in 13 (2. 5%) patients in the overall cohort. Fourteen (2. 7%) patients died during the study, including a case of fatal bleeding secondary to rivaroxaban. Conclusion: This study describes the use of rivaroxaban in a broad patient population in clinical practice in the Middle East. The overall bleeding and thrombosis rates in this study were comparable to those seen in major clinical trials.

Background: The pivotal role of baldness as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disorders remains a debate, and the small body of literature has generated inconsistent findings. We aimed to assess the association between baldness and the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity in a sample of Iranian men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 105 consecutive patients suspected to CAD and scheduled for elective coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was determined according to the number of involved coronary vessels. For assessing the severity of baldness, the Hamilton-Norwood scale for grading of androgenetic alopecia in males was used. Results: The overall frequency of CAD in the groups with and without baldness was 88. 9% and 72. 5%, respectively, indicating a significant difference (P=0. 033). Similarly, patients with the family history of baldness suffered more from CAD as compared to those without history (93. 3% vs. 76. 0%). However, no significant association was found between the baldness and non-baldness groups with regard to the severity of CAD (P=0. 291). According to the multivariable logistic regression model, the presence of baldness could predict the increased likelihood of CAD (or=3. 037, P=0. 046). Conclusion: Along with traditional risk factors for CAD, the presence of baldness and positive family history of this phenotype could be considered as the primary determinant for the increasing likelihood of CAD.

Background: Regarding the important role of proinflammatory outer membrane protein (OipA) in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection and immunomodulatory activity of propolis, we aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity effect of a purified recombinant OipA protein and propolis in the induction of two cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), in a macrophage cell model. Materials and Methods: The recombinant protein used in the present study corresponding to the oipA expressing a 34-35 kDa protein. OipA protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified OipA protein (2. 5-40 μ g /mL) and the propolis ethanolic extract (5-40 μ g/mL) were incubated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated human myelomonocytic cell line U937 cells. IL-4 and IFN-γ levels were measured after 48 hours of incubation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The amounts of IL-4 and IFN-γ were significantly increased. The optimum concentration of OipA for the secretion of IL-4 was 5 μ g/ml (P<0. 0001). At higher concentrations, the amount of IL-4 diminished until suppression at 40 μ g/mL. The optimum concentration of propolis, resulting in the most significant increased secretion of both IL-4 and IFN-γ was 40 μ g/mL (P=0. 0001 and P=0. 0004). Conclusion: We found that an OipA concentration of 10 μ g/mL was more effective for IFN-γ production; however, it was not effective for the high production of IL-4. Therefore, it is postulated that the OipA could mainly induce a Th1 response through the production of IFN-γ . We also observed propolis’ s capability to induce IFN-γ production; however, the effective concentration for this was the same as for IL-4. Therefore, as an adjuvant, proper concentration of propolis is required for OipA to give the optimum response.

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an ambition for health service administrators. We aimed to systematically review the major relevant articles in case of barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practice in health services. Methods and Materials: The type of study was a systematic review. We searched the libraries and online sources such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Wiley, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar. We used keywords included “ Evidence-Based Practice” , “ Evidence-Based Management” , “ Healthcare” , “ Care Management, Evidence-Based Healthcare Management” , “ Health Care” , Health” , “ Barrier” , “ Facilitator” , policy and “ Evidence-Based Healthcare” . Results: In total, 12 studies were included. Several barriers and facilitators were recognized through the included papers, the factors such as organization support and a helpful education system improved skills, knowledge, and confidence to EBP. The outcomes of studies were identified as the employ of the internet as a highest-rated skill for increasing EBP quality. Conclusion: Generally, the results showed health service administrators should first identify barriers of EBP then transferred them to facilitators to the implementation of proper and efficient EBP.

Background: The Nijmegen questionnaire is one of the most common tools for diagnosing hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). However, there is no precise cut-off score for differentiating patients with HVS from those without HVS. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of Nijmegen questionnaire for detecting patients with HVS and to provide the best cut-off score for differentiating patients with HVS from normal individuals using a Bayesian model in the absence of a gold standard. Materials and Methods: A total of 490 students from a rehabilitation center in Tehran, Iran, were asked to participate in this case study of HVS from January to August 2018. Results: A total of 215 students (40% male and 60% female) completed the Nijmegen questionnaire. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0. 93 (male: 0. 95; female: 94) for all of the cut-off scores. The optimal cut-off score of ≥ 20 could predict HVS with sensitivity of 0. 91 (male: 0. 99; female: 91) and specificity of 0. 92 (male: 96; female: 89). Conclusion: Accurate differentiation of HVS patients from individuals without HVS can be accomplished by estimating the cut-off score of Nijmegen questionnaire based on a non-parametric Bayesian model.

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a disease in which the kidney’ s functionality declines gradually. The aim of this study was to identify significant laboratory prognostic factors on death due to CKD in a clinical complex. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study including 109 patients with the end-stage renal disease treated at Iran Helal pharmaceutical and the clinical complex was conducted between 2014-2018. The survival time was set as the time interval between starting dialysis until death due to CKD. Also, the transplantation was considered as competing risk, which was occurred for a few patients. A three-parameter Gompertz model was used that considers both the event of interest and the competing event simultaneously. Results: Death due to CKD occurred in 29 (26. 6%) of the patients and 19(17. 4%) with transplantation. Serum uric acid was a significant prognostic factor that decreased the hazard of mortality by 21%. Serum phosphorus and age by increasing the risk of death, were poor prognoses for the event of interest. Serum uric acid and phosphorus 6. 9-9. 9 (mg/dl) were associated with 72% and 4. 05fold increased hazard of transplant, respectively. The 4-year cumulative incidence of death and transplant was 48. 4% and 29. 2%, respectively. Conclusion: We have deduced that high serum phosphorus levels and increased levels of age were associated with worse outcomes. High serum uric acid level was related to better survival, which could be explained by having a better protein-rich diet alongside the high albumin level.

Background: The use of phenotypic parameters along with other noninvasive diagnostic modality can lead to early diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and prevent its life-threatening outcome. Recently, the application of head and face components for assessing the risk for CAD much attention has been paid. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between ear characteristics (transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear) and the risk for CAD and its severity among Iranian patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study population consisted of 105 consecutive patients with suspected CAD undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was determined by the number of disease vessels as well as the presence of left main lesions assessed by coronary angiography. All patients were examined to evaluate the appearance of ear regarding the presence of transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear. Results: Comparing cardiovascular parameters across the groups with and without transverse groove on the earlobe showed a higher rate of CAD as well as the higher number of involved coronary arteries than in the groups without transverse groove on the earlobe. Similarly, the presence of CAD and its higher severity were more revealed in patients with hair growth on the ear as compared to the group without this phenotype. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis and with the presence of baseline parameters, the presence of transverse groove on the earlobe and hair growth on the ear increased the risk for CAD by 2. 4 and 4. 4 fold, respectively. Conclusion: Along with classic cardiovascular risk factors, the role of growing hair on the ear and transverse groove on the ear to predict high risk for CAD should be considered.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer which arises from the main cells in the liver. We address many studies investigating anti-cancer role of hypericin, however the proposing corresponding molecular pathway seems to be still a debate. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effect of hypericin on the Huh7 as the liver cancer cell line and its relation with the gate keeper gene P53. Materials and Methods: In this study, the Huh7 cell line and fibroblast cells (as control group) were treated with different concentrations of hypericin for 24 and 48 hours. Detection of cell death was performed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The expression of bax, bcl2 and p53 mRNAs was evaluated by Real-time PCR. Also, Immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis was used for further evaluation of P53expression. Results: The results showed that hypericin has a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on the Huh7 cell line, with no or marginal effect on fibroblastic cells. According to flow cytometry results, about 53%cells underwent apoptosis after exposure to LD50 of hypericin for 24 hours. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and P53 expression level increased. Expectedly ICC results confirmed the up-regulation of P53 proteins in treated samples. Conclusion: Our results indicate the cytotoxicity of hypericin on Huh7 cells by affecting the expression of the gate keeper gene P53; furthermore it is suggested that this herb can be utilized simultaneously with modalities targeting P53 up-regulation or related molecular pathways.

Background: The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA. Q), a tool based on a retrospective interview with the child. Materials and Methods: To this aim, 251 adolescents from four regions of Tehran megacity completed the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was examined, along with the face and content validity. In addition, the construct validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: EFA and CFA supported a 4-factor solution including mother’ s role scale items, father’ s role scale items, maternal behavior scale items, and paternal behavior scale items. The total variance extracted in EFA ranged from 33. 9 to 60. 7. The internal consistency for mother’ s role, father’ s role, maternal behavior, and paternal behavior was 0. 61, 0. 65, 0. 86, and 0. 9 respectively. Thus, the questionnaire had a suitable fit, as well as reasonable reliability and validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the CECA. Q had adequate reliability and validity as a self-report measurement for childhood experience of care and abuse.

Background: The apply of aptamers as a new generation’ s way to probe diagnostic for the detection of target molecules has gained ground. Aptamers can be used as alternatives to diagnostic antibodies for detection of blood groups due to their unique features. This study was aimed to produce DNA diagnostic aptamer detecting the antigen of A1 blood group using the Cell-Selex method. Materials and Methods: DNA aptamer was isolated against A1 RBC antigen after ten stages of Cell-Selex and amplification by an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction. The progress of the stages of selection was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis, which the DNA aptamer isolated from the tenth cycle with an affinity of 70% fluorescent intensity, was selected from four positive colonies followed by determination of the sequences and secondary structures. Results: The aptameric sequence obtained from C4 cloning was calculated with the highest binding affinity to A1 antigen having an apparent dissociation constant (Kd value) of at least 29. 5 ± 4. 3 Pmol, which was introduced as the selected aptamer-based on Δ G obtained from a colony of C4 equal to – 13. 13. Conclusion: The aptamer obtained from using Cell-Selex method could be used as an example for the development of diagnostic tools such as biosensors for detecting A1 blood group antigens.

Dear Editor: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern that involved more than 12 million people around the world [1]...

Dear Editor: On 31 December 2019, several cases of COVID-19 were reported by national authorities in China. There were soon detected in several other countries [1]. Given that COVID-19 is a new disease with worldwide devastating effects, it is understandable that its emergence and spread cause considerable confusion, anxiety, and fear among the people...

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the burdensome diseases affecting a considerable proportion of the population. Recently, it has been demonstrated that micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) can exert diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic roles in a variety of conditions including AHF. These molecules play essential roles in HF-related pathophysiology, particularly, cardiac fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Some miRNAs namely miRNA-423-5p are reported to have both diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. However, some studies suggest that combination of biomarkers is a much better way to achieve the highest accuracy such as the combination of miRNAs and N-terminal pro b-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT pro-BNP). Therefore, this review discusses different views towards various roles of miRNAs in AHF.

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder, including difficulty in establishing relationships and social interaction, difficulty in communication, performing restricted, and repetitive behaviors. The impaired reception and integration of sensory information especially auditory data are one of the main characteristics of children with autism. According to various studies, the brain stem plays a key role in the reception and integration of auditory and sensory data. Hence, this study aims to comparison auditory brain stem responses (ABR) and otoacoustic emission (OAE) of autism patients with healthy children. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 20 autism children (4-8 years old) as case group who referred to psychiatry clinics affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and 20 healthy age-matched as the control group. The severity of autism was evaluated by the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS). Also, ABR and OAE were recorded, and all data compared with the healthy children. Results: The latencies between the waves III-V and I-V bilaterally, and wave V bilaterally and wave I in the left ear showed a significant increase in children with autism compared to the healthy group. Conclusion: This study shows that there was a reduced nerve conduction velocity in the auditory pathway of the brain stem in children with autism compared to healthy children.

Dear Editor: Cough is one of the most common causes of referral to medical centers [1]...

Background: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye on three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The intervention group patients expressed more satisfaction changes than the placebo group (P≤ 0. 001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG.

Dear Editor: Menorrhagia is abnormal heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding with 19. 24% prevalence in Iranian women [1]. HMB can be diagnosed based on excessive (more than 80 ml) or prolonged (more than 7 days) uterine bleeding per menstrual cycle [2]...

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely-distributed parasite all over the world whose attributed severe afflicting complications in human necessitate the development of serodiagnostic tests and vaccines for it. Immunological responses to monovalent vaccines and the application of diagnostic reagents including single antigens are not optimally effective. Bioinformatics approaches were used to introduce these epitopes, predict their immunogenicity and preliminarily evaluate their potential as an effective DNA vaccine and for serodiagnostic goals. Materials and Methods: A 3D structure of proteins was predicted by I-TASSER server, and linear and conformational B cell and T cell epitopes were predicted using the online servers. Then, the predicted epitopes were constructed and called Toxoeb, and their expression in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was demonstrated using SDS-PAGE. In the next step, Western blotting with pooled sera of mice infected with T. gondii was done. Results: The current in silico analysis revealed that the B cell epitopes with high immunogenicity for GRA4 protein were located in the residues 34-71, and 230-266, for GRA14 in 308-387, for SAG1 in 182-195, 261-278, and for GRA7 in residues 101-120, 160-176. The T cell epitopes were selected in overlapping regions with the B cell epitopes. The immunogenic region for GRA4 are in the residues 245-253, 50-58, and 40-54, for GRA14 in 307-315, 351-359, and 308322, for SAG1 261-269, and 259-267, and for GRA7 in the residues 103-112, and 167-175. The results of the western blotting showed that the expressed protein had immunogenicity. Conclusion: Our constructed multi-epitope of T. gondii could be considered as a candidate for diagnostic and vaccination purposes.

Over the past few decades, caring for special patients has taken center stage in healthcare systems. Moreover, what necessitates conducting a comparative study into the conditions of special patients and designing a suitable model are as follows: high admission rates of these patients in hospitals, continual recurrence of the illness, sky-high costs of treatment and medicine, lack of coordination between the services offered by hospitals and community needs, and severe pressure of special patients on their families. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the models of government support programs for special patients in Iran, the United Kingdom, the USA, Italy and Sweden through a descriptive-documentary method. The findings revealed that the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the private sector were the major providers of health services to special patients in most of the countries under study. It was also demonstrated that the services offered to special patients are jointly mainly funded by governments, associations, and non-governmental organizations and partially by insurance premiums and so forth. The results also indicated that the bulk of healthcare provision was shouldered by non-governmental sectors and the contribution of charitable people. Finally, it can be concluded that both healthrelated policies and the health of special patients can be closely honed and monitored through the formation of committees on the health of special patients at the Supreme Council of Health, the establishment of an office for special patients at the Vice-chancellery for Health at the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, provision of decentralized services, and financing through taxation and contribution of charitable people and international organizations.

Dear Editor: In a previously published paper [1], we had discussed about one of the prominent ac-tivities of women at the time of the constitutional revolution in Iran. Lady doctor Kahhal was the first female ophthalmologist in Iran who was visiting the patients as a physician and published the first specialized scientific newspaper, which was dedicated to women’ s issues...

Background: Serotonin and kisspeptin stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release while ghrelin and adiponectin inhibit them. In the present experimental study, the effects of central injection of serotonin were investigated on LH concentration, KiSS1, adiponectin, and ghrelin genes expression. Materials and Methods: Fifteen Wistar male rats in three groups received saline or serotonin hydrochloride via the third cerebral ventricle. Blood samples were collected via the tail vein. Serum LH concentration and relative gene expression were evaluated by radioimmunoassay and real-time polymerase chain reaction method, respectively. Results: Serotonin significantly increased the mean serum LH concentration and KiSS1 gene expression levels compared to the saline group. Serotonin significantly decreased the mean ghrelin and adiponectin genes expression levels compared to the saline group. Conclusion: The serotonergic pathway may have stimulatory effects on hypothalamic kisspeptin synthesis, partly via inhibiting hypothalamic ghrelin and adiponectin neural activity.

Background: Chronic pain remains or reappears for more than 3 to 6 months, and it is influencing 20% of the global population. The pain catastrophizing affects pain intensity and psychological conditions of patients with chronic pain. Rumination-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (RFCBT) targets rumination as the key component of pain catastrophizing. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of RFCBT on depression, anxiety, and pain severity of individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 30 patients aged between 20-55 years with diagnosed chronic LBP were chosen by convenience sampling and randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. All patients used their prescribed medications for pain management, but the intervention group received 12 weekly sessions of RFCBT, which was manualized psychotherapy to change unconstructive rumination to constructive rumination. Depression Anxiety and Stress scale-21 and chronic pain grade questionnaire were administered as pre-tests and re-administered after 3 and 6 months as post-test and follow-up assessments, respectively. Results: RFCBT significantly reduced depression (F1=23. 01, P=0. 001), anxiety (F1=25. 7, P=0. 001) and pain severity (F1=7. 17, P=0. 012) in patients with chronic LBP. Conclusion: RFCBT may offer benefits for treating patients with chronic low back pain when added to their usual pharmacological treatment. This benefit may be the result of targeting rumination as the key element of pain catastrophizing.

Background: The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be a life-changing moment for our patients particularly having to live with the idea of taking insulin all their life and the barriers it can bring about. Case report: We report a patient with ten years of autoimmune type 1 diabetes treated with insulin. He was able to stop insulin in favour of oral diabetes agents after dynamic endocrine tests confirmed micro insulin secretion despite autoimmunity. Our case demonstrates that a detailed history and thorough investigations adopting a holistic approach can sometimes change the course of disease management and can leave a positive impact on the life of our patients. Conclusion: Patients with partial retention of beta-cell function in type 1 diabetes can temporarily stop insulin safely with ongoing surveillance.

Background: Alteration of metabolic pathways in cancer cells can intensely modulate their migration as an important step in invasion and metastasis. Ketogenic diet showed some contradictory results in cancer patients. In this study the impact of metabolic reprogramming of A2780CP as a model of ovarian cancer stem-like cells on cell migration by two in vitro methods: wound healing and soft agar colony-forming assays. Materials and Methods: short term and long term metabolic reprogramming were done by restriction of glucose to 250mg/L with or without enrichment with beta-hydroxybutyrate (5 milimolar) for 48 hours and 30 days, respectively. Wound healing assay was done and the wound ratio was calculated for 24 and 48 hours. Soft agar colony formation assay was also done in treated and control cells. For method comparison, ten biological replicates were analyzed in triplicate. Results: Migration of A2780CP ovarian cancer stem-like cells were significantly alleviated by long term glucose restriction but no significant changes were observed in short term study. Beta-hydroxybutyrate enrichment did not produce significant impacts on glucose restriction in short or long term studies. Conclusion: The results of colony formation in soft agar and wound or scratch healing assay were in good correlation and convergence which could be used interchangeably in the investigation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.

Proper and regular sweating plays a significant thermoregulatory role. It is a common perception that, sweating has other important homeostatic functions such as clearance of excessive micronutrients, waste products of metabolic processes, and toxins from the body, which helps to maintain human good health. In addition, sweating, thermotherapy, and sauna are commonly used to treat various diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory and joint diseases. In traditional Persian medicine (PM) textbooks, sweating is considered a preventive care and treatment strategy as well. In this study, we aim to explain the beneficial effects of sweating in human health and its role in the management of various diseases, as well as introducing the therapeutic applications of some diaphoretic plants from the viewpoint of PM. We reviewed the most famous PM textbooks such as Kamil al-Sinaa al-Tibbiya, Al-Qā nū n fī al-Tibb, Zakhireye Kharazmshahi, Kholasat al-Hikmat, Exir-e-Azam, and Hifzos-sihhat-e Naseri. Also, current evidence was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and other relevant databases related to the topic. The results of this study revealed that PM scientists believed proper sweating removes waste products and maintains the body’ s health, thus, any disturbances in the excretion of these waste products can cause diseases. They recommended the induction of sweating through hot and dry baths, sun bath, sand bath and also the use of diaphoretic herbs for the management of various diseases. Therefore, further researches are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of these diaphoretic plants.

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in recent decades worldwide. It has been distinguished as the main risk factor of coronary artery disease, aortic dissection, heart failure, renal failure, cerebrovascular diseases, and death. In recent years, the global attention has been paid to complementary medicine to preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies for hypertension, in previous studies, the history of hypertension from the viewpoint of traditional Persian medicine have been reviewed and several hypotheses raised. In this article, we present the concept of an Iranian physician namely Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari on hypertension, which has not been considered properly until now. He defined a state called “ Hayajan al-dam” that has clinical manifestations similar to hypertension, although these are not the same, also, we reviewed the viewpoint of other Persian medicine scholars namely Rhazes, Haly Abbas, Akhawayni and Avicenna for this topic.

Background: The first step to successful aging planning is to assess the current status using valid instruments. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Materials and Methods: In the first step, SAI. was translated through forward-backward translation, and its face and content validity were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. For construct validity assessment, 300 elderly were recruited through multi-stage random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis and known-group comparison were used. SAI reliability through internal consistency and stability was assessed using the Cronbach’ s alpha values of the inventory and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The standard error of measurement, smallest detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: The impact scores, content validity ratios, and content validity indices of all items were more than 1. 5, 0. 62, and 0. 8, respectively. The scale-level content validity index was 0. 94. Factor analysis identified four factors for the inventory, which explained 58. 17% of the total variance of the SAI score. SAI mean score among mentally healthy participants was significantly higher (P<0. 001). The relative frequencies with the lowest and highest possible scores of SAI were 0 and 3. 7%, respectively. The Cronbach’ s alpha, ICC, standard error of measurement, and the smallest detectable change of SAI were 0. 835, 0. 999, ± 0. 47, and 1. 9, respectively. Conclusion: As a valid and reliable instrument, the Persian version of SAI could be used for a successful aging assessment.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Although varieties of modalities have been proposed for its treatment, the outcomes are uncertain, and the responses would diminish early by the time passage. The current study was aimed to assess the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) merely and in combination with topical corticosteroid for the treatment of LE. Materials and Methods: In the current double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 70 patients with the diagnosis of LE were randomly allocated to two intervention groups of ESWT merely (control group) (n=35) or ESWT plus topical corticosteroid (intervention group) (n=35). The ESWT was performed weekly for three weeks. Topical clobetasol was utilized within 30 minutes before ESWT for the intervention group, while Vaseline gel was used in a similar pattern for controls. Pain based on a visual analog scale (VAS), handgrip strength (HGS) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) were assessed for the patients before the intervention, following the intervention cessation, and within two months post-intervention. Results: Statistically significant improvement was found following both interventions in terms of pain, HGS, and function (P-value<0. 001 for all), while the comparison of the two interventions, ESWT, merely versus in combination with topical clobetasol, revealed insignificant difference (P-value>0. 05). Conclusion: The findings of our study are in favor of ESWT use either merely or in combination with topical steroids for the treatment of LE, while the comparison of the two techniques revealed insignificant differences.

Background: The National Health Information Network (NHIN) is one of the key issues in health information systems in any country. However, the development of this network should be based on an appropriate framework. Unfortunately, the conducted projects of health information systems in the Ministry of Health of Iran do not fully comply with the concept of NHIN. The present study was aimed to develop a general framework for NHIN in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, in the first stage, the required information about the concept of the NHIN framework and related NHIN documents in the USA and the UK were collected based on a literature review. Then, according to the results of the first stage and with regards to the structure of the Iranian health system, a general framework for Iranian NHIN was proposed. The Delphi technique was conducted to verify the framework. Results: The proposed framework for Iranian NHIN includes three dimensions; components, principles, and architecture. Over 80% of experts have evaluated all three aspects of the framework at an acceptable scale. In total, the proposed framework has been evaluated by 83. 8% of the experts at an acceptable scale. Conclusion: The proposed framework was expected to serve as the starting point for moving towards the design and creation of Iranian NHIN. At any rate, the framework could be criticized, and it could only be used for the countries whose health system is similar to the structure of the health system in Iran.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome measure in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HRQOL is assumed to improve with kidney transplantation and compared to hemodialysis. However, there is no evidence regarding HRQOL to support the optimal treatment choice for patients on hemodialysis who hesitate opting for transplantation. Therefore, this study aims to compare HRQOL between patients with ESRD and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed of 50 patients with ESRD under hemodialysis and 100 healthy participants as controls. HRQOL was assess using the SF-36 questionnaire. Data was analysis by using linear regression to compared HRQOL between groups, and adjusted for age, gender, dialysis duration. Results: Most of the patients were males (62%) and aged 21 to 60 years old (82%). The patients and healthy subjects were significantly different in terms of the presence of chronic diseases (P<0. 05). ESRD patients had a significantly lower level of satisfaction with health and function, family and friends, and social and psychological functions. The patients’ quality of life was not significantly affected by their demographic characteristics, including age, gender, educational level, marital status, and financial status. However, there was a significant association between chronic disease and HRQOL among ESRD (P=0. 0001). Conclusion: ESRD has a remarkably negative effect on the patients’ quality of life and satisfaction with important domains of life. HRQOL among patients with end-stage renal disease can be affected by the associated chronic diseases.

The human mind has several obstacles and limitations to remember and apply the thousands of medical information learned at medical school quickly. On the other hand, knowledge of medicine is proliferating. Hence, the analysis of the hundreds of papers, journals, and textbooks are impossible for a clinician. However, in evidence-based medical practice, physicians must be used recent guidelines and papers. Due to a report, most diagnostic errors in medical care are related to the wrong cognitive by health care workers [1, 2]. Also, medical errors are one of the significant causes of death in the United States that most related to human errors [3, 4]. . .

This systematic review was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of chronic kidney disease screening tests in the general population. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and ProQuest databases were searched for English-language publications up to November 2016. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted study data in standardized tables. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity of all available screening methods were identified through included studies. Ten out of 1349 screened records included for final analysis. Sensitivities of the dipstick test with a cutoff value of trace were ranged from 37. 1% to 69. 4% and specificities from 93. 7% to 97. 3% for the detection of ACR>30 mg/g. The diagnostic sensitivities of the UAC>10 mg/dL testing was shown to vary from 40% to 87%, and specificities ranged from 75% to 96%. While the sensitivities of ACR were fluctuating between 74% and 90%, likewise the specificities were between 77% and 88%. Sensitivities for C-G, Grubb and Larsson equations were 98. 9%, 86. 2%, and 70. 1% respectively. In the meantime the study showed specificities of 84. 8%, 84. 2% and 90. 5% respectively for these equations. Individual studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of target populations, type of screening tests, thresholds used to detect CKD and variations in design. Results pointed to the superiority of UAC and dipstick over the other tests in terms of all parameters involved. The diversity of methods and thresholds for detection of CKD, necessitate considering the cost parameter along with the effectiveness of tests to scale-up an efficient strategy.

Abnormal deposition of misfolded proteins is a neuropathological characteristic shared by many neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’ s disease (AD). Generation of excessive amounts of aggregated proteins and impairment of degradation systems for misfolded proteins such as autophagy can lead to accumulation of proteins in diseased neurons. Molecules that contribute to both these effects are emerging as critical players in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, impairment of autophagy under disease conditions can be both a cause and a consequence of abnormal protein accumulation. Specifically, disease-causing proteins can impair autophagy, which further enhances the accumulation of abnormal proteins. In this short review, we focus on the relationship between the microtubule-associated protein tau and autophagy to highlight a feed-forward mechanism in disease pathogenesis.

Background: The decrease in fractional flow reserve (FFR) after adenosine administration from baseline FFR value (termed as Δ FFR) may reflect the compensatory capacity of the microvascular circulation and thus may predict significant coronary stenotic lesions. We aimed to investigate whether baseline FFR and Δ FFR can help identify the coronary ischemic lesion and its severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 154 consecutive patients (Mean age 62. 42 ± 9. 36 years) that underwent coronary angiography and with definitive intermediate coronary lesions at any of the coronary vessels. FFR was calculated by dividing the mean distal intracoronary pressure by the mean arterial pressure. Δ FFR was also defined as the difference between baseline FFR and hyperemic FFR (considering FFR<0. 75 as the criteria for ischemia). Results: The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve for baseline FFR was found as 0. 933, and for Δ FFR was 0. 946 indicated high values of both indices for predicting ischemic lesions. The best cut-off point for baseline FFR and Δ FFR for discriminating ischemic lesions from the normal condition was 89. 5 (yielding a sensitivity of 92. 2% and a specificity of 68. 0%) and 9. 5 (yielding a sensitivity of 96. 0% and a specificity of 85. 3%), respectively. Conclusion: Our study could successfully demonstrate the high value of both baseline FFR and Δ FFR for predicting coronary ischemic lesions with the cut-off values of <89. 5 and >9. 5, respectively.

Background: Infections are a major concern in fixation surgeries. Most of the infections could occur in the first three months after the operation. Case Report: We present a 45-year-old man who known case of achondroplasia who underwent craniospinal fixation and was presented to our clinic with surgical site infection after six years. His instruments were removed, and a halo vest was fixed for the patients. Accordingly, he received intravenous antibiotics, and during nine months’ follow-up, no any significant problems were found. Conclusion: Infection of instruments in spinal surgeries might be presented years after the surgery. Hence, it needs to be con-sidered by surgeons in patients’ follow-ups.

Background: Neurological manifestations and complications are common in viral infections, and they are significant sources for clinical deterioration and poor clinical outcomes. Case report: The current report presents a 38year-old man with Covid-19 respiratory illness who subsequently developed neurological complications and clinical worsening leading to death. This patient sought medical attention after five days of progressive cough, fever, and dyspnea. On arrival in the emergency room, he was found to have hypoxic respiratory failure resulting in intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Chest CT scan was characteristic for Covid-19 infection, and PCR test on tracheal samples confirmed the diagnosis. On day nine of admission, he developed generalized tonic colonic seizure associated with deterioration of mental status and hemiparesis. Repeated brain CT scans showed subcortical hypoattenuation with associated sulcal effacement in the left occipital and posterior parietal lobes concerning for ischemic changes. The patient passed away on day 17 despite supportive measures. Conclusion: This observation and recent evidence on Covid-19 CNS involvement highlight the need for further studies on early recognition of neurological complications in Covid-19 patients.

Background: Sexual health literacy enables an understanding and application of sexual health information and has benefits beyond health. Health literacy is an important element for achieving cognitive skills in health promotion. One of the most important problems in sexual health and sexual function in women is infertility. This study aims to explore the dimensions of sexual health literacy among women with infertility. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, a total of 18 individual interviews with 15 Iranian women with infertility, and three key informants, were conducted in infertility centers in Rasht (the North of Iran). Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews using interview guide questions. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach. Results: Five themes emerged: informational needs of sexual health, information seeking, informational perception, validation of information, and information application. Sexual issues are taboo in Iranian culture. They are not taught in health and educational centers. All the participants believed that there was a lack of information about the sexual response cycle, preventing sexually transmitted infections, targeted intercourse, and consequences of infertility in sexual life. Participants mentioned the embarrassment, privacy, and lack of centers for sexual health as information-seeking barriers. Searching different sources and questioning the informants were ways for understanding information. Women evaluated the accuracy of the information by considering the validity of the source of information, comparing information from different sources, and asking the experts. They applied the information received about sexual health, satisfaction, and especially targeted intercourse to increase the chance of pregnancy. Conclusion: Sexual health literacy in infertile women includes different dimensions. It can help promote sexual health, satisfaction, and increasing the chance of pregnancy.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common diseases in the world and affects about 10-50% of the general population. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help the normal state of the intestine, and if prescribed correctly, they can stimulate the mucosal immune system to prevent inflammatory symptoms of allergy and atopy. The present study aims to investigate the role of probiotics in the treatment of AR when added to standard therapy as adjuvant agents. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 28 patients older than 15 years with AR randomly divided into probiotics and control groups. The probiotics group received standard therapy for AR accompanied by probiotic capsules every 12 hours for eight weeks, whereas the control group received standard therapy for AR with placebo capsules as the same protocol. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and, the P-value less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the probiotics group, 14. 3% of patients had sneezing at the baseline, which significantly decreased to 4. 6% (P<0. 01). Also, the necessity for nasal and oral corticosteroids after treatment with probiotics in the probiotics group was less than the control group (P<0. 01). Although cough, nasal discharge, conchae hypertrophy, and night sleep disorders reduced after treatment with probiotics, this reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on the results of this clinical trial, the use of probiotics had no significant effect on the outcome of patients with AR.

It is important to consider the nutritional status of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) since it is a key element in the ability to overcome and survive critical illnesses and clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to provide a meta-analysis and systematic overview in determining the nutritional status of patients in ICU by examining other studies. All studies published during 2015-2019 on nutritional status in ICU were retrieved from Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Finally, 23 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Results obtained from these studies showed that the nutritional status of patients in ICU was inappropriate (the pooled proportion of malnutrition was 0. 51 in the type of study stratified), in which many patients in this unit had different degrees of malnutrition (moderate-mild malnourished and severe malnutrition is 0. 46 and 20%, respectively). According to the results of this study, the nutritional status of patients in ICU was unsatisfactory; hence, it is necessary to consider the nutritional status along with other therapeutic measures at the beginning of the patient’ s admission.

Background: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered as a gold standard of kidney function. However, using GFR as the gold standard is not common in clinical practice, because its direct measurement is usually expensive, cumbersome, and invasive. In the present study, we assessed the predictive power of two other biomarkers, Cystatin-C (Cys-C) and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) for early detection of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in the absence of a gold standard. Materials and Methods: In this study, 72 patients who referred to the Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital of Tehran, Iran, for measuring their kidney function were studied. The ELISA method was utilized for measuring plasma NGAL (PNGAL) and serum Cys-C (SCys-C). The Bayesian latent class modeling approach was applied to asses the predictive power of these biomarkers. Results: While both the biomarkers had rather high sensitivities (PNGAL=91%, SCys-C= 89%), the specificity of SCys-C biomarker was very lower than the one of PNGAL (SCys-C=56%, PNGAL=94%). The estimated area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for SCys-C as the single biomarker for the diagnosis of CKD was about 0. 76, while a similar estimate for PNGAL was 0. 93. The added value of PNGAL to SCys-C for the diagnosis of CKD in terms of the ROC curve was about 0. 19, while the added value of SCys-C to PNGAL was less than 0. 02. Conclusion: In general, our findings suggest that PNGAL can be utilized as a single reliable biomarker for early detection of CKD. In addition, results showed that when a perfect gold standard is not available, Bayesian approaches to latent class models could lead to more precise sensitivity and specificity estimates of imperfect tests.

Background: Limited surgery facilities, or day-care centers, have been expanding in recent years with the approach of reducing the number of patients referred to hospitals for treatment in relation to limited and ambulatory surgeries. This study was conducted to perform a comparative review of accreditation models for limited surgery facilities of selected countries and to obtain expert opinions in the field of policymaking and accreditation in Iran. Materials and Methods: This applied and qualitative study was carried out by a comparative method in 2019. The accreditation standards of limited surgery facilities in nine selected countries/states were assessed. Semi-structured interviews were then held with 25 Iranian experts in policymaking as well as accreditation authorities. Results: Evaluation of the core components of accreditation standards for limited surgery facilities in selected countries showed that the main concepts of care and treatment, human resource management, patient safety, drug management, patient education, health information management, quality improvement, service recipient rights, infection prevention and control, physical structure, management and leadership, and general facilities were among the key recurring concepts in all models. In the study of factors affecting the accreditation model of limited surgery facilities in Iran, 5 main topics and 43 subtopics were identified. Conclusion: Although the current assessment model of limited surgery facilities is an appropriate tool for evaluation, it still needs to be improved because of the uncertainty of evaluation model, training of accreditors and the content of standards.

Background: Dried lime (Citrus aurantifulia) is one of the herbal preparations used especially by Iranian pilgrims as a preventative agent and self-remedy for respiratory tracts symptoms in folklore medicine. Therefore, we evaluated the preventive efficacy of dried lime preparation in common cold among Iranian pilgrims. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial patients in the drug group received dried lime capsules, 500 mg in a single dose per day for four weeks. In the placebo group, the patients received placebo capsules using the same method. The primary outcome measure in this trial was the severity of cold symptoms assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the trend of cold symptoms severity during the study period. However, in the second week, the severity of all the cold symptoms in the drug group was less, compared to the placebo, but at the end of the study, comparison of the two groups revealed no significant difference in any of the investigated options. Conclusion: The findings revealed that although the severity of all the cold symptoms in the drug group was less as compared to the placebo group, the dried lime capsule showed no statistically significant effect on the control of these symptoms in Iranian pilgrims.

Background: Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density during the third trimester or lactation. Multiple risk factors, such as genetic, sedentariness, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency, are associated with PAO. In the majority of cases, PAO is presented with a compression fracture in vertebras, but in our case, it presented with a fracture of the femoral neck. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old, gravida one woman, developed right hip joint pain during the gestational age 34 weeks who referred to our clinic. Despite conservative management, the pain intensified. The patient delivered a healthy neonate in the 38th week of gestation and afterward underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic, revealing a bruised bone in the femoral neck. Since she had developed a femoral neck fracture during the postpartum period, she underwent open reduction and fixation of the femoral neck. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) revealed osteoporosis of the vertebras and femoral neck. She received calcium supplements and alendronate, and the pain was relieved. On 2-year and 4-year follow-up, she was found to be osteopenic with significant improvement in DEXA indices. Conclusion: PAO is a rare condition among young women. This condition should be kept in mind when hip joint or back pain is encountered during pregnancy.

Background: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of bone density reduction and its associated factors in hemophilia patients in South Khorasan Province in 2018. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on all patients with hemophilia type A with medical records in Hemophilia center in South Khorasan province. A number of 57 eligible subjects who met the criteria were selected based on census method. Thereafter, 60 non-hemophilic individuals who were similar to hemophilic patients in terms of age and body mass index were selected by convenience sampling method. DXA device was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in two locations of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 19), using Chi-square, Fisher’ s exact test, and independent t-test. A P-value less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence rate of bone density reduction in spine bone in hemophilia patients was measured at 31. 6% and 13. 3% in non-hemophilia subjects (P=0. 02); moreover, this rate in hip bone was reported as 7% and 5%, respectively (P=0. 65). Relative frequency of bone density reduction in the spine and hip bone was not significantly different among hemophilia patients based on age, severity of hemophilia, vitamin D, hepatitis and smoking (P>0. 05). However, a significant difference was detected in terms of body mass index (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the prevalence of bone density reduction in hemophilic patients was significantly higher, as compared to that of non-hemophilia patients. This necessitates the implementation of drastic preventive measures, prompt diagnosis, timely treatment, and appropriate therapeutic measures.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, chronic, neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in childhood with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Ma’ aljobon (a kind of whey protein) that is derived from milk during cheese producing process is a popular dietary traditional product supposed to provide immune modulation and prevent neuropsychiatric disorder. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ma’ aljobon in management of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Materials and Methods: In this open-label randomized, double arm, and controlled clinical trial, sixty four patients with ADHD who referred to out-patient child and adolescent clinic of Khorshid Hospital of Isfahan, Iran, were randomly assigned in the intervention group (ma’ aljobon 25 g once daily plus standard conventional treatment (SCT)) or control group (SCT only) for a period of 8 weeks. Scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were set as the outcome measures. Results: Parent reported hyperactivity scale of SDQ showed a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0. 04). However, no significant between groups differences were observed in other scales of parent-reported SDQ. Also, according to the results of CPT, there was a significant improvement in the intervention group regarding attention and focus score (P=0. 01). Conclusion: Ma’ aljobon might be considered as a complementary remedy for improving hyperactivity, attention and focus of children with ADHD. However, further researches with larger sample size and longer duration should be done for achieving more reliable results.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) and androgenic alopecia (AGA) are of the most common types of alopecias. Recently, the role of mastcells in inflammatory diseases has become the focus of many studies. However, few studies have been conducted on their role in AA and AGA. Therefore, our study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the presence of mastcells in the AA and AGA specimens. Materials and Methods: Three groups of AA, AGA, and healthy control were studied (each group with 20 subjects). Patients were randomly selected from those referred to the dermatology clinics of Shahid Beheshti University. Specimens were obtained from the scalp, and perifollicular and perivascular areas were investigated. Results: Significantly higher perifollicular and perivascular mastcell counts were seen in both AGA and AA groups as compared to healthy control (P<0. 001 for both). Moreover, AA patients had more frequent perivascular mastcells than the AGA group (P=0. 042). Among patients aged <40 years, perifollicular and perivascular mastcell counts were not significantly different among three groups; however, subjects over 40 years of age in both groups had significantly more perifollicular and perivascular mastcells than healthy participants. There was a significant positive correlation between disease severity and mast cell counts in both perifollicular and perivascular areas in AA patients (P=0. 001 for both). Conclusion: There is a significantly increased infiltration of mastcells in AA and AGA patients, and this increase is age and severity dependent. Moreover, the increase in mastcell proliferation is more dominant in AA patients.

Background: It has been well-documented that the Fc receptor-like (FCRL) molecule contributes to the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune disorders. FCRL molecules belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily produced by B cells. Also, these molecules induce activating or inhibitory signals of B cells. According to this information and also considering the critical role of immune reactions in organ transplantation, the following experiment was performed to analyze the gene expression level of FCRLs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 32 renal transplant patients on days 1, 3, and 7 post-transplantations. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of rejection. Also, 24 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. After total RNA extraction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and cDNA synthesis, the gene expression levels of FCRL1, FCRL2, and FCRL4 in each group were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Our results showed that FCRL1 expression levels in kidney transplant patients were significantly less than healthy controls. The overall FCRL2 expression level was not significantly different between them. However, at days 1 and 7, following transplantation in the non-rejected group FCRL2 level was significantly higher than the control group. Comparing the FCRL4 gene expression levels of both groups with healthy controls showed a significant decrease in the third and seventh days post-transplantation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that mononuclear cells, mainly B cells, have an essential role to play in kidney transplantation.

Dear Editor: According to recent studies [1, 2], nutrition is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and subsequent neonatal sepsis...

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents the most common metabolic complication during pregnancy. GDM is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Approximately 7% of all pregnancies are affected by GDM, resulting in more than 200, 000 cases worldwide annually, and the prevalence may vary from 1% to 14% among all pregnancies. Accordingly, this study attempted to determine the prevalence and some risk factors of GDM. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at BooAli hospital in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Four hundred non-diabetics pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks who attended the Boo-Ali hospital outpatient department were included in our study. Demographic and anthropometric data including age, gravida, para, gestational age, family history of diabetes, history of GDM, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Blood samples were collected from the women at 24-28 weeks to diagnose GDM by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We measured the 25-OH-D level in participants at 24-28 weeks. Results: Among the 400 pregnant women, 46 (11. 5%) had GDM based on OGTT, and the mean age of GDM women were 30. 78± 5. 96 years. Among selected variables, BMI ≥ 25kg/m2, family history, and GDM history were associated with increased risks of GDM (odds ratio=2. 49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1. 22– 5. 07; 3. 52, 95% CI 1. 84– 6. 70; 19. 57, and 95% CI 6. 16– 62. 17, respectively). The association was more robust in the positive GDM history of women. Conclusion: High prevalence of GDM highlights more attention of health-care givers in screening pregnant women with risk factors. BMI as a modifiable risk factor for GDM needs more attention, and positive family history and previous GDM history should be considered in the core activities of pregnant women.

Menopause can cause mental, physical, vasomotor, and sexual symptoms and problems, which negatively affect the quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate QOL among Iranian postmenopausal women. This systematic review was conducted on cross-sectional studies that were published between 2000 and 2018. An online search to find studies published in English or Persian was conducted in the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scientific Information Database, Magiran, and IranMedex. Search key terms were “ quality of life” , “ menopause” , and “ Iran” . Fourteen studies were eligible for this study. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used for quality appraisal. The mean and standard deviation of QOL and its domains were extracted from the selected studies. Study data were analyzed using the Review Manager (v. 5. 0) and the STATA (v. 12. 0) software. The mean of total QOL among 3413 postmenopausal women was 57. 89± 12. 8 (in the possible range of 0– 174). The means of its vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual domains were 7. 86± 2. 14, 19. 43± 2. 05, 40. 58± 3. 33, and 6. 71± 1. 77, respectively. The QOL among Iranian postmenopausal women is nearly higher than the moderate level. The lowest and the highest levels of QOL are related to the physical and sexual domains, respectively. Health authorities need to develop educational interventions to promote postmenopausal women’ s QOL, particularly in the physical domain.

Background: True knots and tight loops of umbilical cord can cause serious fetal complications in monochorionic-monoamniotic twins but are usually unexpected in Monochorionic-diamniotic twins because of the presence of the intertwin membrane. This report presents a case of monochorionic-diamniotic twin gestation with a complex cord knots. Case report: A 31-year-old G2Ab1 with monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy in the gestational age of 30 weeks presented with ruptured membrane since 3weeks before delivery. At the delivery time, multiple umbilical cord knots was found. Conclusion: Premature ruptured membrane can cause septostomy of the intertwin membrane, multiple umbilical cord knots and its complications. Therefore, these cases should be considered for evaluation of the presence of intertwin membrane and umbilical cord knots in each sonography examination.

Background: Thyroid cancer is more common in women at reproductive age, suggesting the relationship between its high-incidence and therapeutic use of hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives (OCPs). The aim of this study was to identify the effect of low-dose combined OCP (LD-COC) on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) BCPAP cell line. Materials and Methods: BCPAP cells were cultured and treated with the combination of 90nM levonorgestrel (LNG) and 20nM ethinylestradiol (EE) for 48 hours. Afterward, using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the proliferation of the cells was measured. Apoptosis was determined by using a Caspase-3 ELISA kit. Migratory properties of combined LNG and EE were studied through wound scratch assay. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic factor BAX, anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2, and proliferation marker Ki67 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results: Upon treatment with the combination of LNG and EE, proliferation and migration of BCPAP cells were significantly enhanced. However, LNG and EE remarkably inhibited apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, treating PTC cells with combined LNG and EE caused a marked increase in the expression of Bcl2 and Ki67 and a considerable decrease in BAX levels (P˂ 0. 05). Conclusion: Our data linked the use of COCs and the progression and aggressiveness of PTC, suggesting the role of these hormonal compounds as promoting factors for PTC tumors. Despite these observations, further investigations will be required to fully establish the pathogenic impact of these medications on PTC.

Background: Despite growing concern about the increasing global burden of obesity, there are still many uncertainties in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and omentin, concerning dietary patterns in obese women. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried on an equal number of obese (case group) and normal-weight women (n=45 each). Dietary intake was determined based on the food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of 2-AG, NPY, and omentin were determined using ELISA. Results: The obese group showed significantly higher 2-AG and NPY levels than the controls(P<0. 001). There were significant positive correlations between the serum level of 2-AG and calorie intake (r=0. 219, P=0. 038), carbohydrates (r=0. 238, P=0. 024), fat (r=0. 227, P=0. 032), saturated fatty acids (r=0. 272, P=0. 009), and monounsaturated fatty acids (r=0. 265, P=0. 012). Conclusion: Our study revealed that dietary patterns, in particular, the type of fatty acids used may influence levels of 2-AG, NPY, and omentin, which all are involved in pathways resulting in obesity.

User satisfaction has been considered as the measure of information system effectiveness success. User satisfaction is difficult to define but is considered an evaluation construct. Globally health organizations, particularly hospitals, invest a huge amount of money on information system projects. If hospital information systems (HISs) are to be successful, factors influencing or related to user satisfaction should be taken into account at the time of designing, developing or adopting such systems. The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of factors related to user satisfaction with information systems. The researchers systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct, and IEEE electronic databases for articles published from January 1990 to June 2016. A search strategy was developed using a combination of the following keywords: “ model, ” “ user satisfaction, ” “ information system, ” “ measurement, ” “ instrument, ” and “ tool. ” Reported dimensions, factors, and their possible influence on user satisfaction with information systems were extracted from the studies wherever was possible. Overall factors influencing user satisfaction with information systems can be categorized in seven dimensions: Information quality, system quality, vendor support quality, system use, perceived usefulness, user characteristics, and organizational structure& management style. If all these factors are considered properly in the process of developing, designing, implementing, or purchasing information systems, the higher user satisfaction with the system will be likely. Otherwise, it would end up with unsatisfied users that will finally contribute to the system failure.

Background: Mummy (Iranian pure shilajit) is a remedy with possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. This study aimed to examine mummy effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer (BC) cell lines with underlying its mechanism. Materials and Methods: The dose-dependent inhibitory effect of the mummy on cell proliferation in vitro was determined using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and 4’ , 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride staining were respectively used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of cellular apoptosis, and gene expression analysis was conducted using real-time PCR. Results: MDA-MB-231 showed more sensitivity than the MCF-7 cell line to the anticancer activity of mummy, while mummy did not exhibit significant cell cytotoxicity against human normal cells (MCF-10A). The gene expression profile demonstrated a significant decrease in TGF-β 1, TGF-β R1, TWIST1, NOTCH1, CTNNB1, SRC along with an increase in E-cadherin mRNA levels in mummy treated cells compared to the untreated control group (P≤ 0. 05). Conclusion: Mummy triggers inhibition of EMT and metastasis in breast cancer cells mainly through the downregulation of TGFβ 1 activity, and more studies required to find its specific anticancer activity with details.

Background: Studies have indicated that exaggerated hypertension during activity and stress can be a good predictor of the incidence of hypertension. This study tries to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function by tissue Doppler to assess early changes in ventricular compliance before the onset of Hypertension (HTN) in patients with exaggerated blood pressure response during the exercise test. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 40 patients without a history of hypertension with systolic blood pressure less than 140/90 which referred for exercise test, were included. The exercise test was performed for all patients. Patients who had exaggerated blood pressure during the stress test were considered as cases and the controls with normal blood pressure responses. Then standard echocardiography and Tissue Doppler imaging performed and indices of LV systolic and diastolic were recorded. Results: The LV mass in cases and controls were 174. 9± 50. 78 and 152. 9± 33. 59, respectively (P=0. 114), and LV mass index in cases and controls were 127. 4± 13. 5 and 79. 8± 15. 75, respectively (P=0. 023). Moreover, the LV Myocardial Performance Index were 0. 68± 0. 11 and 0. 48± 0. 06 in cases and controls, respectively (P<0. 001). The heart rate, E/A, EE, E Velocity and S velocity were measuremented. Except E/A (P=0. 009), there was no significant difference between the other variables measured between the cases and controls (P>0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using 2D conventional echocardiography as a noninvasive method if performed in prestigious centers can evaluate systolic and diastolic function Tissue Doppler parameters very well in the early stages of heart disease caused by HTN.

Background: Bromelain enhances anticancer impacts to chemotherapeutic agents. The question as to whether bromelain does promote in-vitro cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of cisplatin on human prostatic carcinoma PC3 cell line was investigated. Materials and Methods: PC3 (human prostatic carcinoma) cells were treated either single or in combination with bromelain and/or cisplatin. MTT, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate cell viability, colony formation, proapoptotic potential and p53 gene expression, respectively. Results: Cisplatin (IC10 ) combined with bromelain (IC40 ) significantly affected PC3 cell viability, inhibited colony formation, as well increased p53 proapoptotic gene expression compared to cisplatin single treatment. Nevertheless, bromelain-cisplatin chemoherbal combination did not display any additive proapoptotic effect compared to single treatments. Conclusion: Bromelain-cisplatin chemoherbal combination demonstrated synergistic in-vitro anticancer effect on human prostatic carcinoma cell line, PC3, that drastically reduced required cisplatin dose.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a multifactorial disorder with multiple etiologies, which are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of minerals, total protein, vitamin D (vit D), and inflammatory mediators with LBP and its severity. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was derived from the study nested in the Fasa Cohort Study. Overall, 148 individuals with LBP were compared with 150 individuals without LBP. Blood samples were evaluated for serum protein, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), phosphorus, vit D, IL-1B, IL-6, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), and TNF-alpha. Severity of pain was measured with the McGill and Oswestry questionnaires. Results: The mean age of participants in the case and control groups was 49. 2 ± 6. 1 and 47. 57 ± 5. 85 years, respectively. In the case group, 61 patients (48. 8%) were male. The mean serum levels of Fe, Al, vit D, Cu, IL-1B, IL-6, HS-CRP, and TNF-alpha were significantly different between case and control groups (P≤ 0. 05). However, there were no significant differences between studied groups in the term of sex and serum phosphorus (P>0. 05). Regarding pain severity, age was correlated with McGill score (r=0. 18), body mass index with Oswestry (r=0. 21), Fe with McGill (r=-0. 15) and Oswestry (r=-0. 13), protein with McGill (r=0. 32) and Oswestry (r=-0. 32), Al with McGill (r=0. 56) and Oswestry (r=0. 45), IL-1B with McGill (r=0. 19) and Oswestry (r=0. 13), TNF-alpha with McGill (r=0. 34) and Oswestry (r=0. 26), IL-6 with Oswestry (r=0. 13), HS-CRP with McGill (r=0. 60) and Oswestry (r=0. 46), and vit D was correlated with McGill (r=0. 21) and Oswestry scores (r=0. 17). Higher Fe (odds ratio [OR]: 0. 99), protein (OR: 0. 47), Al (OR: 0. 11), and vit D levels (OR: 0. 97) were protective against LBP (P<0. 001). Higher IL-1B (OR: 1. 01), TNF-alpha (OR: 1. 03), and HS-CRP (OR: 1. 0003) presented as risk factors for LBP (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Our study revealed except phosphorous, all the serum levels minerals and inflammatory markers was significantly different in LBP patients compared to healthy individuals. Also, in the LBP patients, serum levels of Fe, total protein, Al, and vit D aside to inflammatory mediators (i. e., IL-1B, TNF-alpha, and HS-CRP) shows a marked association with severity of LBP.

Background: The correlation between serum cholesterol level and the risk of developing atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome has been well established in previous studies. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) measurement is conducted using different methods which are generally divided into two groups, namely direct and indirect. Using indirect methods or calculations such as the Friedewald or Iranian formula for measuring LDL, particularly in developing countries, is quite common. The present study has stepped in to compare the robustness of the extant formulas in prognosticating and determining the incidence of metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the target population was the community of Fasa cohort study. According to the views of the statistical advisor, 9530 people were included in the study and clinical laboratory examinations were done for each person. Their serum LDL level was measured using the existing formulas. Then, the results of the serum LDL level that was computed with different formulas, were compared with both the status of metabolic syndrome and laboratory tests of individuals. Results: The Iranian formula has the highest area under curve, the sensitivity of 0. 73, and specificity of 0. 77, higher positive and negative predictive values among other formulas. In Friedewald formula, for example, sensitivity and specificity equal 0. 28 and 0. 80, respectively. After further analysis, two new models proposed for predicting metabolic syndrome. The results revealed that these two models even outperform the Iranian formula. Conclusion: The Iranian formula for plasma LDL calculation has higher precision and application for predicting and measuring the metabolic syndrome in the Iranian population due to its considerable features. It is required to develop a new formula for each population and even for each sex, if possible.

Background: Dysregulation of the cell cycle has been reported in various cancers. Inactivation of the cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors (CDKIs), CIP/KIP family, such as p21Cip1/Waf1/Sdi1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2 genes because of hypermethylation has been shown in several cancers. Treatment with DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2ˈ-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) has been indicated that affect genomic methylation and resulting in silenced genes reactivation in colon cancer. Previously, we evaluated the effect of 5-Aza-CdR on DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which encouraged us to design the current study. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 5-Aza-CdR on p21Cip1/Waf1/Sdi1, p27Kip1, p57Kip2, and DNAT1 genes expression, cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in colon cancer SW 480 and SW 948 cell lines. Materials and Methods: The effect of 5-aza-CdR on the SW 480 and SW 948 cells growth, apoptosis induction and genes expression were assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis respectively. Results: 5-aza-CdR inhibited cell growth as time- and dose-dependent manner significantly (P<0. 001). The agent reactivated p15INK4, p16INK4, p18INK4, and p19INK4 genes expression and induced apoptosis at a concentration of 5 μ M significantly. Besides, 5-aza-CdR had a more significant effect on the SW 480 cell line in comparison to SW 948 cell line. Conclusion: 5-Aza-CdR plays a key role in the up-regulation of p21Cip1/ Waf1/Sdi1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2 and down-regulation of DNMT1 genes resulting in cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction.

Background: The rate of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is growing. Investigations about CVD that leading to introduce varieties of metabolites is available. The monitoring of these metabolites to find effective ones in the future of clinic applications is the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods: Numbers of 34 metabolites for the CVD are extracted from literature and designated for interaction determinations by MetScape V 3. 1. 3. The compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was constructed and the pathways were analyzed. Based on the presence of metabolites in the pathways the critical compounds were determined. Results: Pathway analysis revealed 18 disturbed pathways related to the CVD. glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway including 27 compounds is related to the 9 queried metabolites. L-Serine which was communed between 5 pathways and also was presented in the largest pathway was identified as the critical compound. Conclusion: It can be concluded that L-Serine is a proper biomarker candidate for CVD diagnosis and also patients follow up approaches.

Dear editor: Current practice the science education, particularly in medical education, is presum-ably a mirror of its future directions. KhayGuan (2019) asserts that today’ s medical students will carry our values, skills, and our hopes for the profession into the future...

Background: This community-based study aimed to investigate the psychiatric disorders and their comorbidities according to the kind of psychiatric disorders. Frequency of demographic factors and the prevalence of total psychiatric disorders in term of demographic charactheristics were obtained too. Materials and Methods: The present study focused on 1028 children and adolescent aged 6 to 18 years old across the Razavi Khorasan province by random sampling. The subjects included 496 boys and 532 girls from three age groups (6-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-18 years). Eight clinical psychologists trained to complete the Persian version of K-SADS-PL (Kiddie-SADS present and life time version). This scale measures five diagnostic appendixes of psychiatric disorders. Demographic data of participants were collected too. The data were recorded into the SPSS version 16. The relationship between psychiatric disorders and demographic factors deliberate by descriptive analysis and 95% confidence interval. Results: The total rate of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescent was estimated as 20. 5%, elimination disorders with a rate of 12. 9% was the most prevalent disorder in the subjects. The lowest prevalence belongs to psychotic disorder and bulimia nervosa (0. 1%). Of participants with mood disorders about 71. 4% have behavioral disorders too. Anxiety disorders also commonly occurred in person with mood disorders. The comparison of ORs and their 95% confidence interval revealed that there is a significant difference for total psychiatric disorder among boys and girls (OR=0. 6 for girls; 95% CI: 0. 44-0. 82). The rate of total psychiatric disorders in rural and urban areas was 14. 9% and 21. 1% respectively. Conclusion: With attention to the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents, it’ s necessary that healthcare officials pay more attention to reinforcement of mental health care.

Dear Editor: Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses ranging from the common cold virus to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)...

Dear Editor: COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease called Coronavurus 2019, one of the causes of respiratory failure; The disease was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and then spread around the world and also creating the 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic [1, 2]. The disease is currently reported in 215 countries, with an estimated more than 8 million cases [3]. Due to the high prevalence of COVID-19, rapid transmission, mortality in severe cases, and the absence of definitive drugs, the disease is a significant threat to human life and health that can affect various aspects of physical and mental health [4– 6]...

Background: Pharmacogenetics has proven role in the treatment of different illnesses. Patients with special genotypes may achieve a better response to a specific drug. On the other hand, genetic parameters markedly contribute to the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). The significance of adrenergic system compartments in cognition and behavior, and their role in etiology of depression denote that adrenergic receptors beta gene polymorphism(s) might also have an association with drug response. Thus this study aims to evaluate the association between β 1AR gene polymorphisms, G1165C, Arg389Gly and response to fluoxetine in MDD patients. Materials and Methods: Among different antidepressants, we focused on fluoxetine as it is prescribed frequently in MDD and belongs to one of the most efficient antidepressant categories with minimum side effects. MDD was diagnosed at study entry using DSM-IV criteria. One hundred and one new MDD patients were treated with fluoxetine for a period of 6 weeks. A 50% decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) was considered as response to treatment. Genotyping of G1165C polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Results: Results of the study indicated no significant relationship between β 1AR polymorphism and the patient’ s response to fluoxetine neither at genotypic nor allelic level (P=0. 568). Conclusion: Our study did not support the hypothesis of involvement of β 1AR Arg389Gly polymorphism and response to fluoxetine in MDD patients.