Journal of Basic Research in Medical Sciences
Year:2024 | Volume:11 | Issue:4|Papers Count:8

Introduction: Propylene glycol (PG) is frequently used as a solvent for various medications. However, there is substantial evidence of Propylene glycol toxicity, such as depression, agitation, and seizures, particularly when used in combination with other drugs. Here, we aimed to study the effect of Propylene glycol administration in combination with amyloid β₁₋₄₀ injection on hippocampal neurons. Material & Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, amyloid β₁₋₄₀ injection group, Propylene glycol group, and amyloid β₁₋₄₀ + Propylene glycol group. Alternation behavior, number of neurons in the hippocampus, lipid peroxidation markers, and superoxide dismutase levels were analyzed in all rats. Results: When Propylene glycol was co-administered with amyloid β₁₋₄₀, a notable reduction in the mean neuronal count was observed in the CA1, CA3, and DG regions compared with the amyloid β₁₋₄₀ only injected animals (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Propylene glycol induced an increase in lipid peroxidation markers (10.78 ± 0.4) and a decrease in antioxidant content (2.8 ± 0.17) when administered with amyloid β₁₋₄₀, compared to the animals that received only amyloid β₁₋₄₀ (P < 0.05). A similar pattern was found in alternation behavior compared with the group with amyloid β₁₋₄₀ injection (P < 0.001). Conclusion:  Propylene glycol could produce excessive neurotoxicity in regions of the hippocampus when co-administered with amyloid β₁₋₄₀. It likely increases lipid peroxidation and reduces superoxide dismutase in the rat brain. The use of different agents as a vehicle should be considered, especially in the elderly.

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition causing a range of developmental problems, with males more severely affected compared to female patients. The main features include a long and narrow face, large ears, and a prominent jaw and forehead. Males develop enlarged testicles after puberty, and carrier females are expected to show fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) was suspected in a consanguineous family referred to a Medical Genetics center because of a family history of intellectual disability and primary ovarian insufficiency in their small village population. The cytosine guanine guanine (CGG) repeat expansion of the FMR1 gene in the 65-year-old proband was amplified and then analyzed by Gene Marker software. The female proband showed two expanded alleles, including one full mutation allele and one premutation allele with an accurate size of 74 (CGG) repeats. Despite having two mutant FMR1 alleles and manifesting some symptoms of FXS, she was fertile. Consanguineous marriages and, in more unfavorable conditions, marrying Fragile X-affected or premutation-carrying males with female carriers is not uncommon in such genetically isolated populations. Therefore, the need for Fragile X syndrome examination in suspected patients with similar features and screening their relatives is highly emphasized.

Background:  Levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene are low in normal breast tissue, but half of patients with breast cancer have higher levels of this receptor. The different expression levels of the HER2 gene in normal and malignant cells make this gene an excellent biomarker for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the degree of HER2 overexpression in patients, its relationship with age and the occurrence of metastases. Methods: In this retrospective, registry-based and two-center cohort study, information of 1500 patients with breast cancer recruited at the Shahid Mostafa Khomeini hospital in Ilam province was collected during the years 2020 to 2023. Results: The possible of metastasis in cancer patients who had the HER2 gene expression was 3 times higher (adjusted OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.79 – 3.29; P=0.001).  Also, Nodes involved (adjusted OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 0.87 – 3.79; P=0.03) was significantly associated with increased metastasis. Conclusion: This study showed that the significant prognostic factor of the number of involved lymph nodes and HER2 gene expression is known as a factor that increases the risk of metastasis. Therefore, creating a background for breast cancer screenings can be an important factor for the treatment of the disease and the prevention of metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Introduction: Understanding the reasons for retreatment of dental restorations is crucial to preventing potential tooth failure. Due to limited information on retreatment causes in our region, this study aims to compare the factors leading to the failure of posterior amalgam and composite restorations. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on patients referred to the restorative department of Ilam Faculty of Dentistry and private clinics who required retreatment of existing posterior restorations. Failure criteria for posterior restorations were evaluated based on established reference guidelines. Results:  The study found that secondary caries had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.08 (95% CI: 2.85 – 3.29; p < 0.001), indicating a strong association with restoration failure. Additionally, restoration fractures were significantly correlated with retreatment, with an adjusted OR of 2.50 (95% CI: 2.46 – 2.86; p < 0.001). Conclusion:  Secondary caries emerged as the most common reason for retreatment, regardless of whether composite or amalgam materials were used. Restoration fractures also significantly contributed to the need for retreatment. Therefore, it is essential to consider factors such as restoration material, classification, and the number of restoration levels to reduce the likelihood of retreatment.

Introduction: Readmission is an important indicator of poor post-discharge management for psychiatric patients. This study explores the factors influencing psychiatric patient readmission, with a focus on post-discharge follow-up visits. Materials & Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical records of psychiatric inpatients over an eight-year period up to 2019. The relationship between various clinical factors during hospitalization (e.g., length of stay, diagnosis, treatment adherence) and post-discharge follow-up leading to readmission was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis. Results:  The study revealed a 23% readmission rate. Gender, education, length of hospital stay, number of previous hospitalizations, and restraint during hospitalization showed significant associations with post-discharge visits (P < 0.05). Gender, place of hospitalization, and type of discharge were related to the timing of the first post-discharge visit (P < 0.05). Scheduling follow-up visits at discharge was significantly associated with post-discharge follow-up (p = 0.001). Conclusion:  To reduce or delay readmissions, the study recommends increasing post-discharge visits, minimizing treating psychiatrists, scheduling outpatient follow-up upon discharge, providing psycho-education at discharge (particularly for women and individuals with higher education), addressing patients who leave against medical advice, and conducting telephone follow-up for high-risk patients.

Introduction: Aging leads to declines in both physical and mental performance, resulting in major disorders such as frailty syndrome and anxiety. This study aimed to explore the relationship between frailty syndrome and anxiety among older adults hospitalized in educational hospitals in Ilam City in 2024. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 240 older adults at educational hospitals in Ilam from May to July 2024. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the Groningen Frailty Index (GFI), and the Geriatric Anxiety Index (GAI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.16, applying Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, simple linear regression, and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency) at a 5% significance level. Results:  The participants had a mean age of 72.44 ± 5.19 years, with GFI and GAI scores of 11.04 ± 2.68 and 15.58 ± 2.55, respectively. Significant relationships were found between literacy level and reasons for hospitalization with the GFI, and marital status and daily care needs with the GAI. A significant positive relationship was observed between the physical dimension of the GFI and mild to moderate anxiety, the social dimension and severe to total anxiety, the psychological dimension and susceptibility to anxiety, and the total GFI score with severe and total anxiety. Conclusion:  The study found that the physical, cognitive, and psychological dimensions of the GFI were related to varying levels of GAI, with specific correlations between the GAI and the social dimension of the GFI.

Introduction: Endodontic treatment errors (EEs) can lead to complications and require additional follow-up care. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of root canal treatment errors among dental students, identifying error types based on radiographic criteria, tooth type, location, and technical errors. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 201 patients who underwent root canal treatment at Ilam University of Medical Sciences between 2021 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were confirmed root disease diagnosis, adherence to standard treatment protocol, availability of radiographs, and complete patient files. The protocol included rubber dam isolation, radiographic length determination, manual file canal preparation, irrigation, obturation with the lateral compression method, and temporary restoration. Two endodontists evaluated filling length, density, convergence, and technical errors such as floor perforation, broken instruments, transportation, ledge formation, and access cavity gouging. Results:  The study included 89 male (44.3%) and 112 female (55.7%) dental students with a mean age of 25.36 years. Among the 201 patients (28.9% male, 71.1% female; mean age 35.24 years), 71.6% had fillings of appropriate length, 12.14% short, and 15.9% long. Appropriate density was observed in 67.6%, and convergence in 86.1%. Technical errors included ledge formation (8.5%), floor perforation (1%), access cavity gouging (1.5%), and broken instruments (0.5%). A significant relationship was found between density and tooth type (p < 0.002) and convergence and tooth type (p < 0.009). Conclusion:  Proper filling, convergence, and density were more frequent in anterior teeth. Maxillary teeth had higher rates of proper filling compared to mandibular teeth. The overall rate of treatment errors was low, likely due to professor supervision.

Introduction: Levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene are low in normal breast tissue, but half of the patients with breast cancer exhibit higher levels of this receptor. The differential expression of the HER2 gene in normal and malignant cells makes it an excellent biomarker for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the degree of HER2 overexpression in patients and its relationship with age and the occurrence of metastases. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective, registry-based, two-center cohort study, information on 1500 breast cancer patients recruited from Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam Province was collected from 2020 to 2023. Results:  The likelihood of metastasis in cancer patients with HER2 gene expression was three times higher (adjusted OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.79–3.29; P=0.001). Additionally, the involvement of lymph nodes (adjusted OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 0.87–3.79; P=0.03) was significantly associated with increased metastasis. Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that HER2 gene expression and the number of involved lymph nodes are significant prognostic factors that increase the risk of metastasis. Therefore, implementing comprehensive breast cancer screenings can play an important role in the treatment and prevention of metastasis in breast cancer patients.