Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder caused by decreasing dopamine in the brain. Speech is one of the first functions that are disrupted. Accordingly, speech features are a promising indicator in PD diagnosis for telemedicine applications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Parkinson's disease on a minimal set of Jitter and Shimmer voice indicators and studying the difference between male and female speech features in noisy/noiseless environments. Materials and Methods: Our data includes 47 samples from nursing homes and neurology clinics, with 23 patients and 24 healthy individuals. The optimal feature for each category is studied separately for the men's and women's samples. The focus here is on the phonation in which the vowel/a/is expressed by the participants. The main features, including Jitter and Shimmer perturbations, are extracted. To find an optimal pair under both noisy and noiseless circumstance, we use the Relief feature selection strategy. Results: This research shows that the Jitter feature for men and women with Parkinson's is 21 and 33.4, respectively. While the Shimmer feature is 0.1 and 0.06. In addition, by using these two features alone, we reach a correct diagnosis rate of 79% and 81% for noisy and noiseless states, respectively. Conclusion: The PD effects on the speech features can be accurately identified. Evaluating the extracted features suggests that the absolute value of the selected feature in men with PD is higher than for healthy ones. Whereas, in the case of women, this is the opposite.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinical-radiological syndrome characterized by such symptoms as headaches, altered consciousness, blurred vision, seizure, and focal neurological deficits. We herein present well-documented PRES cases and discuss the risk factors and characteristic imaging patterns of this syndrome. Materials and Methods: We prospectively examined 31 patients with PRES in Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and compared the underlying diseases of PRES in terms of their clinical features and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Results: The most common underlying disease was hypertension (90.3%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (32.3%), preeclampsia (25.8%), chronic renal failure (22.6%), and rheumatoid arthritis (22.6%). Interestingly, we also reported heroin abuse as a possible risk factor for PRES (9.7%). The most frequent clinical signs were headaches (54.8%), seizure (54.8%), and blurred vision (35.5%). The most frequent lesions on cranial MRI were in the parieto-occipital area (87.1%), followed by the cerebellum (19.4%) and the frontal lobe (12.9%). Other abnormalities on MRI were less common. In addition, 16.1% of the study population had vasospasm on magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA). Clinical recovery was followed by radiological resolution in all the patients. Conclusions: The clinical presentation is nonspecific, most patients present with a combination of symptoms, particularly headaches and seizure. MRI is crucial for the diagnosis of PRES, and MRA is useful in that it can identify associated vasospasm. Timely diagnosis and treatment are required to avoid a devastating outcome.

Background: The aim of the study is to define the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria from cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of urinary pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility was done on urine cultures at Shiraz University Laboratory from 2015 to 2017. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests have done using the disk-diffusion technique as per the standard of CSLI. Results: During 2 years of study, 3489 samples were culture positive. Escherichia coli was the dominant isolate (84%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (10.7%) and Enterococci spp. (2,2%). The overall resistance rates to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin were 56.1%, 47.2%, and 37%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were E. coli, which had resistance rates of 58.6%, 49.1% to TMP-STX, and cefixime, also sensitivity rates of 95.1% to nitrofurantoin (FM). Conclusions: In the study area, resistance rates to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins were high. Because most isolates were sensitive to FM and aminoglycoside, they are suggested as appropriate antimicrobials for empirical treatment of UTIs before available urine culture results.

Background: Considering the effect of beclomethasone on allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps, it has been attempted to find the best method of using this drug to have the maximum effect and increase the patients' satisfaction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of beclomethasone aerosol and aqueous nasal sprays in the patients with nasal polyps. Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with nasal polyps. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group (beclomethasone dipropionate aqueous [BD-AQ] group) was treated with daily two puffs of beclomethasone aqueous nasal spray 50 μg in each nostril, and the second group (beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol [BD-A] group) was treated with two puffs of aerosol beclomethasone 50 μg in each nostril daily for 6 months. At the beginning of the study, the sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) and Lund-Mackay scores were recorded after the evaluation of disease status and the severity of symptoms. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that the mean changes in Lund-Mackay and SNOT-22 scores (83 ± 6.30 and 4.25 ± 31.60, respectively) in the BD-A group were significantly higher than the BD-AQ group (2.01 ± 3.87and 9.83 ± 24.13, respectively) (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the patients' satisfaction between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, patients with nasal polyps showed a significant improvement following both the interventions, but the disease severity in the BD-A group was significantly higher than the BD-AQ group based on the mean values of Lund-Mackay score.

Background: Growth factors and chemical stimulants have key role in cartilage tissue engineering, but these agents have unfavorable effects on cells. Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) has chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, fibrin2nanoparticles (FNP)/ASU, as a new delivery system, with stem cells applied for cartilage tissue engineering in poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) scaffold. Materials and Methods: FNP/ASU prepared by freeze milling and freeze drying. NFP/ASU was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). PLGA-NFP/ASU scaffold was fabricated and assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were seeded on scaffold and induced for chondrogenesis. After 14 days, cell viability and gene/protein expression evaluated. Results: The results of DLS and SEM indicated that nanoparticles had high quality. The expression of type II collagen and SOX9 and aggrecan (ACAN) genes in differentiated cells in the presence of ASU was significantly increased compared with the control group (P and lt; 0.01), on the other hand, type I collagen expression was significantly decreased and western blot confirmed it. Conclusions: This study indicated FNP/ASU loaded in PLGA scaffold has excellent effect on chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs and tissue engineering.

Background: The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) as circulating biomarkers has been underlined in multiple sclerosis (MS) in the last decade. Due to the presence of a possible relationship between expressed miRNAs and heterogeneous appearances of the pathological processes in MS, the present study attempts to evaluate the expression of miR-129 and miR-549a in patients with MS in comparison with healthy control (HC) group. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated from fifty patients with MS (subtypes including relapsing–remitting MS and secondary progressive MS) in the Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and fifty people as HC group. After RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis, the expression of miR-129 and miR-549a was evaluated in patients with MS in comparison with the HC group using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Mann–Whitney tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between miR-129 and miR-549a with age. Results: The results showed that the expression of miR-129 and miR-549a was not significant in patients with MS in comparison with the HC group. Furthermore, the relationship between such miRNAs and age and gender was not significant. Conclusion: We suggest the expression of miR-129 and miR-549a as circulating miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could not be considered a biomarker for diagnosis and Para clinical.

Background: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of Levetiracetam and Piracetam on the severity and frequency of spells in children with severe breath-holding spells (BHS), i.e. bening, paroxysmal, and nonepileptic events that are common in early childhood. Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial in 71 children from 6 months to 6 years of age with BHS. They were randomly assigned to the two study groups (Levetiracetam and Piracetam group). The frequency and severity of BHS and the response to treatment were recorded on monthly visits during our 3 months follow-up. Results: There was a significant decline in the average number of frequency of spells before and after 3 months of treatment in each group in this study. Levetiracetam had significant effects on the average incidence of the loss of consciousness and seizure-like movements in our study, while Piracetam had no significant effect on the loss of consciousness. Our result showed better response in the Levetiracetam group (88.9% partial or complete response after treatment) compared with the Piracetam group (77.1% partial or complete response after treatment); however, it was not significant. It seems that Levetiracetam had better effect than Piracetam in some aspects in the treatment of BHS. Conclusions: Both Piracetam and Levetiracetam are safe and had significant effects on the frequency of BHS in our study, however, levetiracetam showed superior effects on the severity of BHS.

Background: Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion is a kind of mutation with instability in the number of microsatellite repeats. This nature of mutation leads to the different kinds of neurological and neuromuscular disorders; among them, fragile-X syndrome is the main cause of intellectual disability in which the increasing number of CGG TNR in 5' untranslated region is the main reason for epigenetic silencing of Fragile X mental retardation 1 gene. The aim of this study is to decrease the CG content of the candidate region to facilitate amplification by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bisulfite treatment of the genomic DNA results in conversion of unmethylated cytosine to uridine and may overcome the diagnostic pitfalls. Materials and Methods: The whole blood DNA was extracted and bisulfite treated. Then any simplification in PCR process of desire sequence were assayed through following conventional PCR using specifically designed primers for converted sequence. Bisulfite-treated PCR product of a nearby sequence confirmed our results as a conversion control. Results: Both the control and the candidate sequences undergoing bisulfite treatment were successfully amplified by PCR. Conclusions: Decreasing the GC content of the sequence by bisulfite treating could be a new approach to overcome difficulties in amplifying GC-rich sequences.

Background: postoperative shivering is a common complication of various surgical, so far no acceptable theory has been presented on the prevention of it. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine, ondansetron, and pethidine on postoperative shivering among patients under abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind clinical trial study, 128 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were selected and randomly divided into four groups of 32. In the 4 groups, 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, 0.5 mg/kg pethidine, 0.1 mg/kg ondansetron, and the same volume of normal saline were injected intravenously when anesthetics were discontinued and the incidence and severity of postoperative shivering were determined and compared in four groups. Results: The incidence of postoperative shivering was 12.5% in the dexmedetomidine group, 31.3% in the ondansetron group, 31.3% in the pethidine group, and 50% in the control group (P = 0.015). The mean of shivering severity in the four groups was 1.33 ± 0.5, 0.17 ± 0.8, 1.09 ± 0.4, and 1.13 ± 0.39, and the difference between the four groups was significant (P = 0.005). Conclusion: The use of all three drugs of dexmedetomidine, ondansetron, and pethidine is effective in decreasing the incidence of postoperative shivering, but the use of dexmedetomidine is associated with less postoperative shivering, better hemodynamic stability, and fewer other postoperative complications.

Background: Cognitive impairment is an unpleasant and progressive mental disorder characterized by learning and memory disabilities. Stress and alcohol are two known environmental factors that increase cognitive impairment. This study was designed to evaluate the relative role of cyclooxygenase 2 in alcohol or stress-induced cognitive impairment. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups with six rats in each. The groups included sham, control, alcohol (15% ethanol in drinking water), and restraint stress (restraint 6 h per day). Three separated groups received celecoxib at a dose of 20 mg/kg in addition to those listed above. The treatments continued daily for 28 days. The object recognition task (ORT) and Morris water maze (MWM) are used to evaluate the learning and memory. Results: Alcohol or restrain stress significantly increased the time and distance needed to find the hidden platform in MWM. Furthermore, they decreased the recognition index in ORT compared to the control group. Administration of celecoxib significantly decreased the required time and traveled distance to reach the platform in alcohol-treated animals but not in the stress-exposed rats. Celecoxib also significantly increased the recognition index both in alcohol- or restraint stress-exposed animals. Conclusion: We found that either alcohol or restraint stress impairs memory in rats. In MWM, celecoxib improved the alcohol-induced memory impairment but could not show a reduction in memory deterioration due to restraint stress. In ORT, celecoxib reversed memory impairment due to both alcohol and restraint stress.

Background: Peripheral neurotoxicity is a common side effect of many anticancer chemotherapy drugs, including paclitaxel. Peripheral neurotoxicity may present as changes in sensory function and mild paresthesia that, in turn, can lead to alleviation of the prescribed dose of the medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acute and chronic doxepin administration on development and expression of neuropathic pain during the treatment of cancer with paclitaxel. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in mice by paclitaxel (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.,] once daily from day 1 to day 5) that caused mechanical and cold allodynia. Doxepin was administrated every day from day 6 to 10 (10 and 15 mg/kg i.p.). Mechanical and cold allodynia was evaluated on day 11 of the experiment in both the test and the control group. Results: Daily administration of doxepin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg i.p.) from day 1 to 5 significantly inhibited the development of cold and mechanical allodynia. As well doxepin administration (5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) from the 6^th day, to 10^th day significantly inhibited cold and mechanical allodynia expression. To address the concerns associated with the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents on the tumor, we evaluated paclitaxel cytotoxicity effect in combination with doxepin. Our observations indicate that doxepin even at high concentrations (1 and 10 μg/ml) does not interfere with the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel (0.05 μg/ml). Conclusions: These results indicate that doxepin, when administered during chemotherapy, can prevent the development and expression of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Backgrounds: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing in developing countries that affects the liver in a variety of ways. This study was designed to investigate the protective role of eugenol on liver damage caused by fructose-induced MetS. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1: tap water (control), 2: fructose, 3: fructose + eugenol solvent, 4: fructose + eugenol 50 mg/kg, and 5: fructose + eugenol 100 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for measurement fast blood glucose (FBG), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Results: FBG significantly increased in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (P < 0.001); however, it significantly decreased in Groups 4 and 5 compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05). SGOT and SGPT levels significantly increased in Group 2 compared to the control group (P < 0.001). However, SGOT and SGPT levels significantly decreased in Groups 4 and 5. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver tissue damage score (LTDS) significantly increased in Group 2 compared with the control group (P < 0.01), whereas MDA and LTDS decreased in Groups 4 and 5 compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Eugenol may ameliorate liver damage in a rat model of fructose-induced MetS, and these protective effects may in part be mediated by improving antioxidant status and reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. It may also reduce hepatic inflammation and fat accumulation as well as fibrosis of liver cells.

Background: Surgery is one of the treatments commonly used to treat liver hydatid cyst. Remaining of the residual cavity after conservative surgery may lead to some harmful complications. In this study, we evaluated the role of different factors affecting the disappearance of the residual cyst. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients were evaluated in 2.5 years. Patients were divided into two groups based on the remaining or disappearance of the residual cavity in follow-up visits. The baseline demographic features, preoperative cysts' size, type of technique used to eliminate the residual cavity, and cavity wall characteristics were compared in the two groups. Results: Residual cavity was disappeared in 46 (61%) patients after 2 years. Calcification of the wall and wall stiffness were more common in patients with the remained residual cavity (89.6% vs. 8.7% [P < 0.001] and 58.6% vs. 30.4% [P < 0.01], respectively). Demographic features, preoperative cysts' characteristics, and the procedure used during surgery were not statistically different between groups. Conclusions: Cyst wall calcification and wall stiffness had a role in predicting residual cavity disappearance. These factors can help surgeons to predict patients at higher risk of posthydatid cyst resection residual cavity.

Background: Osteoporosis is a prevalent elderly complication that is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk because of dysregulation in bone mineralization and resorption. Physical activity can enhance bone strength by exerting mechanical forces and myokines. Irisin is a myokine that is increased following physical exercise and can affect bones. In this study, 8 weeks of resistance and endurance exercises are applied in mice compared to irisin injection to assess the contribution of the protocols and this myokine to bone strength. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male NMRI mice were separated into five groups; control, placebo, irisin injection, resistance exercise, and endurance exercise. 8-week of exercise protocols and irisin injection protocol (100 μg/kg/week) was applied. Plasma irisin concentration and bone strength were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay and 3-point bending assay, respectively. Statistical analyses were done through one-way ANOVA and Tukey test, and P < 0.05 was considered the significant difference. Results: Serum irisin concentration and bone strength in resistance exercise and irisin-injected groups were significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001). Serum irisin concentration, but not bone strength, of the endurance exercise group was also significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001) but lower than resistance and irisin-injected groups. Conclusion: Resistance exercise and irisin injection, but not endurance exercise, are likely to be effective in increasing bone strength. There may be a threshold for plasma irisin level to affect bones which the applied protocols of irisin injection and resistance exercise but not endurance exercise can reach.

Background: The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) because of nonspecific clinical presentation remains as a challenge for emergency physicians. Arterial to end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P(a-Et)CO₂) gradient may be useful in the evaluation of PE. This aimed to define the diagnostic role of P(a-Et)CO₂ gradient by sidestream capnography, as a noninvasive method, and D-dimer in patients with PE. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and three patients with chest pain or dyspnea who attend the hospital emergency ward were enrolled over a study period at a single academic center. PE was confirmed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans. PaCO₂, EtCO₂, and D-dimer were measured within 24 h of MDCT by capnograph. Results: The combination of P(a-Et)CO₂ gradient (cutoff >9.2 ng/ml) and D-dimer (cutoff >3011 ng/ml) with sensitivity and specificity of 30.2% and 87.2% showed a significant diagnostic value in detecting PE (area under the curve = 0.577, P = 0.045) but not alone (P > 0.05). Conclusion: As the results show, the combination of P(a-Et)CO₂ gradient and D-dimer can show an acceptable diagnostic value in detecting PE, although it suggests further research on evaluating the diagnostic value of P(a-Et)CO₂ gradient and combining it with other diagnostic criteria to achieve a definite and generalizable result.

Background: There are numerous sophisticated studies which have investigated risk factors of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of this paper is to use benefits of Bayesian modeling to involve such prior information in determining factors affecting the survival of women with BC in Yazd city. Materials and Methods: The checklist included the characteristics of the patients and the factors studied. Then, from the records of patients referred to Radiotherapy Center of Shahid Ramezanzadeh, who had BC, from April 2005 to March 2012, the survival of 538 persons was recorded in the census. Data were analyzed by R software version 3.4.2, and 0.05 was considered the significance level. Results: The mean age of BC diagnosis was 48.03 ± 11016 years. The Bayesian Cox regression showed that surgery (hazard ratio [HR] =1.631 95% PI; 1.102–2.422), ki67 (HR = 3.260. 95% PI; 1.6308–6.372), stage (HR = 5.620, 95% PI; 4.079–7.731), lymph node (HR = 1.765, 95% PI; 1.127–2.790), and ER (HR = 2. 600 95% PI; 2.023–3.354) were significantly related to survival time. Conclusion: The parametric and cox models were compared with standard error, and Cox model was selected as an optimal model. Accordingly, stage, ki67, lymph node, ER, and surgery variables had a positive effect on death hazard.

Background: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the thickness of segmentation layers of the retina in cases with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study on cases with CSCR who were candidates for PDT therapy. All patients had undergone at least 1 month of conservative management without satisfactory resolution. PDT was carried out according to the safe half-dose therapy scheme. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was employed to evaluate the changes in morphology and segmentation of retinal layers. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Results: Twenty-seven cases (18 males and 9 females) were included. Age of the patients varied from 39 to 59 years (mean: 46.61 ± 12.48 years). Cases were followed for 92.17 ± 3.28 days. Sixteen cases had functional and anatomical improvement by the treatment. Changes in overall retinal (377.39 ± 61.36 to 323.61 ± 71.36; P = 0.004) and all outer retinal segmentation layers including outer plexiform layer (34.93 ± 10.07 to 29.25 ± 6.12; P = 0.008), outer nuclear layer (63.52 ± 30.44 to 46.44 ± 20.62; P = 0.017), and retinal pigment epithelium (40.66 ± 37.73 to 23.78 ± 29.33; P = 0.016) were statistically significant. On the contrary, inner retinal segmentation layers, especially retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer (38.29 ± 16.63 to 37.26 ± 16.18; P = 0.387), remained statistically unchanged. Conclusion: We postulate that PDT alleviates outer retinal edema where fluid accumulation occurs mostly, whereas it does not alter inner retinal and especially RGC layer. These findings may indicate that short-term atrophy of the inner retina did not occur following PDT and may point toward safety of this method for cases with CSCR.

Background: In the subclinical hypothyroidism, T4 or T3 levels are normal and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is slightly high. Selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the thyroid hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO AB) levels. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive 200 μg selenium or placebo for 8 weeks. In the both groups, the serum TSH and anti-TPO antibody levels were measured and assessed before and after the intervention. Results: After the interventions, the mean serum TSH reduction in the intervention and placebo groups was −10.98 ± 33.31 and −3.20 ± 38.36, respectively, which were not statistically significant. However, the mean serum anti-TPO Ab concentration increased in the intervention and placebo groups (109.81 ± 51.49% vs. 173.17 ± 96.26%), between which the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05) despite a slight increase in the mean anti-TPO level in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that selenium supplementation has no significant effect on serum anti-TPO Ab and TSH levels in the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Studies with larger sample size and with different doses of selenium are needed to reach more precise results.

Paraquat is a highly toxic compound and a widely used herbicide that causes serious morbidity and mortality. The most well-known route of poisoning is oral ingestion, whereas parenteral injection of paraquat is individually uncommon. We present a case who injected paraquat in his neck in an attempt to commit suicide. His general condition got worsened gradually over 3 days. He received early hemodialysis in 4 h after self-injection and then supportive treatment in intensive care unit. Early hemodialysis helped him survive, but during hospitalization, some rare complications occurred, and unfortunately, he died after 3 months. Despite the high-risk route of poisoning, the patient survived for 3 months. Our patient was protected from renal and hepatic damage may be because of early hemodialysis but suffered from central nervous system and pulmonary damage.

Background: Dental ceramics exhibit good optical and esthetic properties due to their translucency. Feldspathic ceramic is the most widely used veneering ceramic with brittleness, which accounts for most of its failure. Hence, this study was done to evaluate and compare the flexural strength of feldspathic ceramic reinforced with zirconia-silica nanofibers in the ratio of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% with conventional feldspathic ceramic. Materials and Methods: According to ISO 6872, a master die was prepared from which resin bars were fabricated with 4.0 mm in width × 1.2 mm thickness × 25.0 mm length, Zirconia-silica nanofibers were produced by sol-gel electrospinning go around with calcination and blended with feldspathic ceramic through ball milling method. The samples were prepared with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 wt% nanofibers reinforced ceramic. The flexural strength of the samples was evaluated using three-point bending test. Results: The flexural strength values of zirconia-silica nanofibers reinforced ceramic groups were higher than control group. There was a gradual increase in the flexural strength values of felspathic ceramic groups with increase in wt% of nanofibers. Conclusion: The flexural strength of feldspathic ceramic samples reinforced with zirconia-silica nanofibers by 5 and 7.5 wt% were statistically significant compared to control, whereas the flexural strength of 2.5 wt% was statistically insignificant compared to the control group.

Background: Postoperative complications of open heart surgery require extensive care, especially by the patient. One of the important strategies in this regard is self-care education and one of the well-known patterns is Orem self-care model. This study aimed to investigating the effect of Orem-based self-care program on sleep quality, daily activities, and lower extremity edema in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 74 patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord. The patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Data were collected using need assessment form according to the Orem model, quality of life and activity daily living questionnaire and measurement of edema by the meters. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics with SPSS software. Results: The sleep quality score in the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.001). In the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, the daily activity score was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05) 2 months after intervention, edema score in intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Results of the recent study showed that the implementation of the Orem-based self-care program can reduce the postoperative complications and the use of nursing patterns, such as Orem, to enhance self-care ability in patients who require long-term care can be very effective.

Background: Recently, the D-dimer biomarker has gained the researchers' attention for predicting infections. We aimed to determine the relationship between this marker and other inflammatory markers involved in orthopedic implant-associated infections. Materials and Methods: In this study, all patients diagnosed with an orthopedic implant-associated infection were investigated in 3 years. The serum level of D-dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured. Infection was diagnosed based on the clinical and culture results of biopsy samples. Results: The cultured microorganisms, detected in 26 patients with infections, included Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13, 50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 2, 7.7%), Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 8, 30.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 3, 11. 5%). Based on laboratory findings, there was a significant difference in the CRP level and ESR (P = 0.001). Although the level of D-dimer was higher in infected patients, compared to the controls (992.6 ± 667.2 vs. 690.1 ± 250.2 ng/mL), the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between the elevated D-dimer level and CRP level, whereas ESR had a positive correlation with the elevated D-dimer level (r = 0.6, P = 0.03). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of D-dimer in the prediction of infection were 65%, 57%, and 45%, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of CRP were 100%, 92.3%, and 95%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for ESR were 85%, 69.2%, and 62%, respectively. Conclusion: Measurement of the serum D-dimer level is not efficient for the diagnosis of orthopedic implant-associated infections due to its low predictive value. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the serum D-dimer level and CRP.

Background: Documented streptococcal resistance to erythromycin has recently been raised. The aim of this study is to identify the molecular mechanism of erythromycin resistance among group B Streptococcus (GBS) strains and to correlate with the clinical origin of strains. Materials and Methods: A total number of 134 colonizing (n = 36), invasive (n = 36), noninvasive (n = 46), and asymptomatic (n = 16) GBS isolates were characterized by the detection of dltS gene, capsular serotyping, antibiotic susceptibility profiles using disc diffusion method, and screening of the ermB, ermTR, and mefA resistance genes. Results: The distribution of capsular serotypes was as follow: serotype III (24.6%), Ia (21.6%), V (17.9%), Ib (14.9%), II (8.9%), IV (8.9%), VI (1.5%), and VII (1.5%). From 134 GBS isolates, 51 (38%) isolates were resistant to erythromycin. The constitutive macrolide lincosamide streptogrmin B (MLSB) was the most common resistance phenotype (62.7%), followed by inducible MLSB (27.4%) and M phenotype (9.8%). Erythromycin resistance rate was higher among asymptomatic GBS strains (13/16, 81.2%). Serotype III was the most prevalent type among resistant isolates (41.1%). The ermB gene highly distributed among resistant strains (64.7%), followed by ermTR (21.5%) and mefA (9.8%). The ermB gene was related to constitutive MLSB phenotype (84.3%, P < 0.05) and serotypes III (61.9%), Ib (87.5%), and V (83.3%). All M phenotype strains harbored mefA gene and were in association with serotype Ia (90%). Conclusion: The current study suggests that ribosomal modification with erm genes is the main mechanism of erythromycin resistance. Because of relatively high prevalence of erythromycin resistance, double disc test highly recommended for GBS disease treatment and intrapartum prophylaxis among penicillin intolerant patients in our region.

Triage becomes necessary when resources and time are not sufficient to provide the best possible services to all patients. This condition is more common in situations with a large number of casualties, like infectious epidemics. What is apparent is that, in the case of a widespread outbreak of infectious disease, hospitals are on the front lines of infected patient admission and treatment. Since the training of health-care workers is one of the most important pillars of preventive measures in controlling this pandemic, this study was conducted with the aim of expressing the principles of triage of infectious disease epidemic with a COVID-19 approach.

Background: Artemisia kermanensis Podl. is a green aromatic perennial shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae and it grows widely in central deserts and south-eastern mountains of Iran such as Taftan Mountain in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Artemisia species have been used traditionally as a remedy for various feverous diseases, including malaria, treatment of colds, infections, parasites, inflammations of the liver, as well as dyspepsia, diabetes, hypertension, and so many other conditions. Materials and Methods: Air-dried A. kermanensis extraction from all parts of the plant was done using different organic solvents. The methanolic extract was selected for isolation of flavonoids, using thin-layer chromatography. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on analysis of mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Results: Two flavone aglycones were isolated and identified for the first time from this plant's methanolic extract, including 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6-trimethoxyflavone (eupatilin) and 5,7,3'-Trihydroxy-6,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone. Conclusions: Eupatilin is known for its anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In future researches on A. kermanensis, as a rich source of these flavone compounds, it is wise to investigate for the proven eupatilin's biological activities that have been mentioned.

Background: The aim was to assess the effect of vasopressin in reducing the time of surgery, amount of bleeding, and fluid deficit during hysteroscopic myomectomy of submucosal myoma from 2016 to 2018. Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial on the premenopausal women ranged from 18 to 62 years' old. A number of 80 patients were randomly assigned to each arm of the study according to random consecutive numbers. The control group (n = 40) of patients underwent conventional hysteroscopic myomectomy without vasopressin and the case group (n = 40) underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy with the injection of diluted vasopressin. Measured outcomes were time for myomectomy, fluid deficit, inflow volume, visual clarity, and postoperation hemoglobin level. Results: The mean time of myomectomy was 38.1 and 77.38 min in vasopressin and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean inflow volume was 2800 and 4100 in vasopressin and control groups, respectively (P = 0.029). The visual clarity score was 8.5 and 6.5 in the vasopressin and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The injection of vasopressin during hysteroscopic myomectomy is effective in the management of fluid deficit, time of surgery, and improvement of visual clarity.

Background: The surface of endothelial cells is covered with cell adhesion molecules including E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) that mediate the adhesion and extravasation of leukocytes and play a pivotal role in inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of expression of adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, and normal colonic mucosa. Materials and Methods: IBS and IBD patients along with normal colonic mucosa were recruited in the study. In all groups, two biopsies were taken from each of the three anatomical sites (terminal ileum, cecum, and rectum). Three monoclonal antibodies, E-selectin mAb, VCAM-1 mAb, and ICAM-1 mAb, were applied for immunohistochemical analysis. Results: In IBD patients, the expression of intensity of E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 was found decreased, at least in cecum and rectum, in comparison with IBS patients and controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.005, and P < 0.007, respectively). Comparison of the expression of intensity of the aforementioned molecules in IBS patients and controls revealed significant augmentation at the cecum and rectum of IBS patients. Conclusions: The expression of adhesion molecules appeared lower in IBD patients compared to IBS patients and controls. In addition, the expression of adhesion molecules appeared higher in IBS compared to the control group. Therefore, it could be hypothesized that the expression of adhesion molecules could be considered as an early event in the process of proinflammatory IBS group and may be other factors play a crucial role in the process of intestinal inflammation in IBD patients.

Background: Fentanyl is a short-acting drug used to induce anesthesia. Here, we aimed to compare the two doses of ketamine to prevent fentanyl-induced cough in children under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized, clinical trial which was performed in 2019 in Imam Hossein Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The study population consisted of children between 6 months and 2 years who were candidates for general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into three groups, each containing 31 patients. Groups 1 and 2 received 0.1 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg intravenous ketamine, respectively, 1 min before fentanyl injections. Group 3 received the same volumes of normal saline 0.9%. Patients were observed and evaluated for the incidence and intensity of coughs 1 min and 3 min after fentanyl injections. Results: We showed that the frequency of coughs 1 min after fentanyl injection was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Three min after fentanyl injection, the frequencies of coughs were significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 compared to Group 3 (P < 0.001). We also showed that the intensity of coughs was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to other Groups 1 and 3 min after fentanyl injection (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The administration of 0.2 mg/kg ketamine is more effective than 0.1 mg/kg dosage in the prevention of fentanyl-induced cough. We also showed that this method could bring more stable hemodynamics and oxygenation saturation inpatients. The comparison of the two dosages was a novel issue in the recent literature.

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by impaired steroidogenesis. Glucocorticoid treatment with increased androgens may lead to cardiovascular and metabolic effects in these patients. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and androgen levels in children and adolescents with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 78 patients (37 boys and 41 girls) with CAH aged 3–17 years. Anthropometric, body mass index (BMI), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood glucose with plasma insulin and lipids were measured, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated using the homeostasis assessment model. Furthermore, testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) were investigated. Results: The mean SBP and DBP were 112.01 ± 19.13 and 69.77 ± 7.56, respectively. The mean of HOMA-IR in patients was 2.25 ± 1.46. The frequency of patients with overweight and High HOMA index were, respectively, 33.3% and 29.3%. The correlation analysis between clinical characteristics and androgen serum levels showed that DBP and BMI had a significant positive correlation with 17OHP. The median regression analysis showed, only DBP in the adjusted model had a significant positive effect with 17OHP level (P < 0.05), and no significant relationship was observed for other characteristics. Conclusion: A significant association was found between BMI and DBP with serum concentrations of 17-OHP, suggesting that elevated 17-OHP can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders in children and adolescents with CAH.

Background: Boswellia species have been used for treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. Several studies have documented the anti-inflammatory effect of Boswellic acids (BAs) after systemic administration. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of some skin penetration enhancers on topical anti-inflammatory effect of BAs in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats weighting 180–220 were used. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan test. BAs dissolved in ethanol, propylene glycol 2%, 5%, olive oil and applied topically. Menthol, D-limonene, or eucalyptus oil 0.5%, 1% were also tested as other skin penetration enhancers and applied topically 30 min prior to subplantar injection of carrageenan into the right hind paw of rats. The volume of the paw was measured at 0 and 4 h after carrageenan with a digital plethysmometer and the difference was used as an index of inflammation. Piroxicam gel was used as a standard drug. Results: A 4% ethanolic solution of BAs showed significant anti-inflammatory effect. Propylene glycol (2% and 5%) in alcohol did not change the effect. Olive oil also enhanced penetration of BAs. Menthol 0.5%, 1% and D-limonene 0.5%, 1% did not show any significant change compared to olive oil alone. In the present study, eucalyptus oil 1% in olive oil was known as the best carrier for transdermal delivery of BAs. Conclusion: BAs have considerable topical anti-inflammatory effects and olive oil alone or especially in combination with eucalyptus oil can be promising vehicles for skin penetration of topical BAs.

Background: This study aimed at investigating the effect of home-based physical activity schedule on the quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, and mood of the elderly at risk of depression as compared to the control group. Materials and Methods: The open-label randomized controlled trial was performed on 61 elderly people at risk of depression who were divided into two groups. In addition to routine care provided by the health-care center (relaxation techniques), the elderly in the intervention group were given a home-based physical activity booklet. The control group only received the routine care of the health-care center. Moreover, before and after the intervention, the results of the QOL questionnaire, petersburg sleep quality questionnaire index (PSQI), and depression questionnaire were assessed and recorded. Results: The depression scores in the 1^st and 3^rd months during the intervention and 1 month after the intervention were significantly lower in the intervention group with the means of 3.60 ± 3.91, 2.03 ± 2.43, and 2.66 ± 3.37 as compared with the control group with the means of 5.39 ± 2.88, 4.96 ± 2.77, and 5.13 ± 3.14, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the QOL and total PSQI scores in the physical and mental dimensions in the 3^rd months during and 1 month after the intervention were higher in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the addition of home-based physical activity schedule to the routine care of the elderly can play a significant role in reducing the severity of their depression and improving their physical–psychological quality and sleep quality.

Background: The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is prognostic during the disease in women with metastatic breast cancer. Integrins are key role players in nearly every step of cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to analyze integrin alpha6beta4 expression on CTCs isolated from blood samples of patients with advanced breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this single-center study, peripheral blood samples from 23 breast cancer patients were obtained and analyzed for the presence of CTCs by EasySep™ Direct Human CTC Enrichment Kit combined with subsequent immunocytochemical staining of anti-cytokeratin and anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecules, and β4 integrin on CTCs. Data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results: CTCs were detected in 100% of the patients. The ratio of integrin β4+ CTC was 61% ± 8% of total CTCs. No significant correlation between histopathological parameters and CTC detection was found. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the importance of α6 β4 integrin expression on CTCs in distant metastasis.

Background: Patients with heart failure are one of the high-risk groups for coronary artery. Distance education of self-care behaviors can be effective in preventing the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of social networks in explaining the awareness of cardiovascular patients' self-care behaviors toward COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In the present survey study, 227 patients with a history of heart failure were selected from Shahid Rajaei Hospital in Tehran by the available sampling method (May to July 2020). Data collection tools were the standard European Self-Care Behavior Questionnaire for heart failure and the Dorty Elizabeth Orem self-care model. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Results: The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a positive and relatively strong linear relationship between the variable of the degree of persistence in the use of networks with the eight dimensions of self-care behavior except psychological emotion control (r = −0.39, P = 0.315). Furthermore, a significant weak inverse relationship between the dimension of “cooperation with physicians and treatment staff” (r = −0.22, P = 0.129). Moreover, psychological support (r = −0/034, P = 0.446) was observed with the use of networks. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the type of activity and participation in networks has a greater share and effect in increasing the score of self-care behavior of 0.55. Conclusions: Since the use of networks has a positive effect on patients' self-care behavior, the use of these networks is recommended as a community-based approach in the health system and to improve health and health outcomes.

Background: Selective norepinephrine-serotonin receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine have already shown beneficial effects on symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy of duloxetine in the symptom and quality of life improvement in diarrhea predominant-IBS (IBS-D) patients. Materials and Methods: IN a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, sixty patients diagnosed with IBS-D (ROM-IV criteria), referred to the gastrointestinal clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital of Iran university of medical sciences, randomly assigned in the treatment groups, group A: patients who received 135 mg mebeverine tablet twice a day combined with 30 mg duloxetine capsule per day and group B, who received the same regimen, except for placebo capsule once per day instead of duloxetine for twelve weeks. The assessment was performed using the IBS severity index, and IBS quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOF) at baseline, and weeks 4, 8, and 12 after beginning the treatment. Drug adverse effects and compliance to treatment were evaluated every 2 weeks after starting the treatment. Results: Sixty patients completed the trial. The duloxetine group showed significantly greater improvement on the IBS symptoms (P < 0.001), and the IBS-QOF (P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group at the endpoint. Conclusions: This study showed that adding duloxetine to mebeverine is safe with good efficacy on symptoms and QOL improvement in IBS-D patients. Besides, this study showed that 12 weeks' treatment duration is significantly more effective than 4 weeks' treatment, and drug adverse effects are more prominently seen in the first 2 weeks of treatment.

Background: Design Fluency Test (DFT) is a nonverbal frame-free, nonstructured assessment of executive function (EF). Since previous studies evaluating EF in Parkinson's disease (PD) have mainly used verbal assessments for EF, this study aims to evaluate the pattern of executive domains in PD using DFT and to compare it with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) as a prototype for executive dysfunction and also with normal controls (NCs). Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with PD, 27 with FTD, and 27 NCs were included in the study in Ayatollah Kashani Neuropsychiatry Clinic affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from September 2019 to February 2020. All participants were assessed via semi-structured neuropsychiatric interview, questionnaire for demographic profile (age, handedness, gender, education, and marital status), duration of illness, comorbid medical condition, comorbid psychiatric illnesses and medications, DFT, Short Parkinson's Evaluation Scale, Frontal Assessment Battery, Judgment of Line Orientation, and Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool. Results: Fixed condition novelty score was significantly different between FTD and PD (P < 0.001), FTD and control (P < 0.001), and also between PD and control (P = 0.001). When free and fixed condition novelty scores were considered to predict diagnostic attribution, multinomial logistic regression revealed that odds ratio for free condition novelty score was 0.705 (P = 0.005, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.553–0.899) and 0.494 (P = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.328–0.744) in PD and FTD, respectively. The odds ratio for fixed condition novelty score was 0.772 (P = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.632–0.942) and 0.449 (P = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.292–0.691). Conclusion: DFT subscores can be helpful in diagnosis and differentiation between FTD and PD.

Background: Shoulder pain is the third most common type of musculoskeletal disorder and rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is the most frequent diagnosis. Ultrasound is the most preferable guidance tool for diagnostic and interventional purposes. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the prolotherapy injection with corticosteroid injection in patients with RC dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Thirty to sixty-five-year-old patients with chronic RC disease were divided into two groups. Ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy of supraspinatus tendon was done for one group and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the subacromial bursa was done for the other groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were evaluated for both groups at baseline, 3 and 12 weeks after injections. Results: Thirty-three patients were included in the result. Both the groups showed significant improvement in VAS and SPADI scores in 3 and 12 weeks after injections compared with preinjection times with no difference between two groups neither in 3 weeks nor in 12 weeks after injections.Conclusion: Both ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy and CS injections are effective in the management of RC-related shoulder pain in both short-term and long-term with neither being superior to the other. Therefore, prolotherapy may be a safe alternative therapy instead of corticosteroid injection due to lack of its side effects.

Background: Sleep disorder is one of the most common problems in cancer patients involved in chemotherapy stages, which is caused by the side effects of anticancer drugs and the exacerbation of mental disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep health education on sleep quality of cancer patients during chemotherapy stages. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 70 cancer patients were selected in the chemotherapy phase and divided into two groups of 35. In the intervention group, two 60-min training sessions on sleep hygiene were educated, solutions of coping with the exacerbation of sleep disturbances were determined, and routine care was provided in the control group. Patients were evaluated for sleep disorders before and 1 and 3 weeks after the intervention by the Pittsburgh questionnaire and then the effect of this intervention compared between the two groups. Results: The mean score of sleep medication consumption in the intervention group was not significantly different between the three times (P = 0.59), but the mean score of total sleep quality disorder and its other dimensions was significantly different between the three time points (P < 0.05). Least significant difference post hoc test showed that the mean total score of sleep quality disorder and its dimensions except using sleep medication 1 week after the intervention was significantly less than before the intervention and 3 weeks after the intervention <1 week after the intervention in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sleep health education for cancer patients involved in chemotherapy can significantly have a positive effect on improving their sleep quality.

Background: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache with a cervical source that radiates pain to the head or face. Accordingly, one reason of CGH is myofascial trigger points. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of one session dry needling (DN) of myofascial trigger points of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in patients with CGH. Materials and Methods: In this before-and-after clinical trial, 16 females aged 18–60 years with a clinical diagnosis of CGH were enrolled. All of the patients received one session DN into the myofascial trigger points of the SCM muscle. Headache index (HI), headache duration, headache frequency, and headache disability index (HDI) were assessed at 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the intervention. This study was registered in Clinical Trials as IRCT20181109041599N1. Results: One session DN into myofascial trigger points of the SCM muscle showed a significant improvement in HI (P < 0.001). Duration and frequency of headache as well as HDI significantly reduced after intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusion: One session DN into myofascial trigger points of the SCM muscle was effective on improvement of HI, headache duration, headache frequency, and HDI in patients with CGH.

Background: Patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) had a poor quality of life and suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a psychological treatment with remarkable effects on several psychological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the MBSR program on psychological symptoms, quality of life, and symptom severity in patients with SSD. Materials and Methods: The patients with SSD were randomly divided into two groups of receiving venlafaxine alone and venlafaxine with an 8-week MBSR program. Depression, anxiety, and stress with their severities were assessed along with the quality of life, the number of physical symptoms and their severities, as well as SSD severity before and after the intervention. Subsequently, the results were compared between the two groups. Results: This study included 37 patients with SSD who referred to Shariati Psychosomatic Clinic, Isfahan, Iran, with a mean age of 37.08 ± 8.26 years. It should be noted that 37.8% of the participants were male. The intervention group obtained significantly lower scores in depression, anxiety, stress, and their severities, compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of physical symptoms, their severity, and the severity of SSD were significantly decreased more in the intervention group rather than the controls. Conclusion: The MBSR accompanied by prescribing venlafaxine can significantly reduce the severity of SSD, as well as the number and severity of physical symptoms. Moreover, it can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and their severity. The MBSR can be used as complementary medicine for the treatment of patients with SSD.

Background: Different genetic variants, including the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in microRNA recognition elements (MREs) within 3'UTR of genes, can affect miRNA-mediated gene regulation and susceptibility to a variety of human diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system. Since the expression of many genes associated with MS is controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), the aim of this study was to analyze SNPs within miRNA binding sites of some neuronal genes associated with MS. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven neuronal genes related to MS were achieved using dbGaP, DAVID, DisGeNET, and Oviddatabases. 3'UTR of candidate genes were assessed for SNPs, and miRNAs' target prediction databases were used for predicting miRNA binding sites. Results: Three hundred and eight SNPs (minor allele frequency >0.05) were identified in miRNA binding sites of 3'UTR of 44 genes. Among them, 42 SNPs in 22 genes had miRNA binding sites and miRNA prediction tools suggested 71 putative miRNAs binding sites on these genes. Moreover, in silico analysis predicted 22 MRE-modulating SNPs and 22 MRE-creating SNPs in the 3'UTR of these candidate genes. Conclusions: These candidate MRE-SNPs can alter miRNAs binding sites and mRNA gene regulation. Therefore, these genetic variants and miRNAs might be involved in MS susceptibility and pathogenesis and hence would be valuable for further functional verification investigation.

Background: Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1(HTLV-1) infection is likely to induce nonneoplastic inflammatory pulmonary diseases. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the leukocytes' number alteration and oxidative stress in the lung and blood of HTLV-1-infected BALB/c mice, which could be of benefit for the recognition of HTLV-1 mechanism in the induction of pulmonary disorders. Materials and Methods: Twenty female BALB/c mice were divided into two groups of control and HTLV-1-infected animals. The HTLV-1-infected group was inoculated with 10⁶ MT-2 HTLV-1-infected cells. Two months later, the infection was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and then lung pathological changes, total and differential inflammatory cell counts in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), along with oxidative stress biomarker levels in the BALF and lung tissue were evaluated. Results: In the HTLV-1-infected group, the peribronchitis score (P < 0.01), the number of total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes (P < 0.05) in the blood and BALF were increased. The number of eosinophils in the blood of the HTLV-1-infected group was higher than in the control group (P < 0.01), whereas the number of basophils of BALF was increased in the HTLV-1-infected group (P < 0.001).The lung and BALF oxidative stress results showed that the MDA level was increased, while the total thiol level and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased in the HTLV-1-infected group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The HTLV-1 infection seems to induce pulmonary inflammatory reactions by recruiting leukocytes as well as inducing oxidative stress in the lung tissue.

Paraquat has been recognized as a highly toxic agent for pest removal and is used worldwide.In adults, paraquat poisoning for suicidal attempts is much more common than accidental exposure poisoning. Approximately 20' of patients with paraquat poisoning develop pneumomediastonium as a complication with a mortality rate of approximately 100'. A 19-year-old man patient was admitted to the poisoning emergency department of Khorshid hospital, who had ingested paraquat. He had nausea and vomiting and had normal vital signs and examination in admission. Initial treatment for the patient was done. The patient signs got worsened on the 21^st day of hospitalization and had severe emphysema of the superficial and deep spaces of the neck, followed by bilateral pneumothorax, and severe pneumomediastinum. Unfortunately, the patient died on the 27^th day of hospitalization. Purpose of the current study is to raise awareness of rare paraquat toxicity complications, treatment, and especially its lethal complications, including pneumomomediastonium.

Background: Wounds have a bad prognostic nature and excessive discharges whose regular wound dressings are ineffective. Hydrogels are the best candidates for dressing such wounds due to their high water content and ability to exchange substances. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to make a novel hydrogel wound dressing following the integration of various findings on wound healing and the use of regenerative medicine. Materials and Methods: Various compounds were fabricated by glycerol/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and then characterized to obtain the optimal composition using several techniques, including a water vapor passage test, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption, tensile strength, biodegradability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and antibacterial test. Results: The findings revealed the optimal dressing ratio. Better antibacterial activity was found for the silver nanoparticle (AgNP) dressing. Conclusion: Our new fabricated dressing, glycerol/chitosan/PVA hydrogel loaded with AgNPs, exhibited satisfactory wound healing properties.

Background: Methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a considerable public health concern in the entire world due to the rapid spread of this bacterium in human community; also the epidemiology of MRSA has changed, as the isolation of MRSA strains from healthy and non-healthy patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance profile of community-acquired (CA)-MRSA nasal carriage in the Iranian samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 CA-MRSA were isolated from the anterior nares of 410 healthy preschool children. All MRSA isolates were characterized by the detection of the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) and typed by γ-hemolysin genes, agr groups, and staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing. Kirby-Buyer antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted as per the standard guidelines. Results: A total of 25 (6.1%) MRSA isolates were recovered from the anterior nares of 410 preschool children. Sixteen isolates (64%) were positive for the TSST-1 gene. Three agr specificity groups were determined, as follows: eight (32%) isolates belonged to agr Group I, five (20%) isolates belonged to agr Group II, and 12 (48%) isolates belonged to agr Group III. The repeated profiles of these spa types of 25 isolates were organized into eight different lineages groups. Five of lineages contained a single strain, three of lineages contained two strains, and three of lineages consisted of more than three strains. Conclusions: The results of our study show that the rate of MRSA in our region is significantly high. Additionally, spa type t037 was the predominant type among CA S. aureus.

Background: Stress-induced hyperglycemia is an important issue among pediatrics admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Former studies have declared that hyperglycemia has a high prevalence rate and could increase the risks of mortality among pediatrics. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of hyperglycemia and its effects on mortality among pediatrics in the PICU of the hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2018–2019 on 88 patients admitted in PICU. Data regarding blood sugar (BS) and other clinical and laboratory parameters were collected. Hyperglycemia was accounted for as BS of >126 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia was divided into: mild (126 <BS <150), moderate (150 <BS <200) and severe (BS >200). The pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score was also calculated for each patient during the first 24 h. Results: Thirty patients (34.1%) had persistent hyperglycemia and 58 patients (65.9%) had normal glycemic indexes. Eleven patients (12.5%) had mild, 9 patients (10.2%) had moderate, and 10 patients (11.4%) had severe hyperglycemia. The prevalence of mortality was 5.7% among hyperglycemic patients and 6.8% among normal glycemic pediatrics. There were no statistically significant differences regarding mortality rate (P = 0.499). The mean PRISM score for normal glycemic patients was 7.03 ± 5.18 and for patients with hyperglycemia was 7.36 ± 6.37. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia has no significant effects on mortality and PRISM score of pediatrics in PICU, despite of the previous studies. The frequency of hyperglycemia was also 5.7% among the patients admitted in PICU.

Background: Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic inflammatory small intestine disorder caused by an abnormal immune response to an array of the epitopes of the wheat gluten and related proteins of rye and barley in genetically susceptible individuals. Midkine (MK) is an angiogenic cytokine, chemotactic in the direction of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages, and a T-regulatory cell suppressor. So far, a possible relationship with CeD has not yet been explored. Diagnosis of CeD is based on serologic test in a clinical setting suggestive of CeD and confirmatory histologic examination of the duodenal biopsy. Sometimes, genetic testing of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 may be needed. The objective of this study was to measure and compare the circulating MK in the celiac patients and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Twenty newly untreated CeD cases and 20 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the circulating MK in the celiac patients and controls. Results: There was insignificant difference in the circulating MK between the patients and controls (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The study results suggest that the MK marker does not have any diagnostic value in CeD activity to be used at the time of diagnosis or during follow-ups.