Cancer immunotherapy with enveloped self-amplifying mRNA CARG-2020 that modulates IL-12, IL-17 and PD-L1 pathways to prevent tumor recurrence

Targeting multiple immune mechanisms may overcome therapy resistance and further improve cancer immunotherapy for humans. Here, we describe the application of virus-like vesicles (VLV) for delivery of three immunomodulators alone and in combination, as a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. VLV vectors were designed to deliver single chain interleukin (IL)-12, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and a dominant-negative form of IL-17 receptor A (dn-IL17RA) as a single payload or as a combination payload. Intralesional delivery of the VLV vector expressing IL-12 alone, as well as the trivalent vector (designated CARG-2020) eradicated large established tumors. However, only CARG-2020 prevented tumor recurrence and provided long-term survival benefit to the tumor-bearing mice, indicating a benefit of the combined immunomodulation. The abscopal effects of CARG-2020 on the non-injected contralateral tumors, as well as protection from the tumor cell re-challenge, suggest immune-mediated mechanism of protection and establishment of immunological memory. Mechanistically, CARG-2020 potently activates Th1 immune mechanisms and inhibits expression of genes related to T cell exhaustion and cancer-promoting inflammation. The ability of CARG-2020 to prevent tumor recurrence and to provide survival benefit makes it a promising candidate for its development for human cancer immunotherapy.

Effect of composite radiopacity and margin location of the restoration on the diagnosis of secondary caries

Abstract This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the radiopacity of a Bulk-Fill composite (X-TraFil, VOCO, Germany) and a Conventional composite (P60, 3M ESPE, USA) and assessment of the margin location in the enamel and dentin on the diagnosis of secondary caries. 76 intact premolars with MOD preparation were divided into two equal groups and filled with the conventional and bulk-fill composite. Four regions were considered to simulate carious lesions (two regions in enamel and two regions in dentin). In each group, half of the regions in the dentin and half in the enamel were randomly selected for secondary caries simulation and filled with a wax-plaster combination while the remaining regions stayed intact. Bitewing imaging was done using the PSP digital sensor. Five examiners reviewed the images, and lesions were recorded. Caries diagnosis indicators and paired-sample t-test were used for statistical analysis. The reproducibility and accuracy of the examiners' responses were evaluated using the kappa and agreement coefficient (α=0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing secondary carious lesions in enamel were significantly better under conventional than bulk-fill composite. Similarly, the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing secondary caries in dentin were significantly higher under conventional composite than bulk-fill composite (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the agreement and kappa coefficient between conventional and bulk-fill composites in the enamel and dentin (p>0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of carious lesions was higher under conventional composite than bulk-fill composite. However, the location of the secondary was ineffective in caries diagnosis.

Resumo Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da radiopacidade de resina composta Bulk-Fill (X-TraFil, VOCO, Alemanha) e de resina composta convencional (P60, 3M ESPE, EUA) e a avaliação da localização da margem no esmalte e na dentina no diagnóstico de cárie secundária. 76 pré-molares intactos com preparo MOD foram divididos em dois grupos iguais e restaurados de acordo com o grupo experimental. Quatro regiões foram consideradas para simular lesões de cárie (duas regiões no esmalte e duas regiões na dentina). Em cada grupo, metade das regiões na dentina e metade no esmalte foram selecionadas aleatoriamente para a simulação de cárie secundária e preenchidas com uma combinação de cera e gesso, enquanto as regiões restantes permaneceram intactas. As imagens de bitewing foram feitas usando o sensor digital PSP. Cinco examinadores analisaram as imagens, e as lesões foram registradas. Os indicadores de diagnóstico de cárie e o teste t de amostra pareada foram usados para análise estatística. A reprodutibilidade e a precisão das respostas dos examinadores foram avaliadas usando o kappa e o coeficiente de concordância (α=0,05). A sensibilidade, a especificidade e a precisão do diagnóstico de lesões cariosas secundárias no esmalte foram significativamente melhores com a resina composta convencional do que com a resina composta bulk-fill. Da mesma forma, a sensibilidade e a precisão do diagnóstico de cáries secundárias na dentina foram significativamente maiores com a resina convencional do que com a resina bulk-fill (p<0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na concordância e no coeficiente kappa entre as resinas convencionais e bulk-fill no esmalte e na dentina (p>0,05). A precisão do diagnóstico de lesões cariosas foi maior com a resina composta convencional do que com a resina composta bulk-fill. Entretanto, a localização do secundário foi ineficaz no diagnóstico de cárie.

Effect of Toothpaste Fluoride Concentration on Color Stability of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effects of two different dentifrice fluoride concentrations on the color stability of the composite. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven specimens (2×4×5 mm) each of microfilled (Gradia, GC, Japan) and nanohybrid (Grandio, VOCO, Germany) composites were prepared. The specimens were randomly divided into six groups (control, Fluoflor caries protection toothpaste with 1450ppm Fluoride (EXW, France), and Fluoflor kids toothpaste with 500ppm Fluoride (EXW, France) (n = 9). The specimens were immersed in a mixture of artificial saliva and toothpaste in a ratio of 1:3 and applied for 60 seconds every 12 hours for 42 days. The control samples were incubated in artificial saliva at 37°C. Primary and secondary color measurements were performed using color parameters (L∗a∗b) with a spectrophotoshade (MHT Optic Research AG, Niederhasli, Switzerland). Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance at a significance level of 0.05. Results: According to the two-way ANOVA analysis, there was no significant difference in color change between the composites and no difference in the level of discoloration between different fluoride concentrations(p>0.05). Also, None of the dentifrices caused clinically significant color changes(∆E˂3.3). Conclusion: No clinically unacceptable color changes were observed in the microfilled and nanofilled composites with different concentrations of fluoride toothpaste.

Perioperative mortality for radical cystectomy in the modern Era: experience from a tertiary referral center

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the perioperative mortality and contributing variables among patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer in recent decades, with comparison between modern (after 2010) and premodern (before 2010) eras. Materials and Methods Using our institutional review board-approved database, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent RC for primary urothelial bladder carcinoma with curative intent from January 2003 to December 2019. The primary and secondary outcomes were 90- and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the impact of perioperative variables on 90-day mortality. Results A total of 2047 patients with a mean±SD age of 69.6±10.6 years were included. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.9%, respectively, and consistent during the past two decades. Among 100 deaths within 90 days, 18 occurred during index hospitalization. Infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications were the leading mortality causes. Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio: OR 1.05), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (OR 1.82), blood transfusion (OR 1.95), and pathological node disease (OR 2.85) were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Nevertheless, the surgical approach and enhanced recovery protocols had no significant effect on 90-day mortality. Conclusion The 90-day mortality for RC is approaching five percent, with infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications as the leading mortality causes. Older age, higher comorbidity, blood transfusion, and pathological lymph node involvement are independently associated with 90-day mortality.

Evaluation of cell adhesion molecules (LFA-1 and L-selectin) in ankylosing spondylitis patients after treatment with ?-D-mannuronic acid (M2000)

Background & objectives: To examine ?-D-mannuronic acid (M2000) effects on L-selectin shedding and leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) expression as mechanisms of action of this drug in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: To investigate the molecular consequences of ?-D-mannuronic acid on L-selectin shedding, flow cytometry method was used. Furthermore, the effect of it on LFA-1 gene expression was analyzed by using quantitative real time (qRT)-PCR technique. Results: The LFA-1 expression in patients with AS was higher than controls (P=0.046). The LFA-1 expression after 12 wk therapy with ?-D-mannuronic acid was meaningfully decreased (P=0.01). After 12 wk treatment with ?-D-mannuronic acid, the frequency of CD62L-expressing CD4+ T cells in patients with AS, was not considerably altered, compared to the patients before therapy (P=0.5). Furthermore, after 12 wk therapy with ?-D-mannuronic acid, L-selectin expression levels on CD4+ T-cells in patients with AS, were not remarkably changed, compared to the expression levels of these in patients before treatment (P=0.2). Interpretation & conclusions: The results of this study for the first time showed that ?-D-mannuronic acid can affect events of adhesion cascade in patients with AS. Moreover, ?-D-mannuronic acid presented as an acceptable benefit to AS patients and could aid in the process of disease management

Candida Bloodstream Infection and Antifungal Susceptibility Over Three Years in a Single Center from Medinah, Saudi Arabia

In the healthcare setting, Candida bloodstream infections significantly increase morbidity and mortality. There is little proof that invasive infections in Saudi Arabia are brought on by Candida spp. To identify Candida species that cause bloodstream infections and ascertain the clinical outcome and risk factors for mortality in a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital. This retrospective analysis covered all instances in which patients hospitalized to Ohud hospital, a tertiary care facility in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2019 and December 2021, had positive blood cultures for Candida. Anaerobic and aerobic Bactec bottles were inoculated with blood samples and then incubated at 35°C for five days. Identification-YST card kits from VITEK II (BioMerieux, France) for yeast and yeast-like organisms. Testing for antifungal susceptibility was done using AST YS07. A total of 78 patients (71% men, 29% women) were found to have candidemia. Candida albicans (51.3%), Candida parapsilosis (16.7%), and Candida tropicalis (16.7%) were the three Candida spp. that were most frequently isolated. Those with Saudi (51%; P = 0.500), leukopenia (40%; P = 0.001), neutrophilia (92%; P = 0.638), and thrombocytopenia (42%; P = 0.374) had a higher incidence of candidemia. Fluconazole sensitivity in non-albicans Candida species was 39.5%. Nonetheless, caspofungin was effective against all species. This study discovered an epidemiological shift toward more non-albicans Candida spp. in Saudi Arabia as well as a changing pattern in the Candida spp. causing bloodstream infections.

Associations of Oxalate Consumption and Some Individual Habits with the Risk of Kidney Stones / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Kidney stone is a highly recurrent disease in the urinary tract system. Most kidney stones are calcium stones, usually consisting of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Supersaturation of soluble calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and citrate in the urine is the basis for calcium stone formation. Genetics, diet, low physical activity, and individual habits contribute to the formation of kidney stones. In this review, the associations of the risk of kidney stones with oxalate consumption and some individual habits, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and opium consumption, are summarized.

Acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against Hyalomma dromedarii

@#We aimed at determination of acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (SNP) against Hyalomma dromedarii as one of the most common ticks in camels. SNP were green synthesized by reducing Lupinus albus extract through the precipitation technique. The acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent activity of SNP against H. dromedarii was studied through the adult immersion test (AIT), the larval packet test (LPT), the vertical movement behavior of tick’s larvae method, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and oxidative enzyme activity. The green synthesized SNP displayed a spherical form with a size ranging from 25–90 nm; whereas the most distribution of particles size was reported at 50-65 nm. SNP dose-dependently (p<0.001) increased the mortality rate of H. dromedarii adult; whereas at 16 and 32 µg/mL completely killed the adult females. Treatment of exposure of H. dromedarii adult to SNP markedly (p<0.001) declined the mean number, weight, and hatchability of eggs. Treatment of H. dromedarii larvae with SNP reduced the viability rate of larvae with the LC50 and LC90 values of 3.1 and 6.9 µg/mL, respectively. Exposure of H. dromedarii larvae to SNP, especially at ½ LC50 and LC50, markedly (p<0.001) increased the oxidative stress and declined the level of antioxidant enzymes in H. dromedarii larvae; whereas, markedly suppressed the AChE activity of the larvae stage of H. dromedarii in comparison to the control group. These results showed that SNP green synthesized by L. albus extract had promising acaricidal, larvicidal and repellent activity against H. dromedarii adults and larvae as a dose-dependent response. SNP also considrably decreased the level of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activity and also provokes oxidative stress in H. dromedarii larvae. However, more investigation must be designed to clear the accurate mechanisms and the efficacy of SNP in practical use.

Chronic kidney disease in Indonesia: evidence from a national health survey

Objectives@#Several previous studies have stated that consuming certain foods and beverages might increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the relationships of food and beverage consumption with other risk factors for CKD. @*Methods@#Data sources included the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) and the National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), which were analyzed using a cross-sectional design. The study samples were households from 34 provinces in Indonesia, and the analysis was performed with provincial aggregates. Data were analyzed using risk factor analysis followed by linear regression to identify relationships with CKD. @*Results@#The prevalence of CKD in Indonesia was 0.38%. The province with the highest prevalence was North Kalimantan (0.64%), while the lowest was found in West Sulawesi (0.18%). Five major groups were formed from 15 identified risk factors using factor analysis. A linear regression model presented 1 significant selected factor (p=0.006, R2=31%). The final model of risk factors included water quality, consumption of fatty foods, and a history of diabetes. @*Conclusion@#Drinking water quality, fatty food consumption, and diabetes are associated with CKD. There is a need to monitor drinking water, as well as to promote health education and provide comprehensive services for people with diabetes, to prevent CKD.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Counseling on Blood Glucose and Perceived Stress in Women with Gestational Diabetes / O efeito do aconselhamento para redução do estresse baseado na atenção plena sobre a glicose no sangue e o estresse percebido em mulheres com diabetes gestacional

Abstract Objective Gestational diabetes can cause maternal and neonatal morbidity. Psychological factors, especially stress, play a meaningful role in diabetes management. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling on blood sugar and perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes. Methods The present quasi-experimental interventional study was performed on 78 women with gestational diabetes. In the intervention group, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling program was conducted by the researcher in 8 sessions of 90 minutes twice a week. The Cohen stress questionnaire was filled in both groups. Also, fasting blood sugar and 2-hour blood sugar levels were measured in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent T-Test, the paired T-Test, the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Tests using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20 version (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The mean age of pregnant women in the intervention group was 28.84 ± 6.20 years old and 29.03 ± 5.42 years old in the control group. There was a significant mean difference between the fasting blood sugar score (p= 0.02; - 6.01; and - 11.46) and the 2-hour fasting blood sugar score (p< 0.001;12.35; and - 5.3) and the perceived stress score (p< 0.001; 35.57; and - 49.19) existed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling is effective in reducing blood sugar levels and reducing perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes treated with diet.

Comparison Between the Effect of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Model and Psychoeducational Counseling on Sexual Satisfaction and Contraception Method Used Under the Coercion of the Spouse in Iranian Women: A Randomized, Clinical Trial / Comparação entre o efeito do modelo Informação-Motivação-Comportamental (IMB) e o aconselhamento psicoeducacional sobre a satisfação sexual e o método contraceptivo usado sob coerção do cônjuge em mulheres iranianas: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Objective Women play an essential role in maintaining the family's health, and family planning is part of women's and families' health. The couple's mutual understanding of family planning methods is essential in selecting contraception. Acceptance of and satisfaction with different contraception methods can impact sexual satisfaction. The present study aimed to compare the effect of the information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) model and psychoeducational counseling on sexual satisfaction and contraception methods of women referring to health centers in Kerman. Methods This trial was conducted on 81 women aged 18 to 45, in Kerman health centers, from 2021 to 2022. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups of 27 people (control, psychoeducational counseling, and IMB method). Three online counseling sessions were held for the psychoeducational group, and four were held for the IMB group. The control group received routine care. The IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis using nonparametric Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results The mean age of participants was 32.59 ± 7.04, and the majority of them had university degrees and were homemakers. The mean sexual satisfaction score significantly increased immediately after the intervention and 1 month later in the 2 interventional groups (p< 0.0). Changes in contraception methods after intervention were significant in the psychoeducational group (p= 0.0) Conclusion The results indicate the positive impact of psychological counseling on women's sexual satisfaction and contraception method. The IMB method also impacted men's sexual satisfaction but did not lead to any changes in the contraceptive method.

Resumo Objetivo A mulher desempenha um papel essencial na manutenção da saúde da família, e o planejamento familiar faz parte da saúde da mulher e da família. A compreensão mútua do casal sobre os métodos de planejamento familiar é essencial na seleção da contracepção. A aceitação e a satisfação com os diferentes métodos contraceptivos podem afetar a satisfação sexual. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar o efeito do modelo informação-motivação-comportamental (IMB) e aconselhamento psicoeducacional sobre a satisfação sexual e métodos contraceptivos de mulheres encaminhadas para centros de saúde em Kerman. Métodos Este estudo foi realizado em 81 mulheres de 18 a 45 anos, nos centros de saúde de Kerman, de 2021 a 2022. As participantes foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de 27 pessoas (controle, aconselhamento psicoeducacional e método IMB). Foram realizadas três sessões de aconselhamento online para o grupo psicoeducativo e quatro para o grupo IMB. O grupo de controle recebeu cuidados de rotina. OIBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, versão 22 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, EUA) foi utilizado para a análise dos dados por meio dos testes não paramétricos de Friedman e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados A média de idade das participantes foi de 32,59 ± 7,04, sendo que a maioria delas possuía nível superior e eram donas de casa. A pontuação média de satisfação sexual aumentou significativamente imediatamente após a intervenção e 1 mês depois nos 2 grupos de intervenção (p <0,0). As mudanças nos métodos contraceptivos após a intervenção foram significativas no grupo psicoeducativo (p = 0,0) Conclusão Os resultados indicam o impacto positivo do acompanhamento psicológico na satisfação sexual das mulheres e no método contraceptivo. O método IMB também impactou a satisfação sexual dos homens, mas não levou a nenhuma mudança no método contraceptivo.

Fotobiomodulación con láser de baja intensidad en el tratamiento integral ortodóntico: reporte de un caso / Photobiomodulation with low intensity laser in comprehensive orthodontic treatment: report of a case

El apiñamiento dental es una maloclusión frecuen-te y junto con los requerimientos de estética dental son una causa habitual de la solicitud de tratamien-to ortodóncico. El tiempo que demanda y las moles-tias que pudiera ocasionar el tratamiento produce inquietud en los pacientes y un esfuerzo de los or-todoncistas para optimizar el tiempo y prevenir los efectos adversos. Los tratamientos odontológicos multidisciplinarios permiten una mejor respuesta estética, funcional y de estabilidad post tratamiento. El tiempo de alineación dentaria y finalización, en los pacientes tratados con láser de baja intensidad po-dría mejorar tanto los índices gingivales como la res-puesta al dolor. Adicionalmente, las corticales óseas de los pacientes con ortodoncia tratados con láser, podrían verse menos afectadas en comparación con las de los pacientes no tratados. Se presenta un caso de fotobioestimulación con láser de baja intensidad aplicado en un paciente en fase de alineación, que forma parte de un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado que se desarrolla en la FOUBA y fue aprobado por el comité de Ética de la institución. El paciente aceptó y firmó el consentimiento informado. Finalizada la etapa de alineación, se evaluó la efectividad de la te-rapia con láser de baja intensidad actualmente de-nominada fotobiomodulación en incisivos superiores en la fase de alineación para acelerar el movimiento dentario, la respuesta gingival, el dolor, el estado de la cortical alveolar vestibular y la estética del perfil (AU)

Dental crowding, which is a frequent malocclusion, and dental aesthetic requirements are a common cause for requesting orthodontic treatment. The time that the treatment requires and the inconvenience that it could cause worries the patient and makes orthodontists strive to optimize time and prevent adverse effects. Multidisciplinary treatments would allow a better aesthetic, functional and post-treatment stability response. The dental alignment and completion time in patients treated with low-intensity laser could improve both gingival indices and response to pain. Additionally, the bone cortical of orthodontic patients treated with laser could be less affected compared to those of untreated patients. A case of low-intensity laser photobiostimulation applied to a patient in the alignment phase is presented, which is part of a prospective randomized study carried out at FOUBA and was approved by the institution's Ethics Committee. The patient accepted and signed the informed consent. After the alignment phase, the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy actually called photobiomodulation in upper incisors in the alignment phase is evaluated to accelerate tooth movement; the gingival response; the pain; the vestibular alveolar cortical and the aesthetics of the profile (AU)

Monkeypox: Scientometrics of 50 years of global scientific publications

Background: Scientific publications related to epidemic diseases are crucial for controlling and treating such diseases. The present study aimed to explore and analyze international publications on monkeypox through scientometric methods. Methods: This review is an applied research conducted using the scientometric method with an analytical meth od All world scientific publications on monkeypox Ivere extractedfrom the Web Of Science (WOS) citation databasefrom Januarv 1972 to May 2022 through an appropriate search strategv. Moreover, Excel and the VOS viewer Bibliometrix package ofthe R programming language were usedfor data analysis. Results: In total, 1130 publications related to monkeypor were extractedfrom the WOS citation database. Most of the publications Mere original papers published in 2010. The United States, Germany, and the Congo had the most publications on monkeypox. The topic clusters ofscientific publications on monkeypox have been in four topic orientations: prevention, epidemiologv, treatment, and immune response. Conclusion: The findings of the present investigation provided a clear picture of the publications and scientific productions of"'orld researchers in the field of monkeypcm Accordingly, researchers and policymakers on monkeypox can better understand the scientific publications on this disease and its dimensions

Unusual Involvement of Basal Ganglia and Dentate Nucleus in Children with Acute Encephalopathy with COVID-19

Children account for 1% to 5% of diagnosed COVID-19 infection with relatively mild presentation compared to adults. The frequency of neurological involvement in acute COVID-19 infection in children is unclear. COVID-19 is also considered to be a neurotropic virus, but so far, in the pediatric age group, very few cases with involvement of basal ganglia and no case of dentate nucleus involvement have been reported in the literature. The present paper reports two cases of acute encephalopathy with COVID-19, the frst case with basal ganglia involvement and the second with dentate nucleus involvement. Both cases required aggressive management and had complete neurological recovery on follow-up. Hence, these cases are reported to make everyone aware of the neurological presentation with atypical neuroimaging fnding of acute COVID-19 infection in the pediatric age group; timely management improves the outcome.

Effect of ibuprofen and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the reduction of pain after initial archwire placement: a double-blind randomized clinical trial / Efecto del ibuprofeno y el ultrasonido pulsado de baja intensidad en la reducción del dolor después de la colocación inicial del arco de ortodoncia: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado doble ciego

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of ibuprofen and low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the reduction of pain after the placement of initial archwire in orthodontic patients. Material and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on 60 female candidates for fixed orthodontic treatment referring to the Orthodontic Department of School of Dentistry in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, during 2015-2016. The subjects were divided into four groups of ibuprofen, LIPUS, placebo, and mock LIPUS. A questionnaire and a rectangular and flexible cubic silicone were given to each patient to record the severity of pain based on the visual analog scale at specified time points (i.e., 2 h, 6 h, at bedtime, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after archwire placement) when biting the silicone block with the anterior and posterior teeth and without biting at all. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used in order to compare the pain severity at different time points. Results: The comparison of pain severity at various time points showed that the highest and lowest mean scores of pain were reported at bedtime and seven days after the intervention (p<0.001). In each of the three conditions (i.e., biting the silicone block with the anterior and posterior teeth and without biting the teeth) at six time points (i.e., 2 h, 6 h, at bedtime, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days following archwire placement), no significant difference was observed in the severity of pain (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, LIPUS (with a frequency of 1 MHz and an intensity of 100 mW) and ibuprofen have no significant effects on reduction of the pain severity at different time points and various conditions in orthodontic patients.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el efecto del ibuprofeno y el ultrasonido pulsado de baja intensidad (LIPUS) en la reducción del dolor después de la colocación del arco inicial en pacientes de ortodoncia. Material y Métodos: Este estudio de ensayo clínico doble ciego se llevó a cabo en 60 candidatas a tratamiento de ortodoncia fija referidas al Departamento de Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Mashhad, Mashhad, Irán, durante 2015-2016. Los sujetos se dividieron en cuatro grupos: ibuprofeno, LIPUS, placebo y LIPUS simulado. Se entregó un cuestionario y un bloque de silicona cúbica rectangular y flexible a cada paciente para registrar la intensidad del dolor según la escala analógica visual en puntos de tiempo específicos (es decir, 2 h, 6 h, hora de acostarse, 2do, 3er y 7mo día después de la colocación del arco) al morder el bloque de silicona con los dientes anteriores y posteriores, y sin morder en absoluto. Se utilizó el análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas para comparar la intensidad del dolor en diferentes momentos.Resultados: La comparación de la intensidad del dolor en varios puntos de tiempo mostró que las puntuaciones medias de dolor más altas y más bajas se informaron a la hora de acostarse y siete días después de la intervención (p<0,001). En cada una de las tres condiciones (es decir, al morder el bloque de silicona con los dientes anteriores y posteriores, y sin morder) en seis momentos (2 h, 6 h, antes de acostarse 2do, 3er y 7mo día después de la colocación del arco), no se observó diferencia significativa en la severidad del dolor (p>0.05).Conclusión: En conclusión, LIPUS (con una frecuencia de 1 MHz y una intensidad de 100 mW) y el ibuprofeno no tienen efectos significativos en la reducción de la severidad del dolor en diferentes puntos de tiempo y diversas condiciones en pacientes de ortodoncia.

Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions: A powerful tool for analysis of the diversity of wheat genotypes

Wheat is a widely cultivated crop and it is one of the major food sources worldwide. Among the various tools used to study diversity of wheat species, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) assessment emerges to be the more appropriate approach. In the present study, we evaluated 15 genotypes of Iranian wheat cultivars (wild, native, and breed) using ITS gene sequences. Similarity matrices and dendrogram of phylogenic relationship were constructed using Mega ver6 software. We report the major nucleotide changes in the same position between diploid and hexaploid species. dN/dS ratio for diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid species indicated a pure selection in the examined gene, with no key changes in the genes, and 91% ITS diversity within individual wheat was evident. The results suggest that as evolution moves forward, nucleotide changes are reduced so that only a few changes in nucleotides occur. ITS marker can distinguish different wheat genotypes at the genomic level and thus prove to be the most appropriate assessment tool for analyzing inter and intra-species relationships.

Quality of life and symptom severity in premenstrual syndrome: a quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of group counseling on quality of life and symptom severity among university students with Premenstrual Syndrome. METHOD: After filling in PSST and participating in SCID-CV, 120 students answered the demographic and WHOQOL questionnaires. Using classified random sampling, they were divided into control and intervention groups. The Intervention Group participants attended six group counseling ses-sions. They post-tested at two moments (immediate post-test and after one month). RESULTS: The results of the immediate post-test indicated improvements in overall quality and in some domains (p<0.005) in the Intervention Group, and the second post-test showed an improvement in two of the domains (p<0.005). One month later, some symptoms were clearly improved in the Intervention Group (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Group counseling improved the students' quality of life and severity of the Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms.

Introduction of a handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after low anterior rectal resection

Purpose@#Anastomotic leakage, a known major postoperative complication, potentially leads to readmission, reoperation, and increased mortality rates in patients, such as rectal cancer patients following a low anterior resection (LAR). Currently, vacuum-assisted closure, as featured by B-Braun (B-Braun Medical B.V.), is already being used for the treatment of gastrointestinal leakages and fistulas. The main aim of this study was to introduce a novel method for creating a vacuum-assisted drain for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after LAR. @*Methods@#All 10 patients, who underwent LAR surgery from 2018 to 2019, were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage and had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. Therefore, patients were treated with a handmade vacuum-assisted drain and were revisited every 5 to 7 days for further evaluations and drain replacement until leakage resolution. Physical features of cavity, time of diagnose, and duration of treatment were analyzed correspondingly. The handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain was prepared for each patient in each session of follow-up. @*Results@#Eight out of 10 patients experienced complete closure of the defect. The mean delay time from the day of operation to the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was 61.0±80.4 days while the mean time for leakage closure was 117.6±68.3 days. Eventually, 7 cases underwent ileostomy reversal with no complications during a 3-month follow-up. @*Conclusion@#In this study, we evaluated the healing process of anastomotic leakage after the usage of a handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain in a case series method. In our trial, we provided an innovative cost-benefit method easily applicable in the operating room.

Reliability of trauma coding with ICD-10 / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#The reliability of trauma coding is essential in establishing the reliable trauma data and adopting efficient control and monitoring policies. The present study aimed to determine the reliability of trauma coding in educational hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran.@*METHODS@#In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 591 coded medical records with a trauma diagnosis in 2018 were selected and recoded by two coders. The reliability of trauma coding was calculated using Cohen's kappa. The data were recorded in a checklist, in which the validity of the content had been confirmed by experts.@*RESULTS@#The reliability of the coding related to the nature of trauma in research units was 0.75-0.77, indicating moderate reliability. Also, the reliability of the coding of external causes of trauma was 0.57-0.58, suggesting poor reliability.@*CONCLUSION@#The reliability of trauma coding both in terms of the nature of trauma and the external causes of trauma does not have a good status in the research units. This can be due to the complex coding of trauma, poor documentation of the cases, and not studying the entire case. Therefore, holding training courses for coders, offering training on the accurate documentation to other service providers, and periodically auditing the medical coding are recommended.

Anesthesia and analgesia for common research models of adult mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Anesthesia and analgesia are major components of many interventional studies on laboratory animals. However, various studies have shown improper reporting or use of anesthetics/analgesics in research proposals and published articles. In many cases, it seems “anesthesia” and “analgesia” are used interchangeably, while they are referring to two different concepts. Not only this is an unethical practice, but also it may be one of the reasons for the proven sub‑ optimal quality of many animal researches. This is a widespread problem among investigations on various species of animals. However, it could be imagined that it may be more prevalent for the most common species of laboratory animals, such as the laboratory mice. In this review, proper anesthetic/analgesic methods for routine procedures on laboratory mice are discussed. We considered the available literature and critically reviewed their anesthetic/analge‑ sic methods. Detailed dosing and pharmacological information for the relevant drugs are provided and some of the drugs’ side effects are discussed. This paper provides the necessary data for an informed choice of anesthetic/analge‑ sic methods in some routine procedures on laboratory mice.