Evaluation of core decompression outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus with hip osteonecrosis: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Osteonecrosis is a major cause of morbidity for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although core decompression is an approved and trusted technique to prevent further joint deterioration, this surgical method seems to be less beneficial for SLE patients. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of core decompression in SLE patients with primary stages of femoral head osteonecrosis. Methods In this study, 23 patients (39 affected hip joints) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head with stage II of the disease, based on the Ficat-Arlet classification system, underwent core decompression. Also, patients demographic characteristics, clinical data, medication history, comorbidities, immunological findings, hip plain radiographs, history of total hip arthroplasty after core decompression, and patients satisfaction with joint function according to the Oxford hip score questionnaire were obtained. Results In the study, 53.8% of affected joints showed signs of radiographic deterioration in follow-up imaging. Sixty-one and a half percent (61.5%) of patients had unsatisfactory joint performance. A third (33.3%) of affected hip joints underwent total hip arthroplasty up to 5 years from core decompression. SLE patients with a history of receiving bisphosphonate were 83.2% less dissatisfied with their joint function than patients without a history of bisphospho-nate use (P < 0.02). Of the 23 studied cases, the mean cumulative dose of prednisolone before and after core decompression surgery was 46.41 mg and 14.74 mg respectively. Besides, one case (2.6%) that had a high anti-phospholipid antibodies level during follow-up did not have any radiographic deterioration, and 9 cases (23.1%) had some degrees of radiographic deterioration. Conclusions The patients group that used bis-phosphonate, had a higher level of satisfaction with joint function after core decompression. Patients with high-level anti-phospholipid antibodies are related to a poor prognosis after core decompression.

Comparative evaluation of metformin & sitaformin in classic PCOS patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A randomized controlled pilot study

Background & objectives: Studies have shown that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia play a major role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Therefore, the use of insulin sensitizing drugs in the treatment of PCOS has attracted the attention of medicine and researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sitaformin (sitagliptin/metformin) and metformin on the quality of oocyte and embryo in classic PCOS patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: Sixty patients of PCOS (25-35 yr) were randomly allocated into three groups (n=20, each group): a metformin-treated group (administered metformin 500 mg twice daily), a sitaformin-treated group (administered sitaformin 50/500 mg twice daily) and a placebo group. Participants in all the groups received the drug two months prior to the start of the ovulation cycle and treatment continued until the day of the oocyte aspiration. Results: Serum insulin and total testosterone levels decreaseed significantly after treatment in both the treatment groups as compared to the placebo (P<0.05). A significant decrease in the number of immature oocytes [MI + germinal vesicle (GV) stage] was observed in metformin and sitaformin groups as compared to the placebo. In addition, sitaformin group when compared to the metformin group showed a significant decrease in the number of immature oocytes (P<0.05). The number of mature and normal MII oocytes increased significantly in both the treatment groups compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). The number of mature and normal oocytes increased in sitaformin group in comparison to the metformin group, but the difference was not significant. There was a significant increase in the number of grade I embryos, fertilization and cleavage rates in the sitaformin group compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: This is the first study to compare the impact of sitaformin with metformin on oocyte and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycle. In conclusion, sitaformin can be more effective in decreasing immature oocytes and increasing the quality of embryos than the use of metformin.

Associação do Genótipo e Fenótipo da Paraoxonase-1 com Angiografia Positiva para Doença Arterial Coronariana / Association of Paraoxonase-1 Genotype and Phenotype with Angiogram Positive Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento Tem sido demonstrado que um aumento dos níveis séricos de PON1 é protetor contra vários distúrbios. Foi relatado que vários polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs, single nucleotide polymorphisms ) do gene PON1 estão associados a níveis e atividade de proteínas enzimáticas séricas. Objetivos Investigar a associação de SNPs do PON1 e atividade da paraoxonase sérica com a doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Métodos Foram estudados 601 pacientes não relacionados submetidos à angiografia coronária, incluindo aqueles com estenose >50% (N=266) e aqueles com estenose <30% (N=335). Os SNPs rs662 e rs840560 do gene da paraoxonase foram determinados utilizando o método ARMS-PCR e o SNP rs705379 foi genotipado utilizando análise de PCR-RFLP. A atividade da paraoxonase sérica foi medida utilizando paraoxon como substrato. O valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significante. Resultados A atividade da paraoxonase sérica não foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos de estudo. Após ajuste para idade, sexo, hipertensão, diabetes mellitus e dislipidemia, o genótipo GG e o modelo codominante de rs662 foram positivamente associados a uma angiografia positiva (respectivamente, OR = 2,424, IC 95% [1,123-5,233], p <0,05, OR = 1,663, IC 95% [1,086-2,547]). A atividade da paraoxonase sérica foi significativamente maior no alelo G e variante GG do polimorfismo rs662, alelo A e variante AA de rs854560 e alelo C e variante CC de rs705379. A análise de haplótipos mostrou que o haplótipo ATC foi significativamente mais prevalente no grupo com angiografia negativa. A análise entre os grupos indicou que o alelo A de rs662 foi significativamente associado à menor atividade da paraoxonase no grupo com angiografia positiva (p=0,019). Conclusões A presença do alelo G do polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único rs662 está independentemente associada ao aumento do risco de DAC.

Abstract Background It has been shown that increased serum PON1 levels are protective against several disorders. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PON1 gene have been reported to be associated with serum enzyme protein levels and activity. Objective To investigate the association of SNPs of PON1 and serum paraoxonase activity with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods A total of 601 unrelated patients who underwent coronary angiography including those who had >50% stenosis (N=266) and those with <30% stenosis (N=335) were studied. The Paraoxonase gene rs662 and rs840560 SNPs were determined using the ARMS-PCR method and the rs705379 SNP was genotyped using PCR-RFLP analysis. Serum paraoxonase activity was measured using paraoxon as a substrate. A p value of p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results Serum paraoxonase activity was not significantly different between the study groups. After adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, the GG genotype and co-dominant model of rs662 was positively associated with a positive angiogram (respectively, OR=2.424, 95%CI [1.123-5.233], p<0.05, OR=1.663, 95%CI [1.086-2.547]). Serum paraoxonase activity was significantly higher in the G allele and GG variant of rs662, A allele and AA variant of rs854560 and C allele and CC variant of rs705379. The haplotype analysis has shown that the ATC haplotype was significantly more prevalent among the angiogram negative group. The analysis between groups indicated that the A allele of rs662 was significantly associated with lower paraoxonase activity in the positive angiogram group (p=0.019). Conclusions The presence of the G allele of the rs662 single nucleotide polymorphism is independently associated to increased risk of CAD.

Investigation of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Mutations in Patients with and without Cirrhosis/Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Chronic HBV (CH) infection and its consequences including cirrhosis (C) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) still represent a major Global health. The relationship between HCC and various mutations of HBx gene has been reported. In the present study, we aimed to determine the sequence variation of HBx gene in patients with Chronic HBV infection or C/HCC. Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 15 patients with HBV chronic infection and 13 with C/HCC were included. After viral DNA extraction using commercial kit HBX gene was amplified using an in-house nestedPCR. Then, bi-directional sequencing was performed on the PCR product. The data resulting from sequencing were aligned with reference HBV sequence to identify the mutations. Results : The mean age of CH and C/HCC groups was 38.23�.46 and 50.67�.22 years old, respectively. We found 43 and 20 Amino acid substitutions inside the region of 88�4 from HBx protein in CH and C/HCC groups, respectively. In addition, K130M+V131I mutation was found in 13.34% (2/15) and 30.7% (4/13) of patients in the CH and C/HCC groups, respectively (P=0.36). Furthermore, 10 deletion mutations were observed in both groups with no significant difference (P=0.8). Conclusion : The results of the present study indicated the relatively high frequency of Amino acid substitutions and deletion, especially in part of region 88-154 from HBx Protein in patients with CH and C/HCC. The findings should be considered in a larger population

A 10-year overview of chronic orofacial pain in patients at an oral medicine center in Iran

Background@#Orofacial pain is defined as pain felt in the soft or hard tissues of the head, face, mouth, and neck. Chronic orofacial pain is often challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. Due to the lack of available information about the prevalence and clinical form of orofacial pain, this study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of chronic orofacial pain in patients presenting at the Department of Oral Medicine of Shahid Beheshti Dental School between 2012 and 2022. @*Methods@#In this retrospective study, we evaluated the files of 121 patients at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases of Shahid Beheshti Dental School, which were completed during 2012–2022. We extracted the required information from these files. @*Results@#In total, 121 files were included in the study (30 male, 91 female). The mean age of the patients was 43.68 ± 16.79 years. The most common diagnosis in patients with chronic orofacial pain was temporomandibular disorders (TMD) (55.3%). Among pain-related factors, psychological factors showed the highest frequency (30.5%).Opening and closing (43.8%) had the highest frequency among factors that increased pain, and the rest (6.6%) had the highest frequency among the factors that reduced pain. Most patients experienced unilateral pain over the masseter area. Most patients reported their pain intensity to be greater than 7 in the verbal analog scale (VAS). The most common symptom associated with pain was joint noise (37.1%). @*Conclusion@#A ten-year retrospective evaluation of patient files showed that more than half of the patients with chronic orofacial pain had TMD.

Synergistic interaction of fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate on the inhibition of Candida glabrata phospholipase gene

Abstract Candida glabrata infections are responsible for deaths of people globally. Fluconazole is known to be less effective against C. glabrata, which developed many strategies to evade being destroyed by fluconazole. To achieve enhanced efficacy of fluconazole against C. glabrata, the interaction of fluconazole with sodium bicarbonate was investigated using the CLSI guidelines. The efficacy of fluconazole alone and in combination with sodium bicarbonate was evaluated using the time-kill and phospholipase production assays. Eventually, the expression of PLB was assessed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR to investigate the inhibitory properties of fluconazole alone and in combination with sodium bicarbonate against C. glabrata. The fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination displayed synergistic and antagonistic effects (FICI= 0.375-4.25). In C. glabrata ATCC, SN 152, and SN 164, the fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination exhibited a significant fungicidal activity (p< 0.05) but antagonistic effect in the case of SN 283. With exception of SN 283, a significant reduction was noted in phospholipase production in clinical isolates of C. glabrata treated with fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate combination. The PLB was down-regulated significantly by 0.168-0.515 fold in C. glabrata treated with fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate. The results suggested fluconazole/sodium bicarbonate to have a potential synergistic interaction in C. glabrata, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with phospholipase gene

Outcome of Fecal Incontinence in Patients with Rectal Prolapse Undergoing the Altemeier Procedure with or without Posterior Levatorplasty / Desfecho de incontinência fecal em pacientes com prolapso retal submetidos ao procedimento de Altermeier com ou sem levatorplastia posterior

Abstract Objective To compare the fecal incontinence status of patients submitted to theAltemeier procedure with or without posterior levatorplasty. Materials and Methods Medical records of the patients who underwent the Altemeier procedure at Shahid Faghihi Hospital (in Shiraz, Iran) from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively studied. Patients older than 17 years of age who underwent the Altemeier procedure due to complete rectal prolapse were considered. In some cases, the operation was performed with posterior levatorplasty. Rectal prolapse due to collagen or connective tissue disorders, anal/sacral anomalies, immunodeficiency, history of rectal surgery, and pelvic radiotherapy were the exclusion criteria of the present study. In addition to the demographics (including age, gender, and body mass index), the fecal incontinence status of each case was determined through theWexner scale preoperatively and 12 months after the surgery. The incontinence scores were then compared against the baseline values of the two groups of patients: those with and those without posterior levatorplasty. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US), software, version 21. Results In total, 53 patients (17 men and 36 women) with a mean age of 55.23 ± 18.24 years were analyzed. The comparison of the pre- and postoperative scores on theWexner scale between the two groups revealed no statistically significant difference (p >0.05). Conclusion Posterior levatorplasty during the Altemeier procedure did not result in significant improvement of the fecal incontinence outcome of the patients.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar o status de incontinência fecal de pacientes após o procedimento de Altemeier com e sem levatorplastia posterior. Materiais e métodos Os prontuários médicos dos pacientes submetidos ao procedimento de Altemeier no Shahid Faghihi Hospital (em Shiraz, Irã) entre 2014 e 2018 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Pacientes com idade superior a 17 anos submetidos ao procedimento de Altemeier devido a prolapso retal completo foram considerados. Em alguns casos, a operação foi realizada com levatorplastia posterior. Prolapso retal devido a distúrbios de colágeno ou do tecido conjuntivo, anomalias anais/sacrais, imunodeficiência, histórico de cirurgia retal, e radioterapia pélvica foram os critérios de exclusão deste estudo. Além dos dados demográficos (incluindo idade, sexo, e índice de massa corporal), o status da incontinência fecal de cada caso foi determinado por meio da escala de Wexner antes e doze meses após a cirurgia. Então, as pontuações de incontinência foram comparadas aos valores de referência dos dois grupos de pacientes: com e sem levatorplastia posterior. A análise estatística foi feita usandose o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA), versão 21. Resultados No total, 53 pacientes (17 homens e 36 mulheres) com idade média de 55.23 ± 18.24 anos foramavaliados. A comparação entre os grupos das pontuações na escala de Werner no pré e pós-operatório não revelou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0.05). Conclusão Levatorplastia superior durante o procedimento de Altemeier não resultou em melhora significativa do desfecho da incontinência fecal dos pacientes.

Effect of Helicobacter Pylori eradication on patients with ITP: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in the Middle East

Background@#Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. Helicobacter Pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that is presumed to be associated with ITP and therapeutic response of patients. To evaluate the effect of H. Pylori eradication on platelet count of ITP patients, we analyzed the studies conducted on the association between H. Pylori infection and response to therapy in ITP patients in Western Asia focusing on the Middle East region. @*Methods@#A systematic search of databases (PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central) and Google Scholar search engine results was conducted up until January 2020. The keywords included in the search were Helicobacter Pylori and/or H. Pylori, ITP and/or immune thrombocytopenia. @*Results@#Seven studies comprising a total of 228 H. Pylori -infected patients (193 with successful eradication) were included in this study. The association between H. Pylori eradication and ITP was expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The findings showed that patients who received eradication treatment for H. Pylori infection had significantly higher OR (OR, 8.83; 95% CI, 2.03‒38.35; P =0.004) than those in the non-eradicated group. @*Conclusion@#Our results indicate a significant therapeutic effect of H. Pylori eradication on the platelet count of patients with chronic ITP. Given the inherent limitations of this study, including the small number of patients, further studies with more patients are recommended.

Mobile Health Technology and Healthcare Providers: Systemic Barriers to Adoption / 대한의료정보학회지

Objectives@#Despite the growing use of mobile health (mHealth), certain barriers seem to be hindering the use of mHealth applications in healthcare. This article presents a systematic review of the literature on barriers associated with mHealth reported by healthcare professionals. @*Methods@#This systematic review was carried out to identify studies published from January 2015 to December 2019 by searching four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar). Studies were included if they reported perceived barriers to the adoption of mHealth from healthcare providers’ perspectives. Content analysis and categorization of barriers were performed based on a focus group discussion that explored researchers’ knowledge and experiences. @*Results@#Among the 273 papers retrieved through the search strategy, 18 works were selected and 18 barriers were identified. The relevant barriers were categorized into three main groups: technical, individual, and healthcare system. Security and privacy concerns from the category of technical barriers, knowledge and limited literacy from the category of individual barriers, and economic and financial factors from the category of healthcare system barriers were chosen as three of the most important challenges related to the adoption of mHealth described in the included publications. @*Conclusions@#mHealth adoption is a complex and multi-dimensional process that is widely implemented to increase access to healthcare services. However, it is influenced by various factors and barriers. Understanding the barriers to adoption of mHealth applications among providers, and engaging them in the adoption process will be important for the successful deployment of these applications.

Evaluating mechanism and severity of injuries among trauma patients admitted to Sina Hospital, the National Trauma Registry of Iran / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Injuries are one of the leading causes of death and lead to a high social and financial burden. Injury patterns can vary significantly among different age groups and body regions. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mechanism of injury, patient comorbidities and severity of injuries.@*METHODS@#The study included trauma patients from July 2016 to June 2018, who were admitted to Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The inclusion criteria were all injured patients who had at least one of the following: hospital length of stay more than 24 h, death in hospital, and transfer from the intensive care unit of another hospital. Data collection was performed using the National Trauma Registry of Iran minimum dataset.@*RESULTS@#The most common injury mechanism was road traffic injuries (49.0%), followed by falls (25.5%). The mean age of those who fell was significantly higher in comparison with other mechanisms (p < 0.001). Severe extremity injuries occurred more often in the fall group than in the vehicle collision group (69.0% vs. 43.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, cases of severe multiple trauma were higher amongst vehicle collisions than injuries caused by falls (27.8% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.003).@*CONCLUSION@#Comparing falls with motor vehicle collisions, patients who fell were older and sustained more extremity injuries. Patients injured by motor vehicle collision were more likely to have sustained multiple trauma than those presenting with falls. Recognition of the relationship between mechanisms and consequences of injuries may lead to more effective interventions.

Parastomal Hernia Following Abdominoperineal Resection / Hérnia paraestomal após ressecc¸ão abdominoperineal

ABSTRACT Parastomal Hernia (PSH) is a common complication of patient who undergone ostomy especially end colostomy. Presence of hernia defect is associated with the risk of strangulation and obstruction so understanding the potential risk factor such as patient's factor and technical issues is important. This study is evaluating the incidence of PSH hernia in patients who undergone end colostomy due to Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) in a tertiary colorectal surgery referral center and explore the possible risk factors of this complication. The study was designed as a retrospective cross sectional study on 41 patients who undergone end colostomy due to APR. Three patient lost the follow up and 13 patients died and 25 patients were enrolled in study. Demographic data, history of smoking, steroid administration, Diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, transfusion, Neoadjuvant therapy, wound infection and Body mass Index (BMI) were gathered. The mean age of participants was 58.8 and the mean BMI was 25.04 kg/m2. The incidence of PSH was 40% and 68% of operations were done with Laparoscopy. This study could not find statistically significant risk factor for PSH. The 40% incidence of PSH is noticeable and specific strategies should be applied to reduce such complications. Larger studies is essential to investigate the possible etiologies of this complication.

RESUMO A hérnia paraestomal é uma complicação comum em pacientes submetidos a estomia, especialmente a colostomia terminal. A presença de defeito de hérnia está associada ao risco de estrangulamento e obstrução, portanto, é importante compreender o potencial fator de risco, como o fator do paciente e questões técnicas. Este estudo avalia a incidência de hérnia paraestomal em pacientes submetidos à colostomia terminal devido à ressecção abdominoperineal em um centro terciário de referência em cirurgia colorretal e explorar os possíveis fatores de risco dessa complicação. O desenho do estudo foi transversal retrospectivo de 41 pacientes submetidos à colostomia terminal devido à ressecção abdominoperineal. Três pacientes foram perdidos no seguimento, 13 pacientes morreram, e 25 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Dados demográficos, história de tabagismo, administração de esteroides, diabetes, doença pulmonar obstrutiva, transfusão, terapia neoadjuvante, infecção de ferida operatória e Índice de Massa Corporal foram coletados. A média de idade dos participantes foi 58,8 e o índice de massa corporal médio foi 25,04 kg/m2. A incidência de hérnia paraestomal foi de 40% e 68% das cirurgias foram realizadas por laparoscopia. Este estudo não encontrou fator de risco estatisticamente significativo para hérnia paraestomal. A incidência de 40% de hérnia paraestomal é perceptível e estratégias específicas devem ser aplicadas para reduzir tais complicações. Estudos maiores são essenciais para investigar as possíveis etiologias dessa complicação.

The fluctuation of APC gene in WNT signaling with adenine deletion of adenomatous polyposis coli, is associated in colorectal cancer / A flutuação do gene da APC na via de sinalização WNT com deleção de adenina na polipose adenomatosa do cólon está associada ao câncer colorretal

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer is one of the most important malignancies in the classification of gastrointestinal cancers. One of the predisposing factors at molecular level for this cancer is via WNT signaling which is associated with the vast numbers of different genes. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether Adenomatous Polyposis Coli gene (APC) mutation of rs41115in two locations such as 132.002 and 131.989 acts as a trigger or cause of colorectal cancer. Relatively, 30 blood samples of colorectal cancer patients and 30 normal blood samples as control group after colonoscopy and also confirmation of pathology report at Rohani Hospital in Babol (Iran) were investigated. The primers were designed in order to be included the rs41115 to identify the particular polymorphisms of gene. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR direct sequencing method) was used. Conclusively, deletion of adenine in two specific locations such as 131.989 and 132.002 has been identified, but there was no relationship between rs41115 polymorphisms located in adenomatous polyposis coli gene and colorectal cancer.

RESUMO O câncer colorretal é uma das neoplasias malignas mais importantes na classificação dos cânceres gastrointestinais. Um dos fatores predisponentes no âmbito molecular para esse câncer é através da via de sinalização WNT, que está associada a um grande número de genes diferentes. Portanto, neste estudo, objetivamos investigar se a mutação rs41115 do gene da polipose adenomatosa do cólon (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli - APC) em dois locais como 132.002 e 131.989 atua como gatilho ou como causa do câncer colorretal. Relativamente, 30 amostras de sangue de pacientes com câncer colorretal e 30 amostras de sangue normal (grupo controle) foram analisadas após a colonoscopia, bem como a confirmação do laudo da patologia no Rohani Hospital em Babol (Irã). Os primers foram projetados de modo a incluir o rs41115 para identificar os polimorfismos particulares do gene. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (método de sequenciamento direto por PCR) foi utilizada. Conclusivamente, a deleção de adenina em dois locais específicos, como 131.989 e 132.002, foi identificada, mas não houve relação entre o polimorfismo rs41115 localizado no gene da polipose adenomatosa do cólon e o câncer colorretal.

Natural products, PGC-1 , and Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) is a transcriptional coactivator that binds to a diverse range of transcription factors. PPAR coactivator 1 (PGC-1) coactivators possess an extensive range of biological effects in different tissues, and play a key part in the regulation of the oxidative metabolism, consequently modulating the production of reactive oxygen species, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Owing to these findings, a large body of studies, aiming to establish the role of PGC-1 in the neuromuscular system, has shown that PGC-1 could be a promising target for therapies targeting neuromuscular diseases. Among these, some evidence has shown that various signaling pathways linked to PGC-1 are deregulated in muscular dystrophy, leading to a reduced capacity for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the light of these results, any intervention aimed at activating PGC-1 could contribute towards ameliorating the progression of muscular dystrophies. PGC-1 is influenced by different patho-physiological/pharmacological stimuli. Natural products have been reported to display modulatory effects on PPAR activation with fewer side effects in comparison to synthetic drugs. Taken together, this review summarizes the current knowledge on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, focusing on the potential effects of natural compounds, acting as regulators of PGC-1.

Risk factors of inadequate emergence following general anesthesia with an emphasis on patients with substance dependence history / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#This study aims to define the incidence and risk factors of both emergence agitation and hypoactive emergence in adult patients and substance-dependent patients following general anesthesia to elaborate on the risk factors and precise management of them. @*Methods@#The study recruited 1,136 adult patients who received elective surgeries under general anesthesia for this prospective observational study. Inadequate emergence was determined according to the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). Emergence agitation was defined as a RASS ≥ +1 point, and hypoactive emergence was defined as a RASS ≤ –2 points. Subgroup analyses were then conducted on patients with substance dependence. @*Results@#Inadequate emergence in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) occurred in 20.3% of patients, including 13.9% with emergence agitation and 6.4% with hypoactive emergence. Ninety-five patients had a history of substance dependence. Compared to divorced patients, never-married and presently married patients, who underwent gynecological and thoracic surgeries, had a lower risk of agitation. Neurologic disorders, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative morphine, and PACU analgesic drug administration were associated with increased agitation risk. Hypertension and psychological disorders, intraoperative opioids, and PACU Foley catheter fixation were associated with increased hypoactive emergence risk. Substance-dependent patients had higher risk for agitation (21.1%, P = 0.019) and hypoactive emergence (10.5%, P = 0.044). @*Conclusions@#Inadequate emergence in PACU following general anesthesia is a significant problem correlated with several perioperative factors. Patients with a history of substance dependence appear to be more at risk of inadequate emergence than the general population.

Evaluating the Effect of Family-Centered Intervention Program on Care Burden and Self-Efficacy of Hemodialysis Patient Caregivers Based on Social Cognitive Theory: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study / 가정의학회지

Background@#Caregivers of hemodialysis patients spend a large amount of time providing care to these patients while tolerating fatigue and stress. This study evaluated a family-centered empowerment program on the care burden and self-efficacy of hemodialysis patient caregivers based on social cognitive theory. @*Methods@#In this randomized clinical trial, 70 family caregivers of hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran, were selected and randomly allocated to intervention and control groups, in 2015–2016. Two questionnaires were used to collect the family caregivers’ characteristics, care burden, and self-efficacy, and patients’ negative and positive outcomes expectancies. Data were analyzed using SPSS before, immediately after, and 2 months after the intervention. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in the mean scores of care burden, positive outcomes expectancies, negative outcomes expectancies, and self-efficacy between the two groups before the intervention. However, there were significant differences in the post-test and follow-up data analyses (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Given the degenerative nature of chronic kidney disease, it can be considered as a source of long-term and chronic stress for caregivers. Therefore, by implementing an empowerment program, caregiving behaviors can be improved, positive outcomes expectancies can be increased, and negative outcomes expectancies can be reduced.

Taxonomical Investigation on Some Species of Genus Allium Based on the Pollen Morphology

Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate the morphological characteristics of the pollen grain of some species of genus Allium. Methodology: The pollen grains were examined by using Light Microscopy (LM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the pollen grains of one species under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results: The pollen grains were oblate and medium in shape and size. The pollen ornamentation of exine surface, exine ornamentation on sulcus edge, lumina number in the exine surface and the state of pollen grain apex in the examined species were different. Semitectate and columellate ectexine with discontinuous endexine were seen in the pollen wall structure (sporoderm). The dendrogram obtained from the pollen characters in SEM observations by using the numerical taxonomy system (NTSYS) software placed the studied species in two types. Conclusion: Our palynological dendrogram can be used for segregation the sections and subgenera taxonomical levels in the studied species of genus Allium and confirmed the phylogram of the recent phylogenetic research.

Improvement of dose distribution in ocular brachytherapy with 125I seeds 20-mm COMS plaque followed to loading of choroidal tumor by gold nanoparticles

Aims and Objectives: Brachytherapy using removable ophthalmic plaques loaded with suitable small sealed radioactive seeds adjacent to the ocular's tumor has been widely used as an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose distribution in a modeled eyeball followed to loading of an ocular melanoma tumor with different concentrations of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as dose enhancement agent by Monte Carlo (MC) calculations. Materials and Methods: The MC code of MCNPX 2.6.0 was used to modeling of COMS standard eye plaque loaded with 24 125I sources (6711 model) located on the sclera of modeled eyeball with detailed structures and materials. A choroidal melanoma tumor was simulated and loaded with different concentrations of spherical gold GNPs (50 nm in diameter). Dose enhancement factors (DEFs) of ocular components were calculated. Results: The dosimetric properties of 125I source (6711 model) and dose distribution of COMS standard eye plaque were calculated successfully as recommended by TG-43U1; AAPM. Loading of tumor with GNPs increased dose to the tumor and decreased dose to the normal tissues; the DEF was increased up to 2.280 and 2.030 for tumor apex, while it was decreased to 0.760 and 0.892 for macula and for gold-tumor mixture and nanolattice distributions, respectively. Conclusion: Loading the choroidal tumor volume with GNPs improves the dose distribution by increasing dose to the tumor and decreasing dose to the health components in ocular brachytherapy with 125I seeds 20-mm COMS plaque

Effect of intravenous acetaminophen versus fentanyl on postoperative pain after transurethral lithotripsy / Efeito do acetaminofeno versus fentanil intravenosos na dor pós litotripsia transuretral

Abstract Background: Postoperative pain is the most common postoperative complication. This study was conducted to assess the effect of acetaminophen versus fentanyl on postoperative pain relief in patients who underwent urologic surgeries. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on patients aged 18-65 years. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 2000 mg acetaminophen (propacetamol) or 2 mcg.kg-1 fentanyl intravenously, 15 min before the end of surgery. The postoperative pain was evaluated every 6 h for 24 h using the Visual Analog Scale. Total morphine dose taken in 24 h and hemodynamic status were evaluated. Results: Eighty patients were enrolled into the trial. The mean score of pain in 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after surgery was lower in the acetaminophen group than in the fentanyl group but the difference was not statistically significant except in 12 and 18 h after surgery (p < 0.05). The amount of administered morphine was higher in the fentanyl group than in the acetaminophen group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The hemodynamic status including systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rates were nearly the same in the two groups but the SpO2 mean was significantly higher in the acetaminophen group than the fentanyl group. Conclusions: This trial indicated that intravenous acetaminophen is as effective as intravenous fentanyl in pain relief after urologic surgeries (transurethral lithotripsy).

Resumo Justificativa: A dor pós-operatória é a complicação mais comum no período pós-operatório. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de acetaminofeno versus fentanil no alívio da dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias urológicas. Métodos: Este ensaio clínico foi realizado com pacientes cujas idades variou entre 18 e 65 anos. Os pacientes foram randomicamente designados para receber 2.000 mg de acetaminofeno (propacetamol) ou 2 mcg.kg-1 de fentanil por via intravenosa 15 min antes do final da cirurgia. A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada a cada 6 horas por 24 horas, utilizando a escala visual analógica. A dose total de morfina administrada em 24 horas e o estado hemodinâmico foram avaliados. Resultados: Oitenta pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. O escore médio de dor em 6, 12, 18 e 24 horas após a cirurgia foi menor no grupo acetaminofeno que no grupo fentanil, mas a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa, exceto em 12 e 18 horas após a cirurgia (p < 0,05). A quantidade de morfina administrada foi maior no grupo fentanil que no grupo acetaminofeno, mas a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa. O estado hemodinâmico, incluindo pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica e frequência cardíaca, foi quase o mesmo nos dois grupos, mas a média de SpO2 foi significativamente maior no grupo acetaminofeno que no grupo fentanil. Conclusões: Este estudo indicou que acetaminofeno intravenoso é tão eficaz quanto fentanil intravenoso no alívio da dor após cirurgias urológicas (litotripsia transuretral).

Risk factors contributing to the incidence and mortality of acute childhood poisoning in emergency department patients in Iran: a hospital-based case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Since poisoning is one of the most important preventable factors contributing to the hospitalization and death of children who present to emergency departments, this study was carried out to investigate the risk factors contributing to the incidence and mortality of acute childhood poisoning. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study included 243 cases and 489 controls, drawn from daily admissions to the emergency departments of the included hospitals according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal poisoning was the most common poisoning type, found in 87.7% of subjects, and medications were the most common cause of poisoning (49.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of poisoning (odds ratio [OR], 10.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.58 to 19.51; p<0.001) and the availability of poisonous substances (OR, 8.88; 95% CI, 5.41 to 14.56; p<0.001) were among the most important predictors of childhood poisoning. Respiratory poisoning (OR, 6.72; 95% CI, 1.40 to 32.07; p<0.05) and the presence of addiction in the family (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.10 to 18.68; p<0.05) were the most important predictors of mortality among children with poisoning. CONCLUSIONS: Addiction and the presence of physical or psychological disorders in family members, a history of poisoning, and the availability of poisonous substances were significantly associated with the incidence of childhood poisoning and resultant mortality.

Risk factors contributing to the incidence and mortality of acute childhood poisoning in emergency department patients in Iran: a hospital-based case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Since poisoning is one of the most important preventable factors contributing to the hospitalization and death of children who present to emergency departments, this study was carried out to investigate the risk factors contributing to the incidence and mortality of acute childhood poisoning.@*METHODS@#This hospital-based case-control study included 243 cases and 489 controls, drawn from daily admissions to the emergency departments of the included hospitals according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.@*RESULTS@#Gastrointestinal poisoning was the most common poisoning type, found in 87.7% of subjects, and medications were the most common cause of poisoning (49.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of poisoning (odds ratio [OR], 10.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.58 to 19.51; p<0.001) and the availability of poisonous substances (OR, 8.88; 95% CI, 5.41 to 14.56; p<0.001) were among the most important predictors of childhood poisoning. Respiratory poisoning (OR, 6.72; 95% CI, 1.40 to 32.07; p<0.05) and the presence of addiction in the family (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.10 to 18.68; p<0.05) were the most important predictors of mortality among children with poisoning.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Addiction and the presence of physical or psychological disorders in family members, a history of poisoning, and the availability of poisonous substances were significantly associated with the incidence of childhood poisoning and resultant mortality.