mir-182-5p regulates all three phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling during cutaneous wound healing.

Wound healing is a highly programmed process, in which any abnormalities result in scar formation. MicroRNAs are potent regulators affecting wound repair and scarification. However, the function of microRNAs in wound healing is not fully understood. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of microRNAs in patients with cutaneous wounds. Cutaneous wound biopsies from patients with either hypertrophic scarring or normal wound repair were collected during inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Fourteen candidate microRNAs were selected for expression analysis by qRT-PCR. The expression of genes involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration were measured using qRT-PCR. Cell cycle and scratch assays were used to explore the proliferation and migration rates. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to examine TGF-ß, αSMA and collagen-I expression. Target gene suggestion was performed using Enrichr tool. The results showed that miR-16-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-34c-5p, and miR-182-5p were revealed to be differentially expressed between scarring and non-scarring wounds. Based on the expression patterns obtained, miR-182-5p was selected for functional studies. miR-182-5p induced RELA expression synergistically upon IL-6 induction in keratinocytes and promoted angiogenesis. miR-182-5p prevented keratinocyte migration, while overexpressed TGF-ß3 following induction of inflammation. Moreover, miR-182-5p enhanced fibroblast proliferation, migration, differentiation, and collagen-1 expression. FoxO1 and FoxO3 were found to potentially serve as putative gene targets of miR-182-5p. In conclusion, miR-182-5p is differentially expressed between scarring and non-scarring wounds and affect the behavior of cells involved in cutaneous wound healing. Deregulated expression of miR-182-5p adversely affects the proper transition of wound healing phases, resulting in scar formation.

Why do people get burned? Qualitative analysis of the causes of burns in a large survey of burn survivors.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the national epidemiology of burns is necessary for effective planning of prevention and treatment services. However, epidemiological studies of burns have often focused on short-term and retrospective investigations of a specific group of burned patients in Iran. Therefore, we conduct a comprehensive study from August 2016 to October 2017, in the Burn Research Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences on approximately 1700 hospitalized burn patients at Motahari Hospital to identify the underlying causes of burns. In this study, an open-ended question was asked about how the burn occurred in the patients. The current study was designed and conducted for the qualitatively analyzing of the responses to this question, using the content analysis method, in order to maximize its use in policymaking and prevention. METHODS: Content analysis of written responses to open-ended questions was done as a part of a large questionnaire survey. This survey was conducted by face-to-face interview at a national referral center for burn injuries. RESULTS: Answers from 1595 patients were coded and the underlying causes of injury were categorized into three themes and 43 subthemes. These underlying causes were lack of knowledge and awareness, inappropriate equipment, and inevitable accidents. The underlying cause of lack of knowledge and awareness had the highest proportion in causing burns in both men and women. The most common subthemes in descending order included lack of skills, dangerous actions, improper location of hot liquids, individual mistakes, and improper use of flammable materials. The top five subthemes with the highest average percentage of burn in patients in descending order were deficiency of residential equipment, self-immolation, accidents, inappropriate location of flammable materials, and unsafe kitchen appliances. CONCLUSION: The focus of prevention programs on educating and increasing awareness of individuals, preferably women, is suggested. Educational programs, tailored to occupational standards and workplace and household equipment, are recommended for men in work environments.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine: Possible Applications in Management of Burns and Post-Burn Scars: A Review.

Contribution of platelets in tissue regeneration and their possible application in regenerative medicine, which is primarily mediated via secretion of granular components following platelet activation, has been well established in the recent decades. Therefore, platelet rich plasma (PRP), as a portion of plasma with higher concentrations of platelets than the baseline level, is now an attractive therapeutic option in various medical fields mainly for tissue repair and regeneration following injuries. Burn injuries are devastating trauma with high rate of morbidities affecting several aspects of the patient's life. They require a long-time medical care and high costs. However, even following the best treatment procedures, post-burn scars are inevitable consequence of burn healing process. Therefore, development of new treatment modalities for both burn healing and prevention of post-burn scar establishment seems to be necessary. Regarding the well-known role of PRP in wound healing, here we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight in the possible application of PRP as an adjuvant therapy for the management of burn injuries and subsequent scars. In terms of the following keywords (individually or in combination), original/review articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 2009 to 2021: platelet rich plasma, PRP therapy, platelet biology, platelet function, burn healing, burn scar, scar formation, burn management, wound healing, regenerative medicine. All type of articles or book chapters in English language and relevant data were included in this review. This review initially focused on PRP, its mechanisms of action, preparation methods, and available sources. Then, pathophysiology of burns and subsequent scars were discussed. Finally, their current conventional therapeutic modalities and implication of PRP in their healing process were highlighted.

Implementation of Upper Extremity Trauma Registry: A Pilot Study.

Background: Hand traumas are common in young men and their complications can have negative effects on their occupation and economic activities. On the other hand, most of the hand injuries are related to occupation accidents and thus necessitates preventive measures. The goal of a clinical registry is assisting epidemiologic surveys, quality improvement preventions. Methods: This article explains the first phase of implementing a registry for upper extremity trauma. This phase includes recording of demographic data of patients. A questionnaire was designed. Contents include patients' characteristics, pattern of injury and past medical history in a minimal data set checklist. This questionnaire was filled in the emergency room by general practitioners. For 2 months the data were collected in paper based manner, then problems and obstacles were evaluated and corrected. During this period a web based software was designed. The registry was then ran for another 4 months using web based software. Results: From 6.11.2019 to 5.3.2020, 1675 patients were recorded in the registry. Random check of recorded data suggests that accuracy of records was about 95.5%. Most of the missing data was related to associated injuries and job experience. Some mechanisms of injury seems to be related to Iran community and thus warrants special attention for preventive activities. Conclusion: With a special registry personnel and supervision of plastic surgery faculties, an accurate record of data of upper extremity trauma is possible. The patterns of injury were remarkable and can be used for investigations and policy making for prevention.

Hybrid gelatin-sulfated alginate scaffolds as dermal substitutes can dramatically accelerate healing of full-thickness diabetic wounds.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are defined as chronic and non-healing wounds that cause skin disorders. Here, we introduce a novel biodegradable gelatin/sulfated alginate hybrid scaffold as a dermal substitute to accelerate the healing of full-thickness diabetic ulcers in a diabetic mouse model. The hybrid scaffold possessing different weight ratios of sulfated alginate, from 10 % up to 50 %, were prepared through chemical crosslinking by carbodiimide chemistry and further freeze-drying. Based on the in vitro cytotoxicity experiments, the hybrid scaffolds not only showed no cytotoxicity, but the cell growth also dramatically increased by increasing the sulfated alginate content. Finally, the pathology of hybrid scaffolds as the dermal substitutes for healing of full-thickness diabetic wounds showed the more appropriate formation of epidermal layer, more homogeneous distribution of collagenous tissue and lower penetration of immune cells for the hybrid scaffolds-treated wounds.

Epidemiology and etiology of pediatric burns in Iran.

Pediatric burns have long-term physical, psychological, economic, and social consequences for the patient and family. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiology, causes, and mechanism of pediatric burns in Iran, considering the impact the cultural and environmental differences of countries have on burn incidence. This study is a survey study that was performed from 2016 to 2017 on patients referred to Shahid Motahari hospital. Patients in the study included hospitalized children aged 0-18 years who themselves or their parents were able to answer questions. Questions were answered in the categories of the demographic characteristics of the child and parents, epidemiological characteristics of the burn, information on socio-economic and education status, and the underlying causes of the accident. Most burns occurred in the age group less than two years of age and in boys. The most common cause of burns was hot liquids. Collision with containers containing hot liquids inside the kitchen, collision with containers containing hot liquids outside the kitchen space, and overturning containers containing hot liquids were the most common mechanisms of burns. Flame burns were the most common cause of burns in school-age children. Half of the parents had an elementary level or lower education. Economic, social, and cultural conditions of families, parents' education, and access to preventive education are related to the extent and mechanism of burns. Paying attention to epidemiology and recognizing the main causes of child burns plays an important role in designing and planning preventive measures.

Conditioned Medium of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Promising Candidate to Protect High Glucose-Induced Injury in Cultured C28I2 Chondrocytes.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of conditioned medium derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (CM-hADSCs) on C28I2 chondrocytes against oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by high glucose (HG). Methods: C28I2 cells were pre-treated with CM-hADSCs for 24 hours followed by HG exposure (75 mM) for 48 hours. MTT assay was used to assess the cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were determined by 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively. Expressions of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX 3), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Finally, western blot analysis was used to measure Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and Nrf-2 expression at protein levels. Results: CM-hADSCs pretreatment mitigated the cytotoxic effect of HG on C28I2 viability. Treatment also markedly reduced the levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and augmented the expression of HO-1, NQO1, and GPx3 genes in HG-exposed group. CM-ADSCs enhanced Nrf-2 protein expression and reduced mitochondrial apoptosis through reducing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 activation. Conclusion: MSCs, probably through its paracrine effects, declined the deleterious effect of HG on chondrocytes. Hence, therapies based on MSCs secretomes appear to be a promising therapeutic approaches to prevent joint complications in diabetic patients.

Multilayered 3-D nanofibrous scaffold with chondroitin sulfate sustained release as dermal substitute.

Electrospun nanofibers for skin tissue engineering applications face two main challenges. The low thickness of electrospun mats is the main reason for their weak load-bearing performance at clinical applications and limited cell penetration due to their small pore sizes. We have developed multi-layered nanofibrous 3D (M3DN) scaffolds comprising gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and chondroitin sulfate (CS) by an electrospinning method and attaching three electrospun layers via ethanol to cause interface fibers to come in contact with each other. Prepared M3DN scaffolds revealed a sustained CS release profile. The improved mechanical performance, stable release of CS, and penetration capability of the cells and blood vessels through the spaces between layers in the prepared multi-layered nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrate their potential applications in response to the increasing demand for replacement of damaged dermis. The results of animal studies on the dorsal skin of Rat with full-thickness wounds have shown that the reconstruction of full-thickness skin lesions is significantly higher for M3DN scaffolds than a control group (treated with sterile gauze). The amount of epithelization, collagen arrangement, and inflammatory cells (acute and chronic) has been investigated, and their associated results demonstrated that M3DN scaffolds have great potential for full-thickness wound restoration.

Comprehensive investigation of binding of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with bovine serum albumin: Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies.

The interactions of phenanthrene (PHTN), fluorene (FLRN) and fluoranthene (FLRT) as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were explored employing spectroscopic approaches and molecular docking simulations. Based on fluorescence quenching analysis FLRT showed higher binding affinity to BSA comparing with PHTN and FLRN. PHTN/FLRN/FLRT quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA in the form of the mixed mechanism. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis and circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated that presence of PHTN/FLRN/FLRT induced conformational alterations in BSA molecules. Based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory, the binding distances between the donor (BSA) and the acceptor (PHTN/FLRN/FLRT) were 3.85, 2.34 and 2.69 nm, respectively. Molecular docking simulations of 16 EPA priority PAHs were carried out to disclose their preferred binding modes. Docking analysis demonstrated that PAHs were bound to BSA stronger as the number of aromatic rings increased. Moreover, the results revealed the role of differences in the location of aromatic rings in PAHs on their interactions with BSA despite equivalent number of aromatic rings. Van der Waals forces dominated the formation of the. BSA-PAHs complexes. Most studied PAHs were bound to the IIIB region of BSA; however, the sterically bulky PAHs like benzo[g,h,i]perylen and indeno[1,2,3cd]pyrene were located in the IIIA and IIB regions of BSA. Naproxen, the co-crystalized ligand, was redocked to the crystal structure of BSA and root mean square deviation value was found to be 1.96 Å highlighting the predictive accuracy of the docking protocol.

Comparative Effects of Recove® and Nitrofurazone 0.2% on the Treatment of First and Second-Degree Burns: a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Burns are among the major health challenges of all societies and more than any other trauma incur physical, mental, social, and economic burdens on the patient and society. This study was conducted to assess whether Recove® burn ointment is capable of alleviating the pain, preventing the formation of new blisters and controlling the microbial contamination of the wound. Methods: We, therefore, compared its efficacy to ​​nitrofurazone 0.2% cream. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on individuals who had two burn injuries in their body at the same time in the Motahari Burn Hospital, Tehran Province, from June to October 2016. Sampling was carried out with a non-random method using available samples. The intervention in experimental and control groups was Recove® and nitrofurazone, respectively. The effect of interventions on pain relief, the formation of new blisters and prevention of infection at the burn wound were evaluated. In our double-blind study, blindness was applied to the patients and the person evaluating the outcomes. Results: Both Recove® and nitrofurazone interventions significantly alleviated pain (P < 0.01), but Recove ®showed more effectiveness (P=0.01). Similarly, in terms of new blister formation, the experimental group receiving Recove® showed less new blister formation over 24 hours after treatment compared to nitrofurazone group (P=0.03) and with respect to antimicrobial activity, there was no significant difference between Recove® and nitrofurazone (P=0.12). Conclusion: Recove® was effective on pain reduction, prevention of new blisters formation as well as infection. Therefore, it seems that Recove® could be considered as a new and efficient treatment for burn.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry Data in Iran.

BACKGROUND: In many countries, there is no registry system to record data for Epidermolysis Bullosa patients. However, the first steps for establishing a registry system have been taken in Iran. Therefore, we decided to publish it for the first time. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data was obtained from 538 patients consecutively enrolled in the Iranian Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry, using a detailed instrument created by burn research center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from Jan 2017 to Sep 2017. Patients' information such as age, gender, address, educational status, parents' family relationship and pathology result were recorded. Then a physician examined patients focusing on gastrointestinal system, teeth, ophthalmologic disorders, psychological problems and contracture of the upper and lower limbs and any other complaint. Data entered SPSS ver.19 and analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests. RESULTS: Overall, 538 EB patients were registered in Iran (6.72 patient in 100.000 person) with an approximately equal ratio between males and females. Among 103 patients whose disease type was determined by a pathologist, 78 patients (75.7%) had dystrophic type, 13 (12.6%) junctional, 9 (8.7%) simplex and 3 (2.9%) kindler type. The most common complaint of patients was dysphagia followed by tooth damage. CONCLUSION: We stablished a data registry for EB patients for the first time in Iran. The frequency of EB in Iran is less than many other countries. However, data completion is to be done to include all patients as possible.

Exploring the interactions of acenaphthene with bovine serum albumin: Spectroscopic methods, molecular modeling and chemometric approaches.

The interaction of acenaphthene (ACN), a widespread environmental pollutant, with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was explored using spectroscopic methods, molecular modeling and chemometric approaches. The multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis decomposed the overlapped excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra of mixture of ACN and BSA successfully and extracted spectral profiles of pure BSA, ACN and BSA-ACN complex. Based on fluorescence quenching analysis, ACN quenched the inherent fluorescence of BSA remarkably via a static mechanism. The obtained value of binding constant (Kb = 3.82 × 105 L mol-1) revealed a high binding affinity of ACN to BSA which facilitates its distribution by blood circulation system. Furthermore, the binding parameters values revealed that one binding site in BSA was involved in BSA-ACN complex. FT-IR, UV-Vis and CD spectra showed that the conformation of BSA was altered in presence of ACN slightly. Molecular docking simulation suggested that ACN was located in the IA region of BSA and the main interactions between ACN and BSA, are van der Waals forces. The obtained results provide some insight into interactions between ACN and serum albumins at the molecular level.

The Role of Recombinant Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 in Enhancing the Angiogenesis in Random Cutaneous Flaps in Animal Model of Rat.

BACKGROUND: Randomized skin flaps have been used as a basic treatment modality for covering skin defects for a long time but they have always been in the risk of an inherent ischemia. Fibroblast growth factor 1 is a known angiogenic factor in in vitro studies which has shown conflicting results in in vivo investigation. We aimed to determine the effect of recombinant fibroblast growth factor on the angiogenesis rate of random cutaneous flap in animal model of rats. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on 24 adult male rats randomized to 2 groups. In the first group FGF1 was injected subdermally in equally divided doses and distances of random flap surface in days 1, 3 and 5. In second group, normal saline was injected as control. Flap surgery was done on day 21 after first injection. The extent of necrosis and angiogenesis (mean vessel density) were assessed in day 14 after surgery. RESULTS: The mean percentage of clinically apparent necrosis was 35.2% (±10.5) in intervention (FGF1) group and 38.1% (±8.7) in control (normal saline), respectively. Mean vessel density was 86.20±5.6/mm2 in control group and 90.17±5.5/mm2 in intervention group, which showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Mean vessel density and mean percentage of clinically apparent necrosis area were similar in 2 groups of rats with random cutaneous flaps receiving FGF1 or normal saline.

Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) as a Scaffold for Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Transfer in the Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed for the evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) as a scaffold for adipose-derived stem cell transferring in the rat model. METHODS: This experimental study was done in the Burn Research Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Bonyakhteh Research Center, Tehran, Iran according to the standards of laboratory animals. Overall, 26 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Two of them were used to prepare ADM. In group one, the first wound on each, rat was spread with the mixture of fibrin gel and autologous stem cell. Only the stem cells combined with fibrinogen were spread on the other wound. In group two, the first wound on each rat was covered only with ADM, and the second wound was covered with gauze Vaseline. To perform sampling we used observation and photography at 7-30 days. Overall, 48 samples were taken of all the rats using skin punch biopsy on the 30th day for histopathology evaluation. RESULTS: There were significant differences in each group; however, the difference between different groups on days was not significant. In pathology, epithelialization, vascularization, the amount of collagen, collagen arrangement, the number of fibroblasts, and inflammation indices were investigated. The total score in each group was used for analysis. In statistical analysis, there was no pathology score difference among groups. CONCLUSION: Using stem cells with or without ADM could not enhance the process of wound healing or improve pathology indices.

Investigating the Impact of Collagen-Chitosan Derived from Scomberomorus Guttatus and Shrimp Skin on Second-Degree Burn in Rats Model.

BACKGROUND: The present study focused on burning as one of the main causes of mortality with detrimental economic and social effects in the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of collagen-chitosan gel extracted from Scomberomorus guttatus and shrimp skin in the treatment of second degree burn healing among rats. MATERIALS & METHOD: To fulfill the purpose of the study, chitosan and collagen were extracted respectively from shrimp and Scomberomorus guttatus skin waste by the acid-based method and were evaluated by using Pico Tag, SDS-PAGE. The burn wound healing efficiency of marine collagen-chitosan gel was examined in vivo using rats. Three different ratios of collagen and chitosan blend (Col-CH, 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) were prepared to obtain the most effective Col-CH gel for burn wound healing and were compared to the animals treated with silver sulfadiazine ointment. Healing burn wound was studied by measuring wound surface area with Image J and histopathologic examination was carried out based on the mean of epithelialization, fibroblastic cells, acute and chronic inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, structure collagen and the amount of collagen on days 15 and 25 post-burn. RESULTS: The results of SDS-PAGE indicated that the extracted collagen was type I and it was composed of two α (α1 and α2) chains. Amino acid analysis showed a much higher glaycin content in extracted collagen which amounted to one-third of the total amino. The wound surface measurement showed a significant reduction in wound size in the group treated with Col-CH (3:1) compared to silver-sulfadiazine treated group on 15th and 25th days. Histopathological findings represented a high score in epithelialization, collagen, collagen structure, fibroblast cell and a decrease in inflammatory cells infiltration in Col-CH (3:1) treated group on 25th day. The most obvious finding of the present study is that chitosan-collagen gel (3:1) represented a better efficacy compared to sulfadiazine in burn wound healing on day 25 post-burn.

Simultaneous extraction and analysis of clozapine and lorazepam from human plasma using dual solvent-stir bar microextraction with different acceptor phases followed by high-performance liquid chromatography ultra-violet detection.

A new design of dual solvent stir bar microextraction (DSSBME) was developed and combined with HPLC-UV for the simultaneous extraction of clozapine (CLZ) and lorazepam (LRP) from human plasma with different acceptor phases. Two short hollow fibers immobilized with an organic extraction solvent were used as the solvent bars for microextraction of CLZ and LRP from the sample solution. The solvent bars were fixed with a staple pin which served as the stirrer. The target analytes were simultaneously and selectively extracted from the sample solution into their corresponding solvent bar. Extraction parameters such as organic solvent type, pH of the sample solution, the acceptor phase concentration, salt incorporation into the solution, stirring rate, and extraction time were optimized to achieve the best extraction results. Under the optimum conditions (1-undecanol as extraction solvent, pH of sample solution = 9.0, 10% w/v NaCl, concentration of HCl = 10 mM, concentration of NaOH = 100 mM, stirring rate of 1400 rpm and extraction time of 30 min at ambient temperature) the limit of detection for CLZ was 0.4 ng mL-1 and for LRP it was 1.1 ng mL-1. The linear range for CLZ was 1.3-1000.0 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.9991) and for LRP it was 3.6-800.0 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.9993). Extraction recovery and the enrichment factor for CLZ were 95.4% and 343 and for LRP they were 74.3% and 263, respectively. Finally, the method developed was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of CLZ and LRP in human plasma samples.

The Effect of Education on Primary School Students' Knowledge Regarding Burn Prevention Measures and Actions to Take.

Burns injuries are a global concern. Many health specialists develop prevention programs, especially for high-risk groups such as children. This study was designed to investigate the effect of education on knowledge of primary school students about burn prevention and initial actions to take in dealing with burns. This is a quasi-experimental study conducted on primary school students. The sampling was done by cluster method in six boys' and girls' public schools (fourth to sixth grade) in three different regions of Tehran. The collected data included a demographic section and 17 questions for assessing students' awareness about prevention and initial actions in dealing with burns. The training was conducted by two experts who were familiar with the children's education in the schools. The level of the students' knowledge was evaluated by the questionnaire before the intervention, immediately after, and 3 months follow-up. The results showed that the knowledge score in both domains of prevention and initial actions significantly increased immediately and 3 months after training (P < .05). Also, there was a significant relationship between knowledge score in both domains with sex, educational level, and education area after intervention. Education is effective on raising students' knowledge about prevention and initial actions to take after a burn injury. Therefore, it is suggested to repeat educational programs, educate parents and students simultaneously, and use media to change beliefs and attitudes that are rooted in the culture of a society, especially in lower socioeconomic classes.

Growth retardation among children in southern Iran: a 7-year population based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Growth retardation is a common health problem, which requires early prevention and detection. This study was conducted to define the approximate age at which stunting starts among the Iranian boys and girls. METHOD: The second phase of a population-based retrospective cohort nested case-control study on 400 children who were followed from birth to 7 years of age. This study was performed to define the pattern of growth among stunted and normal children and to reveal the age at which stunting starts in each gender. RESULTS: Of the selected participants, 53% were girls. Also, about 18% of the children registered by the selected health centers were defined as stunted (under the 3rd percentile of the corresponding sex-age NCHS/WHO growth reference). For boys, the height was relatively similar between the two groups until the age of 6 months at which the difference in height between normal and stunted children starts to become significantly large (difference = 0.70 cm, P = 0.04). For girls, height in the two groups is relatively similar until the age of 9 months at which the difference starts to become significantly large (difference = 0.97 cm, P = 0.01). No significant difference in the weight of the girls was observed between the normal and stunted groups during the study period (difference = 283.21 g, P > 0.05). However, boys from the stunted group were lighter since almost the same time that they started to become significantly shorter (difference = 1265.19 g, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Soon after birth (at about the 6 months of age), the growth pattern of some (stunted) children starts to stumble and divert from normal. The sixth month of age is the age at which mothers start weaning with withdrawing breast milk and start supplementary foods and adult diet. A specially designed study is needed to understand the actual reason for observing such a phenomenon among Iranian children.

The Comparison of A New Durable Coronaplasty Technique with Norfolk Method for Glans Reconstruction after Phalloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Phalloplasty is the most amazing reconstructive surgery, and has a vital role in the quality of life of transsexual patients. There are several techniques for glans sculpting, but none of them had long-lasting results. In the present study, a new technique was introduced and compared with Norfolk technique for coronaplasty following phalloplasty. METHODS: In the present randomized controlled study, 40 transgender patients were enrolled from February 2016 to December 2018, at St. Fatima Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center. The patients were randomly assigned in two groups including 20 patients with anterolateral thigh flap (ALT)/radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty followed with our new coronaplasty technique (group 1) and 20 patients with ALT flap/RFFF phalloplasty followed with Norfolk technique (group 2). RESULTS: Almost 85% of the patients underwent the surgery with the new technique were satisfied with the outcome of surgery and considered it acceptable within 6-month follow-up, however, only 70% of the patients in Norfolk technique group reported acceptable results, which was significantly lower than the new technique. Similarly, within 12-month follow-up, 80 and 40% of the patients, respectively in new and Norfolk groups reported acceptable results, which was also significantly higher in the new technique. CONCLUSION: This new technique showed remarkably better results relative to the usual technique for glans sculpting in transsexual patients. Moreover, it had the ability to be easily applied along with ALT/RFFF flaps in both immediate and delayed situations.

Extraction and determination of flavonoids in fruit juices and vegetables using Fe3 O4 /SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles modified with mixed hemi/ad-micelle cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and high performance liquid chromatography.

Extraction and determination of three flavonoids (morin, quercetin, and kaempferol) were performed by dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction based on mixed hemi/ad-micelles and high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The Fe3 O4 /SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fe3 O4 /SiO2 nanoparticles coated with mixed hemi/ad-micelles cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide was applied as a sorbent and used for extraction of flavonoids. Effective parameters on the extraction recovery such as amount of magnetic nano particles, volume of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solution with specific concentration, pH of sample solution, adsorption equilibrium time, volume of desorption solvent, and desorption times were evaluated and optimized using fractional factorial design and central composite design. Under the optimum condition limit of detection and linearity were 0.83, 2.7-500.0 for morin, 0.18, 0.7-500.0 for quercetin and, 0.37, 1.3-500.0 µg/L for kaempferol. The extraction recovery with relative standard deviation were 97.88, 1.94 for morin, 95.77, 0.80 for quercetin, and 93.35, 1.45 for kaempferol. The proposed method was applied for simultaneous extraction and determination of flavonoids in several fruit juices and vegetable samples.