Molecular detection of rifampin, isoniazid, and ofloxacin resistance in Iranian isolates of by high-resolution melting analysis.

Background: The emergence of drug resistance among (MTB) strains is a serious health concern worldwide. The development of rapid molecular diagnostic methods in recent years has a significant impact on the early detection of resistance to major anti-TB drugs in MTB isolates, which helps in employing appropriate treatment regimen and prevents the spread of drug-resistant strains. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis for the determination of resistance to rifampin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), and ofloxacin (OFX) in MTB isolates and to investigate their resistance-related mutations.

Vitamin D and its receptor polymorphisms: New possible prognostic biomarkers in leukemias.

Several factors such as chromosomal translocations, gene mutations, and polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of leukemia/lymphoma. Recently, the role of vitamin D (VD) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in hematologic malignancies has been considered. In this review, we examine the possible role of VD levels, as well as VDR polymorphisms as prognostic biomarkers in leukemia/lymphoma.

Sliding mode current control of a NOCULL converter based on hysteresis modulation method in a wide range of operating conditions.

This study presents a novel control scheme for voltage regulation of a negative output cascade ultra-lift Luo converter (NOCULLC). Due to the complicated high order model of the converter, its performance is degraded against large load variations, input voltage changes and parametric uncertainties. In order to enhance the converter behavior, a PI compensator and a sliding mode current controller are combined to control the fourth order NOCULLC worked in a wide range of operating conditions.

A Phase IV Efficacy Study of Formeta Plus Carboplatin as First-Line Treatment of Advanced Non-Squamous, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Iran: An Affordable Price with Clinical Benefit.

Background: This study performed to assess the efficacy and safety of Formeta (generic form of Pemetrexed) plus Carboplatin as first-line chemotherapy in advanced stage, non- squamous, non small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) in Iran. Methods: This was a post marketing single-arm phase IV efficacy study of Formeta (manufactured by Oncomed.,Czech Republic ) and Carboplatin in chemo-naive advanced non-squamous NSCLC Iranian patients.

Aspergillus fumigatus conidia stimulate lung epithelial cells (TC-1 JHU-1) to produce IL-12, IFNγ, IL-13 and IL-17 cytokines: Modulatory effect of propolis extract.

Aspergillus fumigatus conidia are the most prevalent indoors fungal allergens. The interaction between Aspergillus antigens and lung epithelial cells (LECs) result in innate immune functions. The association between Aspergillus conidia and allergic reactions, like allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and asthma have been repeatedly reported.

Setting research priorities to achieve long-term health targets in Iran.

Background: In 2015, it was estimated that the burden of disease in Iran comprised of 19 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), 74% of which were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The observed leading causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (41.9%), neoplasms (14.

Transulnar versus transradial approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty: Considering their complications.

Background: Transulnar approach was introduced as an alternative procedure for transradial coronary angiography (CAG) due to its safety and feasibility. The present study was accomplished with the aim to compare major and minor complications of these two upper extremity approaches in the population under study.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 216 patients who underwent CAG and/or angioplasty via radial (111 cases) or ulnar artery (105 cases) were observed and followed for 6 months and were evaluated for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), minor and major neurovascular events (access related) of the arm including paresthesia/pain, pseudoaneurysm, artery spasm, arterial occlusion, large hematoma, and necessity for amputation or emergency surgery.

Frequency of CD8 regulatory T cells in the multiple sclerosis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-immunological demyelinating disease. From the immunological aspects, it is well accepted that T cells play a pivotal role in the etiology of the disease. T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells are thought to be the main pathogenic T cells in the pathogenesis of MS and are known as effector T cells.

Measuring Socioeconomic Inequality Changes in Child Mortality in Iran: Two National Surveys Inequality Analysis.

Background: We aimed to measure changes in socioeconomic inequality in child mortality in Iran.

Methods: A secondary data analysis of two Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS 2000 and 2010) was undertaken. Neonatal, infant and under-5 mortality rates were estimated directly from complete birth history.

Vascular apoptosis associated with meglumine antimoniate: In vivo investigation of a chick embryo model.

The vasculo-toxic effect of meglumine antimoniate (MA) was confirmed in our previous investigation. The current study investigates the association of this effect with altered VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 expression. Additional mechanisms by which MA causes vascular toxicity are not clearly understood.

Economic Inequality in Outpatient Healthcare Utilization: The Case of Iran.

Background: One of important goals of any health system is to reduce healthcare inequalities in its jurisdiction. We aimed to track economic inequality in outpatient health care utilization after the healthcare transformation plan in Iran.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Association of high level of hs-CRP with in-stent restenosis: A case-control study.

Background: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one adverse outcome of coronary stent implantation. Although using drug-eluting stents has reduced the rate of ISR, it remains a major problem. Here, we have investigated the relationship between several patient characteristics including serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ISR.

Acute changes in cardiac function by direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C-infected patients with thalassemia.

Background: Patients with thalassemia may also have cardiac abnormalities due to congenital problems, anemia, and increased burden of iron in their myocardium. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on the cardiac function of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with thalassemia.

Method: HCV-infected thalassemia patients were enrolled to this prospective evaluation.

Application of gene sequence analysis for the identification of species of coagulase-negative staphylococci in clinical samples and evaluation of their antimicrobial resistance pattern.

Introduction: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are normal inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes. However, CoNS represent one of the major nosocomial pathogens, especially in immunocompromised patients. The increasing incidence of CoNS and mainly methicillin-resistant strains underlines the need for an accurate identification of Staphylococcus isolates at the species level.

Primary development and validation of a quantitative health policy impact assessment tool (HEPIAT): The case of Iranian targeted subsidy plan.

As a primary phase of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the Iranian Targeted Subsidy Plan (TSP), this study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of a newly developed quantitative Health Policy Impact Assessment Tool (HEPIAT). In 2014, multistage cluster sampling was employed to recruit 509 key informants in Sanandaj, Iran, to participate in this cross-sectional study. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to develop the initial draft of HEPIAT.

Transition in tobacco use stages and its related factors in a longitudinal study.

Objectives: Considering the increase in the non-communicable diseases associated with tobacco use in recent decades in Iran, it is necessary to have a general view of the current condition. This study aimed to identify factors associated with tobacco use and to estimate the probability of a 5-year transition in the stages of tobacco use in an adult population.

Methods: In this study, 5190 people in the 40-64-year-old population of Shahroud (North East of Iran) were interviewed in 2009 and 2014 on tobacco smoking.

The clinical significance of CDX2 in leukemia: A new perspective for leukemia research.

CDX2 gene encodes a transcription factor involved in primary embryogenesis and hematopoietic development; however, the expression of CDX2 in adults is restricted to intestine and is not observed in blood tissues. The ectopic expression of CDX2 has been frequently observed in acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia which in most cases is concomitant with poor prognosis. Induction of CDX2 in mice leads to hematologic complications, showing the leukemogenic origin of this gene.

Pre-hypertension and the risk of diabetes mellitus incidence using a marginal structural model in an Iranian prospective cohort study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-hypertension and its sub-classification on the development of diabetes.

Methods: In this cohort study, 2,941 people 40 to 64 years old without hypertension or diabetes were followed from 2009 through 2014. According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC)-7 criteria, we classified participants into normal and pre-hypertension groups.

Fecal Helicobacter pylori glmM and 16S rRNA genes correlate with serum TNF-α and IL-1β cytokine fluctuations.

The proinflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL-1β have been reported to be increased in gastric mucosal surfaces in people with Helicobacter pylori infection. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the presence of H. pylori genes and the serum oscillations of these cytokines.

Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia characteristics: first report from Iran.

Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is the infrequent type of acute leukemia characterized by immunophenotypic and/or cytochemical features of both lineages, but the diagnosis of this disease still is a challenge. In this study, we analyzed immunophenotyping, cytochemistry and frequency of MPAL patients to better diagnosis of MPAL characteristics according to WHO 2016 criteria for the first time in Iran. In this retrospective study, 27 patients were diagnosed as MPAL based on WHO 2016 criteria during 2014-2017.

Detection of Acinetobacter spp. in Blood Cultures by an Improved Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization Assay.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) allows rapid detection of microorganisms. We aimed (i) to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FISH for the detection of Acinetobacter spp. in blood culture specimens and (ii) to test the simultaneous application of two genus-specific probes labeled with the same fluorochrome to increase the fluorescent signal intensity and improve the detection of Acinetobacter spp.

Non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease in high-risk patients based on the stenosis prediction of separate coronary arteries.

Background And Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are an extremely widespread sickness and account for 17 million deaths in the world per annum. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of such diseases with an annual mortality rate of about 7 million. Thus, early diagnosis of CAD is of vital importance.

The District Health Information System (DHIS2): A literature review and meta-synthesis of its strengths and operational challenges based on the experiences of 11 countries.

Background: Health information systems offer many potential benefits for healthcare, including financial benefits and for improving the quality of patient care. The purpose of District Health Information Systems (DHIS) is to document data that are routinely collected in all public health facilities in a country using the system.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the strengths and operational challenges of DHIS2, with a goal to enable decision makers in different counties to more accurately evaluate the outcomes of introducing DHIS2 into their particular country.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran.

Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran.