Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) - a novel, high-throughput single-molecule sequencing technology.

Remarkable advances in high-throughput sequencing have enabled major biological discoveries and clinical applications, but achieving wider distribution and use depends critically on further improvements in scale and cost reduction. Nanopore sequencing has long held the promise for such progress, but has had limited market penetration. This is because efficient and accurate nanopore sequencing of nucleic acids has been challenged by fundamental signal-to-noise limitations resulting from the poor spatial resolution and molecular distinction of nucleobases.

Effect of expressive writing on the sexual self-concept in men with multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical controlled trial.

Background: Previous studies have examined the various outcomes of expressive writing intervention in different populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of expressive writing on the sexual self-concept of men with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This parallel randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 70 men attending an MS clinic in Tehran in 2022.

Reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (P-FSMC) in Iranian people with multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: This study evaluated the psychometric feature of the Persian version of the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (P-FSMC) in Iranian People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 303 PwMS and 102 healthy controls participated. Structural validity was explored using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Susceptibility Assessment of Oscillometry Parameters to Motion Artifact.

In recent years, the use of remote patient monitoring technologies has extended the diagnosis and surveillance of chronic diseases beyond hospitals. In chronic respiratory diseases, oscillometry measurement has been recognized as a portable approach that can be used in non-laboratory, unsupervised environments to measure lung function serially. In this study, the susceptibility of oscillometry output signals to motion artifact is investigated.

Computer-aided drug repurposing & discovery for Hepatitis B capsid protein.

The primary objective of this study is to harness computer-aided drug repurposing (CADR) techniques to identify existing FDA-approved drugs that can potentially disrupt the assembly of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) core protein (HBcAg), an essential process in the virus's life cycle. By targeting this critical step, our study aims to expand the repertoire of therapeutic options for managing chronic Hepatitis B infection, a major global health challenge. Utilizing a combination of computational methods, including the CavityPlus server for ability to analyze druggable protein cavities and extract pharmacophore features and LigandScout for pharmacophore-based virtual screening of a vast library of FDA-approved drugs was conducted.

First report of Sarcocystis halieti in Asia: the genetic confirmation in muscles of the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Iran.

Previous studies showed that the Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus, 1758) acts as the definitive host of the Sarcocystis halieti (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) Gjerde, Vikøren et Hamnes, 2017. Herein, we report macrocysts of S. halieti in the pectoral muscle of a Sparrowhawk in the west of Iran.

Targeting Wnt signaling in cancer drug resistance: Insights from pre-clinical and clinical research.

Cancer drug resistance, encompassing both acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance, remains a significant challenge in the clinical management of tumors. While advancements in drug discovery and the development of various small molecules and anti-cancer compounds have improved patient responses to chemotherapy, the frequent and prolonged use of these drugs continues to pose a high risk of developing chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the primary mechanisms underlying drug resistance is crucial.

Metastasis and chemoresistance in breast cancer: Crucial function of ZEB1/2 proteins.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While advancements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies have significantly improved breast cancer treatment, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where tumor cells exhibit aggressive behavior and therapy resistance. Understanding the mechanisms driving breast cancer progression is therefore critical.

Association of oral anticoagulants with risk of brain haemorrhage expansion compared to no-anticoagulation.

Background: The impact of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) on haematoma size after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) compared to no-anticoagulation is controversial and prospective data are lacking.

Methods: The investigator-initiated, multicentre, prospective RASUNOA-prime study enrolled patients with non-traumatic ICH and atrial fibrillation while on a DOAC, vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or no anticoagulation (non-OAC). Neuroimaging was reviewed centrally blinded to group allocation.

Early Complications After Mild to Moderate Ischemic Stroke and Impact on 3-Month Outcome: The Multicenter Prospective Stroke Unit Plus Cohort Study.

Background: Early stroke complications (ESCs) impair recovery and provide an important therapeutic target. Our multicenter prospective cohort study examined the prevalence and amount of poor outcomes attributable to ESCs.

Methods And Results: In patients with stroke, 16 ESCs were monitored by clinical assessment ("basic definition") and by inclusion of laboratory values and clinical scales ("extended definition").

Varicella Zoster Virus-induced Acute Retinal Necrosis Following Acute Meningoencephalitis in a Patient with Presumed COVID-19.

Purpose: To report the coincidence of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome following acute meningoencephalitis and presumed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an immunocompetent patient.

Case Report: A 58-year-old female presented to our emergency department with sudden unilateral visual loss following a recent hospitalization for viral meningoencephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the aqueous humor, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the nasopharyngeal swab specimen, chest computed tomography (CT), and fundus photography were performed for the patient.

Effect of Electrical Heat Carrier Temperature on Bacterial Leakage of Endodontically Treated Teeth Using a Bioceramic Sealer.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of electrical heat carrier temperature on bacterial leakage of root canals obturated with the continuous wave of condensation (CWC) technique and a bioceramic sealer.

Methods: This ex vivo experimental study was conducted on 92 extracted single-rooted teeth. The teeth were subjected to endodontic treatment and obturated with the Endoseal MTA bioceramic sealer by the CWC technique using two different temperature settings of the electrical heat carrier: 120°C (group G120, n = 41) and 200°C (group G200, n = 41).

Hybrid transformer-based model for mammogram classification by integrating prior and current images.

Background: Breast cancer screening via mammography plays a crucial role in early detection, significantly impacting women's health outcomes worldwide. However, the manual analysis of mammographic images is time-consuming and requires specialized expertise, presenting substantial challenges in medical practice.

Purpose: To address these challenges, we introduce a CNN-Transformer based model tailored for breast cancer classification through mammographic analysis.

Ionic liquid-delaminated TiC MXene nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of tryptophane in normal and breast cancer serum.

A cost-effective strategy is reported utilizing ionic liquid (IL), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bisulfate ([HMIM] HSO), to delaminate TiC MXene, thereby enhancing its efficiency in electrocatalyzing tryptophan (Trp) oxidation. The positively charged IL effectively intercalates within the negatively charged MXene layers, fostering structural stability through π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions. Consequently, the resulting IL-TiC composite not only maintained the inherent electronic conductivity of TiC but also significantly augmented its electrocatalytic prowess.

The double-edged sword role of natural Killer cells in Parkinson's disease.

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, with Parkinson's disease (PD) emerging as a rapidly growing neurological condition on a global scale. Although treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and maintain patients' quality of life, PD remains incurable. According to some recent studies, natural killer (NK) cells may play a role in clearing alpha-synuclein aggregates, which are the main component of Lewy bodies that cause neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Radiomics model based on computed tomography images for prediction of radiation-induced optic neuropathy following radiotherapy of brain and head and neck tumors.

Purpose: We aimed to build a machine learning-based model to predict radiation-induced optic neuropathy in patients who had treated head and neck cancers with radiotherapy.

Materials And Methods: To measure radiation-induced optic neuropathy, the visual evoked potential values were obtained in both case and control groups and compared. Radiomics features were extracted from the area segmented which included the right and left optic nerves and chiasm.

Andexanet alfa in patients with factor Xa inhibitor-associated intracranial hemorrhage: The prospective observational multicenter ASTRO-DE study.

Background: Hematoma expansion after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in anticoagulated patients significantly influences clinical outcomes and mortality, emphasizing the need for effective reversal agents. Andexanet alfa is a specific reversal agent for factor Xa-associated major bleeding.

Aims: The Andexanet alfa: non-interventional study at STROke centers in Germany (Deutschland, DE) (ASTRO-DE) study collected real-world evidence on the effect of andexanet alfa on mitigating hematoma expansion and altering prognosis in rivaroxaban- or apixaban-treated patients with ICH.

Excessive Supraventricular Ectopic Activity in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Detection Within 24 Months After Stroke: A Predefined Analysis of the MonDAFIS Study.

Background: Excessive supraventricular ectopic activity (ESVEA) is regarded as a risk marker for later atrial fibrillation (AF) detection.

Methods And Results: The investigator-initiated, prospective, open, multicenter MonDAFIS (Impact of Standardized Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke) study randomized 3465 patients with acute ischemic stroke without known AF 1:1 to usual diagnostic procedures for AF detection or additive Holter monitoring in hospital for up to 7 days, analyzed in a core laboratory. Secondary study objectives include the comparison of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, and all-cause death within 24 months in patients with ESVEA (defined as ectopic supraventricular beats ≥480/day or atrial runs of 10-29 seconds or both) versus patients with newly diagnosed AF versus patients without ESVEA or AF (non-ESVEA/AF), randomized to the intervention group.

Safety of 1 mcg/mL as the starting dose in cluster protocol for hymenoptera immunotherapy.

Background: Hymenoptera venom allergy is a potentially severe allergic reaction in the general population. The only preventative approach in these cases is venom immunotherapy (VIT), which follows different protocols. The recommended initial dose is 0.

The Role of Atrial Fibrillation and Oral Anticoagulation Status in Health-Related Quality of Life 12 Months After Ischemic Stroke or TIA.

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) accounts for about 20% of all ischemic strokes worldwide. It is known that AF impairs health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the general population, but data on HRQOL in stroke patients with newly diagnosed AF are sparse.

Methods: Post hoc analysis of the prospective, investigator-initiated, multicenter MonDAFIS study (NCT02204267) to analyze whether AF-related oral anticoagulation (OAC), and/or AF-symptom severity are associated with HRQOL after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

The investigation of the relationship between vitamin D level and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis in new cases of type 1 diabetes in children referred to Hazrat-E- Ali-Asghar Hospital in 2021.

Background And Purpose: According to the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in glucose homeostasis and immune modulation, vitamin D deficiency may be associated with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigation of the relationship between the vitamin D level and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis in new cases of type 1 diabetes in children referred to Hazrat-E-Ali-Asghar Hospital in 2021.

Methods: The present study is based on a cross-sectional study.

Non-coding RNAs and regulation of the PI3K signaling pathway in lung cancer: Recent insights and potential clinical applications.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It has been demonstrated that the prognosis of current drug treatments is affected by a variety of factors, including late stage, tumor recurrence, inaccessibility to appropriate treatments, and, most importantly, chemotherapy resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to tumor development, with some acting as tumor suppressors and others as oncogenes.

Exploring the dual role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in urological cancers: Implications for tumor progression and cell death interactions.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for maintaining calcium balance, lipid biosynthesis, and protein folding. Disruptions in ER homeostasis, often due to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, lead to ER stress, which plays a significant role in various diseases, especially cancer. Urological cancers, which account for high male mortality worldwide, pose a persistent challenge due to their incurability and tendency to develop drug resistance.

Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis: A Case Report Documenting Transretinal Migration of Nematodes.

Purpose: To report two cases of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) from northern Iran and to present the sequential imaging.

Methods: Two patients with large subretinal nematodes were evaluated and managed in our clinic. Serial fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging were used to document the course of the disease.