Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): Emerging Concepts in Diagnosis, Pain Management, and Novel Treatment Options: A Narrative Review.

Purpose Of Review: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder predominantly affecting individuals of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent, including those with certain heritages including Sephardic Jewish, Armenian, Turkish, and Arab. The disorder affects up to 1 in 200 people making it a very common etiology for pain states worldwide, including serositis mediated painful states of the chest, joint, and abdomen.

Recent Findings: Defined by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, FMF can lead to not only severe pain, but complications such as renal amyloidosis, if untreated.

Normative values of grip and pinch strength and their predictor factors: PERSIAN cohort study of healthcare staff.

Purpose: The present study aims to provide normative values for Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Hand Pinch Strength of healthcare staff and evaluate key body anthropometric predictors of these strengths.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 2,337 healthcare staff. HGS and pinch strength were assessed for both hands using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge.

Efficiency of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. and Typha latifolia L. in remediating methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) from Ilam gas refinery wastewater: Isotherm and kinetic studies.

This study presents a novel, eco-friendly method for removing methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) from wastewater, addressing its environmental impact and elevated chemical oxygen demand (COD) from gas refineries. We employed two wetland plants, Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia, utilizing a hydroponics approach to assess MDEA removal efficiency. Wastewater samples from the Ilam gas refinery in Iran were tested at varying initial concentrations (50 to 1600 ppm) over three consecutive 7-day periods, with a 1-day rest interval.

Biomarkers.

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small hypointense round lesions that indicate leakage of blood products from cerebral vessels damaged by β-amyloid-40 (Aβ) and typically are detected by T2*-weighted and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) on MRI. They are indicators of cerebral small vessel diseases, especially cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), affecting cortical small arteries. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an advanced MRI imaging technique used to quantify the magnetic susceptibility of tissues in the human body.

Biomarkers.

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small, round aggregations of hemosiderin-laden macrophages that indicate leakage of blood products from cerebral vessels damaged by β-amyloid-40 (Aβ), which is the basis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Pathology studies have demonstrated a high correlation between CAA and AD, both amyloid-related pathologies. CMBs can be visualized commonly using T2*-weighted MRI, as small foci of decreased signal intensity.

Occurrence analysis of alpha-mangostin from different organs of L.

Alpha-mangostin (AM) is a naturally occurring xanthone with remarkable pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects. The compound is commonly extracted from the pericarps of L. fruits, but its seasonal availability is limited.

Pulmonary Function Testing in Healthy Infants in Rural Bangladesh: Feasibility Study.

Background: Infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) in low- and middle-income countries is limited. We evaluated the early feasibility of iPFT in rural Bangladesh.

Methods: Experts established an iPFT laboratory at Zakiganj Upazila Health Complex in Sylhet, Bangladesh and trained staff.

Drug Development.

Background: Microbiota of the distal part of the intestine produces Urolithin A (Uro A) as a derivative of ellagitannins hydrolysis. Recently, the mitophagy, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Uro A have focused more attention on its probable beneficial effects on neurodegenerative states. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of Uro A on the histopathology of the cerebellum in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease.

Computer-Aided Detection (CADe) and Segmentation Methods for Breast Cancer Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Breast cancer continues to be a major health concern, and early detection is vital for enhancing survival rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key tool due to its substantial sensitivity for invasive breast cancers. Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems enhance the effectiveness of MRI by identifying potential lesions, aiding radiologists in focusing on areas of interest, extracting quantitative features, and integrating with computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) pipelines.

Comparing the Efficacy of Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Bleomycin in Hypertrophic Scars in Burn Patients: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Treatment of hypertrophic burn scars is challenging. Intralesional injection of corticosteroids has been the first line of treatment. Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) and Bleomycin (BLE) are standard therapeutic options.

The Effects of Manual Therapy with TECAR Therapy, on Pain, Disability and Range of Motion in Women with Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain.

Background: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy alone and a combination of it and TECAR (Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive) therapies on the conditions of pain, disability, and neck range of motion (ROM) in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP).

Methods: In this Randomized controlled study, 30 women with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomly divided into two groups: Manual therapy along with TECAR therapy (intervention group) and single manual therapy (control group). The participants were homogenized in terms of age, height, and weight.

The Effect of Mixed Articulation Therapy on Perceptual and Acoustic Features of Compensatory Errors in Children with Cleft Palate.

Background: Compensatory errors are a conventional part of an articulation disorder identified by speech pathologists in patients with Cleft palate (CP). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of new mixed articulation therapy on the perceptual and acoustic features of these errors.

Methods: The single-case experimental design, ABA design, was used in this study.

The Effect of Narrative Intervention on Spoken Narrative and Reading Comprehension Abilities in Farsi-Speaking Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show prominent deficits in pragmatic aspects of language such as spoken narrative. Deficits in spoken narrative in school years lead to deficits in reading comprehension. Therefore, this randomized clinical trial research examined the influence of narrative intervention on spoken narrative and reading comprehension abilities in children with ASD.

Prevalence and Factor Influencing Intimate Partner Violence against Women during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: It seems that the prevalence of intimate partner violence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. To investigate the prevalence of different types of IPV and its contributing factors on a global scale during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

The Effect of Balance-Based Interventions on Cognitive Functions of the Healthy and MCI Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Aging is an inseparable part of life, accompanied by mild to severe cognitive disorders. This study aimed to investigate the influence of balance-based interventions on cognitive function in older adults, encompassing both healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching multiple databases up to April 2023, and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was followed for reporting.

Cost Effectiveness Analysis Rivaroxaban Plus Aspirin versus Aspirin alone in Treatment Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the chronic diseases and the leading cause of death worldwide. More people die from CVDs worldwide than from any other cause each year. The effects of CVDs are not limited to mortality and morbidity but also have important health and economic outcomes.

Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Iraqi Patients with Lower Limb Amputation.

Background: Limb loss can negatively affect the psychological and physical well-being, mobility, and social life of people with lower limb amputation. Participating in physical activities is of great importance for these people. This study aimed to explore factors affecting the physical activity of Iraqi lower-limb amputees.

Association between Major Dietary Patterns at Breakfast and Odds of Major Depressive Disorder: A Case-control Study.

Background: No study was conducted to investigate the association between principal component (PCA) derived meal-based dietary patterns and odds of major depressive disorder. We aimed to explore the association between major dietary patterns at breakfast and oddsof major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: A total of 200 drug-free patients with MDD and 200 healthy individuals were enrolled in this age- and sex-matched case-control study.

The Impact of Empagliflozin on Inflammatory Markers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort.

Background: Inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has shown some anti-inflammatory effects in patients with T2D. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of empagliflozin on some inflammatory markers in T2D.

Cost-effectiveness of Telemedicine Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review.

Background: One of the most important causes of mortality in the world is acute myocardial infarction. There are two general treatments including thrombolytic drugs and percutaneous coronary interventions. But, monitoring outpatient AMI treatment from a remote or rural location has emerged as a successful telemedicine technique.

Association of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Functional Mobility with Risk of Fall: A Cross-Sectional Study from Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging (ACSA).

Background: Falls are considered one of the leading causes of accidental deaths and nonfatal accidental injuries in older adults. Previous research indicates a 1-in-5 yearly fall incidence among Iranian older adults. To examine specific risk factors within this population, our study aimed to evaluate fall risk factors such as obesity, sarcopenia, functional mobility, and activities of daily living (ADL) scores.

Aortic Calcification in Patients with Nephrolithiasis: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study.

Background: Nephrolithiasis is a common condition that has been linked to various systemic diseases. Recent studies have suggested that young patients with nephrolithiasis are at increased risk of developing premature atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the relationship between nephrolithiasis and systemic disease by examining the association between aortic calcification and the severity of kidney stone disease.

Impact of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease on the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radical Resection: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Although metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming more common in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is still unknown how this condition relates to postoperative complications of HCC. While hepatitis B/C virus (HBV/HCV) infection and alcohol use are primary risk factors, MAFLD has emerged as a significant contributor to HCC incidence. Understanding the prognostic impact of MAFLD on HCC outcomes, particularly post-radical resection, is essential.

Diet diversity score might be associated with reproductive health in women and infant outcomes: a systematic review.

Lifestyle and diet may affect the reproductive cycle. A dietary index called Diet Diversity Score (DDS) may be related to various reproductive outcomes. The present review aims to look over and conclude the prior studies on the relationship between the diversity of food ingredients and issues related to reproductive health and pregnancy.

Validation of the Perceived hope scale in Arabic-speaking adults living in Gaza in the midst of war, destruction and death.

Background: Despite its obvious relevance for clinical practice and research, it is surprising that presently no hope measure is available for use among Arabic-speaking populations, especially the most vulnerable ones who have been going through major humanitarian crises. This paper aimed to provide novel insights into psychometric information on the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Perceived Hope Scale (PHS) in Palestinians living in Gaza who have endured several months of suffering since the war began in October 2023.

Method: This study had a cross-sectional design and applied a quantitative research approach.