Predictive properties of novel anthropometric and biochemical indexes for prediction of cardiovascular risk.

Objective: Our aim was to examine the correlation between CVDs and various anthropometric and biochemical indices in the Iranian population.

Methods: 9704 healthy individuals without CVD aged 35-65 were enrolled in our study. The anthropometric indices including Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), Weight-adjusted Waist Index (WWI), Conicity Index (C-Index), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Surface Area (BSA), Body Mass Index (BMI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) were calculated.

Immunomodulatory features of MSC-derived exosomes decorated with DC-specific aptamer for improving sublingual immunotherapy in allergic mouse model.

Introduction: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an effective and injection-free route for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) has been identified as a novel delivery platform with immunomodulatory capacities. In addition, targeting agents such as aptamers (Apt) have been extensively used for specific delivery approaches such as direct delivery of allergen formulations to dendritic cells (DC) to improve the efficacy of specific immunotherapy.

Manipulated mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been considered a promising approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) for several years. PD is a globally prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of Lewy bodies and the loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to severe motor and non-motor complications in patients. As current treatments are unable to halt the progression of neuronal loss and dopamine degradation, MSC therapy has emerged as a highly promising strategy for PD treatment.

Effect of statins on arterial wall inflammation as assessed by 18F-FDG PET CT: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is largely mediated by inflammatory process. Statins are lipid-lowering drugs which also have anti-inflammatory effects. 18 fluorine radiolabeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is considered to be a good indicator of arterial wall inflammation.

The relationship of macular vessel density and foveal avascular zone with pulse wave velocity and central blood pressure in healthy adults: Persian cohort study.

Background: To evaluate the correlation of macular vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters measured on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with systemic arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse wave analysis, arterial age, and central blood pressure (CBP) measurements in healthy subjects.

Methods: In a comparative, cross-sectional, observational study, healthy adults who participated in the PERSIAN Cohort study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were included in this study. The study involved using a spectral domain OCTA device to obtain 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm scans of the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP) VD, deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD, and FAZ vascular analysis.

Regulatory effects of statins on CCL2/CCR2 axis in cardiovascular diseases: new insight into pleiotropic effects of statins.

Background: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are well-known medications in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders due to their pleiotropic and lipid-lowering properties. Herein, we reviewed the effects of statins on the CCL2/CCR2 axis.

Method: Scopus and Pubmed databases were systematically searched using the following keywords:" Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductase Inhibitors"," HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors"," Statins", "CCL2, Chemokine", "Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1" and "Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2".

Challenges and solutions in implementing electronic prescribing in Iran's health system: a qualitative study.

Background: The use of electronic prescribing is recognized as a strategic tool for improving healthcare. Given the nationwide implementation of electronic prescribing systems initiated in 2020, this study aims to explore the challenges and solutions for implementing electronic prescribing in Iran's health system as a developing country.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through interviews with physicians, pharmacy staff, and electronic prescribing representatives in 2023.

Computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infection: a comparative quasi-experimental study.

Background: Acute respiratory infections are a common presentation in clinical practice and medical interns must learn proper diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing. Traditional lecture-based teaching may not provide sufficient opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios, whereas computer case-based simulations offer an alternative approach that allows active learning and decision-making in simulated patient cases. This study investigated the effectiveness of computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections.

Effects of trehalose on bone healing, physical function, and pain in patients with pertrochanteric fractures: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

Background: Appropriate management of fractures is crucial for restoring natural bone function and preventing long-term complications. Previous research on animal models indicates that trehalose can improve bone fracture healing by inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. We hope that trehalose can accelerate bone fracture healing in humans, alleviate pain, and ultimately enhance the individual's quality of life.

Investigating the effect of using a home safety training application by caregivers on accident risk management in the elderly.

Background: The increasing elderly population is a complex and globally significant phenomenon impacting various sectors of society, including healthcare. By 2050, it is projected that one-fourth of Iran's population will be elderly. Falls are a major concern among the elderly, leading to physical and psychological injuries and imposing significant financial burdens on healthcare and social systems.

Anticancer effects of alpha-lipoic acid, a potent organosulfur compound by modulating matrix metalloproteinases and apoptotic markers in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells.

Osteosarcoma (OS), an extremely aggressive form of bone tumor primarily affects young adults. Despite significant advancements in clinical trials, the ability of cancer cells to metastasize and resist apoptosis remains a major challenge. To address these issues, novel therapeutic interventions with high specificity for these processes are essential.

Compromising the immunogenicity of diphtheria toxin-based immunotoxins through epitope engineering: An in silico approach.

Immunotoxins are genetically engineered recombinant proteins consisting of a targeting moiety, such as an antibody, and a cytotoxic toxin moiety of microbial origin. Pseudomonas exotoxin A and diphtheria toxin (DT) have been abundantly used in immunotoxins, with the latter applied as the toxin moiety of the FDA-approved drug Denileukin diftitox (ONTAK®). However, the use of immunotoxins provokes an adverse immune response in the host body against the toxin moiety, limiting their efficacy.

Atypical Acute Ischemic Choriocapillaritis: A Case Report.

Optical coherence tomography angiography is a valuable tool for evaluating acute ischemic choriocapillaritis. Tuberculosis and syphilis are the main secondary differentials..

Digital Health/e-Health Literacy among University Students in the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review.

Objective: During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, could be observed an established use of online information in the field of coronavirus disease worldwide. As a systematic review study, the present investigation aimed to evaluate related studies about digital health/e-health literacy among university students in the coronavirus disease 2019 era.

Methods: Three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched from 2020 until June 2022, and articles were screened according to pre-established inclusion criteria.

Manganese exposure and sleep quality in iron and steel industry workers.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. However, excessive exposure to manganese can lead to complications, particularly neurotoxicity. Among the health issues associated with exposure to heavy metals, one of the major concerns in the adverse effect on sleep quality.

Causative Agents of Fungal Keratitis in Northeastern Iran: A 3-Year Tertiary Care Hospital Study.

Infectious keratitis is a significant ocular disease that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Fungi are among the causative agents that can result in severe symptoms. Keratitis infections are prevalent globally, with a higher incidence reported in tropical and subtropical regions.

Alterations of fractional anisotropy and white matter integrity in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging studies.

Background And Aim: The neurological processes responsible for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology and its clinical potentials are not fully understood. The current study aimed to examine white matter microstructural abnormalities and the reasons behind white matter impairment in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome by performing a meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging studies.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until April 2024.

Diagnostic Value of Hepatic Mast Cell Concentration (MCC) in NAFLD and NASH Severity and Fibrosis Grade.

Background & Objective: Mast cells play a role in the immune responses to fatty liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of hepatic mast cell concentration (MCC) in NAFLD and NASH severity and fibrosis grade.

Methods: The present cross-sectional unremarkable hepatic histology, NAFLD, or NASH cases were enrolled.

Serum C-reactive Protein Levels about Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Function in Iranian Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Background & Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), is defined as an asymptomatic state characterized by a normal serum concentration of free thyroxine and elevated serum concentration of TSH. This study aims to investigate the complex interplay between hyperinsulinism, insulin resistance, beta cell function, and low-grade chronic inflammation in Iranian women with SCH.

Methods: Eighty women with SCH and 80 healthy women as controls matched to the patient group for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study.

Distinct therapeutic effects of auraptene and umbelliprenin on TNF-α and IL-17 levels in a murine model of chronic inflammation.

Objective: To compare the anti-arthritic potential of orally administered auraptene (AUR) and umbellliprenin (UMB) in chronic inflammation by exploring the differential effect on regulating TNF-α and IL-17.

Methods & Materials: Sixty male rats were divided into ten groups, and after confirming chronic inflammation, the treatment groups received AUR or UMB orally for 9 days. On day 16, histopathological changes were evaluated.

The correlation between indirect calorimetry data and the metabolic syndrome development in men and women.

Objectives: To investigate the indirect calorimetric findings in subjects with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) compared to those without MetS and explore the potential parameters for predicting MetS in susceptible individuals.

Methods: Data was collected from a cross-sectional study conducted during the second phase of The Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study, which involved 1,014 participants. The presence of MetS was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Redifferentiation Therapies in Thyroid Oncology: Molecular and Clinical Aspects.

Since the 1940s, 131-I radioiodine therapy (RIT) has been the primary treatment for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Approximately half of these patients respond favorably to RIT, achieving partial or complete remission or maintaining long-term stable disease, while the other half develop radioiodine-refractory DTC (RAI-R DTC). The main genomic alteration involved in radioiodine resistance is the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which results in the loss of sodium iodide symporters (NIS).

Synergistic effects of incorporated additives in multifunctional dressings for chronic wound healing: An updated comprehensive review.

Detailed reviewing of the complicated process of wound healing reveals that it resembles an orchestrated symphony via a precise and calculated collaboration of relevant cells at the wound site. The domino-like function of various cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and small biological molecules such as antibacterial peptides all come together to successfully execute the wound healing process. Therefore, it appears that the use of a wound dressing containing only a single additive with specific properties and capabilities may not be particularly effective in treating the complex conditions that are usual in the environment of chronic wounds.