A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis to Evaluate the Effects of Chitosan on Obesity Indicators.

Chitosan, a commonly used dietary supplement, is believed to have the potential to decrease body weight by binding to dietary fats and decreasing their absorption. However, due to conflicting results from various studies, this review aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan supplementation on obesity indicators in adults. To find appropriate randomized clinical trials (RCTs), a thorough search was conducted across electronic databases like PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science.

The Cardiovascular Protective Function of Natural Compounds Through AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a major risk to human health and exert a heavy burden on individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Therefore, it is critical to identify CVD's underlying mechanism(s) and target them using effective agents. Natural compounds have shown promise as antioxidants with cardioprotective functions against CVD injuries due to their antioxidative solid capacity and high safety profile.

Effects of Face and Body Acupuncture on Glabellar Frown Lines in Women Aged 30-59: a Study Protocol for a Double-Arm Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial.

Importance: As average life expectancy increases, the role of beauty in quality of life (QOL) becomes more important. Invasive rejuvenation methods, such as cosmetic surgery and botulinum toxin injections, do not address the underlying causes of facial aging, are expensive, and carry inherent risks. Acupuncture, as a holistic alternative, may offer a safer method for facial rejuvenation by addressing the overall health of the body.

Critical Diagnoses to Consider in the Assessment of Pediatric Patients Presenting with Limp in the Rheumatology Ward: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Limping is a frequent reason for visits to emergency departments. The causes of limping in children are various, ranging from benign musculoskeletal problems to serious etiologies, such as malignancy and infections.

Methods: In this recent cross-sectional study, we evaluated the causes of limps in children referred to the pediatric rheumatology ward in northeast Iran.

A Half-century Experience of Running Journal Clubs and applying Interactive Teaching-learning Methods at Orthopedic Department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Journal club is crucial in medical professions education, especially residency training. Critical evaluation allows learners to read, understand, and apply the evidence to bridge the gap between research and practice. Academic members of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Orthopedic Department have held about 2,300 weekly sessions for around 50 years, even in times of crises, to review the latest publications in orthopedics and sometimes linked their journal clubs to hospitalized cases.

High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Clinical Isolates after COVID-19 Pandemic, North Iran.

Background: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in hospital admissions and widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics have heightened the risk of hospital-acquired infections from multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms, particularly . It is imperative to implement stringent measures to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance in hospitals and devise robust treatment strategies for patients grappling with such infections. To confront this challenge, a comprehensive study was undertaken to examine MDR extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (MDR-ESBL)-producing isolates from patients with nosocomial infections following the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Iran.

Vagus nerve stimulation and gut microbiota interactions: A novel therapeutic avenue for neuropsychiatric disorders.

The rising prevalence of treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders underscores the need for innovative and effective treatment strategies. The gut microbiota (GM) plays a pivotal role in the progression of these diseases, influencing the brain and mental health through the gut-brain axis (GBA). The vagus nerve plays a significant role in the GBA, making it a key area of focus for potential novel therapeutic interventions.

MiRNA target enrichment analysis of co-expression network modules reveals important miRNAs and their roles in breast cancer progression.

Breast cancer has the highest incidence and is the fifth cause of death in cancers. Progression is one of the important features of breast cancer which makes it a life-threatening cancer. MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that have pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression and they control different properties in breast cancer such as progression.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal cream on sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life of postmenopausal women: a randomized, triple-blinds, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: The physical and mental changes created during menopause cause sexual dysfunction, which affects the quality of life, self-esteem, and emotional relationships. Wormwood cream contains tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, and alkaloids. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of wormwood vaginal cream on the sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life of postmenopausal women.

Alopecia Universalis in a Multiple Sclerosis Patient After Switching From Rituximab to Ocrelizumab: A Case Report.

Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody, which acts as an anti-CD20 antibody. It is used as a treatment of both relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and Progressive types. The aim of this study is to report the first patient with alopecia universalis after switching from rituximab to ocrelizumab.

Cytotoxic Effects of Pulp Capping Agents on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth.

Statement Of The Problem: Success of pulpotomy of primary teeth depends on biological and cytotoxic effects of pulp capping agents. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement, and ferric sulfate (FS) are among the commonly used pulp capping agents (PCAs) for pulpotomy, and their successful application has been previously evaluated.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the cytotoxicity of PCAs against mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs).

Multiple Bilateral Parotid Calcifications in a Patient with Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Report.

This study investigates the calcifications in the parotid glands of a patient with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). A 52-year-old female patient presented for a routine dental examination who found to have multiple radiopacities in both parotid glands on panoramic radiograph. Further evaluation revealed swelling and tenderness in the parotid glands, decayed teeth, and dryness of the mouth and eyes.

Enhancing renal protection against cadmium toxicity: the role of herbal active ingredients.

Background: Rapid industrialization globally has led to a notable increase in the production and utilization of metals, including cadmium (Cd), consequently escalating global metal pollution worldwide. Cd, characterized as a persistent environmental contaminant, poses significant health risks, particularly impacting human health, notably the functionality of the kidneys. The profound effects of Cd stem primarily from its limited excretion capabilities and extended half-life within the human body.

Protective effect of Auraptene, a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on hydrogen peroxide-induced cell toxicity in PC12 cells.

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (ad) is a progressive and degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that is associated with cognitive and memory impairment. The main factors which have been implicated in neurodegeneration of ad are oxidative stress and cholinergic neurons dysfunction. Here, we examined the effects of auraptene, a novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, on hydrogen peroxide (HO)-induced cell death in PC12 cells.

Relationships between Dairy Consumption Patterns and Hypertension, Overweight, and Obesity Status.

Background: Obesity is considered a widespread concern internationally. Few studies have investigated the relationships between dairy consumption and hypertension and obesity. Therefore, this study examined the above concern in students.

A randomized phase 3 trial of total neoadjuvant therapy (induction chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and surgery) vs. standard long-term chemoradiation therapy (neoadjuvant chemoradiation, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy) in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Purpose: The management of rectal adenocarcinoma has evolved during the last decade, shifting from a conventional neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy in all cases to a total neoadjuvant approach, especially in locally advanced tumors when a sphincter-sparing surgery has been planned. However, the exact indications and the neoadjuvant regimen with the highest response remain unresolved. We aimed to assess whether administering neoadjuvant chemotherapy before and after preoperative chemoradiotherapy could increase the pathological complete response (pCR) rates.

DNA Methylation Pattern and mRNA Expression Level of E-Cadherin and P16 Genes in Thrombotic Disorders.

Objective: DNA methylation, as an epigenetic alteration, plays an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. E-cadherin, a tumor suppressor gene and adhesion molecule, has a crucial function in platelet aggregation and hemostasis. P16, a cell cycle regulator, is involved in venous thrombosis.

Mechanistic Insights on Cardioprotective Properties of Ursolic Acid: Regulation of Mitochondrial and Non-mitochondrial Pathways.

Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has been shown to have significant cardioprotective effects in various preclinical studies. This article reviews the various mechanisms by which ursolic acid achieves its cardioprotective effects, highlighting its potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti- apoptotic properties. Ursolic acid upregulates anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively reducing oxidative stress, thereby decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving lipid peroxidation levels.

Understanding the complex function of gut microbiota: its impact on the pathogenesis of obesity and beyond: a comprehensive review.

Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and microbiome-related factors. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health, increasing mucus creation, helping the intestinal epithelium mend, and regulating short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. These tasks are vital for managing metabolism and maintaining energy balance.

Evaluation of various root canal irrigation methods in primary teeth: a systematic review.

Background And Objectives: Although effective irrigation methods are crucial for pulpectomy in primary teeth (PT), no consensus exists on the best technique. This study guides clinicians in making evidence-based choices for irrigation techniques in PT.

Design: This study reviewed in vitro and in vivo research on PT using an extensive electronic search up to April 2024.