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A Scoping Review on the Effects of Kinesio Taping on Oropharyngeal Function Related to Swallowing and Feeding
No full textFollowing the expansion of interdisciplinary communication among rehabilitative service providers, new techniques have been introduced for treating swallowing disorders. Kinesio taping (KT) is one of the recently noticed techniques in the rehabilitation of swallowing and feeding disorders. Given the novelty of this technique in research and practice, the present scoping review aimed to summarize the available evidence on the effects of KT on the oropharyngeal function related to swallowing, and to identify current knowledge gaps to guide future studies. The initial comprehensive search was conducted in the six databases in November 2022 and then was updated in June 2023. Studies were independently reviewed by two authors to exclude all types of reviews and study protocols, studies published only in an abstract form and also studies that used KT for improving voice and dysarthria symptoms. The methodology of the included studies was also critically appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standard tools by two authors. The results of the studies were categorized and reported based on their overall objectives. In final analysis, 21 articles were described. Study designs ranged from randomized control trials (RCTs) to the case reports. The effects of KT had been investigated on drooling, oral feeding skills of infants, immediate activation of swallowing muscles, and management of dysphagia in patients with stroke or cerebral palsy (CP). Although innovative approaches to use KT as a therapeutic method in swallowing disorders have been investigated in the studies, there are many methodological limitations that affected validity of the results. In general, it seems there is not enough evidence to add KT to the usual management of feeding and swallowing disorders yet. Further studies, therefore, are required to achieve more accurate conclusions in each of the objectives summarized in this study
Autophagy-based therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: from standard treatments to combination therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and targeted nanomedicines
No full textHuman hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified as a significant cause of mortality worldwide. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of autophagy in the pathogenesis of the disease, with the aim of developing novel therapeutic agents. Targeting autophagy with conventional therapies in invasive HCC has opened up new opportunities for treatment. However, the emergence of resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor environment highlight the need for combination therapy or specific targeting, as well as an efficient drug delivery system to ensure targeted tumor areas receive sufficient doses without affecting normal cells or tissues. In this review, we discuss the findings of several studies that have explored autophagy as a potential therapeutic approach in HCC. We also outline the potential and limitations of standard therapies for autophagy modulation in HCC treatment. Additionally, we discuss how different combination therapies, nano-targeted strategies, and oncolytic virotherapy could enhance autophagy-based HCC treatment in future research. © The Author(s) 2024
Assessment and comparison of the diagnostic value of CT-scan and MRI in acute traumatic spinal compression fractures
No full textPurpose: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) frequently occur in trauma patients, with a significant portion affecting younger individuals. Choosing suitable modalities is crucial in these patients to early diagnose of VCF, especially for the prevention of further consequences in VCF patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the diagnostic value of CT scanning and MRI in detecting spinal compression fractures in acute traumatic patients. Methods: This descriptive analytical study has been performed on traumatic patients with VCFs in hospital based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidences obtained from April 2020 to February 2021. Computerized tomography (CT), MRI and demographic data of cases were collected from electronic hospital records. Two radiologists reviewed CT-scan and MRI data again. Results: The results were organized in software SPSS 23 for statistical analysis. Compared to MRI, the sensitivity of CT-scan in the diagnosis of stable VCFs was less than 50 at all levels; accordingly, the results were 20, 42, and 33 at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels, respectively. This significant difference suggested the necessity of MRI evaluations in such cases. Additionally, the difference in sensitivity of unstable cases was significant; the obtained results were 67, 29, and 52 at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels, respectively). CT-scan illustrated 100 sensitivity for diagnosing the cases with more than 50 vertebral body height loss (VBHL). Besides, CT-scan sensitivity in the cases with less than 50 VBHL was 57 , 38 , and 47 at cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels, respectively. Conclusion: CT-scan for detecting traumatic VCFs and assessing VBHL had significantly lower sensitivity than MRI, especially in the stable cases. Also, potential hazards of harmful radiation could be avoided by applying MRI instead of CT-scan. © 2024 The Author
Evaluating the Challenges and Opportunities of Screening for Alpha Thalassemia Within the Beta Thalassemia Screening Program in the Islamic Republic of Iran
No full textBackground: Thalassemia screening instructions in Iran consider couples with MCV = 75-80, MCH = 26-27, HbA2<3.5, and HbF<3 indices as low-risk couples, and therefore further genetic testing is not obligatory. If the blood indices of alpha thalassemia carriers (One alpha gene deletion or two alpha gene deletions) fall within the parameters of low-risk couples, the identification of such couples within the beta thalassemia screening program will not be feasible. However, if the blood indicators of alpha thalassemia carriers fall within the range of the suspected high-risk couple, these couples can be identified through beta thalassemia screening instructions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information was extracted from 2359 individuals diagnosed with alpha thalassemia, identified between 2018 and 2021, in 22 marriage counseling centers in Isfahan province using the results of the PND test. The blood indices MCV and MCH of alpha thalassemia carriers were compared with the low-risk and high-risk values of beta thalassemia carrier couples. Findings: The average MCH and MCV of couples affected by alpha thalassemia gene deletions 1 and 2 are respectively within the low-risk and high-risk ranges for beta-thalassemia. Conclusion: Beta thalassemia screening guidelines can effectively identify individuals with two alpha thalassemia gene deletions, although they have no effect in identifying those with one alpha gene deletion. Current guidelines indicate that it is possible to prevent the occurrence and complications of pregnancy in mothers with Bart's hemoglobin infants; however, the identification of H hemoglobin disease remains unfeasible. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
The Correlation Between Colposcopy and Pathology Results
No full textBackground & Objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and because of the origination from precancerous lesions, its mortality can be reduced by using appropriate screening methods and early detection. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in 2021-2022 at the Colposcopy Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan. Patient with abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test was referred to be examined with colposcopy. The information and history of the patients were collected by the intern of the clinic in pre-prepared files, and after the examination of patient by a gynecology oncology specialist, colposcopy and biopsy was performed if necessary. Then, the results were compared. Results: For one year, 648 patients underwent colposcopy, and their mean age was 34.14 ± 8.88 years. Among them, 486 people had normal colposcopy (75.9) and 154 people had suspicious colposcopy (24.1) and underwent biopsy. The most complains among women were pain (40.6), postcoital bleeding (38.7), and vaginal discharge (30), respectively. Conclusion: In the current study, according to the significant concordance of Acetowhite and Punctuation lesion with a precancerous and cancerous lesion, it can be concluded that the appearance of Acetowhite and Punctuation view in colposcopy is more likely to indicate a serious lesion. Also, the existence of two or three views in a patient together does not have more diagnostic value than one view for example Acetowhite or Punctuation alone. © 2025, Farname Inc. All rights reserved
Primary hemifacial spasm: anatomical insights
No full textBackground: Primary Hemifacial Spasm (pHFS) is a disorder caused by compression of vessels on the root of the facial nerve. There has been conflicting evidence regarding the side of the face that is more frequently affected. Moreover, it has been found in several studies that women are afflicted by approximately twice as many as men. Objectives: We reviewed the literature to explain HFS tendencies from an anatomical aspect. We wanted to see whether there are anatomical variations that can increase the risk of developing HFS or underlie its tendency to a specific gender and side of the face. Methods and material: A PubMed search was done for the articles on “Hemifacial Spasm” published in English literature, and we selected the articles regarding the significant anatomical differences in HFS patients. Results: AICA proximal branching pattern, highly originated PICA, VA dominancy, and VA deviation are among the predisposing anatomical variances. Overall, both sides of the face are equally affected in HFS. However, there are side preferences based on the causative vessels, which may be due to differences in the anatomical features of the left and right side vessels. Conclusions: Various anatomical variations regarding posterior circulation can increase the risk of HFS. Recent evidence suggests whether there is no side dominance or a tendency exists toward the left side. There is no comprehensive explanation for precise reasons underlying the tendency of HFS to affect women. Evidence regarding anatomical variations of the posterior circulation comparing men and women with HFS is scarce, and further studies are required. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Belgian Neurological Society 2024
New insights into the relationship of antimüllerian hormone with polycystic ovary syndrome and its diagnostic accuracy: an updated and extended meta-analysis using a marginal beta-binomial model
No full textObjective: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic role of antimüllerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome using an advanced marginal beta-binomial statistical model, and present the optimal cutoff by different age groups, geographical locations, body mass indexes, and other relevant factors. Data Sources: A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ProQuest until August 2024. Study Eligibility Criteria: Epidemiologic studies that used the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society, National Institutes of Health, or Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome were included in this meta-analysis. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they provided information on the sensitivity and specificity of antimüllerian hormone or related data that allowed for the calculation of these parameters, and/or data on odds ratios and means. Methods: The diagnostic efficacy of antimüllerian hormone was assessed using the marginal beta-binomial statistical model and the summary receiver operating characteristic method in terms of pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio with 95 confidence interval. Pooled weighted mean difference and pooled odds ratios with 95 confidence interval were estimated using a random effects model. Results: A total of 202 observational studies were included in the pooled analysis, of which 106 studies (including 19,465 cases and 29,318 controls) were used for meta-analysis of sensitivity/specificity and 186 studies (including 30,656 cases and 34,360 controls) for meta-analysis of mean difference. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio for antimüllerian hormone were 0.79 (95 confidence interval, 0.52–0.97), 0.82 (95 confidence interval, 0.64–0.99), and 17.12 (95 confidence interval, 14.37–20.32), respectively. The area under the curve based on the summary receiver operating characteristic model was 0.90 (95 confidence interval, 0.87–0.93). Antimüllerian hormone levels were significantly higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome than in control women (weighted mean difference, 4.91; 95 confidence interval, 4.57–5.27). In addition, individuals with higher antimüllerian hormone levels were more likely to be affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (odds ratio, 23.17; 95 confidence interval, 18.74–28.66; I2=94; P5.39 ng/mL was associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (sensitivity, 88.6; specificity, 92.75; likelihood ratio for a positive test result, 12.21; likelihood ratio for a negative test result, 0.12). Conclusion: According to the results of this meta-analysis, serum antimüllerian hormone concentration is a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. The cutoff points suggested by the current meta-analysis need to be evaluated and validated by future studies before their implementation into clinical practice. © 202
Investigating the Relationship between Water Pollution (Arsenic) and Preterm Birth
No full textBackground: Many adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, are believed to be caused by environmental pollution. One of the most significant polluters is arsenic in the water. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between arsenic and the development of preterm birth. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with preterm birth compared with a normal control group. All patients underwent urine samples to assess arsenic levels. Findings: The mean age in the group of mothers without preterm birth was 24.45 ± 4.63, and the mean age in the group of mothers with preterm birth was 25.18 ± 3.94 (P = 0.231). The mean arsenic level in mothers without preterm birth was 20.44 ± 8.24, and the mean arsenic level in the group of mothers with preterm birth was 22.75 ± 7.05 (P = 0.368). In late preterm birth, the mean Arsenic level was higher with slight significance, with a mean of 24.15 ± 4.63 (P = 0.045). This observation didn’t exist in early preterm birth with the mean Arsenic level of 21.05 ± 6.12 (P = 0.78). Conclusion: We couldn’t find any significant relationship between urine arsenic levels and the occurrence of preterm birth. However, our data showed a relationship between late preterm birth and Arsenic levels. More comprehensive trials are recommended. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
Prevalence, Reasons, and Prevention for Drug Related Death After Release from Prisons: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
No full textContext: Drug-related mortality is a major concern in public and global health discussions. Objectives: Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, causes, and prevention of death after individuals are released from prison. Methods: This study was conducted systematically using MeSH keywords with no language or time restrictions. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were extensively searched for observational studies from 1980/1/1 to 2023/12/30, following the PRISMA checklist. Fourteen research studies were ultimately included in the systematic review process. The CRD code is CRD42024571756. Results: The two-week period following release, with an 18 prevalence, was identified as the time when most overdose deaths occurred. The leading causes of death included prior heroin use, previous experiences with drug withdrawal, drug injection, and sedative use within six months before death. Compared to other unnatural causes of death, there was an increased risk of fatal drug overdose for individuals who died within the first two months of release. Men had higher death rates from all causes compared to women. Most studies reported that substance abuse treatment during imprisonment and providing take-home naloxone for emergencies protected against mortality from all causes. Conclusions: In conclusion, evidence from these systematic investigations highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address substance use disorders and overdose prevention among individuals recently released from prison. Efforts to bridge the gap between incarceration and community reintegration should prioritize comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs to reduce the heightened risk of mortality in this vulnerable population. © 2024, Jafarian et al
Effects of chronic empathic stress on synaptic efficacy, as well as short-term and long-term plasticity at the Schaffer collateral/commissural– CA1 synapses in the dorsal hippocampus of rats
No full textEmpathy, the ability to comprehend and share others’ emotional states, impacts brain functions. This in vivo electrophysiological study explored the influence of chronic empathic stress on synaptic efficacy, as well as short-term and long-term plasticity at the Schaffer collateral/Commissural – CA1 synapses in the dorsal hippocampus of rats, in situations of social equality and inequality. Forty-eight male rats were randomized into six groups: control, pseudo-observer, pseudo-demonstrator, observer, demonstrator, and co-demonstrator (Co, Pse-Ob, Pse-De, Ob, De, Co-De) groups. Stress induction (2h/day, 21 days) was performed in situations of equality and inequality. Serum corticosterone levels, slope, amplitude, and area under the curve (AUC) of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were assessed in the hippocampal CA1 area using input-output (I/O) functions, paired-pulse (PP) responses with different interpulse intervals (IPIs), and long-term potentiation (LTP) after high-frequency stimulation (HFS). The fEPSP slope, amplitude, and AUC significantly decreased in all stress groups, especially in the De and Pse-De groups. These parameters were significantly increased in the Co-De and Ob groups compared to the De group. Notably, the corticosterone levels strongly confirmed the electrophysiological findings. Chronic empathic stress could disrupt synaptic efficacy and plasticity in the CA1 area. Empathic stress, involving the presence of cagemates in situations of social equality and inequality, can modify long-term plasticity and serum corticosterone levels in demonstrators and co-demonstrators. Under empathic stress related to situations of inequality, freely moving observers may influence the demonstrators’ stress experience. Therefore, the presence of a conspecific in the social inequality conditions had significant suppressive effects on long-term plasticity, while conversely, under equality conditions, long-term plasticity was favorably improved through social buffering. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024