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Effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients’ restless legs syndrome
Full text linkObjectives: To determine the effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients’ restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Ninety hemodialysis patients with RLS were randomly allocated into two intervention groups and one control group, each consisting of 35 participants. The control group received routine care, and the intervention groups received effleurage massage with lavender and glycerin oil in addition to routine care for one month. RLS intensity was measured among the three groups using the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. Results: At the beginning of the study, the results showed no significant difference among the three groups’ scores. At the end of the study, the mean RLS scores were significantly lower in the intervention groups compared to the control group (F = 63.4, p ≤ 0.001). This difference was not significant between the two intervention groups; nonetheless, the differences between the control and lavender oil groups, as well as the control and glycerin oil groups, were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed the effectiveness of the oils through the effleurage massage for reducing RLS in a sample of hemodialysis patients. © 2019 Elsevier Lt
Dosimetric evaluation of PASSAG-U polymer gel dosimeter: Dependence of dose rate and photon energy
No full textOBJECTIVE: Several physical factors such as dose rate and photon energy may change response and sensitivity of polymer gel dosimeters. This study aims to evaluate the R2-dose response and sensitivity dependence of PASSAG-U gel dosimeters with 3 and 5 urea on dose rate and photon energy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PASSAG-U gel dosimeters were prepared under normal atmospheric conditions. The obtained gel dosimeters were irradiated to different dose rates (100, 200, and 300 cGy/min) and photon energies (6 and 15 MV). Finally, responses (R2) of the PASSAG-U gel dosimeters with 3 and 5 urea were analyzed by MRI technique at 1, 10, 14 days after the irradiation process. RESULTS: The findings showed that the R2-dose responses of PASSAG-U gel dosimeters with 3 and 5 urea do not vary under the differently evaluated dose rates and photon energies. The R2-dose sensitivity of PASSAG-U polymer gel dosimeter with 3 urea does not change under the differently evaluated dose rates and photon energies, but it changes for PASSAG-U polymer gel dosimeter with 5 urea. The dose resolution values ranged from 0.20 to 0.86 Gy and from 0.27 to 2.20 Gy for the PASSAG-U gel dosimeter with 3 and 5 urea for the different dose rates and photon energies, respectively. Furthermore, it was revealed that the R2-dose response and sensitivity dependence of PASSAG-U gel dosimeters with 3 and 5 urea on dose rate and photon energy can vary over post irradiation time. CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that dosimetric characteristics (dependence of dose rate and photon energy, and dose resolution) of PASSAG-U gel dosimeter with 3 were better than those of PASSAG-U gel dosimeter with 5 urea. © 2020-IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved
CYP1A1 and GSTs common gene variations and presbycusis risk: a genetic association analysis and a bioinformatics approach
No full textAntioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are involved in the metabolism and detoxification of cytotoxic compounds, as well as the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, alterations in the structure of these enzymes could result in prolonged production of ROS with subsequent risk of development of disorders such as presbycusis. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP1A1 (rs4646903, rs1048943) and GSTs (GSTM1-deletion, GSTT1-deletion, GSTP1-rs1695) with presbycusis risk in an Iranian population which was followed by an in silico approach. In a case-control study, 280 subjects including 140 cases with presbycusis and 140 healthy controls were enrolled. Genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected by PCR-RFLP method and the genotype of the above mentioned deletions was determined by touchdown PCR. Some bioinformatics tools were employed to evaluate the impact of SNPs on the gene function. SNP analysis revealed that there are significant associations between rs1048943 (AG vs. AA: OR = 2.46, 95CI = 1.30–4.65, p = 0.006; GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 2.53, 95CI = 1.36–4.69, p = 0.003; G vs. A: OR = 2.36, 95CI = 1.33–4.17, p = 0.003) and rs4646903 (C vs. T: OR = 1.45, 95CI = 1.02–2.06, p = 0.040) variations and increased risk of presbycusis. However, there was no significant association between rs1695 and presbycusis risk. Also, significant associations were observed between GSTM1 (OR = 4.28, 95CI = 1.18–15.52, p = 0.027) and GSTT1 (OR = 1.64, 95CI = 1.02–2.65, p = 0.041) deletions and elevated risk of presbycusis. Moreover, the combination analysis revealed a significant association between GSTM1+/GSTT1− genotype and presbycusis susceptibility (OR = 1.63, 95CI = 1.00–2.67, p = 0.049). In silico analysis revealed that the rs1048943 SNP could influence significantly on the RNA structure of CYP1A1 (distance: 0.1454; p value: 0.1799). Based on our findings, the rs4646903, rs1048943 SNPs as well as GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions could be considered as genetic risk factors for the development and progression of presbycusis. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
Measuring Sexual Performance: Development and Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Performance Questionnaire in Iranian People with Spinal Cord Injury
Full text linkSexual performance refers to activities served by sexual capacity and motivation. As a culturally sensitive issue, to date the scalar invariance of sexual performance has not been examined for Iranians with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Aim: To develop and assess properties of an instrument evaluating sexual performance of an Iranian population with SCIs., in Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Using multi-modal methods, we developed and assessed the Sexual Performance Questionnaire (SPQ). This included collecting expert opinions; engaging with patients with SCI referred to BASIR; pilot testing to assess the scale; and a formal investigation. Participants (men = 156, women = 58) completed the SPQ. Internal consistency and reliability were measured using Cronbach’s α coefficient. Content and face validity were examined by academic experts. Construct validity was assessed by examining convergent and discriminant validity. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was used to extract the factor structure of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.77. There was a significant (p = 0.04) correlation (r = − 0.23) between the SPQ score and age. Those with a partner scored higher (p = 0.001). We found three components: Spouse as initiator, self-initiation, and genital-oriented sex which accounted for 59 of the observed variance. The face and content validity was approved by an expert committee. The development and application of the 13-item SPQ provides a thorough understanding of sexual performance amongst persons with SCI. It facilitates the development of efficient sexual rehabilitation interventions and SCI-specific sexuality education programs. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Clinical features of patients with probable 2019 novel coronavirus infected pneumonia in Rasht, Iran: A retrospective case series
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is the first pandemic infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Viral pneumonia is a severe complication of COVID-19. AIM: Due to the high prevalence of this disease globally, especially in Iran, the aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of seven patients with probable COVID-19 infected pneumonia in Rasht, North Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series study, we described the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of seven patients with probable COVID-19 infected pneumonia at Razi Hospital, Rasht, north of Iran, from February 27 to March 16, 2020. RESULTS: In this study, the most common clinical symptoms during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 were poor appetite (seven cases), dehydration (seven cases), cough (six cases), dyspnea (six cases), fatigue (six cases), fever above 38°C (five cases), myalgia (five cases), Chills (five cases), feeling fever (five cases), sore throat (five cases), and nausea (five cases), respectively. The average body temperature in these patients was 39.32°C. In laboratory findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in three patients. Contrary to most of the evidence, C-reactive protein was not elevated in five patients. All patients received antibiotic and antiviral medications and received symptomatic treatment. Finally, four patients responded to the treatments and were discharged from the hospital; two patients were still hospitalized and only one patient died. CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 associated pneumonia can be treated by evaluating and implementing appropriate therapeutic management. However, at the moment the disease progression for patients with COVID-19 cannot be accurately predicted. © 2020 Samad Karkhah, Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari, Amir Shamshirian, Latif Panahi, Meysam Molai, Amir Emami Zeydi
Impact of exosome-loaded chitosan hydrogel in wound repair and layered dermal reconstitution in mice animal model
No full textCombat or burn injuries are associated with a series of risks, such as microbial infection, an elevated level of inflammatory response, and pathologic scar tissue formation, which significantly postpone wound healing and also lead to impaired repair. Skin engineering for wound healing requires a biomimetic dressing substrate with ideal hydrophilicity, holding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, available bioactive specification is required to reduce scar formation, stimulate angiogenesis, and improve wound repair. In this study, we successfully fabricated chitosan (Ch)–based hydrogel enriched with isolated exosome (EXO) from easy-accessible stem cells, which could promote fibroblast cell migration and proliferation in vitro. Full-thickness excisional wound model was used to investigate the in vivo dermal substitution ability of the fabricated hydrogel composed Ch and EXO substrates. Our finding confirmed that the wounds covered with Ch scaffold containing isolated EXO have nearly 83.6 wound closure ability with a high degree of re-epithelialization, whereas sterile gauze showed 51.5 of reduction in wound size. In summary, obtained results imply that Ch-glycerol-EXO hydrogel construct can be utilized at the full-thickness skin wound substitution and skin tissue engineering. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Circular RNAs and gastrointestinal cancers: Epigenetic regulators with a prognostic and therapeutic role
No full textBoth environmental and genetic factors are involved in the initiation and development of gastrointestinal cancer. Covalent closed circular RNAs (circRNAs) are produced by a mechanism called “back-splicing” from mRNAs. They are highly stable and show cell and tissue specific expression patterns. Although some functions such as “microRNA sponge” and “RNA binding protein sponge” have been reported for a small number of circRNAs, the function of thousands of other circRNAs is still unknown. Dysregulation of circRNAs has been reported in many GI cancers and are involved in metastasis and invasion. CircRNAs have been reported to be useful as prognostic markers and targets for developing new treatments. We first describe the properties and biogenesis of circRNAs. We then summarize recent reports about circRNA functions, expression status, and their potential to be used as biomarkers in GI cancers including, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
Using chemical drugs and medicinal plants for symptom management among patients receiving chemotherapy
Full text linkBackground: Patients with cancer suffer from different symptoms which can cause discomfort, reduce quality of life, necessitate frequent hospitalization, and impose heavy costs. Health-care providers sometimes overlook symptom management, and hence, patients resort to self-treatment. Objectives: This study sought to assess the use of chemical drugs and medicinal plants for the symptom management among patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on 186 cancer patients who referred to two chemotherapy centers in Kashan, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made instrument consisted of items on demographic characteristics, symptoms, symptom severity and duration, use of chemical drugs and medicinal plants, and their perceived effectiveness. Data were presented using the measures of descriptive statistics and were analyzed using the Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: The most common symptom was fatigue (89.2), with moderate severity in 51.2 of participants. The least common symptom was vomiting (24.2), with mild severity in 62.2 of participants. Vitamins and supplements were the most commonly used chemical drugs (40.3). Chemical drugs had mostly been recommended by health-care providers. Only, 50 of patients with pain and 12.2 of patients with dry mouth and oral ulcer used chemical drugs. Medicinal plants were used by 87.4 of participants, without medical prescription. Conclusion: Cancer patients suffer from many symptoms which need careful assessment and effective management by health-care providers. These patients use medicinal plants more commonly than chemical drugs for symptom management, whereas chemical drugs are more effective. Symptom management among cancer patients is not effective enough, and hence, most of them resort to over-the-counter medicinal plants
Combination adjunctive nebulized furosemide and salbutamol versus single agent therapy in COPD patients: A randomized controlled trial
Full text linkBackground: COPD patients often require multiple therapies to enhance their lung function and reduce their symptoms in exacerbations. This study aimed to investigate the relative effects of combination adjunctive nebulized furosemide and salbutamol therapy versus single agent treatment in COPD patients. Methods: Sixty-nine COPD patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (G1, 34 cases) received salbutamol in their first episode. The second group (G2, 35 cases) received furosemide in their first episode. Spirometry indices (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC), mMRC and BORG (COPD assessment) were assessed and recorded for all patients. To study the efficacy of combination adjunctive therapy, in 2nd episodes, the nebulized furosemide was added to nebulized salbutamol in the G1, and nebulized salbutamol was added to nebulized furosemide in G2. The aforementioned indices were then re-assessed. Results: The mean age was (64.92 ± 11.71 years, 55 males. The use of nebulized furosemide and salbutamol as single agents slightly improved the spirometeric parameters, but it was not noteworthy compared to the significant improvement of the FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, mMRC, and Borg parameters with combination therapy (p-value 0.1), so furosemide is considered as effective as nebulized salbutamol. Also, the results of sequential drugs administration, in the two groups was similar. Conclusion: Conjunction of nebulized furosemide and salbutamol is more effective than single therapy and can be considered as preferred drug regimen without any reported side effect in the treatment of COPD. © 202
Molecular diversity of hpd gene in clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae
Full text linkInfections due to Haemophilus influenzae result in tremendous global morbidity. The conjugated vaccines against H. influenzae type b (Hib) have dramatically reduced the incidence of invasive Hib disease in the routine immunization of infants. The several proteins used as vaccine candidates for this pathogen, but they don't produce efficient immune in animal models against all strains of H. influenzae. This study aimed to determine the diversity of hpd gene nucleotide sequences of Iranian native clinical isolates of H. influenzae as a native vaccine candidate compared to standard strains. Twenty isolates of H. influenzae recovered from different clinical specimens of patients admitted to Milad and Imam Khomeini hospitals, Tehran, Iran. Then, isolates detected and identified as H. influenzae using biochemical tests, and further confirmation through omp6 gene PCR. The hpd gene was amplified by PCR using gene-specific primers, and the amplicons digested with EcoR1. For four isolates, the Amplicon of hpd gene sequenced, and the sequences aligned with sequences harbored in GenBank. Subsequently, sequences were submitted to the EMBL site (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/embl/). EcoR1 restriction enzyme pattern was the same among the 19 clinical isolates, and only one isolate was different. That different one with 3 out of 19 isolates were sequenced. The results showed that the nucleotide sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences for protein D in clinical isolates were highly conserved with similarities >95. In conclusion, regarding high similarity up to 99 in clinical isolates, protein D can be a novel vaccine candidate against all types of H. influenza from Iran. This finding should be proved with more isolates, and also, evaluate the immunological features of protein D in animal models. © 201