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Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) is a highly prevalent disorder characterized by persistent nasal and sinus mucosa inflammation. Despite significant morbidity and decreased quality of life, there are limited effective treatment options for such a disease. Therefore, identifying causal genes and dysregulated pathways paves the way for novel therapeutic interventions. In the current study, a three-way interaction approach was used to detect dynamic co-expression interactions involved in CRSwNP. In this approach, the internal evolution of the co-expression relation between a pair of genes (X, Y) was captured under a change in the expression profile of a third gene (Z), named the switch gene. Subsequently, the biological relevancy of the statistically significant triplets was confirmed using both gene set enrichment analysis and gene regulatory network reconstruction. Finally, the importance of identified switch genes was confirmed using a random forest model. The results suggested four dysregulated pathways in CRSwNP, including “positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction”, “arachidonic acid metabolic process”, “spermatogenesis” and “negative regulation of cellular protein metabolic process”. Additionally, the S100a9 as a switch gene together with the gene pair {Cd14, Tpd52l1} form a biologically relevant triplet. More specifically, we suggested that S100a9 might act as a potential upstream modulator in toll-like receptor 4 transduction pathway in the major CRSwNP pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate cytocompatibility of hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin (Gela) conjugation with phenolic groups (Phs) via enzyme-mediated crosslinking. Phenolic moieties were substituted on the backbone of HA (HA-Ph) and Gela (Gela-Ph) and subsequently were subjected for horseradish peroxidase crosslinking in the presence of H2O2 as an electron donor to create a stable hybrid microenvironment for cellular behavior and cartilage tissue engineering. Results: Successful synthesis of biopolymers confirmed by NRM and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The physical characteristic of hydrogels including mechanical properties and water contact angle of hydrogels enhanced with addition of Gela-Ph in HA-based hydrogel. The Gela-Ph showed longest gelation time and highest degradation rate. The cellular studies showed cells did not attach to HA-Ph hydrogel. While, proper cell attachment and proliferation observed on blend hydrogel surface compared with the neat hydrogels which interpret by the existence of cell-adhesive motifs of utilized Gela-Ph in this hydrogel. The encapsulated cells in HA-Ph hydrogel were spheroid and just maintained their viability. Hydrogels containing Gela-Ph, the cells were spindle shape with high degrees of cytoplasmic extension. Overall, the results suggest that hybrid biomimetic hydrogel can provide a superior biological microenvironment for chondrocytes in 3D cartilage tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are typical pituitary macroadenomas in adults associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Although pituitary adenomas are commonly considered slow-growing benign brain tumors, numerous of them possess an invasive nature. Such tumors destroy sella turcica and invade the adjacent tissues such as the cavernous sinus and sphenoid sinus. In these cases, the most critical obstacle for complete surgical removal is the high risk of damaging adjacent vital structures. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic strategies for either early diagnosis through biomarkers or medical therapies to reduce the recurrence rate of NFPAs is imperative. Identification of gene interactions has paved the way for decoding complex molecular mechanisms, including disease-related pathways, and identifying the most momentous genes involved in a specific disease. Currently, our knowledge of the invasion of the pituitary adenoma at the molecular level is not sufficient. The current study aimed to identify critical biomarkers and biological pathways associated with invasiveness in the NFPAs using a three-way interaction model for the first time. In the current study, the Liquid association method was applied to capture the statistically significant triplets involved in NFPAs invasiveness. Subsequently, Random Forest analysis was applied to select the most important switch genes. Finally, gene set enrichment (GSE) and gene regulatory network (GRN) analyses were applied to trace the biological relevance of the statistically significant triplets. The results of this study suggest that "mRNA processing" and "spindle organization" biological processes are important in NFAPs invasiveness. Specifically, our results suggest Nkx3-1 and Fech as two switch genes in NFAPs invasiveness that may be potential biomarkers or target genes in this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olfactory dysfunction has shown to accompany COVID-19. There are varying data regarding the exact frequency in the various study population. The outcome of the olfactory impairment is also not clearly defined. Objective: To find the frequency of olfactory impairment and its outcome in hospitalized patients with positive swab test for COVID-19. Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study of 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, randomly sampled, from February to March 2020. Demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory findings were analyzed according to the olfactory loss or sinonasal symptoms. The olfactory impairment and sinonasal symptoms were evaluated by 9 Likert scale questions asked from the patients. Results: Ninety-two patients completed the follow-up (means 20.1 (± 7.42) days). Twenty-two (23.91%) patients complained of olfactory loss and in 6 (6.52%) patients olfactory loss was the first symptom of the disease. The olfactory loss was reported to be completely resolved in all but one patient. Thirty-nine (42.39%) patients had notable sinonasal symptoms while rhinorrhea was the first symptom in 3 (3.26%). Fifteen patients (16.3%) had a taste impairment. Patients with sinonasal symptoms had a lower age (p = 0.01). There was no significant relation between olfactory loss and sinonasal symptoms (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Sudden olfactory dysfunction and sinonasal symptoms have a considerable prevalence in patients with COVID-19. No significant association was noted between the sinonasal symptoms and the olfactory loss, which may suggest that other mechanisms beyond upper respiratory tract involvement are responsible for the olfactory loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Smell Identification Tests (SIT) are routinely utilized for the clinical evaluation of olfactory function. Since Iran consists of various ethnic subgroups, the reliability and validity of this test as a national SIT are required to be evaluated across the country. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the cultural adaptation of SIT administered to 420 healthy volunteers from 6 various ethnic subgroups (i.e., Fars, Turk, Kurd, Lor, Baluch, and Arab) living in 7 cities (one city for each subgroup, and Tehran [capital of Iran] with mixed ethnicities). The SIT consists of pens pre-filled with 24 odorants. The correct identification response rate was evaluated in all and each subgroup. The test was performed twice on 60 participants with a 2-week interval to assess its reliability. The SIT was further administered to 150 cases with documented abnormal olfactory function to evaluate its validity. Results: The correct identification response rate was estimated at 70% for all odorants in all and each subgroup. The mean odor identification score was 21.41±1.37 (score range: 17- 24) with no significant difference among various subgroups. Moreover, the test-retest correlation coefficient was obtained at 0.77. The mean odor identification score in patients with olfactory impairment was 10.69±3.76, which was significantly different from that in healthy participants (P<0.001). The best cut-point for the beginning of olfactory impairment was 17.5 (95% CI: 9-100, Sensitivity=99, Specificity=81). Females obtained higher scores of odor identification, compared to males (P=0.025). Conclusion: The results indicated the reliability and validity of the SIT, which can be used nationally for the assessment of olfactory function in various ethnic subgroups across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olfactory dysfunction has been suggested as a diagnostic and discriminative biomarker in some neurodegenerative disorders. However, there are few studies regarding the olfactory status in rare diseases including neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Methods: Genetically-confirmed NBIA patients were enrolled. Neurological and cognitive examinations were conducted according to the Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration-Disease Rating Scale (PKAN-DRS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire, respectively. Olfaction was assessed in three domains of odor threshold (OT), odor discrimination (OD), odor identification (OI), and total sum (TDI) score by the Sniffin' Sticks test. The olfactory scores were compared to a control group and a normative data set. Results: Thirty-seven patients, including 22 PKAN, 6 Kufor Rakeb syndrome, 4 Mitochondrial membrane Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (MPAN), 5 cases of other 4 subtypes, and 37 controls were enrolled. The mean PKAN-DRS score was 51.83±24.93. Sixteen patients (55.2%) had normal cognition based on MMSE. NBIA patients had significantly lower olfactory scores compared to the controls in TDI and all three subtests, and 60% of them were hyposmic according to the normative data. Including only the cognitively-normal patients, still, OI and TDI scores were significantly lower compared to the controls. The phospholipase A2-Associated Neurodegeneration (PLAN) and MPAN patients had a significantly lower OI score compared to the cognitively-matched PKAN patients. Conclusion: Olfactory impairment as a common finding in various subtypes of NBIA disorder can potentially be considered a discriminative biomarker. Better OI in PKAN compared to PLAN and MPAN patients may be related to the different underlying pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Processing odor information by the olfactory system depends greatly on the odor concentration. In order to use an odorant in a smell identification test (SIT), the minimum identification concentration (MIC) needs to be determined. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 60 healthy native individuals aged 20 to 60 years, selected from patients' companions in a tertiary hospital. In the first step, 25 odorants were presented to evaluate familiarity among the subjects. Then, the MICs for the eligible odorants were measured using the ascending method of limits. Results: Out of 25 odorants, only one (cacao) was distinguished by less than 70% of the subjects, and was therefore removed from the list. The MICs of the remaining 24 odorants ranged from 6.87±2.74% for menthol to 27.62±18.98% for cantaloupe. There was significant correlation between age and the MIC only for coffee (P=0.02, r=-0.300). There was a significant difference in MIC between men and women only for hazelnut (P=0.03). Conclusion: We present the MICs of 24 culturally-familiar odorants in a sample of the Persian population in a SIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Questionnaire for Olfactory Dysfunction (QOD) is a self-reporting olfactory-related quality of life questionnaire. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Persian version of this questionnaire. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirteen patients with olfactory problems were enrolled in this study. The English version of the QOD was first translated into Persian. The reliability was then tested by determining the Cronbach alpha coefficient to assess internal consistency. The QOD was reviewed by a panel of experts, followed by calculating the content validity index to determine the content validity. Results: Based on the reliability analysis, the total Cronbach alpha was 0.88. The items in the "life quality" and "parosmia" domains had a good internal consistency in total, as well as in both genders and in different age subgroups. For the "sincerity" domain, however, low internal consistency was revealed (Cronbach alpha = 0.25). When questions related to the sincerity domain were omitted, the Cronbach alpha reached 0.89. The overall scale validity index for clarity and relevance were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian version of the QOD seems to be a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of quality of life in patients with olfactory dysfunction. The "sincerity" domain cannot be used separately or should be substantially modified in order to be applicable to the Iranian population. However, there is no need to change the whole format of the questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the impact of nasoseptal flap (NSF) elevation on sinonasal quality of life (QOL) in patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach (EETSA), the data of 106 eligible patients were included from February 2011 to December 2014. The scores of Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire were assessed in case (that received reconstruction with NSF) and control groups preoperatively as well as 1, 3, 6, and more than 12 months postoperatively. Nine most related sinonasal questions were evaluated separately (9Q). There were no significant inter-group differences in the mean SNOT-22, 9Q, and sense of taste/smell scores in preoperative and all postoperative assessments. Within each group, a significant improvement of SNOT-22 and 9Q scores were noted after 12 months of surgery compared to preoperative data. In the NSF group, comparison of the pre- and first postoperative evaluation revealed a significant deterioration in 9Q score ( p = 0.007) and 'sense of taste/smell' ( p < 0.001) which both returned to baseline in the 3rd month. Patients who used nasal paper mask for more than 100 'hour-days' showed a better SNOT-22 scores at 1st ( p = 0.04) and 3rd ( p < 0.001) months after surgery. Patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretory adenomas showed significantly higher scores of SNOT-22 in all postoperative assessments compared to the others. Although nasal symptoms deteriorated at first postoperative month (compare to preoperative data) in the NSF group, no negative impacts on the sinonasal QOL was showed comparing to the control group. ACTH-secreting adenomas could be assumed as a risk factor for poorer sinonasal QOL in EETSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nose is used as a corridor in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) for pituitary adenoma. Thus, it may affect the nasal airway patency, function and sinonasal-related quality of life. The aim of this study is to objectively and subjectively evaluate these effects. Methods: In this prospective study, 43 patients with pituitary adenoma who were candidates for EETSA from March 2012 to October 2013 were enrolled. The patients were evaluated preoperatively using acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry (with/without the use of decongestant drops) and asked to complete the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire. The tests were repeated at one and three months postoperatively. The preoperative data were compared with the first and second postoperative ones using paired-sample t-test. Results: Without the use of decongestant drops, the total airway resistance increased significantly (p=0.016), and the nasal airflow decreased significantly (p=0.031) in the first postoperative evaluation. However, in the 3rd postoperative month, the difference was not significant. With the use of decongestant drops, the objective parameters showed no significant changes compared to preoperative data even at the first evaluation. The SNOT- 22 scores also did not differ significantly in 1st and 3rd postoperative months. The first postoperative SNOT-22 showed a strong correlation with the second minimal cross-sectional area on simultaneous evaluation, and with the preoperative total airway resistance. Conclusion: EETSA has a transient adverse effect on the nasal patency that quickly improves, making it a safe approach for the sinonasal system. Rhinomanometry is the most sensitive test for detecting these nasal functional changes objectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is an uncommon polyostotic manifestation of fibrous dysplasia in association with at least one endocrinopathy that is mostly associated with precocious puberty and hyperpigmented skin macules named café-au-lait spots. We present an atypical manifestation of McCune-Albright syndrome in a 19-year-old man with the uncommon association of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and gigantism in the absence of café-au-lait spots and precocious puberty. He presented with a height increase to 202 cm in the previous 3 years, which had become more progressive in the fewmonths prior. Physical examination revealed only a mild facial asymmetry; however, a computed tomography (CT) scan discovered vast areas of voluminous bones with ground-glass density and thickening involving the craniofacial bones and skull base. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found a right stalk shift of the pituitary with a 20 mm pituitary adenoma. We describe the diagnostic and endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for excision of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of population, 4% to 30%, suffers from tinnitus that is defined as perception of sound without apparent acoustic stimulus. We conducted the present study to determine the prevalence of tinnitus in Iranian population; Tehran province. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2009, recruiting 3207 individuals (age range, 7-98) who were residing in Tehran province, Iran. Participants were asked to fill two questionnaires; the validated Persian version of Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) and another one that was specifically designed for this study. Prevalence of tinnitus and its association factors were evaluated. 3207 participants enrolled into our study comprising 1429 (44.7%) male and 1765 (55.3%) female with mean age of 55.01±17.85. Of total of 3207 participants, 146 (4.6%) had tinnitus consisting of 80 male (54.8%) and 66 (45.2%) female participants. It showed a rising trend with increasing age that was especially significant after the sixth decade of life (P=0.001). The analysis showed mean TQ global score of 35.96±25.52 that was significantly different between male and female participants (P=0.051) and had no significant correlation with increasing age (Spearman's r=0.1, P=0.10). The tinnitus intensity was moderate to very severe in 95 (56.1%) of the participants. Its severity level was not significantly different between men and women (P=0.09). Tinnitus intensity had no significant association with increasing age (Spearman's r=0.1, P=0.31). Patients with higher TQ global score had higher tinnitus intensities (P=0.001). The annoyance level was significantly different between men and women (P=0.04) and its impact on the participants daily routine functions were significantly higher in men (P=0.003). Given the results of the study, demonstrating that prevalence of tinnitus in Iranian population (Tehran province) was lower than the other countries and had a direct correlation with increasing age only after the sixth decade. TQ global score had significant correlation with tinnitus intensity, annoyance and impact on the participants' daily routine functions. However, none of the above had correlation with increasing age. Tinnitus TQ global score and intensity were not different between men and women; however annoyance of tinnitus and its impact on participants' daily routine functions were significantly higher in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proposing a strategy for sellar reconstruction in endoscopic transsphenoidal transsellar approach for pituitary adenoma. Methods: 240 patients with pituitary adenoma underwent pure endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Intra-operative CSF leaks were classified as grade 0, no observable leak; grade 1, CSF dripping through an arachnoid membrane defect of less than 1 mm; and grade 2, CSF flowing through an arachnoid defect of more than 1 mm. Sellar reconstruction was performed according to our staging system; in stage I, the defect was covered with oxidized cellulose and sphenoid sinus filled up with Gelfoam. In stage II, a layer of fat was applied on the defect and fascia lata placed epidurally. In stage III, one or two layers of fascia were used with adding surgical glue and/or lumbar drainage. Mucosa of sphenoid sinuses was kept intact as much as possible and approximated at the end of procedure. Result: intra-operative CSF leaks grade 0, 1 and 2 resulted in 133(55.4%), 78 (32.5%) and 29(12.1%) patients, respectively. Stage I of reconstruction was used in 126 patients (52.5%) with no intra-operative CSF leak or sever prolapse of arachnoid membrane. Stage II was performed in 80 patients (33.3%) with either leak grade 1 (73 patients) or grade 0 with severe prolapse of the suprasellar components induced in the sella (2 cases) or in whom extra-pseudocapsular dissection performed (5 cases). Stage III was performed in 34 cases (14.2%) with either CSF leak grade 2 (29 patients) or grade 1 with simultaneous severe destruction or removal of sellar floor laterally, superiorly or inferiorly (5 patients) which made it impossible to place the fascia underlay to the bone. A minimum of 18 months follow-up showed development of 2 CSF leaks (0.8%), one pneumocephalus (0.4%) and 2 meningitis (0.8%) cases. Conclusion: Given the low postoperative CSF leak rate, we demonstrated that our adopted sellar reconstruction strategy focusing mostly on the adopted intra-operative CSF leak grading system is safe and useful for overcoming devastating complications like postoperative CSF leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: New cochlear implant (CI) designs and developments in implantation techniques have revolutionized the management of hearing loss. However, cochlear implantation still has some disadvantages, such as its potential to initiate an inflammatory response that may lead to further hair cell damage. Recent topics of investigation have been the effect of glucocorticoids on inflammatory tissue response reduction, glucocorticoid dosage levels, and drug-delivery methods. In the present study, dexamethasone delivery via a drug-eluting CI was evaluated histologically through assessing inflammatory cell infiltration. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty healthy, adult male guinea pigs were included and randomly assigned to one of three surgical groups that underwent cochleostomy of the basal turn. The experimental group (Group 1) of 12 animals were implanted with a dexamethasone-loaded silicone elastomer shaped like a CI electrode. The primary control group (Group 2) of 12 animals were implanted with a simple CI (non-eluting). A second control group (Group 3) of six animals underwent cochleostomy only. Inflammatory responses were compared between groups by evaluating inflammatory cell infiltration in inner-ear specimens at days 3 and 13. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney test revealed reduction in most of the inflammatory indices in Group 1 compared with Group 2. This was significant for fibrocyte, macrophage, and giant cell infiltration at day 3 as well as lymphocyte, macrophage infiltration, and capillary formation at day 13. CONCLUSION: This study showed some attenuation in inflammatory response following insertion of a dexamethasone-eluting CI, suggesting that it could be a route for local drug delivery into the cochlea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: New cochlear implant (CI) designs and developments in implantation techniques have revolutionized the management of hearing loss. However, cochlear implantation still has some disadvantages, such as its potential to initiate an inflammatory response that may lead to further hair cell damage. Recent topics of investigation have been the effect of glucocorticoids on inflammatory tissue response reduction, glucocorticoid dosage levels, and drug-delivery methods. In the present study, dexamethasone delivery via a drug-eluting CI was evaluated histologically through assessing inflammatory cell infiltration. Methods and materials: Thirty healthy, adult male guinea pigs were included and randomly assigned to one of three surgical groups that underwent cochleostomy of the basal turn. The experimental group (Group 1) of 12 animals were implanted with a dexamethasone-loaded silicone elastomer shaped like a CI electrode. The primary control group (Group 2) of 12 animals were implanted with a simple CI (non-eluting). A second control group (Group 3) of six animals underwent cochleostomy only. Inflammatory responses were compared between groups by evaluating inflammatory cell infiltration in inner-ear specimens at days 3 and 13. Results: The Mann-Whitney test revealed reduction in most of the inflammatory indices in Group 1 compared with Group 2. This was significant for fibrocyte, macrophage, and giant cell infiltration at day 3 as well as lymphocyte, macrophage infiltration, and capillary formation at day 13. Conclusion: This study showed some attenuation in inflammatory response following insertion of a dexamethasone-eluting CI, suggesting that it could be a route for local drug delivery into the cochlea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00431-2, published online 22 October 2021 In the original version of this Article, Maryam Jalessi was omitted as a corresponding author. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00431-2. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Vitamin D has been suggested to play a considerable role in the function of the immune system in various infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions. Otitis media with effusion (OME), defined as the presence of non-purulent fluid within the middle ear without signs or symptoms of suppurative otitis media, has a number of inflammatory predisposing factors. This study was designed to explore the association between vitamin D deficiency and OME. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 74 children aged 2-7 years with an obstructive indication for adenotonsillectomy were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the need for ventilation tube insertion for OME. Thirty-two children were enrolled in the OME group and 42 in the control group. The mean vitamin D level was compared between the two groups. Results: Mean vitamin D concentration in all patients was 11.96±5.85 ng/ml (9.79±4.36 ng/ml in the OME group and 13.61±6.33 ng/ml in the control group; P=0.003). There was also a significant difference in levels of vitamin D in patients referred in winter (9.0±2.94 ng/ml) compared with the summer (19.85±4.21 ng/ml; P=0.001). Data analyzed based on the season in which the patients were referred showed no significant difference between the OME and the control group. Conclusion: Although our results showed lower serum levels of vitamin D in OME patients, the difference was not significant when seasons were taken into consideration. Therefore, the season is an important confounding factor in any research related to vitamin D due to the effect of sun-induced vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have established the possible role of microbiota in developing various diseases. In this regard, attention has shifted to the evaluation of microbiota changes in the paranasal sinuses and its relationship to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), especially CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). This study aimed to examine the bacterial communities of the sphenoidal sinus in Iranian patients with and without CRS. The investigation included 36 subjects, including 18 patients with CRSwNP who underwent Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and 18 non-CRS patients who underwent Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) for pituitary adenoma. The surgeries were performed under general anesthesia, and the sphenoidal sinus was sampled using sterile rayon-tipped swabs coated with a sheet. TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method (the 16S rDNA gene from bacteria) was used for detection of bacterial communities in different samples. Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were significantly more prevalent in CRS patients than non-CRS patients (P value ≤ 0.05). However, no significant difference in the frequency of Corynebacterium spp. and Staphylococcus aureus was observed between the two groups, and no Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza species were isolated from any of the samples. The current study’s findings indicated a significant difference in the frequency of certain bacterial species in patients with CRS vs. non-CRS patients. By establishing a link between microbial burden and CRS, it is possible to develop effective treatments or even prevent disorders in this body area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a sense of sound perception in absence of an external source which can affect life quality. Different conditions may lead to tinnitus including metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Iranian patients with idiopathic tinnitus. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which prevalence of dyslipidemia in fasting state and its subclasses were assessed in 1043 tinnitus patients aged 12-90 years who referred to Rasool Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2006-2009. Data was summarized by SPSS software version 17 and one sample t-test and Chi-Square test were applied to analyze the results. P less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The most prevalent type of dyslipidemia was hypercholesterolemia with the frequency of 14.4% followed by low HDL-C with the frequency of 12.8%. Mean of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride levels in all patients were not greater than general population. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, there might be no need to check the serum lipid profile in tinnitus patients. We recommend further studies to assess both fasting and postprandial serum lipid profile in patients with idiopathic tinnitus. Simultaneous investigation of their dietary intake is also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a sense of sound perception in absence of an external source which can affect life quality. Different conditions may lead to tinnitus including metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Iranian patients with idiopathic tinnitus. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which prevalence of dyslipidemia in fasting state and its subclasses were assessed in 1043 tinnitus patients aged 12-90 years who referred to Rasool Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2006-2009. Data was summarized by SPSS software version 17 and one sample t-test and Chi-Square test were applied to analyze the results. P less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The most prevalent type of dyslipidemia was hypercholesterolemia with the frequency of 14.4% followed by low HDL-C with the frequency of 12.8%. Mean of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride levels in all patients were not greater than general population. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, there might be no need to check the serum lipid profile in tinnitus patients. We recommend further studies to assess both fasting and postprandial serum lipid profile in patients with idiopathic tinnitus. Simultaneous investigation of their dietary intake is also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction (PTOD) is associated with a significant decrease in quality of life. The present study aimed to explore whether PTOD is associated with depression and changes in sexuality. There were two groups in this case–control study. The patient group consisted of patients with PTOD (n = 55), and the control group comprised healthy individuals without the olfactory disorder (n = 115). Olfactory function, depression, partnership, and sexual satisfaction were assessed using the Iranian version of the Sniffin' Sticks test (Ir-SST), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Enrich Couple Scale (ECS) and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSSW). The BDI scores were higher in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The SSSW score was lower in the patient group than in controls (p < 0.01), although the ECS score was not significantly different between patients and controls. Also, there was no significant difference in the severity of trauma between marital satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. However, the analysis showed a statistically significant difference in depression scores in connection with the head trauma severity. In the PTOD group, depression was increased and sexual satisfaction declined. Understanding the association of olfactory dysfunction with depression and sexuality allows patients and doctors to deal with less notable consequences of this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most effective approaches for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis is the use of hydrogel scaffolds with the sustained release of a given required drug. With this in mind, first, we synthesized and characterized poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) micro and nano particles loaded with dexamethasone (DEX). We observed a 7-day release of DEX from nanoparticles, while the microparticles showed a 22-day release profile. Due to their slower rate of release, the PLGA microparticles loaded with DEX (PLGADEX microparticles) were specifically chosen for this study. As a second step, chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) based hydrogels were prepared in various weight ratios and the PLGADEX microparticles were optimized in their structure based on variable gelation times. The morphological studies showed PLGADEX microparticles homogenously dispersed in the hydrogels. Moreover, the effect of weight ratio in the presence and absence of optimum percentage of PLGADEX microparticles was studied. The resultant hydrogels demonstrated a range of advantages, including good mechanical strength, porous morphology, amorphous structure, high swelling ratio, controlled biodegradability rate, and antibacterial activity. Additionally, a cytotoxicity analysis confirmed that the hydrogel scaffolds do not have adverse effects on the cells; our release studies in the hydrogel with the highest PVP content also showed 80% release after 30 days. Based on these results we were able to predict and control some of the mechanical properties, including the microstructure of the scaffolds, as well as the drug release, by optimizing the polymers - microparticle concentration, plus their resulting interactions. This optimized hydrogel can become part of a suitable alternative for treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. • Fabrication of chitosan/PVP hydrogel scaffolds loaded with PLGADEX microparticles • Hydrogels showed porous morphology, high swelling ratio and antibacterial activity. • With increase in PVP content the hydrogels form denser and compact structure • Hydrogels can sustainably release dexamethasone in 30 days without adverse effects. • The optimized hydrogel can be a suitable alternative for wound healing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are increasing serious menaces to human health in the recent years. Despite exhibiting different clinical phenotypes and selective neuronal loss, there are certain common features in these disorders, suggesting the presence of commonly dysregulated pathways. Identifying causal genes and dysregulated pathways can be helpful in providing effective treatment in these diseases. Interestingly, in spite of the considerable researches on NDDs, to the best of our knowledge, no dysregulated genes and/or pathways were reported in common across all the major NDDs so far. In this study, for the first time, we have applied the three-way interaction model, as an approach to unravel sophisticated gene interactions, to trace switch genes and significant pathways that are involved in six major NDDs. Subsequently, a gene regulatory network was constructed to investigate the regulatory communication of statistically significant triplets. Finally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was applied to find possible common pathways. Because of the central role of neuroinflammation and immune system responses in both pathogenic and protective mechanisms in the NDDs, we focused on immune genes in this study. Our results suggest that "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" pathway is enriched in all of the studied NDDs, while "osteoclast differentiation" and "natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity" pathways are enriched in five of the NDDs each. The results of this study indicate that three pathways that include "osteoclast differentiation", "natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity" and "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" are common in five, five and six NDDs, respectively. Additionally, our analysis showed that Rps27a as a switch gene, together with the gene pair {Il-18, Cx3cl1} form a statistically significant and biologically relevant triplet in the major NDDs. More specifically, we suggested that Cx3cl1 might act as a potential upstream regulator of Il-18 in microglia activation, and in turn, might be controlled with Rps27a in triggering NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SCORE, OST and ORAI risk assessment tools could reduce the cost burden of BMD tests by selecting the high risk patients to osteoporosis. In this study we compared the ability of these risk assessment measures to assess probability of the osteoporosis among post-menopausal women. Methods: 211 post-menopausal women aged 45-88 years enrolled into the study. All of the patients underwent BMD test and divided into two groups according to T-Score level. 43 patients (20.4%) had T-Score =-2.5 (osteoporotic) (group-1) and 168 (70.6%) patients had T-Score of > -2.5 (non-osteoporotic). Among 168 non- osteoporotic cases, 88 had -2.5=T-Score=-2 in at least one bony area. These 88 cases in addition to the 43 cases with -2.5=T-Score considered as high risk group to osteoporosis (group 2). Afterward, SCORE, OST and ORAI risk scores were calculated and sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, accuracy index and area under the curve of each tool were determined in both groups and then compared with each other. Results: SCORE had the highest sensitivity compared with others in both groups (95% and 88.2% respectively). Moreover, it had the highest diagnostic odds ratio and negative predictive value between the three methods. OST had the highest likelihood ratio and specificity in both groups (71.4% and 75.4%). There was significant difference between the sensitivity and specificity of the tests (p= 0.004 and 0.027). Conclusion: OST with the highest specificity and positive LR had a special role in determining the osteoporotic patients and SCORE with the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value had an exceptional role in exclusion of the non- osteoporotic individuals. However, considering the area under the curve, there was no significant difference among these three methods in determining osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soft tissue profile can be widely different in various populations. Furthermore, this profile can be also continues to change throughout life. However, there are few studies that quantitatively evaluate the soft tissue profile in Iranian population. In order to determine normal reference values of facial parts in our populations, we aimed to measure standards for facial soft tissue parameters in Iranian young population. Methods: The study samples included 155 medical students at the Firouzgar hospital in winter 2011. The soft tissue facial profiles were digitally analyzed using linear measurements and angles made with standardized photographic records, taken in a natural head position, to determine the average soft tissue facial profile for males and females. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in 21 of our 26 measurements. The most prominent differences between the genders were observed in the measurements taken from the face region. Minimum frontal breadth and supraorbital breadth were larger in males than in females. Except for middle face height measurement, other horizontal and vertical measurements for the face were larger in males than in females, indicating wider and higher faces in men than in women. Some measurements of facial angles are discrepant between the two genders. Conclusion: Due to the specific features of Iranian facial soft tissue values and also observable differences in facial measurements and angles between men and women, the Iranian standard values on facial measurements and angles should be given more attention, especially by plastic and cosmetic surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Tinnitus in one of the most common complaints of patients with acoustic neurinoma, which could lead to early diagnosis. Because postoperative tinnitus can have a profound effect on patients' quality of life, candidates for surgery should be thoroughly informed about the possible effect of the operation on their tinnitus status. Questionnaires were the only source of information for tinnitus evaluation in previous studies, most of which were retrospective. MATERIALS and METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral tinnitus and hearing loss and definite diagnosis of acoustic neurinoma were operated via translabyrithine tumour resection. One week before and 3 months after complete translabyrinthine removal of tumour, tinnitus evaluation test was performed and pitch match of tinnitus and loudness match of tinnitus were measured. Then patients were asked to complete two Persian validated questionnaires,Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-Persian and Tinnitus Questionnaire-Persian. RESULTS: Psychoacoustic and psychometric aspects were improved in three patients, did not change in one patient, and worsened in one patient. In three patients, tinnitus disappeared and in four patients without preoperative tinnitus, it did not occur. CONCLUSION: Partial improvement in postoperative tinnitus was seen but prediction about tinnitus after surgery is not possible yet. Nonetheless, postoperative tinnitus is not bothersome and does not affect patients'lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder affecting quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of Quality of Life (QOL) in patients with OSA by means of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. This study was conducted on adult patients with sleep problems referred to Noor Sleep Lab for an overnight sleep study. Subjects were assessed for QOL using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was also employed to assess excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Baseline characteristics, ESS, and measured QOL are reported and their correlations with QOL were examined. Out of 502 patients included in the study, 62.7 % had moderate to severe OSA. The mean score of QOL in physical domain was significantly lower compared with normative population data. While AHI did not show any correlation with quality of life, mean O was weakly correlated with physical domain. Among the baseline characteristics, BMI and ESS were negatively correlated with physical and mental domains. Findings of this study show the impairment in quality of life related to physical functioning in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Our study further supports the lack of association between AHI and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatid disease is prevalent in most sheep-raising countries in Asia, Australia, and eastern and southern Europe. Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus is often manifested by a slow-growing cyst mass. Hydatid cysts may be found in almost every part of the body; however the lungs and liver are the most involved locations. Due to the vital cycle of the parasite, the thyroid gland is an uncommon site of infection even in the countries where the disease is endemic. Hydatic origin is suspected in only 50% of patients preoperatively and immunologic testing has a 33% false positive rate; therefore, hydatid cyst is more commonly considered intra-operatively and confirmed by a frozen section histology. This study reports a case of primary hydatid disease of the thyroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]