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Masoumeh Falah,1 Mohammad Farhadi,1 Seyed Kamran Kamrava,1 Saeid Mahmoudian,1 Ahmad Daneshi,1 Maryam Balali,1 Alimohamad Asghari,2 Massoud Houshmand1,3 1ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Skull Base Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran Background: The prominent role of mitochondria in the generation of reactive oxygen species, cell death, and energy production contributes to the importance of this organelle in the intracellular mechanism underlying the progression of the common sensory disorder of the elderly, presbycusis. Reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene expression and coding region variation have frequently been reported as being associated with the development of presbycusis. The mtDNA control region regulates gene expression and replication of the genome of this organelle. To comprehensively understand of the role of mitochondria in the progression of presbycusis, we compared variations in the mtDNA control region between subjects with presbycusis and controls.Methods: A total of 58 presbycusis patients and 220 control subjects were enrolled in the study after examination by the otolaryngologist and audiology tests. Variations in the mtDNA control region were investigated by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing.Results: A total of 113 sequence variants were observed in mtDNA, and variants were detected in 100% of patients, with 84% located in hypervariable regions. The frequencies of the variants, 16,223 C>T, 16,311 T>C, 16,249 T>C, and 15,954 A>C, were significantly different between presbycusis and control subjects.Conclusion: The statistically significant difference in the frequencies of four nucleotide variants in the mtDNA control region of presbycusis patients and controls is in agreement with previous experimental evidence and supports the role of mitochondria in the intracellular mechanism underlying presbycusis development. Moreover, these variants have potential as diagnostic markers for individuals at a high risk of developing presbycusis. The data also suggest the possible presence of changes in the mtDNA control region in presbycusis, which could alter regulatory factor binding sites and influence mtDNA gene expression and copy number. Keywords: age-related hearing impairment, presbycusis, mtDNA control region, audiology

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of parturition and different stages of milk production on Cardiac Troponin I activity (CTnI) and other cardiac markers. A total of 42 healthy dairy cattle with an average body weight of 520±17 kg and an average parity of 2.4±0.7 were randomly selected from a commercial dairy farm. Through a clinical examination and ECG recording conducted by a veterinarian, blood samples were collected from all cattle"s coccygeal vein one month before parturition (dry period), one week after parturition (early lactation), and 10 weeks after parturition (peak of the lactation). Dairy cows in the experimental group were observed closely before and during parturition and in the postpartum period. Biochemical parameters, including Cardiac Troponin I activity (CTnI), Creatine kinase (CK), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed at three-time intervals. Regarding time intervals, there were no significant differences among the cattle in terms of CTnI, CK, LDH, AST, parturition, and different stages of milk production. It was found that the effect of late-stage gestation and different lactation periods on cardiac biomarkers in dairy cows was not significant.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS), comprising obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, increases the risk of type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of specific clusters of the MetS components and tobacco consumption among older adults in Iran. The current study was conducted in the second stage of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program in southern Iran—a population-based cohort including 2424 subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify MetS and tobacco consumption patterns. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with each MetS class, including sociodemographic and behavioral variables. Out of 2424 individuals, the overall percentage of people with one or more components of MetS or current tobacco use was 57.8% and 20.8%, respectively. The mean (SD) age of all participants was 69.3(6.4) years. LCA ascertained the presence of four latent classes: class 1 (“low risk”; with a prevalence of 35.3%), class 2 (“MetS with medication-controlled diabetes”; 11.1%), class 3 (“high risk of MetS and associated medication use”; 27.1%), and class 4 (“central obesity and treated hypertension”; 26.4%). Compared to participants with a body mass index (BMI)

Abstract Background Fracture of the femur is one of the most common fractures that, if not stabilized and treated properly, may lead to severe disability, impairment of the individual’s efficiency, and numerous complications. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment results of femoral shaft fracture with two methods intramedullary nail (IMN) and Plate. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with femoral bone fractures were admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2020 and were treated for at least one year after discharge. They were divided into two treatment groups - Plate fracture fixation (n = 30) and IMN fracture fixation (n = 30). Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist including patient demographics and treatment outcomes. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-v 26 statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of p

Abstract Background Various treatment approaches for individuals with ankle sprains can reduce treatment costs and enhance recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of spring ankle braces with splints and casts in treating ankle sprains. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study involved 60 patients diagnosed with ankle sprains at the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2022. Following diagnosis confirmation through additional examinations and imaging, patients with ankle sprains not requiring surgery were selected and placed in two groups: one treated with spring ankle braces and the other with splints or casts. Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment regimen, comprising 30 individuals each. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results The average age of patients was 32.5 ± 13.4 years. Of the ankle sprain patients, 56.7% were male. Patients reported the highest satisfaction levels with the plaster cast treatment method. A statistically significant relationship was found between patient satisfaction and the treatment methods of spring ankle braces and plaster casting (P

Abstract Background Complementary medicine is an interesting field for extracting bioactive compounds from various plant and animal sources. The hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of a species of sea cucumber called Holothuria leucospilota in an animal model of liver cancer caused by dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN) was studied. Methods Wistar female rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12): control (intact), positive control (received 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally] for 12 weeks), and three treatment groups (received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day H. leucospilota extract orally for 12 weeks along with intraperitoneal administration of 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week]). In all groups, ultrasound was performed on the liver every week to check its density. Blood sampling and liver isolation were performed on three occasions, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, to check liver enzymes and the histopathological condition of the liver tissue (every week, four animals from each group were randomly selected). Results Liver density changes were evident from the eighth week onward in the positive control group. Histopathological results indicated pathologic changes in the positive control group after 4 weeks. The increase in liver enzymes in the positive control group was significantly different from that in the treatment and control groups. Conclusions We demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of H. leucospilota on DMN‐induced liver damage in rats using biochemical and histological parameters and ultrasonography. More additional research (in silico or in vitro) is needed to find the exact mechanism and the main biological compound in H. leucospilota.

Background: Major β-Thalassemia is the most prevalent singlegene disorder in Iran. Over 2 million beta-thalassemia carriersand more than 25,000 patients have been identified nationwide. This study aimed to evaluate the Major β-Thalassemia (MBT) screening surveillance system in the Jiroft district, southeast Iran.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using the census method and was based on the information recorded in the files of all major thalassemia births (born between 2011 and 2021) in the health centers of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences. A formula was used to calculate the program’s incidence, expected incidence, and success rate. Stata version 14 and Excel software were utilized to analyze the data, and the qualitative data are presented as numerical values and percentages.Results: During the study periods, 91 patients with betathalassemia Major were born in the population covered by Jiroft University of Medical Sciences. By performing prenatal diagnosis tests in the first weeks of pregnancy and obtaining parental consent for legal abortion, the birth of 422 sick children was prevented. The 11-year incidence of beta-thalassemia major was 5.32 per 10,000, and the expected incidence (if no prevention program was implemented) was 30 per 10,000 live births. The mean success rate of the Major β-Thalassemia surveillance system during the study period was 82.26%, which reached 95.45% in 2021.Conclusion: The i mplementation of efficient, e ffective h ealth policies influenced by the native culture of the region has resulted in the thalassemia prevention program in Jiroft City being completely effective. The implementation success rate of this program has exceeded 95%. Modeling and adapting these preventive policies can assist in implementing thalassemia prevention programs in other parts of the country and developing countries.

IntroductionMaternal nutrition during pregnancy critically influences offspring development and immune function. One-carbon metabolites (OCM) are epigenetic modifiers that may modulate antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression, which is vital for innate immunity. This study investigated the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and OCM supplementation on mRNA expression of AMP in fetal and maternal lung, mammary gland, and small intestine of beef cattle.MethodsTwenty-nine crossbred Angus beef heifers were synchronized for estrus and artificially inseminated. They were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design: nutritional plane [control (CON) vs. restricted (RES)] and OCM supplementation [without OCM (−OCM) or with OCM (+OCM)]. Heifers on the CON diet were fed to gain 0.45 kg/day, while RES heifers were fed to lose 0.23 kg/day. Treatments were applied from day 0 to 63 of gestation, after which all heifers were fed a common diet to gain 0.45 kg/day until day 161 of gestation, when samples were collected. Quantitative RT-qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression of AMP.ResultsNutritional plane had no effect (p ≥ 0.24) on mRNA expression of AMP in either the fetus or dams. However, the mRNA expression of cathelicidin5 (CATHL5; p = 0.07) and bovine neutrophil β-defensin5 (BNBD5; p = 0.07) in the fetal lung and mammary gland, respectively, was lower in the +OCM groups compared to the −OCM groups. In the maternal small intestine, the expression of enteric β-defensin (EBD) was lower (p = 0.01) in the +OCM groups compared to the −OCM groups. Additionally, in the maternal lung, there was a tendency (p = 0.06) for an interaction in CATHL5 mRNA expression, with the RES + OCM group showing greater expression compared to the CON + OCM (p = 0.07) and RES − OCM (p = 0.08) groups.DiscussionOur findings suggest that while restricted maternal nutrition did not affect mRNA expression of AMP, OCM supplementation modulated AMP expression in both fetal and maternal tissues. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying OCM’s impact on AMP expression.

Abstract Background and Aim Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in causing digestive diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate Helicobacter pylori in COVID‐19 patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods In this case–control study, all patients with COVID‐19 admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft city in 2021 were convenience sampled and divided into two homogeneous groups. Ninety‐five patients with COVID‐19, who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, were included in the case group, while 95 patients with COVID‐19 without gastrointestinal symptoms were included in the control group. Noninvasive diagnostic methods, including serology and stool antigen tests, were used to identify Helicobacter pylori in the studied patients. Results Fifty‐three people (55.8%) from the case group had Helicobacter pylori, and 48 (50.5%) from the control group had Helicobacter pylori. Among the 53 people from the case group, 27 (50.9%) were men and 26 (49.1%) were women. Nineteen people (35.8%) were taking pantoprazole, 10 people (18.8%) were taking nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, 20 people (37.7%) were taking narcotics, and 7 people (13.2%) had peptic ulcer. Seven people (13.2%) had an H2 blocker, and 21 people had an underlying disease. A significant relationship between infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of pantoprazole, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, narcotics, peptic ulcer, underlying disease, and H2 blocker in COVID‐19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and without gastrointestinal symptoms was present (P‐value

BackgroundImplant-based breast reconstruction (IBR), following mastectomy, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL), necessitating accurate measurement through psychometrically robust patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) tools. This bibliometric analysis aims to discern trends, identify gaps, and evaluate the use of such tools in the IBR literature.MethodsThe 100 most cited publications regarding QoL in implant-based reconstruction were identified on Web of Science, across all available journal years (from 1977 to 2024) on 10 March 2024. Study details, including the citation count, main content focus, outcome measures, and usage of psychological questionnaires, were extracted and tabulated from each publication. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels of evidence (LOE) of each study were assessed.ResultsThe 100 most cited publications on QoL in implant-based reconstruction were identified, encompassing 64,192 patients and 28,114 reconstructed breasts. Citations per publication ranged from 62 to 457 (mean, 124.95 ± 73.05), with the highest-cited study being authored by Al-Ghazal (n = 457). The vast majority of publications were LOE II (n = 52), representative of prospective cohort studies, systematic reviews of non-randomised studies, and systematic review and meta-analysis. The number of publications for LOE V, IV, III, and I was 0, 7, 41, and 0, respectively. The main content focus was “quality of life” in 83 publications, with significant utilisation of the BREAST-Q questionnaire. A total of 80 publications used validated questionnaires with psychometric development.ConclusionsThis analysis demonstrates that the research methodologies within IBR mostly consist of moderate-quality publications; however, notably, there was a lack of LOE I studies, underscoring a gap in high-quality research within the field. Moreover, only 62/100 used validated PROM tools. Future IBR research studies should be focussed on most robust methodologies, incorporating validated PROM tools, to optimise shared-decision making and informed consent.

Abstract BackgroundGluteoplasty or gluteal augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that is used to improve the volume, shape, and contour of the buttocks. ObjectivesThis bibliometric analysis aims to characterize emerging research trends and to assess the methodological quality of the highest impact gluteoplasty research. MethodsThe 100 most-cited publications in gluteoplasty were identified on Web of Science, across all available journal years (from Inception to August 2023). Study details, including the citation count, main content focus, and outcome measures, were extracted and tabulated from each publication. Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine level of evidence (LOE) of each study was assessed. ResultsThe 100 most-cited publications regarding gluteoplasty were cited by a total of 2375 publications. Citations per publication ranged from 5 to 176 (mean 23.75 ± 25.86), with the highest-cited study being authored by Simonacci, discussing autologous fat grafting (nnnn ConclusionsThis analysis demonstrates a need for improvement in research methodologies regarding gluteoplasty research. This advancement would be facilitated by robust, high-quality research through randomized control trials and multicenter studies, as well as the further development of validated PROMs for gluteoplasty. Level of Evidence: 2

Abstract Background During transportation many horses develop post‐transportation infection, which can be life‐threatening and end their sport career. Preventing mucus accumulation and inflammation during transportation is vital, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to enhance overall horse health welfare. Objectives Assess the impact of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on mucus accumulation and inflammation in horses subjected to 18 hours of head confinement. Animals Six healthy crossbred horses, 5.3 ± 2.1 years of age and weighing 387 ± 30 kg. Methods Prospective placebo‐controlled cross‐over design study. The horses' heads were restrained in their stalls for a period of 18 hours. They were studied under 4 conditions: Not confined (NC): before head confinement, placebo (P), and confined head (CH): 18 hours of head confinement without treatment, and N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC): 18 hours of head confinement treated with NAC before confinement (15 mg/kg/day NAC PO for 3 days). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in each condition. Mucus accumulation along the trachea was evaluated by endoscopy. Results Endoscopic scores were significantly different between CH and other conditions, whereas no significant differences were found among NC, P, and NAC. The BAL cell count (34 291 ± 2624 cells/μL), neutrophil and lymphocyte count (18 601 ± 3193 cells/μL and 3337.4 ± 593 cells/μL, respectively) in CH were significantly higher compared to NAC. Neutrophil percentage was significantly higher in CH (53.8 ± 8%) compared to horses that received NAC (20.08 ± 8%). Conversely, in comparison to NAC (66.33 ± 9%), the percentage of macrophages was significantly lower in CH (35.7 ± 10%). Conclusions N‐acetylcysteine was found to significantly decrease mucus accumulation and inflammatory cell counts in horses with head confinement.

Context: Dengue fever has been reported in 129 countries worldwide, including 100 countries in the Mediterranean region, South America, and Southeast Asia. It results in approximately 40,000 deaths each year, and there have been significant outbreaks of dengue fever in these areas in recent years. Approximately 50% of the global population is presently susceptible to acquiring the dengue virus, which is classified as an emerging and re-emerging ailment that is likely to impact several nations in the foreseeable future. Evidence Acquisition: Despite the significant harm inflicted upon human health and the economic conditions of countries in recent years, dengue continues to be classified as a neglected disease, without the requisite attention and concerted efforts by countries to effectively manage it. Any actions taken in this domain are inherently constrained. Consequently, due to the significance of dengue fever, this study aims to comprehensively examine this matter. Results: The disease used to be effectively managed in regions like the countries of the American continent and Singapore, but it has made a resurgence. Between 2008 and 2010, the number of cases in the regions of America, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific rose from 0.2 million to 2.2 million. These reports exclusively consist of officially documented sick cases. Multiple outbreaks have been documented in Asia, encompassing countries such as China, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Malaysia, as well as in South America, including Brazil and Mexico. Dengue fever cases have been documented in several Middle Eastern nations, including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and southern Iran. Local transmission of the disease has begun in Europe, with France and Croatia reporting cases of local transmission. Annually, a minimum of 500,000 individuals experience serious illnesses requiring hospitalization. Approximately 2.5% of individuals who contract the condition die from it. Every year, numerous severe cases of dengue fever are documented, resulting in at least 20,000 deaths. Conclusion: Dengue fever is a complex systemic disease. Assessing the complete range of the disease burden of dengue fever will be crucial to properly comprehend the serious medical and economic repercussions it has on patients and the general public.

Background & Objectivs: Today, despite the existence of numerous treatments for tennis elbow, the search for more effective methods continues due to the limited efficacy of these existing approaches. This study aimed to compare the results of tennis elbow treatment in two groups: patients receiving corticosteroid injection and casting, and patients receiving acupuncture and physiotherapy. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study, conducted in Jiroft in 2021, investigated the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for tennis elbow. Fifty patients diagnosed with tennis elbow were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. One group received a combination of corticosteroids and casts, while the other group received acupuncture and physiotherapy. A pain line was used to assess pain levels based on VAS criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 statistical software, employing Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Mann-Whitney, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Results: The majority of patients were female (66%) and housewives (46%). There was a significant difference in pain outcomes between the two groups: physiotherapy alone and physiotherapy combined with corticosteroids and casts. This difference was observed across various conditions (pain at rest, pain during activity, and amount of pain evoked during activity) (p

Abstract BackgroundAesthetic breast surgery (ABS) encompasses breast augmentation, breast reduction, mastopexy, and mastopexy augmentation. This topic has seldom been assessed as a bibliometric study. This analysis aims to address this gap and identify trends in ABS literature to guide future research areas. Bibliometrics, the quantitative analysis of publications, particularly scholarly literature, offers valuable insights into research trends and impact. ObjectivesThis analysis aims to address this gap and identify trends in ABS literature to guide future research areas. MethodsThe 100 most-cited publications in ABS were identified on Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, PA), across all available journal years (from 1953 to 2024). Study details, including the citation count, main content focus, and outcome measures, were extracted and tabulated from each publication. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and levels of evidence (LOE) of each study were assessed. ResultsThe 100 most-cited publications in ABS were cited by a total of 11,522 publications. Citations per publication ranged from 46 to 1211 (mean 115.2 ± 135.7), with the highest-cited study being the Pusic BREAST-Q paper (nnnn ConclusionsThis analysis highlights that research methodologies in ABS studies should be improved. This necessary improvement would be facilitated by vigorous, high-quality research, and the implementation of validated ABS-specific PROMs enhancing patient satisfaction, particularly in aesthetic procedures, such as BREAST-Q. Level of Evidence: 4

Key Clinical Message Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome can cause recurring bilateral facial paralysis. When steroids fail, surgical decompression of facial nerve is recommended, with endoscopic trans‐canal decompression as a safe, minimally invasive, and effective option. Abstract Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro‐mucocutaneous disorder, clinically diagnosed by a triad of orofacial swelling, recurrent facial palsy, and fissured tongue. Due to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of MRS, there is no accepted standard of care. In this study we report a 30‐year‐old female patient, who was referred to the otolaryngology clinic of Rasool Akram Hospital, with classical triad of MRS that was managed by endoscopic trans‐canal facial nerve decompression. Bilateral endoscopic trans‐canal facial nerve decompression was done when we did not find any improvement with systemic steroids. Endoscopic trans‐canal facial nerve decompression could be a safe, reliable minimal invasive treatment of facial paralysis in MRS patients. It needs no external incision or temporal bone drilling which makes this method more convenient for patients with shorter recovery time.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It has been demonstrated that the prognosis of current drug treatments is affected by a variety of factors, including late stage, tumor recurrence, inaccessibility to appropriate treatments, and, most importantly, chemotherapy resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to tumor development, with some acting as tumor suppressors and others as oncogenes. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks)/AKT serine/threonine kinase pathway is one of the most important common targets of ncRNAs in cancer, which is widely applied to modulate the cell cycle and a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, mobility survival, metabolic activity, and protein production. Discovering the biology of ncRNA-PI3K/AKT signaling may lead to advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a result, we investigated the expression and role of PI3K/AKT-related ncRNAs in clinical characteristics of lung cancer, as well as their functions as potential biomarkers in lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Introduction: Clinical education is the most important part of medical education that provides a golden opportunity for medical students to combine their theoretical mix with the clinical environment, and this is important in the countries of the style of the arena of medicine Special attention is paid. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the views and experiences of medical students as facilitators and inhibitors of clinical education quality. Methods: This is qualitative research and a phenomenological approach was used. The study population consisted of medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Target-based sampling was performed on 40 medical students. The method for collecting information was a deep interview with the participants. The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method. Results: Two initial codes were extracted in the form of two main themes (facilitating and inhibiting factors) and 10 sub-themes including providing motivational patterns and creating interest in interns, the high scientific and educational level of attending professors, use of technology, authorizing more responsibility, inappropriate treatment, inappropriate educational planning, inappropriate evaluation method, low-quality mornings, lack of facilities, and overwhelming of some wards were classified. Conclusion: Considering these factors, it is possible to raise the quality of clinical education to the highest possible level and educate responsible and responsible physicians for generations.

Background: Identifying effective factors in death caused by the infection of COVID-19 is one of the most worrisome issues in the globe. This study aims to investigate the frequency of risk factors leading to death in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study done on 150 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2019. Patients were included in the study by census method. The required information was extracted and recorded in the researcher's checklist; which included demographic and social characteristics of patients (age, gender, smoking, and opium consumption), underlying disease,test results (leukopenia, leukocytosis, neutropenia, decrease in albumin, increase in creatinine, ALT, AST, LDH and CRP), and the RT-PCR test.,. The researchers analyzed data using independent sample t-test, and chi-square by SPSS-V22. Results: The mean age of the patients was 72.19 ± 15.97. Most of those who died with COVID-19 were men. There was a statistically significant relationship between the use of drugs and the death of patients with COVID-19(P-value

Abstract Six 100‐day‐old mixed‐breed lambs were examined in a farm with a semi‐intensive system due to neurologic signs. Cachexia, bilateral blindness, stupor, severe drowsiness and lethargy with left and right movements of the head and neck were recorded after awakening and stimulation. Lambs died 10 days after the onset of the clinical signs. The lambs were necropsied, and after routine parasitology, bacteriology and histopathology, the occurrence of acute coenurosis was confirmed due to finding multiple cystic structures in the brain tissue. All lambs of the herd were treated with albendazole (orally, 25 mg/kg, two doses with an interval of 14 days). All shepherd dogs were treated with popantel (orally, one tablet/10 kg, two doses with an interval of 14 days). The affected lambs died despite this treatment. No new case of the disease was observed after the initiation of control measures. The present study shows the importance of preventive measure against coenurosis in a semi‐intensive sheep farming system that includes implementing consistent parasite control programme in dogs being in contact with sheep.

Abstract Background Mutations in ABHD12 (OMIM: 613,599) are associated with polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataract (PHARC) syndrome (OMIM: 612674), which is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease. PHARC syndrome is easily misdiagnosed as other neurologic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and Refsum disease, due to phenotype variability and slow progression. This paper presents a novel mutation in ABHD12 in two affected siblings with PHARC syndrome phenotypes. In addition, we summarize genotype-phenotype information of the previously reported patients with ABHD12 mutation. Methods Following a thorough medical evaluation, whole-exome sequencing was done on the proband to look for potential genetic causes. This was followed by confirmation of identified variant in the proband and segregation analysis in the family by Sanger sequencing. The variants were interpreted based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results A novel pathogenic homozygous frameshift variant, NM_001042472.3:c.601dup, p.(Val201GlyfsTer4), was identified in exon 6 of ABHD12 (ACMG criteria: PVS1 and PM2, PM1, PM4, PP3, and PP4). Through Sanger sequencing, we showed that this variant is co-segregated with the disease in the family. Further medical evaluations confirmed the compatibility of the patients’ phenotype with PHARC syndrome. Conclusions Our findings expand the spectrum of mutations in the ABHD12 and emphasize the significance of multidisciplinary diagnostic collaboration among clinicians and geneticists to solve the differential diagnosis of related disorders. Moreover, a summary based on mutations found so far in the ABHD12 gene did not suggest a clear genotype-phenotype correlation for PHARC syndrome.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women. Identifying and avoiding the preventable risk factors of BC reduces its occurrence effectively. So, this study aimed to assess BC’s risk factors and risk perception status in Babol, Northern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 women aged 18 to 70 in Babol, Northern Iran. According to the eligibility criteria, the selected participants completed the demographic characteristics and researcher-made valid and reliable questionnaires. The statistical software was SPSS20. Results The significant risk factors related to BC were old age (60 years old and more) (30.2%), obesity (25.8%), history of radiation (10%), and familial history of BC (9.5%), respectively (P

BACKGROUND: Animal bites are a major threat to human health. The present study was designed to determine the incidence and epidemiological factors and to investigate the process of referral and treatment of animal bite cases in Kerman city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study. All the cases of animal bites that were referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers under the coverage of Kerman health center during 2019 and 2021 were investigated. The data were collected from the health center of Kerman city in Excel form that was registered in the portal of the Ministry of Health. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used in SPSS24 software to analyze the data. RESULTS: In this study, 5407 people (4076 men and 1331 women) were bitten by animals. The average incidence of animal bites was 313 per hundred thousand people. The mean ± SD age of the injured was 31.38 ± 17.72 years. 73.2% of cases of attacking animals were dogs, and half of those dogs had owners. 58.6% of cases were injured in the hand, and 94.2% referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers in the first 48 h after the bite. No cases of animal-bitten deaths were reported during this period. Between gender (P = 0.006), age (P = 0.013), place of residence (P = 0.003), occupation (P < 0.000), history of previous bites and vaccinations (P = 0.001), and injured limb (P < 0.000) and not going to receive the next round of vaccinations, there was a statistically significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Animal bites are a major health problem in Kerman, and due to creating health problems and economic losses, it is necessary to take serious action to control and prevent this health threat.