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Abstract This study aimed to investigate the validity of self‐reported hypertension and related factors in the Dehgolan Prospective Cohort Study (DehPCS). Data were obtained from 3996 participants aged 35–70 years in the enrolment phase of DehPCS. Self‐reported hypertension and sociodemographic factors were collected by well‐trained interviewers before hypertension diagnosis based on the reference criteria. The history of anti‐hypertensive medication use and/or systolic blood pressure ≥140 (mmHg), or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 (mmHg) were considered as hypertension. Disagreement between self‐reported and reference measures was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and kappa values. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used to investigate the correlates of validity of self‐reported hypertension. The hypertension prevalence based on self‐reports and the reference criteria was 19.49% and 21.60%, respectively. An acceptable percentage of kappa agreement value of 68.7% and relatively good overall agreement of 89.8% were found. Self‐reported hypertension was guaranteed moderate sensitivity of 72.0% and high specificity of 94.5%, as well as the NPV and PPV of 92/7% and 77/9%, respectively. The chances of false‐positive and false‐negative reporting increased with older age, higher BMI, and a family history of hypertension. Being female, older age, higher BMI, concurrent diabetes, and stronger family ties to hypertension patients significantly increased the chance of reporting true positives relative to true negatives. Although, self‐reported hypertension has an acceptable validity and can be used as a valid tool for screening epidemiological studies, it needs to be investigated because its validity is affected by age, gender, family history of hypertension, and other socio‐demographic characteristics.

Abstract Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a burdensome, chronic and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. We aimed to report the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) of MS in Iran at a national level for different age and sex groups over a period of 28 years (1990–2017). Methods Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) from 1990 to 2017, published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The incidence of DALYs and prevalence of MS were estimated to report the burden of MS based on sex and age in Iran from 1990 to 2017. Results At the national level, the Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR), Age-Standardized Prevalence Rate (ASPR), Age-Standardized DALYs Rate (ASDR) and the Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR) in Iran in 2017 were 2.4 (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 2.1 to 2.7), 69.5 (62.1 to 77.8), 29.1 (23.6 to 34.7), and 0.4 (0.3 to 0.4) per 100,000 population, respectively. During the period of 1990 to 2017, all measures increased, and were higher among females. The incidence rate began upward trend at the age of 20 and attained its highest level at the age of 25. Conclusion In Iran, all of the age-standardized MS rates have been increasing during the 28 years from 1990 to 2017. Our findings can help policy makers and health planners to design and communicate their plans and to have a better resource allocation, depending on the incidence and prevalence of the growing numbers of MS patients in Iran.

This article discusses research that investigated the efficacy of piperonyl-butoxide (PBO) with deltamethrin, as a pyrethroid insecticide, against the larvae of five different species of mosquitoe. These species include Aedes aegypti, Anopheles culicifacies, and Culex quinqufasciatus. The investigation stems from the fact that liberal use of pesticides to maintain public health and agricultural integrity in tropical countries has led numerous vector populations to develop resistance to organochlorides, organophosphates and even carbamates. The researchers yielded positive results, finding that PBO is an effective synergist for decreasing the use of pesticides.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is referred to as a person's belief in his/her ability to succeed in a particular situation. Training can be effective to enhance self-efficacy among the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim to determine the effect of training on the self-efficacy rate among the patients with DM. METHODS: The present study is a quasi-experimental study of interventional-control type. The data collection tool was a demographic questionnaire (demographic characteristics, educational needs assessment, and self-efficacy). 60 patients were selected by objective sampling method and were divided into the intervention and control groups (n = 30 in each group). Then, the replication-based study was performed on the subjects. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests in SPSS software. RESULTS: The difference in mean of educational needs assessment in self-efficacy in the pre-test stage was not significant (P = 0.950), however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the post-test stage in terms of the educational needs assessment (P = 0.030). From the viewpoint of self-efficacy level, there was a difference between the two groups in the post-test phase. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 519). CONCLUSION: Considering the dependence of patients with DM on receiving care services, recognition of patient and self-care needs based on nursing theories and care planning will help the patient to adapt and increase self-efficacy.

This case report documents the experience of a 5-year-old girl who showed signs of retinal degeneration as the initial symptom of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs). She originally presented with visual failure, which rapidly progressed to near total bilateral blindness. Two years later, she developed seizures and cognitive impairment, leading to a diagnosis of NCL7 resulting from a homozygote mutation in the MFSD8 gene. This case underscores the importance of considering NCLs as a potential diagnosis in cases of cone-rod dystrophy and visual loss as the primary clinical feature. It also emphasizes the early onset and initial presentation of retinal degeneration associated with NCL7, before other signs and symptoms manifest, as the second documented case of its kind. Due to the potential for NCL7 to present initially with visual loss before other hallmark signs, it is crucial to consider it among various syndromic and non-syndromic disorders in the differential diagnosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

WD repeat domain 83 opposite strand (WDR83OS) encodes the 106-aa (amino acid) protein Asterix, which heterodimerizes with CCDC47 to form the PAT (protein associated with ER translocon) complex. This complex functions as a chaperone for large proteins containing transmembrane domains to ensure proper folding. Until recently, little was known about the role of WDR83OS or CCDC47 in human disease traits. However, biallelic variants in CCDC47 were identified in four unrelated families with trichohepatoneurodevelopmental syndrome, characterized by a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with liver dysfunction. Three affected siblings in an additional family share a homozygous truncating WDR83OS variant and a phenotype of NDD, dysmorphic features, and liver dysfunction. Using family-based rare variant analyses of exome sequencing (ES) data and case matching through GeneMatcher, we describe the clinical phenotypes of 11 additional individuals in eight unrelated families (nine unrelated families, 14 individuals in total) with biallelic putative truncating variants in WDR83OS. Consistent clinical features include NDD (14/14), facial dysmorphism (13/14), intractable itching (9/14), and elevated bile acids (5/6). Whereas bile acids were significantly elevated in 5/6 of individuals tested, bilirubin was normal and liver enzymes were normal to mildly elevated in all 14 individuals. In three of six individuals for whom longitudinal data were available, we observed a progressive reduction in relative head circumference. A zebrafish model lacking Wdr83os function further supports its role in the nervous system, craniofacial development, and lipid absorption. Taken together, our data support a disease-gene association between biallelic loss-of-function of WDR83OS and a neurological disease trait with hypercholanemia., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The Department of Molecular & Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine receives revenue from clinical genetic testing conducted at Baylor Genetics Laboratories. J.R.L. serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Baylor Genetics. J.R.L. has stock ownership in 23andMe, is a paid consultant for Genome International, and is a co-inventor on multiple United States and European patents related to molecular diagnostics for inherited neuropathies, eye diseases, genomic disorders, and bacterial genomic fingerprinting., (Copyright © 2024 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition, but it poses significant diagnostic and management challenges, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This case report discusses the diagnostic complexities and therapeutic strategies for managing gastrointestinal TB in an HIV-positive patient, emphasizing the importance of considering TB in differential diagnoses., Case Presentation: A 33-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with a five-day history of severe abdominal pain, initially epigastric and later localized to the right lower quadrant (RLQ). Physical examination revealed RLQ tenderness, and elevated inflammatory markers were observed in laboratory tests. Imaging studies suggested splenomegaly and signs consistent with acute appendicitis. Laparotomy uncovered a perforated cecal mass and diffuse white lesions across the small intestine. Histopathological analysis confirmed necrotizing granulomatous colitis, and PCR identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). During hospitalization, the patient was diagnosed with HIV., Clinical Discussion: This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of abdominal TB, particularly in HIV-infected patients where clinical presentation can mimic other conditions like Crohn's disease or appendicitis. Effective management requires timely surgical intervention, followed by appropriate anti-tuberculous and antiretroviral therapies. The multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and better patient outcomes., Conclusion: Effective recognition and diagnosis of gastrointestinal TB in HIV-positive patients are critical for successful treatment. This report highlights the necessity for heightened clinical suspicion and a collaborative approach in managing such complex cases, ultimately improving patient prognosis and care., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement All authors confirm that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Serological biomarkers have been rapidly progressing as non-invasive tests for the early detection of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Procalcitonin (PCT) is a novel acute-phase reactant protein that is elevated in the inflammatory process, especially in bacterial infections. This study aimed to review the diagnostic value of PCT in IBD activity. However, there were controversies about the role of PCT in the detecting of IBD disease activity. Studies showed varied diagnostic cut-points (ranging from 0.13 to 1.0 ng/dl) and sensitivity up to 93 %. Although the clear role of PCT as a valuable diagnostic marker was not identified in determining disease activity, PCT measurement in addition to other inflammatory markers can improve the diagnostic value of these markers. Moreover, further studies are required to confirm PCT's value in distinguishing IBD disease activity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: FLVCR1 encodes a solute carrier protein implicated in heme, choline, and ethanolamine transport. Although Flvcr1 -/- mice exhibit skeletal malformations and defective erythropoiesis reminiscent of Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), biallelic FLVCR1 variants in humans have previously only been linked to childhood or adult-onset ataxia, sensory neuropathy, and retinitis pigmentosa., Methods: We identified individuals with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders and biallelic FLVCR1 variants through international data sharing and characterized the functional consequences of their FLVCR1 variants., Results: We ascertained 30 patients from 23 unrelated families with biallelic FLVCR1 variants and characterized a novel FLVCR1-related phenotype: severe developmental disorders with profound developmental delay, microcephaly (z-score -2.5 to -10.5), brain malformations, epilepsy, spasticity, and premature death. Brain malformations ranged from mild brain volume reduction to hydranencephaly. Severely affected patients share traits, including macrocytic anemia and skeletal malformations, with Flvcr1 -/- mice and DBA. FLVCR1 variants significantly reduce choline and ethanolamine transport and/or disrupt mRNA splicing., Conclusion: These data demonstrate a broad FLVCR1-related phenotypic spectrum ranging from severe multiorgan developmental disorders resembling DBA to adult-onset neurodegeneration. Our study expands our understanding of Mendelian choline and ethanolamine disorders and illustrates the importance of anticipating a wide phenotypic spectrum for known disease genes and incorporating model organism data into genome analysis to maximize genetic testing yield., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest James R. Lupski has stock ownership in 23andMe, is a paid consultant for Genome International, and is a coinventor on multiple US and European patents related to molecular diagnostics for inherited neuropathies, eye diseases, genomic disorders, and bacterial genomic fingerprinting. The Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine receives revenue from clinical genetic testing conducted at Baylor Genetics Laboratories. Amber Begtrup and Houda Elloumi are employees of GeneDx, LLC. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this review, we aim to assess previous radiologic studies in COVID-19 and suggest a pulmonary pathogenesis based on radiologic findings. Although radiologic features are not specific and there is heterogeneity in symptoms and radiologic and clinical manifestation, we suggest that the dominant pattern of computed tomography is consistent with limited pneumonia, followed by interstitial pneumonitis and organizing pneumonia., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Amin Saburi et al.)

Statement of the Problem: Porcelain laminate veneer is an esthetic restoration used as an alternative to full veneer crowns and requires minimal tooth preparation. In restoration with porcelain laminate veneers, both the longevity of the laminate and conservation of the sound tooth structure are imperative., Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the shear bond strength of porcelain laminates to prepared- and unprepared- anterior teeth in order to compare their longevity and success rate., Materials and Method: Thirty extracted maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into 3 groups regarding their preparation methods. The preparation methods were full-preparation in group A, full-preparation and finishing with fine diamond bur in group B, and no-preparation, only grinding with diamond bur in group C. After conditioning the teeth, ceramic veneers (IP S e.max) were silanated and then cemented with DuoLink luting cement. The shear bond strength was measured for each group and failure mode was determined by stereomicroscopic examination., Results: Group C exhibited the highest shear bond strength. The shear bond strength was significantly different between groups C and B ( p < 0.05). However, the difference between group A and C was insignificant, as was the difference between group A and B ( p > 0.05). Adhesion failure mode was found to be more common than the cohesive mode., Conclusion: Regarding the shear bond strength of unprepared anterior teeth to porcelain laminate veneers yielded by this study, no-preparation veneers might be used when the enamel is affected by wearing, trauma, or abrasion. It can also be used in patients who refuse the treatments which involve tooth reduction and preparation.

Background/aims: Patient assessment by imaging studies using contrast media is currently replacing open procedures, especially in high-risk patients. However, the use of such contrast media might result in acute events and injuries after the procedure. In the present study, we first determined the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in a sample of Iranian patients who candidated for coronary angiography and/or angioplasty, and then assessed major risk factors predicting the appearance of CIN following these procedures., Methods: Two hundred and fifty consecutive, eligible patients scheduled for coronary angiography and/or angioplasty at the Afshar Hospital in Yazd between January 2009 and August 2010 were considered for enrollment. Renal function was measured at baseline and 48 h after the intervention, and CIN was defined by an increase in creatinine of >0.5 mg/dl or 25% of the initial value. The predictive role of potential risk factors was determined in a multivariate model adjusted for comorbidities, preexisting renal impairment, and angiographic data., Results: CIN following coronary angiography or angioplasty appeared in 12.8% of the cases. A myocardial infarction before the procedure (OR = 2.121, p = 0.036) and a prior history of hypertension (OR = 2.789, p = 0.025) predicted the appearance of acute renal failure following angiography or subsequent angioplasty. A low estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline slightly predicted CIN after these interventions., Conclusion: Transient acute renal dysfunction occurred in 12.8% of the patients within 48 h after angiography or subsequent angioplasty and could be predicted by a myocardial infarction before the procedure or by a prior history of systolic hypertension.

Although it has been difficult to prove the direct involvement of cockroaches (i.e. insects of the order Blattaria) in the transmission of pathogenic agents to humans, such insects often carry microorganisms that are important in nosocomial infections, and their medical importance in the spread of bacteria cannot be ruled out. In houses and institutions with poor standards of hygiene, heavy infestations with cockroaches, such as the peridomestic American cockroach (Periplaneta americana L.) and the domestic German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.), can occur. In the present study, cockroaches (126 B. germanica and 69 P. americana) were collected from four buildings (three public training hospitals and one house) in central Tehran, Iran. Each insect was processed, under sterile conditions, so that the bacteria on its external surfaces and in its alimentary tract and faecal pellets could be isolated and identified. The oldest and largest of the three hospitals sampled (a 1400-bed unit built 80 years ago) appeared to be the one most heavily infested with cockroaches, and cockroaches from this hospital accounted for most (65.4%) of the isolates of medically important bacteria made during the study. No significant difference was found between the percentages of P. americana and B. germanica carrying medically important bacteria (96.8% v. 93.6%; P>0.05). At least 25 different species of medically important bacteria were isolated and identified, and at least 22 were Gramnegative. The genus of enteric bacteria most frequently isolated from both cockroach species, at all four collection sites, was Klebsiella. The cockroaches from each hospital were much more likely to be found contaminated with medically important bacteria than those from the house. The hospital cockroaches were also more likely to be carrying medically important bacteria internally than externally (84.3% v. 64.1%; P<0.05). The implications of these and other recent results, for the control of cockroaches and nosocomial infections, are discussed.