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Aberrant DNA methylation plays essential roles in the colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis and has been demonstrated as a promising marker for cancer early detection. In this project, methylation status of the MORT promoter was studied in CRC and their marginal tissues using qMSP assay. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular function of MORT in CRC progression using computational analysis. The results showed a high methylation level of MORT promoter in CRC tissues. By in silico analysis, we found that MORT downregulation could promote the proliferation of CRC cells via sponging of has-miR-574-5p and has-miR-31-5p , and alteration of their targets expression pattern such as MYOCD and FOXP2 . In conclusion, based on our results, promoter hypermethylation of MORT might be considered as a potential biomarker for CRC detection.

Background: There are different methods for determining the required space for unerupted teeth. However, the accuracy of these techniques varies depending on ethnic differences. Therefore, the current study was performed to compare the accuracy of four methods for estimating the mesiodistal width of unerupted canines and premolars in a population of northern Iran., Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 pairs of dental casts of patients aged 12-24 years old. The mesiodistal width of the teeth was measured with a digital caliper by two observers (ICC < 0.9), and the mean value was recorded. The space required for eruption of canines and premolars was obtained by the Tanaka-Johnson formula and the Moyers tables and compared with the actual value by paired t test., Results: The Tanaka-Johnson formula had overestimation in the maxilla and mandible, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The values obtained from the Moyers tables in different confidence levels were not accurate. However, the 65% level for the mandible had almost no difference from the actual value (P = 0.996 and r 2  = 0.503). Furthermore, linear regression was obtained based on the total mesiodistal width of the maxillary first molar and mandibular central incisor (maxilla: Y x = 0.613X + 2.23 and mandible: Y m = 0.618X + 1.6) and the total mesiodistal width of the mandibular first molar and maxillary central incisor in each jaw (maxilla: Y x = 0.424X + 5.021 and mandible: Y m = 0.447X + 3.631)., Conclusion: The Tanaka-Johnson method was overestimated in the population of northern Iran. The 85% and 75% confidence levels of the Moyers table have the best clinical results for the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Regression based on maxillary first molars and mandibular central incisors has better results., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the blue diode laser (BDL) with different output powers and the photosensitizers riboflavin and curcumin on reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans around orthodontic brackets., Materials and Methods: A total of 36 orthodontic brackets were contaminated with S. mutans and randomly assigned to 12 groups as follows: control, riboflavin alone, riboflavin + BDL with an output power of 200, 300, 400, or 500 mW, and curcumin alone, curcumin + BDL with an output power of 200, 300, 400, or 500 mW, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX-positive control). Orthodontic brackets were irradiated with a BDL (wavelength 445 nm) at a power density of 0.4-1.0 W/cm 2 for 30 s. All orthodontic brackets were examined under a stereomicroscope at 10× magnification. Mean colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL were measured before and after treatment. A one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test was performed to compare CFU/mL between groups., Results: CHX and curcumin plus BDL with an output power of 500 mW had the highest reduction in S. mutans colony numbers ( p < 0.001). The curcumin groups were more effective than the riboflavin groups. Riboflavin alone and riboflavin + BDL with an output power of 200 mW showed no significant difference from the control group ( p = 0.99 and 0.74, respectively)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that aPDT using curcumin as a photosensitizer plus BDL with an output power of 500 mW and a power density of 1.0 W/cm 2 at a wavelength of 445 nm can effectively reduce colonies of S. mutans around stainless steel brackets.

Objectives: This study examined the effects of one-month naringin administration and exercise training on cognitive impairment and H 2 S signaling pathway in an Amyloid β (Aβ)-injected rat., Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control group; rats underwent Aβ microinjection surgery, exercise group; rats underwent Aβ microinjection surgery and trained by treadmill for four weeks, naringin group; rats underwent Aβ microinjection surgery, and rats orally administrated 80 mg.kg -1 naringin for four weeks, naringin+exercise group; rats underwent Aβ microinjection surgery and were trained by treadmill for four weeks, and also, rats orally administrated 80 mg.kg -1 naringin for four weeks. After one month of treatment, spatial learning and memory were measured, and then hippocampi were sampled. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) levels, and neuronal death were detected in the hippocampi of rats., Results: Naringin and exercise improved spatial learning (latency time, P < .001) and memory (P < .001) in the Morris Water Maze test in Aβ-injected rats compared with the control group. SAM (P < .01), CBS (P < .001), and H 2 S (P < .01) levels are increased in the naringin+exercise group compared with the control group., Conclusion: The result of this study supports the effect of exercise and/or naringin to improve cognitive dysfunction and cell death through the production of H 2 S.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, irreversible disease. The etiology of OSF has been linked to several risk factors, including local factors, systemic factors, and immunological disorders. We report a 22-year-young male patient case of Oral submucous fibrosis, referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Treatment for oral submucous fibrosis is based on the disease's clinical involvement and rate of advancement. Even though there are numerous innovative therapeutic techniques for this illness, none of them can cure it. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life of a person. Some of the findings of this study are different from reference texts and other studies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most important known dementia which affects thousands of people every year. Many factors are involved in this process, such as aberrant expression of miRNAs., Methods and Results: Firstly, we analyzed two microarray datasets related to AD (GSE48552, GSE129053) to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs, and two miRNAs were selected for further validation. Dataset analysis showed that the expression of hsa-miR200a-3p and hsa-miR502-3p were up-regulated in AD. These findings were validated in plasma samples by qRT-PCR. ROC curve analysis showed that plasma levels of both miRNAs might discriminate the AD and healthy controls. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that the upregulation of these miRNAs could promote AD progression via affecting the expression of target molecules mainly ATF6 and dynactin., Conclusion: Totally, hsa-miR200a-3p and hsa-miR502-3p are upregulated in AD and their plasma levels can discriminate AD and healthy people, highlighting their potential as blood-based biomarker for AD., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting are common complaints among patients who refer to the emergency department with head trauma. This study aimed to compare the effect of aromatherapy with isopropyl alcohol versus intravenous ondansetron in management of mild head trauma nausea and vomiting., Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with isolated mild head trauma complaining of nausea and vomiting who were referred to emergency department during a 6-month period. Patients were randomly divided into control (IV ondansetron + aromatherapy with saline) and intervention (IV saline + aromatherapy with isopropyl alcohol) groups. The frequency of vomiting and the severity of nausea (from 0 to 100 with the verbal scaling) were written before, and 10 and 30 minutes after intervention and compared between groups., Results: A total of 210 patients (105 patients in each group) with a median age of 38 years were included in the study, 112 (54.3%) of which were male. Ten minutes after aromatherapy, no significant difference was observed in nausea and vomiting between the two groups (p >0.05). Nausea score after 30 minutes (p = 0.015) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, but vomiting after 30 minutes (p <0.001) was higher in the intervention group., Conclusion: Aromatherapy using isopropyl alcohol significantly reduced nausea of patients with mild isolate head trauma after 30 minutes. Regarding vomiting, no favorable result was observed in this study. However, the frequency of vomiting was reduced in both control and intervention groups., Competing Interests: None.

Accumulating evidence has indicated that deregulation of lncRNAs plays essential roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. The goal of this study was to analyze the expression of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer and their association with clinicopathological variables. Bioinformatics analysis of published CRC microarray data was performed to identify the important lncRNAs. The expression levels of candidate genes were assessed in the human colon cancer/normal cell lines, CRC, adenomatous colorectal polyps, and their marginal tissues by qRT-PCR. Moreover, the methylation status of the TRPM2-AS1 promoter was studied using qMSP assay. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of these lncRNAs in CRC progression using in silico analysis. Microarray analysis revealed that lncRNAs SNHG6, MIR4435-2HG, and TRPM2-AS1 were upregulated in CRC. These results were validated in colon cell lines. Moreover, qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of SNHG6 and TRPM2-AS1 were upregulated in the colorectal tumor tissues compared with their paired tissues. Nonetheless, there was no significant increase in MIR4435-2HG expression in CRC samples. Furthermore, we observed a significant hypomethylation of TRPM2-AS1 promoter and its activation in CRC tissues. By in silico analysis, we found that the lncRNAs upregulation could promote proliferation and drug resistance of colorectal cancer cells via miRNAs sponging and modulation of their targets expression. In conclusion, based on our results upregulation of SNHG6 and TRPM2-AS1, and hypomethylation of TRPM2-AS1 promoter might be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRC initiation and development., (© 2021 International Federation for Cell Biology.)

Background: Exhaled propofol concentrations correlate with propofol concentrations in adult human blood and the brain tissue of rats, as well as with electroencephalography (EEG) based indices of anesthetic depth. The pharmacokinetics of propofol are however different in children compared to adults. The value of exhaled propofol measurements in pediatric anesthesia has not yet been investigated. Breathing system filters and breathing circuits can also interfere with the measurements. In this study, we investigated correlations between exhaled propofol (exP) concentrations and the Narkotrend Index (NI) as well as calculated propofol plasma concentrations., Methods: A multi-capillary-column (MCC) combined with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) was used to determine exP. Optimal positioning of breathing system filters (near-patient or patient-distant) and sample line (proximal or distal to filter) were investigated. Measurements were taken during induction (I), maintenance (M) and emergence (E) of children under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Correlations between ExP concentrations and NI and predicted plasma propofol concentrations (using pediatric pharmacokinetic models Kataria and Paedfusor) were assessed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis., Results: Near-patient positioning of breathing system filters led to continuously rising exP values when exP was measured proximal to the filters, and lower concentrations when exP was measured distal to the filters. The breathing system filters were therefore subsequently attached between the breathing system tubes and the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the anesthetic machine. ExP concentrations significantly correlated with NI and propofol concentrations predicted by pharmacokinetic models during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. During emergence, exP significantly correlated with predicted propofol concentrations, but not with NI., Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that exP correlates with calculated propofol concentrations and NI during induction and maintenance in pediatric patients. However, the correlations are highly variable and there are substantial obstacles: Without patient proximal placement of filters, the breathing circuit tubing must be changed after each patient, and furthermore, during ventilation, a considerable additional loss of heat and moisture can occur. Adhesion of propofol to plastic parts (endotracheal tube, breathing circle) may especially be problematic during emergence., Trial Registration: The study was registered in the German registry of clinical studies (DRKS-ID:  DRKS00015795 ).

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major life-threatening malignancy. Studies demonstrated the lncRNA fer-1 like family member 4 (FER1L4) was downregulated in different cancers and its expression was positively correlated with the retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) mRNA in a competing endogenous RNAs network. We investigated expression levels of FER1L4 and RB1 in patients with colorectal cancer. 50 paired colorectal tumors and non-tumor marginal tissues, 30 paired adenomatous colorectal polyps (ACPs) and matched adjacent normal tissues were obtained from the patients. Total RNA was extracted from the samples and cDNAs were synthesized. Their expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. Correlation between FER1L4 and RB1 expression levels was analyzed by Pearson correlation test. Finally, ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate their biomarker potency. We observed significant downregulation of FER1L4, but upregulation of RB1 in the colorectal tumors compared with non-tumor and the polyp tissues. However, RB1 expression was positively correlated with FER1L4 expression both in the tumor and polyp samples. ROC curve analysis showed both FER1L4 and RB1 expression levels could discriminate tumor from non-tumor and tumor from polyp samples. None of the clinicopathological characteristics of patients were associated with FER1L4 or RB1 expression levels. Despite the downregulation of FER1L4 and upregulation of RB1 in tumors compared with non-tumor tissues, the expression of RB1 was positively correlated with the expression of FER1L4 in the colorectal tumor as well as in the polyp tissues. FER1L4 expression level might be considered as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer development.

Approximately 80% of the human genome harbors biochemical marks of active transcription that its majority transcribes to noncoding RNAs, namely long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are heterogeneous RNA transcripts that regulate critical biological processes such as cell survival and death. They involve in the progression of different cancers by affecting transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications as well as epigenetic control of numerous tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Recent findings show that aberrant expression of lncRNAs is associated with tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and overall survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Some lncRNAs play as tumor suppressors in all GI cancers, but others play as tumor promoters. However, some other lncRNAs might function as a tumor suppressor in one GI cancer, but as a tumor promoter in another GI cancer type. This fact highlights possible context dependency of the expression patterns and roles of at least some lncRNAs in GI cancer development and progression. Here, we review the functional relation of lncRNAs involved in the development and progression of GI cancer by focusing on their roles as tumor suppressor and tumor promoter genes.

Accumulating evidence has indicated that, aberrant lncRNA expression plays essential roles in the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis. AGAP2-AS1 is upregulated in some cancers, however, its involvement in the CRC tumorigenesis in the population of North-West of Iran has remained unknown. In this study, we evaluated its deregulation in CRC microarray datasets, colon cell lines, CRC tumor, adenomatous colorectal polyps and their paired normal tissues. The results showed that AGAP2-AS1 is upregulated in CRC and might be considered as a potential biomarker for CRC development. Moreover, our results suggest AGAP2-AS1 promoted CRC progression by sponging the hsa-miR-15/16 family and upregulation of their targets.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent and diagnosed diseases. Accumulating evidences showed that mRNAs and noncoding RNAs play important regulatory roles in tumorigenesis. Identification and determining the relationship between them can help diagnosis and treatment of cancer., Methods: Here we analyzed three microarray datasets; GSE110715, GSE32323 and GSE21510, to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in CRC. The adjusted p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Gene set enrichment analysis was carried out using DAVID tool. The miRCancer database was searched to obtain differentially expressed miRNAs in colorectal cancer, and the miRDB database was used to attain the targets of the obtained miRNAs. To predict the lncRNA-miRNA interactions we used DIANA-LncBase v2 and RegRNA 2.0. Finally the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA-signaling pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape v3.1., Results: By analyzing the three datasets, a total of 21 mRNAs (15 up- and 6 down-regulated) and 24 lncRNAs (18 up- and 6 down-regulated) were identified as common differentially expressed genes between CRC tumor and marginal tissues. Nevertheless, the constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA-signaling pathway network revealed a convergence on 6 lncRNAs (3 up- and 3 downregulated), 7 mRNAs (2 up- and 5 downregulated) and 6 miRNAs (3 up- and 3 downregulated). We found that dysregulation of lncRNAs such as PCBP1-AS1, UCA1 and SNHG16 could sequester several miRNAs such as hsa-miR-582-5p and hsa-miR-198 and promote the proliferation, invasion and drug resistance of colorectal cancer cells., Conclusions: We introduced a set of lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs differentially expressed in CRC which might be considered for further experimental research as potential biomarkers of CRC development., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nano-silver and nano-titanium oxide films can be coated over brackets in order to reduce bacterial aggregation and friction. However, their antimicrobial efficacy, surface roughness, and frictional resistance are not assessed before. Fifty-five stainless-steel brackets were divided into 5 groups of 11 brackets each: uncoated brackets, brackets coated with 60 µm silver, 100 µm silver, 60 µm titanium, and 100 µm titanium. Coating was performed using physical vapor deposition method. For friction test, three brackets from each group were randomly selected and tested. For scanning electron microscopy and atomic-force microscopy assessments, one and one brackets were selected from each group. For antibacterial assessment, six brackets were selected from each group. Of them, three were immediately subjected to direct contact with S. mutans. Colonies were counted 3, 6, 24, and 48 h of contact. The other three were stored in water for 3 months. Then were subjected to a similar direct contact test. Results pertaining to both subgroups were combined. Groups were compared statistically. Mean (SD) friction values of the groups 'control, silver-60, silver-100, titanium-60, and titanium-100' were 0.55 ± 0.14, 0.77 ± 0.08, 0.82 ± 0.11, 1.52 ± 0.24, and 1.57 ± 0.41 N, respectively (p = .0004, Kruskal-Wallis). Titanium frictions were significantly greater than control (p < .05), but silver groups were not (p > .05, Dunn). In the uncoated group, colony count increased exponentially within 48 h. The coated groups showed significant reductions in colony count (p < .05, two-way-repeated-measures ANOVA). In conclusions, all four explained coatings reduce surface roughness and bacterial growth. Nano-titanium films are not suitable for friction reduction. Nano-silver results were not conclusive and need future larger studies., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: To evaluate comparatively the effect of quercetin on postbleaching shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI)., Materials and Methods: Intact maxillary premolars were divided randomly into 12 groups of 10 each: (1) bonding the bracket immediately after bleaching, (2) bonding 1 week after bleaching, (3-8) application of three experimental concentrations of quercetin (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) at two time durations (5 and 10 min), (9-10) application of the solvent of quercetin at two time periods (5 and 10 min), (11) application of 10% sodium ascorbate for 10 min, and (12) bonding the brackets on nonbleached teeth. Bleaching was performed using 15% carbamide peroxide gel for 5 days (6 h daily). After incubation and thermocycling, the SBS of brackets was measured. The ARI too was recorded at ×20. The data were analyzed statistically (α =0.05)., Results: Bleaching reduced the SBS below 10 Megapascal (MPa) level ( P < 0.05) while all the postbleaching treatments (except the application of the solvent of quercetin) recovered the SBS back to values greater than 10 MPa ( P < 0.05) and also back to nonbleached SBS levels ( P > 0.01). All eight postbleaching treatments had rather similar efficacies ( P = 0.1396). The concentration of quercetin (beta = 0.259, P = 0.042) but not its duration (beta = 0.213, P = 0.093) significantly improved its efficacy., Conclusion: Bleaching can weaken the bond strength of orthodontic brackets below acceptable levels. The application of quercetin or Vitamin C or delaying the bracket bonding improved the postbleaching SBS., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation of undifferentiated periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts., Materials and Methods: The undifferentiated PDL fibroblasts were obtained from two healthy human premolar teeth and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Cell wells were divided into five groups. Experimental groups received 0.1%, 5%, or 50% PRP; the positive and negative control groups were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) 12% and in a medium without FBS 12%, respectively. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days. PDL cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay. Statistical analysis of the data was accomplished using repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The 5% PRP had the greatest effect on undifferentiated fibroblast proliferation, which was significant on the 3 rd day. There was no significant difference between 0.1% PRP and positive control during the first 3 days. The group with 50% PRP presented significantly lower proliferation, compared to other experimental and control groups., Conclusions: It may be concluded that the growth-stimulating effect of PRP is dose dependent with the best results in low concentrations., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Untreated or poorly controlled gestational diabetes can cause serious complications for mother and newborn. Glibenclamide is rarely used in treating mothers with this disease. This study aimed at comparing the effect of glibenclamide and insulin on neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus., Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 249 pregnant women aged 18-45 years within the 11(th)-33(rd) weeks of gestation with gestational diabetes, single fetus pregnancy, and in need of hyperglycemia treatment were entered and grouped randomly as either glibenclamide or insulin. In the insulin group (n = 129), insulin was administered with an initial dose of 0.2 IU/kg subcutaneously twice per day, whereas in the glibenclamide group (n = 120), 1.25 mg oral glibenclamide was administered once daily and increased if needed., Results: The results showed no significant difference in means age, gestational age, and body mass index between women in the two groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in the frequency of neonatal hypoglycemia, anomaly, hyperbilirubinemia, admission in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and neonatal respiratory distress between two groups. Macrosomia was lower in the glibenclamide group than the insulin group (3.3% vs. 13.2%, respectively, P = 0.005). Regression logistics model results showed that the type of treatment (odds ratio [OR]: 4.62; confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-14.02; P = 0.01) and gestational age at delivery (OR: 1.41; CI: 1.04-1.74; P = 0.01) were as predictor factors of macrosomia., Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that glibenclamide is able to reduce the risk of fetal macrosomia without increasing neonatal anomalies, jaundice, hypocalcemia, infant respiratory distress, and NICU admission.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common finding in luteal phase of menstrual cycle resulting in several changes in woman life including pain sensation., Objectives: This study evaluated the alterations of postoperative pain sensation in those with and without a history of PMS., Patients and Methods: A total of 140 women in in postoperative period were assigned to four groups regarding luteal or follicular phase of menstrual cycle and the history of PMS and were evaluated regarding scale of pain sensation and morphine demand in recovery room. To evaluate the difference among the groups, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni tests were used., Results: Patients with PMS presented higher pain sensation and analgesia request (P = 0.003). Patients in luteal phase showed less pain and analgesia request in two out of five studied outcomes (P = 0.075)., Conclusions: The most comfortable postoperative women were those in luteal phase without history of PMS group.

Background: β-thalassemia is the most common monogenic disorder in human. The (C-->T) polymorphism at -158 upstream region of the γG-globin gene and pharmacological factors such as hydroxyurea have been reported to influence γ-globin gene expression and the severity of clinical symptoms of β-thalassemia., Methods: In the present study, 51 β-thalassemia intermediate patients were studied. Xmn1γG polymorphism genotype was determined using Tetra-Primer ARMS-PCR technique. Hemoglobin (Hb) and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels were determined by gel electrophoresis., Results: Of 51 patients, 35 (68.6%) patients were heterozygous (CT) and 16 (31.4%) patients were homozygous (CC). Of 30 patients under treatment by hydroxyurea, 20 (66.7%) patients were heterozygous (CT) and 10 (33.3%) patients were homozygous (CC). Our results demonstrated that in the heterozygous (CT) genotype, the Hb (9.58 ± 1.25 gm/dl) and HbF (89.30 ± 21.87) levels were significantly higher in comparison with homozygous (CC) genotype (7.94 ± 1.34 gm/dl and 70.32 ± 40.56, respectively). Furthermore, we observed that after drug usage, the Hb and HbF levels in patients with heterozygous (CT) genotype (0.7 ± 1.26 gm/dl and 5.95 ± 14.8, respectively) raised more in comparison with homozygous (CC) genotype (0.26 ± 1.43 gm/dl and 0.8 ± 1.31, respectively)., Conclusion: Hb and HbF levels in the patients carrying T allele are increased significantly, and they also response to hydroxyurea treatment.

In the present study, the potential involvement of nitric oxide (NO) system in attenuating effects of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) on naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs was evaluated. A hundred mice were rendered morphine-dependent using three escalating doses of morphine sulfate during three consecutive days. After the last dose on day 4, animals were given naloxone HCl (2 mg/kg s.c) to induce withdrawal signs. The effects of LILT (12.5 J/cm(2)) and L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10, 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and their coadministration on escape jump count and stool weight as typical withdrawal signs were assessed. LILT and L-NAME (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg) per se significantly decreased escape jump count and stool weight in morphine-dependent naloxone-treated mice (p < 0.01). Coadministration of LILT and L-NAME (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg) also reduced escape jump and stool weight (p < 0.05) but with no synergetic or additive response. Here, LILT at this fluence may show its maximal effects on NO and therefore no noticeable effects appeared during coadministration use. Moreover, LILT and L-NAME follow the same track of changes in escape jump and stool weight. Conceivably, it seems that LILT acts partly via NO system, but the exact path is still obscure and rather intricate. The precise mechanisms need to be clarified.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and age-specific incidence rate of different histopathologic subtypes of breast cancer in Iran, and compare it to neighboring and Western countries and to discuss the probable effective main factors., Methods: National data from cancer registry for 6265 female breast cancer patients were studied in 10 histopathologic groups., Results: The most common tumor was ductal carcinoma (89%). The peak age - specific incidence rate of breast cancer in total, and for epithelial, non-epithelial and ductal carcinomas were all 50-59 years, and it decreased in older age. It is in contrast to US SEER report which shows the incidence increases in higher age., Conclusion: Three main factors including younger age of Iranian patients, probable more ERN tumors and different histopathological profile of breast cancer in Iran might be considered and studied to explain different slope of breast cancer after menopause compared to other countries.

Background: Spiritual well-being is well-recognized as a factor that affects cancer patients' quality of life, quality of care, and satisfaction. There is evidence that supports the fact that patients' spiritual needs are associated with better quality of care, higher hospice utilization, and less aggressive care at the end of life. However, few studies have examined the Spiritual well-being (SWB) in cancer patients. Less is known about spirituality; furthermore, no published research about SWB and its relationship with demographic parameters in breast cancer patients exists; this made us carry out this project., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was a descriptive - analytical one, conducted on 297 breast cancer patients, with a simple sampling methodology. The data collection instrument included a questionnaire containing two parts (demographic information and standard SWB Scale questionnaire). The data were analyzed with 95% confidence by SPSS18, using descriptive and analytic statistics., Results: According to the results of the present study, SWB of most of the study subjects (52.52%) was at a moderate level. Results showed that the average score for religious aspect of spiritual well-being (RWB) was 51.38 ± 8.17 for 60, average score for the existential aspect of spiritual well-being (EWB) was 42.47 ± 10.21 for 60, and the total score of SWB was 93.69 ± 10.04 for 120. Based on the study findings, there was a statistically significant correlation between the SWB and age (P = 0.03, r = 0.59), educational level (P = 0.04, r = -0.58), and marital status (P = 0.001), of breast cancer patients., Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the SWB of most study subjects was at a moderate level. Furthermore, according to the results there was a correlation between some important demographic parameters in women with breast cancer and SWB. Hence, it is necessary for the treatment team to assess and improve the SWB of patients; meanwhile the role of nurses is highlighted. In fact, the nurse is the first person who can recognize the spiritual needs of a patient and even his/her family, and can be effective in meeting the spiritual needs and improving their SWB. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that in patients with cancer, a holistic care plan, based on spiritual care, development, and education of patients be applied, as it is considered to improve their SWB.

Background: Considering the school nursing standards, which is the most important and vital element of the school health team, can be a fundamental step toward solving the current and future problems of the school and society health. The present research was done with the goal of determining the current situation of the standard of the school health nursing process in elementary schools of Kerman, Iran., Materials and Methods: The present research is a quantitative, descriptive study and was done between the years 2009 and 2010 through conducting an opinion poll. In this study, first the international standards of school nursing were searched and extracted from informational sources. Then, a questionnaire was designed based on the standards of the school nursing process and its related indicators in 6 areas. This questionnaire had two parts. The first part had the respondents' demographic information, answering was optional, and the second part of the poll was about each of the indicators. After preparing the questionnaire and determining its validity and reliability, it was distributed among the 120 samples (60 health trainers and 60 of Kerman's elementary school staff), and their opinions were gathered and analyzed through statistical-descriptive analysis., Findings: The results of this research demonstrate that approximately all the above mentioned standard areas in the country were applied (98%). The rate of acquiring the standard of nursing process was high (90%) in some areas (Investigative area) and low (30%) in some other areas (diagnosis area)., Conclusions: In total, the rate of acquiring the majority of indicators of nursing process standards has an average percentage. It is suggested to use schools health professionals to raise the indicators of the standard of the school nursing process (the indicators which had low or average acquiring rate), and to raise the performance quality.

It has been documented that dopamine, an important regulator of gastric function in the brain-gut axis, has an inhibitory effect on the gastric acid secretion. It has also been suggested that dopamine D1, D2 and D5 receptor proteins are present in the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach through to the distal colon. Therefore, we hypothesized that peripheral D2 receptors may be involved in the control of stimulated gastric acid secretion. To address this question, we examined the effect of quinpirole, a selective D2 receptor-like agonist, and domperidone, a peripheral D2 receptor antagonist, on rat gastric acid secretion. Quinpirole (0.0001-0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered simultaneously with intravenous infusions of histamine, pentagastrin, and carbachol. In some experiments, domperidone (3 and 7 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before quinpirole injection. We found that intraperitoneal injection of quinpirole (0.0001-0.5 mg/kg) suppressed stimulated gastric acid secretion induced by histamine (0.08 mg/100 g per h), pentagastrin (1 microg/100 g per h) and carbachol (4 microg/100 g per h) in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of quinpirole persisted until the end of the experiments (90-120 min) and was completely suppressed by domperidone (7 mg/kg). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that peripheral D2-like receptors have an inhibitory effect on histaminergic-, pentagastrin- and cholinergic-stimulated gastric acid secretion. This inhibitory effect may be mediated by enteric dopaminergic neurons and/or non-neuronal membranes.

This study examined the effects of intra-locus coeruleus injection of a gamma-amino-butyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs of morphine-dependent rats. Twenty different withdrawal signs were assessed. The total withdrawal score was calculated and used as an index of withdrawal intensity. The gamma-amino-butyric acid agonist and antagonists were injected 15 and 30 min before naloxone injection, respectively. Muscimol, a GABAA agonist (25, 50, and 100 ng/site), decreased the total withdrawal score in a dose-independent manner, whereas bicuculline (0.367, 3.67, and 36.7 ng/site), a GABAA antagonist, and CGP35348 (48.6 ng/site), a gamma-amino-butyric acid type B antagonist, alone had no effects. On the other hand, muscimol effects were reversed by CGP35348 (48.6 ng/site) but not by bicuculline (36.7 ng/site). It may be concluded that the effects of muscimol were antagonized by gamma-amino-butyric acid type B but not by GABAA receptor antagonists. The mechanism involved seems to be intricate and needs further study.