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Background and Aims: Targeted research on physiological and psychological changes during menopause is crucial. Most studies have prioritized the investigation of psychological disorders during menopause, with a limited comparison of mental health among women in the various stages surrounding menopause. This study aims to explore the difference in depression and anxiety prevalence between women in premenopausal and menopause., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 242 female participants referred to Imam Hossein (AS) Educational and Therapeutic Hospital affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. These 242 individuals were selected through accessible sampling. 122 individuals were placed in the menopausal group and 120 individuals in the premenopausal group. First, the medical history of all participants was taken, and then the Beck questionnaire was administered to examine the levels of depression and anxiety. The association between the occurrence and severity of depression and anxiety in menopausal and premenopausal groups was statistically analyzed., Results: In this study, the age range of the participants was 45-70, the overall prevalence of depression was estimated to be 33.5% and the overall prevalence of anxiety was estimated to be 54.2%. The prevalence of depression was 30.2% and 36.6% in the menopausal and premenopausal groups, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was estimated to be 52.5% and 55.7% in the menopausal and premenopausal groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the occurrence and severity of depression and anxiety., Conclusion: our study found a higher incidence of depression during premenopause compared to menopause, possibly due to greater hormonal fluctuations. Despite this, there wasn't a significant confirmation of this hypothesis compared to other groups. Nonetheless, there's a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety among premenopausal women, emphasizing the need for screening and intervention, such as hormone therapy, to prevent severe outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Azoospermia, or the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, affects about 1% of men worldwide and is a significant fertility challenge. This study investigates Linc00513, a long non-coding RNA, and its potential role in regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, a key player in spermatogenesis, in the context of azoospermia. We show that Linc00513 expression is significantly lower in testicular tissues from azoospermic patients than in HS1 controls. Linc00513 interacts directly with microRNA-7 (miR-7) via complementary base pairing, acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). This interaction effectively inhibits miR-7's inhibitory action on the TGF-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1), a critical component of the TGF-β signaling cascade. Downregulating Linc00513 reduces TGFBR1 repression and increases TGF-β signaling in azoospermic testes. Functional assays with spermatogonial cell lines support these findings. Silencing Linc00513 leads to increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, similar to TGF-β inhibition. Overexpression of miR-7 inhibits the effects of Linc00513 on TGF-β signaling. Our study sheds new light on how Linc00513, miR-7, and the TGF-β signaling pathway interact in azoospermia. Linc00513 regulates TGFBR1 expression and thus influences spermatogonial cell fate by acting as a miR-7 ceRNA. These findings identify a potential therapeutic target for azoospermia treatment, paving the way for future research into restoring fertility in affected individuals.

Acrylamide (ACR) is an industrial chemical used to produce polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer with a wide range of applications. Depending on the dosage, its presence in occupational and environmental sources poses potential health risks to humans and animals. ACR can be formed in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures. Its effects on human sperm are not well understood. Animal studies indicate that ACR induces toxicity in the male reproductive system through oxidative stress mechanisms. Exposure to ACR alters the normal structure of testicular tubules, leading to congestion, interstitial edema, degeneration of spermatogenic cells, formation of abnormal spermatid giant cells, and necrosis and apoptosis. It also disrupts the balance of important biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. ACR has a negative impact on mitochondrial function, antioxidant enzymes, ATP production, and sperm membrane integrity, resulting in decreased sperm quality. Furthermore, it interferes with the expression of steroidogenic genes associated with testosterone biosynthesis. This review explores the detrimental effects of ACR on sperm and testicular function and discusses the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the adverse effects of ACR on male reproduction., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

MicroRNA-98 (miR-98) stands as an important molecule in the intricate landscape of oncology. As a subset of microRNAs, these small non-coding RNAs have accompanied a new era in cancer research, underpinning their significant roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the biogenesis, molecular properties, and physiological undertakings of miR-98, highlighting its double-edged role in cancer progression-acting both as a tumor promoter and suppressor. Intriguingly, miR-98 has profound implications for various aspects of cancer progression, modulating key cellular functions, including proliferation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. Given its expression patterns, the potential of miR-98 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, especially in liquid biopsies and tumor tissues, is explored, emphasizing the hurdles in translating these findings clinically. The review concludes by evaluating therapeutic avenues to modulate miR-98 expression, addressing the challenges in therapy resistance, and assessing the efficacy of miR-98 interventions. In conclusion, while miR-98's involvement in cancer showcases promising diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, future research should pivot towards understanding its role in tumor-stroma interactions, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation, thereby unlocking novel strategies for cancer management., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Stem cell transplantation is a clinical approach used to treat certain types of cancers, such as hematologic malignancies. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 30-70% of cases and often diminishes the quality of life of transplant patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vaginal complications of GVHD following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation., Methods: This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design. All patients referred to Shariati Hospital in Tehran between 2019 and 2020 who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were considered for inclusion in this study if they met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria encompassed nonnot sexually active women aged 18-70 who received stem cell transplantation more than 100 days prior. Exclusion criteria comprised patients who experienced GVHD during the first 100 days posttransplantation. Additionally, individuals over 75 and patients with metastatic cancer were excluded., Results: A total of 55 patients were recruited, with ages averaging 40±9.9 years for recipients and 38.5±12.8 years for donors. Notably, 63.3 and 58.2% of patients exhibited oral and ocular symptoms, respectively. Regarding genital involvement, 49.1% experienced vaginal symptoms, while 25.5% had vulvar involvement. Among the 27 patients with vaginal involvement, two (7.4%) were categorized as mild, 17 (63%) as moderate, and eight (29.6%) as severe. Univariate analysis identified reduced vaginal discharge [odds ratio (OR=6.56)], vaginal tightness (OR=6.23), pelvic pain (OR=5.50), and vaginal involvement (OR=3.81) as significant predictors of other organ symptoms. Moreover, vaginal involvement (OR=3.68) emerged as the sole significant predictor of the cooccurrence of oral, ocular, and other organ symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, reduced vaginal discharge (OR=8.24) and vaginal tightness (OR=3.92) significantly predicted other organ symptoms ( P =0.009)., Conclusion: Reduced vaginal discharge and vaginal tightness remained significant predictors of other organ symptoms., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: Fetal health and a receptive and healthy endometrium are two essential factors in achieving successful implantation. If the endometrium is unreceptive, postponing the transfer cycle to a suitable time can enhance the chances of pregnancy. This study aims to assess the impact of endometrial and sub-endometrial blood flows measured by Doppler ultrasound, as well as endometrial volume, on endometrial receptivity in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles., Methods: 112 patients with a mean age of 33.93 ± 4.93 years underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Serum β-hCG level was used to confirm pregnancy, and among the participants, 50 (44.6%) achieved pregnancy after IVF., Results: The study results revealed a significant difference in endometrial blood flow between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, with a higher pregnancy rate observed in participants exhibiting multi-focal and spare endometrial blood flows ( p  < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a notable association between endometrial blood flow and pregnancy outcome, as indicated by higher ongoing pregnancy rates in those with multi-focal and spare endometrial blood flows ( p  < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in endometrial variables such as volume, length, width, thickness, and pattern between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Additionally, contextual parameters showed no significant relationship with pregnancy outcome ( p  > 0.05). The study also found that endometrial measurement indices did not have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes, with no significant differences observed between the groups ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: In conclusion, endometrial blood flow is crucial for a successful pregnancy after IVF, while the predictive value of the endometrial volume is limited for pregnancy outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hazari, Sarvi, Alyasin, Agha-Hosseini and Hosseinimousa.)

Background: Since today cervical cancers are growing, there is an increasing need to use screening and examination methods. Meanwhile, liquid-based Pap smear test is a common screening method for women, which is widely applied today. Studies have found that use of lubricant gel in this test can affect the pathology and cytology results. Accordingly, the authors intended to evaluate the effect of use of lubricant gel on the Pap smear test results., Methods: This study was of single-blind clinical trial, the study population consisted of candidate patients for screening in terms of cervical pathology, for whom liquid-based Pap smear was done. In this study, 506 patients participated, divided into two groups of 253. One group used lubricant gel during the Pap smear, while the other group underwent this test without lubricant. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21., Results: The study results indicated that once the two groups were compared in terms of age, interval of menstruation time and intercourse time from the sampling, no significant relationship was found between the two groups ( P >0.05). It was also found that use of lubricant did not affect the cytology and pathology results of patients ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: The use of lubricant gel in patients can reduce pain in patients during examination and testing, but does not affect the cytological and pathological results of patients., Competing Interests: The authors deny any conflicts of interest in any terms or by any means during the study.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: The efficiency of in vitro fertilization is improved by growth hormone (GH) during ovarian stimulation. Additionally, patients with diabetes experience impaired insulin resistance and compromised glucose tolerance, which further exacerbate their condition. Due to these side effects, in this study, the duration of GH treatment was compared in IVF/ICSI cycles among poor ovarian responders., Methods: In this study, POSEIDON criteria were used to choose patients. Subcutaneous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist was done beginning on the sixth day of the cycle and continuing through the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. In one group, GH was administered 4 units/day from the 2nd day of the cycle until hCG injection, and in another group, the first dose was administered on the 6th day of the cycle. Following the administration of hCG, which lasted from 24 to 36 hr , oocytes were retrieved with the support of B-mode sonography., Results: In our analysis, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the number of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and quality of grade A and B embryos. The results show that the treatment or conditions did not have a significant impact on the outcomes among the studied groups., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a shorter duration of GH administration can yield similar outcomes compared to a longer duration in IVF/ICSI cycles involving poor ovarian responders. This result holds the potential for a more cost-effective and patient-friendly approach in managing assisted reproductive technology procedures. It may lead to reduced side effects and improved adherence to medication regimens in patients., (Copyright© 2023, Avicenna Research Institute.)

Background: Periodontal regeneration remains one of the crucial issues in the field of periodontology. Periodontal intrabony defects could be treated by surgical intervention through various alloplastic bone graft substitutes. The Food and Drug Administration approved, Novabone putty is one of the recently marketed bone graft substitutes, which has been used in the present study. This study also incorporates the placement of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in combination with Novabone putty., Materials and Methods: Twenty patients were included in the study and were allocated to either Group A or Group B through randomization. Group A included the placement of Novabone putty in the periodontal intrabony defects, whereas Group B included the placement of Novabone putty along with PRF. Statistical analysis of plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, relative attachment level, and intraoral periapical radiographs was performed., Results: Statistical more significant difference ( P < 0.05) in probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level was observed in Group B (Novabone putty and PRF) in comparison to Group A (Novabone putty)., Conclusion: Evaluation of efficacy of Novabone putty along with PRF produced more favorable results in relative attachment level gain and more reduction in probing pocket depth when compared to Novabone putty alone., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Contemporary Clinical Dentistry.)

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is considered as a primary test in infertility work up worldwide due to its reliability in evaluating abnormalities related to the uterus and fallopian tubes., Objectives: To assess the efficacy of applying eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (lidocaine-prilocaine cream) (EMLA) on the uterine cervix in reducing pain during HSG., Patients and Methods: Eighty patients undergoing HSG as part of infertility evaluation were randomly allocated to groups receiving either EMLA (N = 40) or placebo cream (N = 40) in a double-blinded prospective study. Fifteen minutes before HSG, 5 grams of 5% cream was applied to the uterine cervix using a cervical applicator. The degree of pain experienced by the patient was evaluated during and after HSG at five predefined steps on a visual analogue scale (VAS)., Results: There was no significant difference in the efficacy between EMLA and placebo creams in pain perception during the entire procedure. There was no significant difference in long term pain perception half an hour after the HSG performance., Conclusions: This study does not support the use of EMLA for HSG.