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Tandem repeats are frequent across the human genome, and variation in repeat length has been linked to a variety of traits. Recent improvements in long read sequencing technologies have the potential to greatly improve tandem repeat analysis, especially for long or complex repeats. Here, we introduce LongTR, which accurately genotypes tandem repeats from high-fidelity long reads available from both PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. LongTR is freely available at https://github.com/gymrek-lab/longtr and https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.11403979 .

Abstract Tandem repeats are frequent across the human genome, and variation in repeat length has been linked to a variety of traits. Recent improvements in long read sequencing technologies have the potential to greatly improve tandem repeat analysis, especially for long or complex repeats. Here, we introduce LongTR, which accurately genotypes tandem repeats from high-fidelity long reads available from both PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. LongTR is freely available at https://github.com/gymrek-lab/longtr and https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.11403979 .

Exosome-nanoparticle hybrid nanoplatforms, can be prepared by combining exosomes with different types of nanoparticles. The main purpose of combining exosomes with nanoparticles is to overcome the limitations of using each of them as drug delivery systems. Using nanoparticles for drug delivery has some limitations, such as high immunogenicity, poor cellular uptake, low biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, low stability, and rapid clearance by immune cells. However, using exosomes as drug delivery systems also has its own drawbacks, such as poor encapsulation efficiency, low production yield, and the inability to load large molecules. These limitations can be addressed by utilizing hybrid nanoplatforms. Additionally, the use of exosomes allows for targeted delivery within the hybrid system. Exosome-inorganic/organic hybrid nanoparticles may be used for both therapy and diagnosis in the future. This may lead to the development of personalized medicine using hybrid nanoparticles. However, there are a few challenges associated with this. Surface modifications, adding functional groups, surface charge adjustments, and preparing nanoparticles with the desired size are crucial to the possibility of preparing exosome-nanoparticle hybrids. Additional challenges for the successful implementation of hybrid platforms in medical treatments and diagnostics include scaling up the manufacturing process and ensuring consistent quality and reproducibility across various batches. This review focuses on various types of exosome-nanoparticle hybrid systems and also discusses the preparation and loading methods for these hybrid nanoplatforms. Furthermore, the potential applications of these hybrid nanocarriers in drug/gene delivery, disease treatment and diagnosis, and cell/tissue imaging are explained.

Abstract A 47 year old Caucasian female with a background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune hepatitis presented with a painful, pruritic, papular eruption in a photosensitive distribution across the upper chest, neck, face, dorsal hands and forearms. On examination, lesions coalesced into annular plaques each with an active, raised margin and an atrophic, yellow centre. Histopathology demonstrated an absence of mucin and elastophagocytosis with giant cells engulfing dermal elastin fibres. These histopathological features favoured a diagnosis of annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma (AEGCG). The patient was managed ciclosporin monotherapy 125 mg twice daily (3 mg/kg/day). At 8 week review, there was a marked improvement in the physical appearance of the dermatosis as well as diminishing of symptoms such as itch and cutaneous pain. AEGCG is a rare inflammatory dermatosis typically affecting sun‐exposed sites. It has been proposed that AEGCG is triggered by a solar induced elastolysis however other theories suggest it is a primary granulomatous disorder and not a photodermatosis. AEGCG appears to be aligned to an autoimmune diathesis, indicated by its frequent association with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, vitiligo, giant cell arteritis and, as in our patient, auto‐immune hepatitis. Diabetes mellitus occurring concurrently with AEGCG has also been observed, again like our patient. Histopathological features which distinguish AEGCG from granuloma annulare include absent mucin, absent necrobiosis, giant cells with more nuclei, non‐palisading granulomata and marked loss of elastic tissue. AEGCG is often unresponsive to standard therapies. The literature indicates varying responses to photo‐protection, topical/systemic/intralesional corticosteroids, and oral medications such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and dapsone. Few case reports have also documented improvement with ciclosporin. In aggressive forms of AEGCG, as in our patient, treatment with ciclosporin may be an effective intervention and should be initiated early in the disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of onion juice on sodium-selenite induced cataract formation. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two 10-day-old Wistar-albino rat pups were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 received only subcutaneous saline injection. In Group 2, sodium-selenite (30 nmol / g body weight) was injected subcutaneously. In Group 3, subcutaneous sodium-selenite was injected and one drop 50% diluted fresh juice of crude onion was instilled every 8 h into the right eye for 14 days; the left eye received no treatment. Group 4 rats were similar to those of Group 3, the only difference being that of undiluted fresh juice of crude onion. The development of cataract was assessed. Rat lenses were analyzed for total antioxidant (TA) level, and for activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: Both eyes of all rats in Group 1 did not exhibit cataract formation . In Group 2, all rats developed Grade 3 cataract in the lenses of both eyes. The difference in exhibited cataract in the lens of the right eyes in all rats between Group 2 and any eyes of groups 3 or 4 were significant ( P = 0.001). The mean TA level and mean activities of SOD and GPX in Group 2 rat lenses were significantly lower than the values in lenses of all rats in Group 1 ( P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001), and in the lenses of the right eyes of rats in Groups 3 and 4 ( P = 0.001, 0.020, 0.001). Conclusion: Instillation of onion juice into the rat eyes can effectively prevent selenite-induced cataract formation. This effect was associated with increased TA level, SOD and GPX activities in the lens.

Abstract Background The acquisition of clinical competence is considered the ultimate goal of nursing education programs. This study explored the relationship between learning styles and clinical competency in undergraduate nursing students. Methods A descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2023 with 276 nursing students from the second to sixth semesters at Abhar School of Nursing, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, Kolb’s learning styles, and Meretoja’s clinical competence assessments completed online by participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests (independent T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation) at a significance level 0.05. Results The predominant learning styles among nursing students were divergent (31.2%), and the least common was convergent (18.4%). The overall clinical competency score was 77.25 ± 12.65. Also, there was a significant relationship between learning styles and clinical competency, so the clinical competency of students with accommodative and converging learning styles was higher. (P

Abstract Purpose Our objective was to compare the serum Adropin levels between patients with wet-type Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and otherwise healthy individuals. Method The study included 45 patients with wet-type AMD and 45 individuals without age-related macular degeneration. Patients with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and a previous history of visual impairment; were excluded. FBS, Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), lipid profile, and serum Adropin level were checked. Results The mean serum Adropin level of patients with wet-type AMD was significantly lower than the control group (P-value

Tandem repeats (TRs) represent one of the largest sources of genetic variation in humans and are implicated in a range of phenotypes. Here we present a deep characterization of TR variation based on high coverage whole genome sequencing from 3550 diverse individuals from the 1000 Genomes Project and H3Africa cohorts. We develop a method, EnsembleTR, to integrate genotypes from four separate methods resulting in high-quality genotypes at more than 1.7 million TR loci. Our catalog reveals novel sequence features influencing TR heterozygosity, identifies population-specific trinucleotide expansions, and finds hundreds of novel eQTL signals. Finally, we generate a phased haplotype panel which can be used to impute most TRs from nearby single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with high accuracy. Overall, the TR genotypes and reference haplotype panel generated here will serve as valuable resources for future genome-wide and population-wide studies of TRs and their role in human phenotypes.

The chief aim of this research is intended to study the planning and performance of the health and treatment units of the Social Security Organization about the illnesses that may occur in connection with occupations. We believe, however, that healthy skilled work force are the nmost important factors for the development and progress of a country. Therefore, illnesses and disabilities from chemical, physical, biological, psychological and ergonomic can be drasticly eliminated in order to ensure the safety standards of the work force. Five occupational medicine centers in Tehran, have undergone 35199 tests for pre-employment medical examinations. The results were fit, conditionally fit, and unfit that were introduced to employers, during August 1996 and July 1997. Periodical examinations, visits of workshops and factories, presentation of health care in 200 dispensaries has helped recognizing professional diseases. The results work of committee of medical assistant, showed 56 cases of disabilities due to occupation. Professional causes, 16.07% of the above disabilities are from mechanical and, 16.07% from transportation. Hands amputation 50%, injuries of waist 19.65%, feet 10.71% and head 7.14% had responsibility for invalidity due to occupations. Other results of this research like time distribution, causes of invalidity have been presented.

Objective: Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), a complex and infrequent cerebrovascular disordercharacterized by the formation of clots within the cerebral venous sinuses, occurs as a result of multiple riskfactors and casualties, and its epidemiological picture should be investigated.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted retrospectively on patients with a final diagnosis of cerebralvein thrombosis, who were referred to the emergency room of Ghaem Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) between 2009and 2019. The study included all patients with cerebral vein thrombosis who were older than 18 years. Clinicalsymptoms and causes were documented and contrasted according to demographics.Results: During the 10 years of this study, 749 cases of cerebral vein thrombosis were observed, with womenaccounting for the majority (72.8%). The most prevalent symptom was headache (554 cases; 74.0%), followedby seizures (23.1%), blurred vision (16.0%), nausea (7.5%), vomiting (6.9%), double nose (4.9%), and dizziness(3.3%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of symptoms between the two genders (p

Abstract Background According to the increasing trend of COPD, the timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease can reduce the high costs to the health systems. Therefore, by biological calculation methods, signaling pathways and genes involved in this disease can be obtained and used to design drugs and other treatment methods. By using biological calculations, we determined that curcumin can affect this disease and its genes and signaling pathways. Our goal in this study was to find the genes by which curcumin exerts its effect and can maintain the function of corticosteroids against oxidizing agents. Results By finding the genes, it is possible to find precisely the pathways by which curcumin works, which can be used to design other drugs that cause these pathways and minimize their side effects. This study considers healthy samples (with/without curcumin) and oxygen-free radicals (with/without curcumin). Finally, statistical algorithms extract meaningful genes as effective biomarkers to investigate curcumin's effects and signaling pathways in COPD. The results show that the genes finally obtained as the most critical genes confirmed by the literature are effective in COPD. Finally, curcumin was input in SwissTargetPrediction to identify potential protein receptors. We used LigPlot+ software to visualize the receptor–ligand binding result provided by iGEMDOCK. Conclusions The data showed that the most significant genes in each group have been confirmed in other studies to be effective in this disease, and protein–protein interaction networks can be established between them to investigate their roles.

Background: This research investigated the ability of Tetraselmis microalgae to remove nitrates from aquaculture centers’ wastewater. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the amount of nitrogen reduction by Tetraselmis microalgae under laboratory conditions. Therefore, algal density, chlorophyll a, specific growth rate, nitrate, and ammonia levels were investigated.Methods: Tetraselmis microalgae was planted under laboratory conditions with constant density of 2000 mL including 1900 mL of distilled water and 100 mL of stock to investigate the refining effects for 15 days. Along to the test steps, the concentration of the mentioned factors was determined using standard methods and ultraviolet spectrophotometer.Results: The results showed that algal density, chlorophyll concentration, and specific growth rate performed better than others in the pilot plants containing wastewater. Also, use of the studied algae caused a 50% reduction in ammonia and 80% in nitrate from aquaculture center wastewater. The data modeling showed that the above- entioned microalgae were effective in reduction of nitrogen from aquaculture center wastewater as much as 75%.Conclusion: The results showed that the species can reduce organic substances in the wastewater of aquaculture center and their discharge into the environment.

One of the most common approaches for farm irrigation management is using soil readily available water and allowable depletion coefficient. The objective of this study was to determine wheat crop response coefficients, critical moisture content, and soil allowable depletion coefficient using a physically based method in three dominant soils under wheat cultivation in Khuzestan province. Treatments included full irrigation and water stress at three levels low, moderate, and high. The highest and lowest values of wheat crop response coefficient were related to silty clay loam (Ky=1.26) and clay loam (Ky=0.96), respectively. Critical soil moisture content was observed in loam soil (0.25 cm3cm-3)> silty clay loam (0.23 cm3cm-3)> clay loam (0.22 cm3cm-3), respectively. Despite the higher critical moisture content in loam, the most soil allowable depletion coefficient was also calculated in loam (0.54). Soil allowable depletion coefficient in silty clay loam and clay loam were 0.44 and 0.42, respectively. The results confirmed the simultaneous effects of soil and plant properties on the availability of soil water for the plants.

Phytomedicine has been used by humans since ancient times to treat a variety of diseases. However, herbal medicines face significant challenges, including poor water and lipid solubility and instability, which lead to low bioavailability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Recently, it has been shown that nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are appropriate to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. The present review study first discusses herbal medicines and the challenges involved in the formulation of these drugs. The different types of nano-based drug delivery systems used in herbal delivery and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy are summarized, and common techniques for preparing nanocarriers used in herbal drug delivery are also discussed. Finally, a list of nanophyto medicines that have entered clinical trials since 2010, as well as those that the FDA has approved, is presented.

Abstract Tandem repeats (TRs) represent one of the largest sources of genetic variation in humans and are implicated in a range of phenotypes. Here we present a deep characterization of TR variation based on high coverage whole genome sequencing from 3550 diverse individuals from the 1000 Genomes Project and H3Africa cohorts. We develop a method, EnsembleTR, to integrate genotypes from four separate methods resulting in high-quality genotypes at more than 1.7 million TR loci. Our catalog reveals novel sequence features influencing TR heterozygosity, identifies population-specific trinucleotide expansions, and finds hundreds of novel eQTL signals. Finally, we generate a phased haplotype panel which can be used to impute most TRs from nearby single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with high accuracy. Overall, the TR genotypes and reference haplotype panel generated here will serve as valuable resources for future genome-wide and population-wide studies of TRs and their role in human phenotypes.

The present study aimed to develop and validate an educational program designed to reduce self-injurious behavior (SIB) among adolescents. This program was developed based on the real-life experiences of adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors. Employing a qualitative research approach, specifically the phenomenological method, the study encompassed all adolescents displaying self-harming behaviors in Shiraz city. The sampling process was deliberate, with the sample size determined by reaching a point of theoretical saturation. Ultimately, the perspectives of 15 adolescents (comprising 8 girls and 7 boys) were actively incorporated into the development of this educational and therapeutic package. This process involved the formulation of a model based on their lived experiences, which consisted of three core themes and 13 sub-themes. The end result was an educational-therapeutic package specifically designed to mitigate self-harming behaviors. The content validity of this educational-therapeutic package was assessed and confirmed using the content validity (Lawshe method). Importantly, this package holds significant potential for use in implementing educational and therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing self-harming behaviors among adolescents. These interventions can be effectively delivered within the context of schools, counseling centers, and educational institutions.

Introduction: Episiotomy is a usual midwifery surgery. Iran is a country with an abundant source of medicinal plants. This study aimed to investigate ginger extract ointment’s effects on the pain and recovery of episiotomy incisions in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a public hospital in Iran on 70 nulliparous women with an episiotomy incision. The women were randomly assigned to ginger extract ointment and placebo groups. The primary outcomes included pain and wound healing that were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), redness, edema, ecchymosis/bruising, discharge, and an approximation scale (REEDA). The participants were followed up before discharge from the hospital and 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. The secondary outcome was the number of painkillers used during the study. Data were analyzed by chi-square, independent t test, and the Mann-Whitney U via SPSS-13. The significance levels were determined to be P≤0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between participants treated with ginger extract ointment and placebo in the pain and wound healing scores before the intervention, 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. But, the pain intensity decreased, and the recovery speed increased clinically. Also, regarding the secondary outcome of this study, no significant difference between the placebo and intervention groups in the number of painkillers participants took. Conclusion: The ginger ointment could not significantly improve episiotomy wounds’ pain and healing rate, but it was clinically helpful. So more studies with different doses of this ointment are needed.

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin E on vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and overactive bladder syndrome (OABS). Materials and methods This trial was conducted on 72 postmenopausal women referring to health centers. Participants were randomly divided into the intervention (vitamin E, vaginal cream) and control (conjugated estrogen, vaginal cream) groups. The duration of the intervention was eight weeks, as they took medicine every day in the first week and then, twice a week. The primary outcome is to compare the symptoms of VVA in the intervention and control groups, and the secondary outcome includes the comparison of the mean score of OABS, pH, vaginal health index (VHI), and side effects eight weeks after treatment. Results The mean score of VVA in both groups improved significantly during eight-week, and the difference between the groups was not statistically significant [Adjusted mean difference (AMD): 0.63, 95% Confidence interval (CI) − 1.03–2.28, p = 0.449]. The mean score of OABS decreased significantly in both groups, and the difference between the groups was not statistically significant [AMD: 0.261, 95% CI − 1.278–1.799, p = 0.736]. The mean score of VHI increased significantly in both groups, and the difference between the groups was not significant [AMD: 0.64, 95% CI − 0.13–1.42, p = 0.101]. Conclusion Vaginal vitamin E cream may be an alternative to vaginal estrogen in the symptom relief of vaginal atrophy and OABS among postmenopausal women, especially those who cannot use hormone therapy.

Background and Aims Autism is a highly debilitating neurodevelopmental condition that affect behaviors and is caused by impairment in neurological functions, especially executive functions. In many studies, it has been reported that the brain areas including the frontal lobe, limbic system, basal ganglia, occipital lobe and cerebellum, and the frontal cortex and its connections with the striatal and occipital brain areas are involved in a wide range of cognitive functions called “executive functions”. The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Baran's cognitive rehabilitation program on executive functions (working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility) of children with high-functioning autism.Methods This study has a single subject design with repeated measurements. The study population consists of all children with high-functioning autism who referred to Baran Clinic in Tehran, Iran in 2016-2017. Samples were 3 boys with autism spectrum disorder aged 8-11 years who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Assessments were done in 5 stages. The first stage was 2 weeks before the treatment. The second stage was performed 2 days before the start of treatment. The third stage was done after 5 sessions of treatment, which was held as a 1-hour session. The fourth stage was performed after 10 one-hour treatment sessions, and finally, the fifth stage was performed 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. Digit span, word span, and non-word span tests were used to assess the working memory. Digit span, Word span, non-word span tests was used to assess the sustained attention. Trial making test (A and B ) was used to assess the cognitive flexibility. After collecting and analyzing the data, the methods of visual analysis and effect size assessment was used Results The performance of children in working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility improved significantly after treatment. Hence, Baran’s cognitive rehabilitation program based on balance movements was effective in improving executive functions of children with high-functioning autism.Conclusion cognitive rehabilitation program based on balance movements can improve working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility of children with high–functioning autism.

Abstract Introduction The surgical correction of anomalous movement such as upshoot in Duane syndrome is challenging. Lateral rectus muscle disinsertion and reattachment to the lateral orbital wall is a new approach used to minimize or eliminate the effects of co-contraction including globe retraction, palpebral fissure narrowing and anomalous vertical movement. Case presentation We report a case of a 7-year-old boy who underwent this procedure for severe upshoot, globe retraction and exotropia in the left eye due to Duane syndrome. The patient achieved satisfactory ocular alignment following surgery. Upshoot and globe retraction were substantially improved. Conclusion Lateral rectus muscle disinsertion and reattachment to the lateral orbital wall is a safe and effective procedure for weakening of the anomalous lateral rectus muscle in Exotropic Duane Syndrome.

Abstract Background Gyrate atrophy of the retina and choroid is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease, characterized by progressive chorioretinal atrophy that results in progressive deterioration of peripheral and night vision and leading to blindness. Case presentation This report presents a case of a 28-year-old man consulting for a progressive fall of visual acuity with hemeralopia. Eye fundoscopy showed regions of confluent rounded chorioretinal atrophy. The visual field and retinal angiography were altered. A high level of plasma ornithine (629 nmol/mL) was detected and a diagnosis of gyrate atrophy of the retina and choroid was made. The patient was treated with high dose Pyridoxine supplement (300 mg/d for 6 months) and the ornithine level of his serum was successfully reduced. Conclusion The exact mechanism of chorioretinal atrophy in hyper-ornithinemia is not known and a small percentage of the affected people respond to Vitamin B6 supplementation.

Cannabinoids have shown potential in drug-resistant epilepsy treatment; however, we lack knowledge on which cannabinoid(s) to use, dosing, and their pharmacological targets. This study investigated (i) the anticonvulsant effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) alone and (ii) in combination with Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), as well as (iii) the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor’s role in CBD’s mechanism of action. Seizure activity, induced by 4-aminopyridine, was measured by extracellular field recordings in cortex layer 2/3 of mouse brain slices. The anticonvulsant effect of 10, 30, and 100 µM CBD alone and combined with Δ9-THC was evaluated. To examine CBD’s mechanism of action, slices were pre-treated with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist before CBD’s effect was evaluated. An amount of ≥30 µM CBD alone exerted significant anticonvulsant effects while 10 µM CBD did not. However, 10 µM CBD combined with low-dose Δ9-THC (20:3 ratio) displayed significantly greater anticonvulsant effects than either phytocannabinoid alone. Furthermore, blocking 5-HT1A receptors before CBD application significantly abolished CBD’s effects. Thus, our results demonstrate the efficacy of low-dose CBD and Δ9-THC combined and that CBD exerts its effects, at least in part, through 5-HT1A receptors. These results could address drug-resistance while providing insight into CBD’s mechanism of action, laying the groundwork for further testing of cannabinoids as anticonvulsants.

Abstract Background To investigate the efficacy of posterior subtenon methylprednisolone acetate injection in treatment of refractory diffuse clinically significant diabetic macular edema (CSME). Methods In a prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series, 52 eyes were diagnosed with CSME and treated with at least two sessions of laser photocoagulation according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study guidelines. At least 3 months after laser therapy, eyes with a residual central macular thickness were offered posterior subtenon injection of 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, macular thickness and intraocular pressure. Potential complications were monitored, including intraocular pressure response, cataract progression and scleral perforation. Results Mean baseline visual acuity (in logMAR) improved significantly (p = 0.003) from 0.8 ± 0.36 to 0.6 ± 0.41 at 3 months. Mean foveal thickness decreased from 388 ± 78 μm at baseline to 231 ± 40 μm after 3 months (p < 0.0001). Visual acuity improvement in eyes with CSME with extrafoveal hard exudates was significant (p = 0.0001), but not significant in eyes with CSME with subfoveal hard exudates (p = 0.32). Intraocular pressure increased from 14.7 ± 2.0 mmHg (range, 12–18 mmHg) to a maximum value of 15.9 ± 2.1 mmHg (range, 12–20 mmHg) during the follow-up period. Complications in two eyes developed focal conjunctival necrosis at the site of injection. Conclusion Posterior subtenon methylprednisolone acetate may improve early visual outcome in diffuse diabetic macular edema that fails to respond to conventional laser photocoagulation. Visual acuity improvement in eyes with CSME with extrafoveal hard exudates was significant; and this improvement is depends on location of hard exudates. Further study is needed to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and retreatment.

Background: Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) promote tissue homeostasis, contribute to the immune defense mechanisms, and play important roles in the initiation of immune responses and chronic inflammation. Objective: To understand the roles of innate lymphoid cells in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the mouse model. Methods: CRC was induced using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in Balb/c mice (the chemically induced group=18 mice), or orthotopic injection of CT-26 cell line into the colon of another set of Balb/c mice (the orthotopic group=14mice). Normal saline was injected into 18 mice, as the sham group. After 80 days, the chemically induced group was divided into two subgroups, dysplasia (8 mice) and reparative change (10 mice), based on pathological examinations. The frequencies of ILC1, 2, and 3 were then measured in colon tissues using flow cytometry by four markers including an anti-mouse lineage cocktail (FITC anti-mCD3/FITC anti-mGr-1/FITC anti-mCD11b/ FITC anti-mCD45R (B220)/FITC anti-mTer-119), PE/Cy7 anti-mouse CD45, PE anti-mouse CD117 (c-kit), and APC anti-mouse IL-33 Rα (ST2). Results: The total ILC population was significantly higher in the chemically induced reparative change compared with the sham group. ILC1 percentage in the chemically induced reparative change was significantly higher compared to those in the other three groups (Sham, chemically induced dysplasia and orthotopic dysplasia). The orthotopic dysplasia group showed more ILC3 percentage than the other groups. Conclusion: ILC1 and ILC3 subgroups increased significantly in reparative and dysplastic experimental CRC respectively. Thus ILC1 may have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth whereas ILC3 promotes tumor progression.

Background & Aims: Despite the proper understanding of pathophysiological aspects and recent development in therapeutic approaches, the outcome of patients suffering from inflammatory myositis remains unsatisfactory. In addition, there is no clinical information and a clear outlook for this disease in the community. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients with inflammatory myositis (response rate to treatment) and to determine the related and predictive factors of this outcome in these patients. Materials & Methods: This historical cohort study was performed on 80 patients suffering from inflammatory myositis. By retrospectively reviewing the patient records in the hospital, basic information was extracted and through telephone calls, the outcome status of the disease, and response to treatment were assessed during follow-up and categorized as complete remission, partial remission, and no remission. Results: Within the follow-up time, 40.0% were completely treated (complete remission), 3.8% had no proper response to treatment (incomplete remission), and 13.8% did not respond to the treatment. Also, 23.8% did not refer for further treatment at least six months from the start of treatment. No death was reported within the follow-up time. We found an association between the quality of treatment response and baseline parameters, including the rate of receiving intravenous immune globulin regimen, time of symptoms onset, gender, different patterns of disease, and disease subtype. Conclusion: A notable number of inflammatory myositis patients still do not respond to routine treatment, and we, in fact, are at the forefront of managing the disease.