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The impact of various neurodegenerative diseases on the retina has been investigated in recent years using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Epilepsy, classified as a neurodegenerative disorder, has been indicated to affect the structural integrity of the retina. Moreover, there is ongoing debate regarding the relative contribution of the disease pathogenesis and the consumption of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to these retinal changes. The lack of systematic reviews has hindered our understanding of the true effects of epilepsy and AEDs on retinal health, as well as the efficacy of OCT in detecting these alterations. To comprehensively review the impact of epilepsy and AEDs on the structure of retina, we thoroughly searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles published until July 7, 2024, and performed a meta-analysis. We updated our search in November, 2024. Random effect models have been used to calculate pooled effect estimates. Nineteen studies with a total number of 1851 eyes were identified. Adult patients showed significant reduction with respect of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness; average, as well as all quadrants. Significant reductions were also detected in all quadrants of ganglion cell complex (GCC). Conversely, average GCC and central macular thickness did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Additionally, in terms of various volume measurements in the retina, significant losses were observed in macular RNFL, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and total macula volumes in adult patients. In contrast, the inner nuclear layer volume remained comparable between the 2 groups. In pediatric patients with epilepsy receiving valproic acid, significant reductions was observed in the average RNFL thickness, as well as in the nasal and inferior quadrants; however, there were no significant changes in the thickness of the superior and temporal quadrants of RNFL, nor in foveal thickness. The analysis of pediatric patients receiving levetiracetam indicated no significant changes in retinal structural measurements across various RNFL categories, or in foveal thickness. This meta-analysis revealed the structural retinal alterations following AEDs administration in patients with epilepsy (PwE). OCT appears to be a reliable device that reflects retinal toxicity with AED consumption in PwE., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with rising incidence in resource-limited settings. Research suggests an increased risk of lung cancer in individuals with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), but the association needs further clarification. This systematic review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship., Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for relevant studies up to March 15, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either random-effects or fixed-effects models, depending on the level of heterogeneity. All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 3.0., Results: A total of 37 studies were included (9 cohort and 28 case-control). A significant association between prior pulmonary TB and lung cancer was found in both cohort (OR: 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8) and case-control (OR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5) studies. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association in East Asia (OR: 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.1)., Conclusion: Our study provides strong evidence of an increased risk of lung cancer following pulmonary TB. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive public health strategies, including targeted screening, early detection, and smoking cessation. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms linking TB and lung cancer, as well as the effectiveness of integrated prevention programs, particularly in high-burden regions., (S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Cancer treatment often involves excisional surgery, but this approach may leave behind minimal residual disease, leading to tumor regrowth. Proinflammatory cytokines and their role in altering residual cancerous cells postsurgery have garnered attention. The study examines how mild intraoperative cooling affects cancer cells and their gene expression. It aims to discover strategies for reducing tumor growth after surgery. Nine cases of solid tumor were included in the study, nine samples were cooled with the Peltier-Seebeck device down to12°C, and cooled and noncooled regions of tumors were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Key transcriptomes, including neural-cadherin, cadherins ( CDH ), 70-kDa Heat Shock Protein ( HSP70 ), hypoxia-inducible factor ( HIF ), Y-Box-binding protein 1 ( YB-1 ), matrix metalloproteinase 9 ( MMP9 ), and matrix metalloproteinase 2 ( MMP2 ), were measured to assess the impact of mild hypothermia on cancer cell metabolism and cold shock responses. Analysis of cooled and noncooled regions revealed reduced MMP2/9 levels in cooled regions in five out of seven cases, indicating potential suppression of tumor invasion and metastasis. CDH-1 expression was detected in five cases, with decreased levels observed in cooled regions in most cases, suggesting a role in tumor aggressiveness. YB-1 expression was increased in six out of eight samples, possibly correlating with local recurrence and reduced overall survival times. N-Cad expression was increased in all five samples where it was detected, indicating its potential involvement in tumor cell motility and invasion. HSPs showed a mild increase in four out of five cases following cooling, potentially contributing to tumor cell resistance to cooling-induced apoptosis. Intraoperative mild cooling resulted in the downregulation of key proteins playing a role in invasion and metastasis. However, Elevated YB-1 and N-Cad expression limits cooling's universal application. Further research is necessary to comprehend cooling-related transcriptome changes and their impact on patient outcomes.

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disease affecting premature neonates with life-lasting impacts. This study aims to investigate the long-term functional outcomes and alterations in neural retina architecture following the intravitreal transplantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) in the rat models of ROP, and to evaluate the effect of adjunctive therapy with melatonin., Methods: 32 neonate rats were employed. The ROP model was developed in 10 neonatal rats, and two were assigned as control. The ROP models received BMMNC suspension, containing 1.2 × 10 5  cells, in their right eye, and normal saline in left at p12. Five ROP rats received 12.5 mg/kg melatonin orally for five days (p12 to p17). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinography (ERG) were performed on p47. Eyes were then harvested on p47, and after six months for histology, immunofluorescence (anti-calbindin, anti-PKC, and anti-Brn3), and immunohistochemistry (synaptophysin)., Results: Cell therapy alone and with melatonin increased retinal thickness, and improved oscillatory potentials on ERG. Combination therapy increased horizontal and retinal ganglion cell populations. All treatments improved synaptic maturity in the inner plexiform layer, but only combination therapy was effective on the outer plexiform layer., Conclusion: Melatonin and BMMNCs combination therapy effectively ameliorates retinal structural and functional deficits at later ROP stages, without causing severe adverse effects. It significantly increases the survival of post-receptor retinal neurons and preserves retinal synaptic structures in the long term, highlighting the promising potential of this novel combination therapy approach to minimize visual deficits in ROP patients., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a significant public health concern. This study aimed to analyze the incidence trends, histological subtypes, and topographical distribution of BCa in Iran over a decade., Methods: This retrospective registry-based study analyzed data on BCa patients diagnosed between March 20, 2006, and March 20, 2015. Following data quality control, age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) were calculated for BCa overall, by sex and histological subtype using the new World Health Organization (WHO) standard population., Results: We identified 51,379 BCa cases (81.97% male) with a mean age of 65.10 ± 14.89 years. The overall ASIR was 8.92 per 100,000 (95% CI: 8.84-9.00). While a modest increase in ASIR was observed overall (8.77 in 2006 to 9.64 in 2015) and among males (14.13 in 2006 to 15.95 in 2015) during the study period, males consistently had a significantly higher ASIR compared to females (approximately 4.5:1 ratio). BCa incidence showed a progressive increase across older age groups, particularly those aged 40-44 to 80-84 years. Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) was the most prevalent histological type (ASIR: 8.19 to 7.93), followed by adenocarcinoma (AC; ASIR: 0.13 to 0.11). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) displayed a decreasing trend (ASIR: 0.11 to 0.06). Both UCC and AC were more frequent in males (approximately 5 and 3 times higher than females, respectively). Malignant neoplasm of the bladder, unspecified, constituted over 95% of BCa topography classifications., Conclusion: This study identified a modest rise in BCa incidence, with male predominance and a higher burden in older adults. Further investigation into potential risk factors contributing to this increase is warranted., 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. The handling editor AS and the reviewer AK declared a shared parent affiliation with the author MJ at the time of review., (Copyright © 2024 Naserghandi, Azizmohammad Looha, Jameie, Moradian Haft Cheshmeh, Namakin, Golmakani, Feyzi, Shabanipour, Tofighi Zavareh, Allameh and Akbari.)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to a problem in the gut-brain axis. This experimental research aimed to shed light on the potential therapeutic application of elderberry (EB), which can work on the axis and get better the IBS symptoms. There were three groups (36 Sprague-Dawley rats) in this experiment, including control, IBS, and IBS with EB diet (IBS + EB). Making use of intracolonic instillation of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid for 30 s, IBS was induced. 7 days later, the EB extract (2%) was added to the diets of all animals for 8 weeks. Some histological, behavioral, and stereological techniques were used to detect the effects of EB on the gut and brain tissues. The findings showed that the EB diet improved locomotion and decreased anxiety-like behavior in the rat models of IBS. Moreover, the diet dropped the expression of TNF-α and increased mucosal layer thickness and the number of goblet and mast cells in colon tissue samples. In the hippocampal samples, administration of EB prevented astrogliosis and astrocyte reactivity. Although hippocampal and cortical neurons decreased markedly in the IBS group, EB prevented the drop in the number of neurons. Although lots of research is needed to elucidate the effectiveness of EB in IBS and its exact molecular mechanism, the result of this study showed that EB as an antioxidant and immune-modulatory agent could be a promising research target to prevent the impairment in the gut-brain axis, and could ameliorative classic IBS symptoms., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: As the second most common subtype of Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs), ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is associated with a high rate of cancer-associated thrombosis. Previous studies revealed the wide range prevalence (6-42%) of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among OCCC patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VTE among OCCC patients as well as factors affecting it., Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to December 12 th , 2022. Studies reporting venous thromboembolic events in women with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary were included. Demographic data, clinical, and paraclinical features of the patients were independently extracted by two reviewers., Results: Out of the 2254 records, 43 studies were processed for final review. The qualified studies involved 573 VTE cases among 2965 patients with OCCC. The pooled prevalence of VTE among OCCC patients was 21.32% (95%CI=(17.38-25.87)). Most VTE events were reported in Japanese women (26.15%), followed by Americans (24.41%) and UK (21.57%), and Chinese (13.61%) women. VTE was more common in patients with advanced stages (37.79%) compared to those with early stages of the disease (16.54%)., Conclusions: Ovarian clear cell carcinoma is associated with a high rate of cancer-associated thrombosis. VTE events in OCCC patients were higher in advanced stages and Japanese women.

Severe cases of acute hepatitis have been reported all around the world since 5 April 2022. Common viral hepatitis agents (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV) were ruled out by laboratory investigations, impelling the term "acute non-A-E hepatitis". Common manifestations consist of abdominal pain, jaundice, and vomiting. A highly elevated level of liver enzymes was a remarkable laboratory finding among the patients. Currently, there is no clear etiology and thus treatment for the condition. Adenovirus serotype 41 (ad-41) was detected in most of the patients even though there is no elucidated link between Adenovirus and acute hepatitis. Other viral agents such as SARS-CoV-2 tested positive in a few cases. Treatment strategies depend on the severity, complications, and sequela of acute hepatitis and can vary widely from supportive therapy to liver transplantation. As of 8 July 2022, 1010 probable cases were reported from 35 countries. More than half were from the European region and were mostly children under the age of 6 years. Among different hypotheses about the etiology of severe acute non-A-E hepatitis, adenovirus-41 is of great importance but further assessments are needed to prove any definite link between ad-41 and severe acute hepatitis., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Reactive arthritis (ReA) is a joint inflammation that follows an infection at a distant site, often in the gastrointestinal or urogenital tract. Since the emergence of COVID-19 in January 2020, several case reports have suggested a relation between reactive arthritis and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), due to the novelty of the disease, most findings were reported in the form of case reports or case series, and a comprehensive overview is still lacking., Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline and Embase to identify studies addressing the association between ReA and COVID-19. The following terms were used: ("Reactive Arthritis" OR "Post-Infectious Arthritis" OR "Post Infectious Arthritis") AND ("COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "2019-nCoV")., Results: A total number of 35 reports published up to February 16 th , 2022, were included in this study. A wide range of ages was affected (mean 41.0, min 4 max 78), with a higher prevalence of males (61.0%) from 16 countries. The number and location of the affected joints were different in included patients, with a higher prevalence of polyarthritis in 41.5% of all cases. Cutaneous manifestations and visual impairments were found as the most common associated symptoms. Most patients (95.1%) recovered, with a mean recovery time of 24 days. Moreover, arthritis induced by COVID-19 seems to relieve faster than ReA, followed by other infections., Conclusion: ReA can be a possible sequel of COVID-19 infection. Since musculoskeletal pain is a frequent symptom of COVID-19, ReA with rapid onset can easily be misdiagnosed. Therefore, clinicians should consider ReA a vital differential diagnosis in patients with post-COVID-19 joint swelling. Additional studies are required for further analysis and to corroborate these findings., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Over the past years, several studies have also reported the adverse effects of hyperthermia on normal testicular tissues in several species including mice, rats, and humans. These deleterious impacts include temporarily drop in relative weight of testis along with a temporary partial or complete infertility. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry or sweet elder, is a source of bioactive compounds that has drawn growing attention for its potential beneficial effects in preventing and treating several diseases. This experimental research divided 30 mice into the following three groups: (1) control, (2) hyperthermia, and (3) hyperthermia receiving elderberry diet for 35 days. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the mice were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Then, we took the testis samples for histopathological experimentations, immunohistochemistry against TNF-α and caspase-3 and serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Our outputs indicated that elderberry diet could largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells together with an increasing level of the serum testosterone compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice. In addition, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 significantly decreased in the treatment groups by elderberry diet compared to the scrotal hyperthermia-induced mice. In conclusion, it could be concluded that elderberry diet may be regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice., (© 2022. Society for Reproductive Investigation.)

Purpose: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity in the past decades has caused non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to become the most common cause of pediatric chronic liver disease worldwide. This study was aimed at determining the effect of vitamin D (Vit D) on ultrasonography and laboratory indices of NAFLD and some blood biochemical indicators in children., Methods: In this interventional study liver ultrasonography was performed in 200 children with overweight and obesity. A 108 had fatty liver among which 101 were randomly divided into two groups of study (n=51) and control (n=50). The study group was treated with Vit D, 50000 U once a week whereas the control group received placebo with the same dose and package, both for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention lab tests and ultrasound study was performed once again to evaluate the response to treatment., Results: It was found out that Vit D supplementation improved the fatty liver grade in the study group. The mean changes in hemoglobin (Hb), uric acid, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly higher in the study group compared to controls ( p <0.05). After the intervention and means adjustment, a significant difference was obtained in HDL-C, insulin, LDL-C and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) between the two groups., Conclusion: Vit D supplementation in addition to improving the fatty liver grade in ultrasonography and increasing the blood Vit D level, increases the HDL and Hb level besides decreasing uric acid, LDL, HOMA-IR, insulin and ALT levels., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 by The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.)

Objective: Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) is the most common pathogenic bacteria in the stomach. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of oral garlic administration on bacterial urease activity inside the stomach and its contribution to the treatment of H. pylori infection., Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 15 patients were studied quantitatively with Urease Breath Test (UBT). The patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a positive serum H. pylori IgG were enrolled. UBT was performed for each patient in three sessions as follows: at the beginning of the study, an initial UBT was performed based on which, the positive cases entered the study and the negative ones were excluded. Second UBT was done three days later in patients who were not receiving any treatment and were considered as the control, whereas the third UBT was performed three days after prescribing two medium-sized cloves of garlic (3 g) with their meal, twice a day (at noon and in the evening). The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests and the significance level was set at p<0.05., Results: the mean UBT significantly differed before and after treatment with garlic cloves, being significantly lower after garlic consumption. No meaningful difference was observed in the mean UBT without garlic consumption between the first and second steps., Conclusion: Raw garlic has anti-bacterial effects against H. pylori residing in the stomach and may be prescribed along with routine drugs for the treatment of gastric H. pylori infection.

Background: The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level has been shown to have a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Low vitamin D levels have been shown to be correlated with dyslipidemia, but limited data exist on indigenous children., Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on HDL-C levels in school-aged Iranian children., Methods: In this prospective controlled clinical trial, 47 healthy children (23 boys) aged 10 - 14 years, students of Birjand (Iran) elementary schools, were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The study group received a vitamin D supplement (1000 mg capsule) daily for one month, and placebo tablets were prescribed to the controls. Before and after the treatment course, the serum HDL-C and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of both groups were measured. The data were analyzed by SPSS, ver. 16, and Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, paired-sample t-tests, and Pearson's correlation were used, wherever appropriate. The significance level was set at P < 0.05., Results: Forty children completed the study; their mean age was 11.5 ± 1.175 years. The mean serum levels of both HDL-C and vitamin D showed a significant rise following the treatment in the study group (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas both variables decreased slightly in the control group (P = 0.27). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum levels of HDL-C and vitamin D between the two groups after the intervention (P = 0.11 and P = 0.20, respectively)., Conclusions: Vitamin D supplements seem to have a positive impact on serum HDL-C levels and may be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

Background: Various studies have indicated that dyslipidemia starts in childhood. There is a relationship between the concentration of blood lipids and atherosclerosis. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of dyslipidemia in elementary school children., Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1,626 (882 girls and 744 boys) elementary school children aged between 6 and 11 years in Birjand in 2012. Samples were selected through multistage random sampling. The lipid profiles (i.e., cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) of the subjects were measured after 12 hours' fasting. The definition of dyslipidemia was based on the criteria of The American Children Academia in 2011., Results: Dyslipidemia (at least one abnormal level of a serum lipid) was detected in 31% of the children (31.3% of the girls vs. 30.6% of the boys). Total cholesterol was ≥ 200 mg/dL in 13.4% of the children, LDL-C was ≥ 130 mg/dL in 8.5%, HDL-C was < 40 mg/dL in 11.3%, and triglyceride was ≥ 130 mg/dL in 15.3%. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was significantly higher in the females than in the males (16.3% in the girls vs. 13.8% in the boys; p value = 0.01) - while hypercholesterolemia (12.2% in the girls vs. 14.9% in the boys; p value = 0.16), high LDL-C (8.5% in the girls vs. 8.5% in the boys; p value = 0.05), and low HDL-C (12.7% in the girls vs. 9.5% in the boys; p value = 0.1) were not significantly different between the two sexes., Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was high in the school children in Birjand and, thus, requires preventive measures.

Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose in adolescents in Birjand city in eastern Iran., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 2653 students aged 11-18 years selected through multi-stage stratified and random sampling. Fasting blood glucose (FBS) of these students was measured applying the enzymatic process. The obtained data were analyzed by means of SPSS software (V: 15) and statistical tests T and X2., Results: The mean age of individual was 14.5 ± 2 years. Mean FBS of the whole population was 89.8 ± 9.8 mg/dl, but it was significantly higher among boys than girls (P < 0.001). Out of the whole subjects (92.4%), 1,328 (95.1%) of the girls and 1,122 (89.3%) of the boys, FBS was less than 100 mg/dl among whom 64.4% had FBS above 86 mg/dl. In 200 subjects (7.5%) of whole population, FBS was 100-125 mg/dl; with that of the boys was 2.3 times than the girls revealing a prediabetes condition: OR = 2.3(CI: 1.7-3.2). Among the students, 3 (0.1%) had an FBS > 126 mg/dl. Mean blood glucose was significant regarding age and sex., Conclusions: High prevalence of high FBS (within normal range) among adolescents is warning and requires special attention of health officials. Screening of children and adolescents in order to identify those at risk and plan for intervening is urgent to prevent type-2 diabetes epidemic and following cardiovascular complications in the Society.

Background: Childhood obesity could induce some risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including serum lipid abnormalities, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to comparison the lipid profile in normal children with cases having overweight, obesity and central obesity., Methods: In this case control study, which was conducted 2013, serum lipids for three groups of children including cases with overweight (Body mass index (BMI): 85-95th percentiles to age and sex and waist circumference (WC) <90th percentile to age and sex = Case group1), central obesity without general obesity (BMI <85th percentiles and WC ≥ percentile 90 = Case group 2) and central obesity with general obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile and WC ≥ percentile 90 = Case group 3) were compared with control group (BMI < 85th percentiles WC <90th percentile). Data were analyzed using software SPSS-16 by chi-square and ANOVA tests at significance level α=0.05., Results: Each group consisted of 100 individuals. The highest mean of serum lipids and the highest extent of dyslipidemia existed in the children having central obesity along with general obesity. So that 49%, 28%, and 38% students of this group show hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Odd ratio of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-c, in children with at least one abnormal index (BMI and /or WC) compared with control group were 3.73 (95% CI: 1.98, 6.99), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.71, 2.65) and 2.98 (95% CI: 1.51, 5.87), respectively., Conclusions: With regard to the relationship between central obesity and adverse changes in lipid profiles, the screening children for central obesity to prevention of cardiovascular disease are recommended.

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and release hormones that regulate various physiological processes. In the past few decades, the human skin has been identified as an important peripheral endocrine organ that is the main site for the synthesis of vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. Mutations in downstream vitamin D-related gene pathways are associated with disease development. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, which regulates the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D, has been extensively studied in adult populations. Several studies have reported the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents. With changes in socioeconomic status and lifestyle, vitamin D-deficient individuals are prone to developing the disease at a young age. However, geographical and racial differences affect the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and vitamin D endocrine disorders, explaining the nonconsensus effects of polymorphisms and their association with disease development across populations. In this review, we discuss the connection between the vitamin D endocrine system and polymorphisms in the gene encoding VDR in children and adolescents, focusing on its effects on growth, puberty, insulin resistance, and the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection affects over 50% of the global population. Individuals acquire this infection in early childhood that persists throughout life if not treated. The degree of the outbreak severity varied from one region to another, causing long-term clinical consequences such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and cancer of the stomach. The primary objective of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among the population in Duhok City via the implementation of non-invasive methods. Methods: From January 2021 to December 2022, 2313 cases were studied using ELISA assays for immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, and IgA, a stool antigen test (SAT), and a urea breath test (UBT) to identify Helicobacter pylori. Results: Among 2313 patients of both genders, 61.7% (1427/2313) were females and 38.3% (886/2313) were males. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 35.28% among them, with a high significant difference in infection rate in females than males (60.78% vs 39.22%), and among various ages with the highest being at ages of 31 to 40 years. The serological and the SAT tests are commonly used diagnostic tests that yield the most significant number of positive results. Furthermore, a notable correlation was observed between the prevalence of infection and age, especially for IgA and UBT where males exhibited higher significant levels than females; moreover, for UBT, highly significant variations were observed among ages also. Conclusions: Over half of the performed tests detected H. pylori antibodies with the peak at 49.3% for the IgG test, indicating the body elicits an immune response against this bacterium. Both gender and age were linked to this infection. For more clarification of the prevalence of H. pylori, we recommend conducting more in-depth investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the gastric epithelium and is associated with a range of gastrointestinal disorders, exhibiting a global prevalence of approximately 50%. Despite the availability of treatment options, H. pylori frequently reemerges and demonstrates increasing antibiotic resistance, which diminishes the efficacy of conventional therapies. Consequently, it is imperative to explore non-antibiotic treatment alternatives to mitigate the inappropriate use of antibiotics. This review examines H. pylori infection, encompassing transmission pathways, treatment modalities, antibiotic resistance, and eradication strategies. Additionally, it discusses alternative therapeutic approaches such as probiotics, anti-biofilm agents, phytotherapy, phototherapy, phage therapy, lactoferrin therapy, and vaccine development. These strategies aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections. While alternative therapies can maintain low bacterial levels, they do not achieve complete eradication of H. pylori. These therapies are designed to bolster the immune response, minimize side effects, and provide gastroprotective benefits, rendering them suitable for adjunctive use alongside conventional treatments. Probiotics may serve as adjunctive therapy for H. pylori; however, their effectiveness as a monotherapy is limited. Photodynamic and phage therapies exhibit potential in targeting H. pylori infections, including those caused by drug-resistant strains, without the use of antibiotics. The development of a reliable vaccine is also critical for the eradication of H. pylori. This review identifies candidate antigens such as VacA, CagA, and HspA, along with various vaccine formulations, including vector-based and subunit vaccines. Some vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, while others have shown robust immune protection in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, each of the aforementioned alternative therapies requires thorough preclinical and clinical evaluation to ascertain their efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness, and patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in children and adolescents is becoming a global public health concern. MS tracks into adulthood increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to verify the rate of MS in elementary school students of Birjand, as a representative sample of Iranian children to verify the best preventive measures in this age group., Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 1425 elementary school children through multiple-cluster sampling in 2013. Height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure of children were measured by standard methods. Blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were also measured after 12 hours fasting. MS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) based on the National Cholesterol Education Program. Data were analyzed by SPSS using t test and chi-square test. Significance level was set at P < 0.05., Results: The prevalence of MS was 5.3% which increased with age. 43.5% of the studied cases had one or more components of the MS. The most common components were hypertension, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose, respectively. MS prevalence was 0.9% in normal weight, 11.3% in overweight and 36.2% in obese children., Conclusion: Regarding the high prevalence of MS in elementary school children in our region, screening for obesity is recommended to prevent adulthood complications. Therapeutic lifestyle changes and maintenance of regular physical activity are the most important strategies for preventing childhood obesity.

Background: Prevalence of obesity in children has been increased during recent decades all over the world. Obesity, particularly, abdominal obesity (AO) is associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess obesity and central obesity within students aged 11-18 of Birjand city., Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive- analytical study was conducted on 2458 secondary and high school students, including 1345 girls (54.8%) and 1113 boys (45.2%), who had been selected from Birjand Middle and high schools through multiple-cluster sampling in 2012. For determination of AO, waist circumference and the percentage 90 or more regarding age and sex were used. The obtained data were analyzed by using statistical t-tests and χ(2) at the significant level P < 0.05., Results: Among the studied students, average 16.3% (20% of boys and 13.2% of girls) had AO. The obtained data about these two groups shows statistical significant difference of P < 0.001. Chance of AO in boys was 1.6 times greater than that of girls. Odds ratio (OR) = 1.6 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-2.1). It was 1.9 times more about under 15-year-old than over 15 aged subjects. OR = 1.9 (CI: 1.5-2.4)., Conclusions: Regarding high prevalence of AO in Birjand adolescents, it is recommended that adolescents and their families should be warned for long-term outcomes of obesity on quality-of-life. Periodic studies are suggested for awareness of obesity trends in the coming years.

Background: Anthropometric indices are widely used to assess the health and nutritional status of children The aim of the present study was determination of malnutrition and compare estimates of under nutrition among young children under 2 years of age from Birjand city of Iran using WHO growth standard and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) references., Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 822 children under 2 years of age mean z scores for weight-for-age and height-for-age and prevalence underweight, stunting and wasting were calculated using the new WHO growth standards and compared with NCHS references., Results: Compared with NCHS reference, the mean height for age were lower and mean weight for age scores were almost similar using the WHO standards. Prevalence underweight, stunting, and wasting using WHO standards were 5.2-8.2% and 1.9%, respectively, compared to 6.5-37.3% and 1% based on the NCHS references., Conclusions: Using WHO standards resulted differences in mean z score for height for age and changes in prevalence of stunting compared with NCHS references in Birjand city children.

Background: Prevalence of obesity in children has been increasing during recent decades all over the world. Obesity, particularly central obesity, is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to assess obesity and central obesity in 6-11 year old Birjand elementary school children, East of Iran., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1541 elementary school children, i.e. 851 girls and 690 boys, selected from Birjand elementary schools through multiple-cluster sampling in 2012. In order to determine overweight and obesity the percentile of CDC was used, so that, 85-95th percentile were taken as overweight and >95th percentile was defined as obese with respect to age and sex. For determination of central obesity, waist circumference and the ≥90th percentile were used regarding age and sex. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software (V: 15) using t and chi-square statistical tests at the 0.05 significant level., Results: Out of the studied children, 9.6% (11% of boys and 8.3% of girls) were overweight and 9.2% of children (i.e. 10.9% of boys and 7.9% of girls) were obese. About 15.7% of children (i.e. 20.3% of boys and 12% of girls) had central obesity., Conclusions: Regarding high prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and overweight in Birjand elementary school children, it is recommended that families should be provided with necessary information with respect to correcting life-style and preventing obesity in children.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major public health problems in developing countries. Children are more vulnerable to these infections. In addition, the prevalence of infection is different among various communities; hence, there is a need for the periodical prevalence evaluation. This study was performed to define the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among the students of South Khorasan Province, eastern Iran in 2007., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 2169 students aged 6-11 years in six cities of South Khorasan Province in 2007. Three stool specimens were collected from each student. Specimens were examined with direct wet and formalin ethyl acetate method. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15 software., Results: From a total 2169 students, 47.7% were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Almost 33.4% were pathogen parasites. The most common parasite was Giardia (28.7%). The prevalence rate of infection was significantly higher in rural area than that of urban area (P=0.001). The prevalence of infection was also much more common in those students whose parents were less educated., Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this region is remarkable. Public health education and using healthy water are recommended.

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most prevalent preventable cause of mental retardation and intellectual disability in newborns. Genetic and environmental factors have been related to congenital hypothyroidism. Hence, this study was conducted to illustrate the incidence and spatial distribution of the CH using the dataset from the national newborn CH screening information system during 2011-2020in counties affiliated to the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. All newborns that were screened for CH in 3–5 days of age in the health centers of Yasuj University of Medical Sciences were enrolled the study since 2011–2020. Meteorological data including information on temperature, humidity, precipitation in a 10-year period (2011–2020) was taken from the Meteorological Organization. The required information layers include slope, slope direction, height, vegetation and political divisions of the province, were purchased from the organizations that made the layers. The data related to the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism was collected from the 10-year reports of the provincial health center. Addresses of patients were transferred to Arc GIS 10.5 software and entered in urban and rural point's layer to prepare and draw disease distribution maps in the province's newborns. The influence of geographical factors on the occurrence of disease was done by SPSS 23 software using multivariate binary logistic regression. P-value < 0.05 was assumed as significant level. Results: Out of 142,674 screened newborns for CH, 827 had positive screening, including 441 boys (53.3%) and 386 girls (46.7%). Total incidence per 1000 live birth was 5.79. Based on multivariate logistic regression, slope (sig = 0.0001, Exp(B) = 0.91, CI95% Exp(B) = 0.87–0.95), thin forest (sig = 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.2, CI95% Exp(B) = 0.07–0.53), water area (sig = 0.0001, Exp(B) = 8.91, CI95% Exp(B) = 3.35–23.69), were predicting factors of CH. Conclusion: Given that, the incidence of CH in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyar Ahmad province is higher than the average of country (Iran), and the geographical factors of land slope and type of vegetation were related to it that cannot be changed, it is very important to carry out necessary nutritional interventions during pregnancy to prevent newborns from contracting this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a prevalent hepatic condition linked to metabolic alterations. It gradually causes liver damage and potentially progresses to cirrhosis. Despite its significance, research, especially in the pediatric population, is limited, leading to contradictory findings in diagnosis and treatment. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing literature on therapeutic interventions for MASLD in children and adolescents. Methods: A comprehensive search of randomized controlled clinical trials yielded 634 entries from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 2023. Interventions included medications, behavioral modifications, dietary changes, probiotics, supplements, surgical procedures, or combinations. The analysis focused on studies with treatment duration of at least 3 months, employing a random-effects REML meta-analysis model. Treatment effects on anthropometric measurements and biochemical components were examined and adjusted for heterogeneity factors analysis. A bibliometric analysis for insights into research contributors was performed. Results: The systematic review incorporated 31 clinical trials, with 24 meeting criteria for meta-analysis. These comprised 3 medication studies, 20 with supplements, 4 focusing on lifestyle, and 4 centered on diets. Significant overall treatment effects were observed for ALT, AST, BMI, and HOMA-IR mainly by supplements and lifestyle. Meta-regression identified age, BMI changes, and treatment duration as factors modifying ALT concentrations. Bibliometric analysis involving 31 linked studies highlighted contributions from 13 countries, with the USA, Spain, and Chile being the most influential. Conclusions: We conclude that supplementation and lifestyle changes can effectively impact ALT and AST levels, which can help address liver issues in obese children. However, the evaluation of risk bias, the high heterogeneity, and the bibliometric analysis emphasize the need for more high-quality studies and broader inclusion of diverse child populations to provide better therapeutic recommendations. Trial registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023393952. Registered on January 25, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible and affects the respiratory system. People with COVID-19 are at higher risk of physical and mental health conditions, which could impact bone health. The aim of this review was to explore the effects of COVID-19 on BMD, BTMs, and joints. An electronic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid Medline databases considered studies published between 1 January 2020 and 1 November 2023. The search was limited to English, original studies in adult humans. The title and abstract of the identified papers were screened, followed by a full-text review using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data extracted included the study and participant characteristics, BTMs, BMD, and joint abnormalities. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale quality assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Five studies involving 305 out of 495 infected individuals observed a reduced BMD after COVID-19, with the most significant reduction occurring a year later. Both bone resorption and bone formation markers decreased, while regulatory markers showed higher levels in infected patients. COVID-19 may harm bone health by increasing bone regulatory markers and reducing bone formation and absorption, leading to a lower BMD. Elderly, frail, and osteopenic or osteoporotic individuals are at higher risk and should be regularly monitored for bone loss if they have long COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study systematically reviewed the causes of child death across different age groups based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) criteria. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in seven electronic databases and two search engines to identify all studies examining child mortality in any part of Iran or the entire country. Hand searching, gray literature, and bibliographies were also utilized. Data were synthesized descriptively and through meta-analysis. Results: A total of 35 studies were included, encompassing 58,519 death cases across various age groups. According to the ICD-10 classification, the most common causes of Neonatal Mortality Rates (NMR) were pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium-related conditions (41.1%), congenital malformations (19.2%), and certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (14.5%). For Infant Mortality Rates (IMR), the leading causes were congenital malformations (44.0%), pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions (14.5%), and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (8.7%). In the age group of 28 days to 5 years, the primary causes of death were pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium-related issues (27.5%), congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities (21.6%), and respiratory and cardiovascular disease (9.3%). For children aged 1 to 5 years, congenital malformations (29.1%), external causes (19.6%), and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (7.2%) were the most significant causes of death. The meta-analysis revealed that immaturity [0.171 (PI: 0.032–0.561)] in infants aged 0–28 days, and congenital malformations in the age groups of 28 to 1 year [0.261 (PI: 0.166–0.385)] and 28 to 5 years [0.173 (PI: 0.078–0.342)] were the leading causes of death. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide valuable insights for priority-setting interventions aimed at reducing child mortality according to the prevalence rate of specific causes in different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of death among gynaecological malignancies. The haemostatic system, which controls blood flow and prevents clotting disorders, paradoxically drives OC progression while increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial in understanding VTE pathogenesis. Exploring the connection between cancer and thrombosis through these RNAs could lead to novel biomarkers of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and OC, as well as potential therapeutic targets for tumour management. Thus, this study examined the impact of eight plasma miRNAs targeting the tissue factor (TF) coagulation pathway—miR-18a-5p, -19a-3p, -20a-5p, -23a-3p, -27a-3p, -103a-3p, -126-5p and -616-3p—in 55 OC patients. Briefly, VTE occurrence post-OC diagnosis was linked to shorter disease progression time (log-rank test, p = 0.024) and poorer overall survival (OS) (log-rank test, p < 0.001). High pre-chemotherapy levels of miR-20a-5p (targeting coagulation factor 3 (F3) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2)) and miR-616-3p (targeting TFPI2) predicted VTE after OC diagnosis (χ2, p < 0.05). Regarding patients' prognosis regardless of VTE, miR-20a-5p independently predicted OC progression (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 6.13, p = 0.005), while miR-616-3p significantly impacted patients' survival (aHR = 3.72, p = 0.020). Further investigation is warranted for their translation into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate diagnosis of meningitis is critical for preventing severe complications and fatalities. This study addresses the need for accessible diagnostics in the absence of specialized equipment by developing a novel diagnostic assay. The assay utilizes dual-priming isothermal amplification (DAMP) with unique internal primers to significantly reduce non-specificity. For fluorescence detection, the dye was selected among Brilliant Green, Thioflavin T, and dsGreen. Brilliant Green is preferred for this assay due to its availability, high fluorescence level, and optimal sample-to-background (S/B) ratio. The assay was developed for the detection of the primary causative agents of meningitis (Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae), and tested on clinical samples. The developed method demonstrated high specificity, no false positives, sensitivity comparable to that of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and a high S/B ratio. This versatile assay can be utilized as a standalone test or an integrated assay into point-of-care systems for rapid and reliable pathogen detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Sambucus, mainly Sambucus nigra, has emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties. This review explores the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroregenerative effects of Sambucus-derived compounds and their implications for brain health and cognitive function. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of Sambucus extracts to mitigate oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and promote neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In vivo studies using animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, have shown that Sambucus compounds can improve cognitive function, motor performance, and neuronal survival while attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. The neuroprotective effects of Sambucus are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, which exert their benefits through multiple mechanisms, including the modulation of signaling pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the potential of Sambucus as a functional food ingredient is discussed, highlighting its application in various food products and the challenges associated with the stability and bioavailability of its bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the neuroprotective potential of Sambucus and its derivatives, offering valuable insights for the development of dietary strategies to promote brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Convulsions caused by fever in children and parents not knowing about the nature of this disease cause severe anxiety and inappropriate performance in parents. Due to the cost-effectiveness of the telenursing method, nurses can use it to provide a large amount of information in a short period with distance education. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of telenursing training on the anxiety of mothers with children suffering from febrile convulsions. Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in 2020-2021 among 60 mothers with children suffering from febrile seizures in the hospitals of Birjand, Iran. The sampling method was accessible and then people were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. After being discharged from the hospital, the intervention group received telenursing (for 2 weeks and 3 sessions each week for 15 minutes via mobile phone and by calling the mothers and sending an educational video). The control group received routine training at discharge. The data collection questionnaire included the demographic and background information and the Spielberger anxiety questionnaire. The Spielberger questionnaire was completed at the beginning and after the end of the intervention. SPSS software version 16 and paired t, independent t and chisquare statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: Stait and trait anxiety before the intervention was not significant between the control and intervention groups (P=0.865 and P=0.153, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between the two intervention and control groups in Stait and trait anxiety after the intervention, and it was reduced in the intervention group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Telenursing training was an effective method in reducing the anxiety of mothers with children suffering from febrile convulsions. Therefore, it is suggested to use the telenursing method in order to reduce anxiety among mothers with children suffering from febrile convulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely abundant spice, known for its aroma and pungent flavor. It contains several bioactive compounds and offers a wide range of health benefits to humans, including those pertaining to nutrition, physiology, and medicine. Therefore, garlic is considered as one of the most effective diseasepreventive diets. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the sulfur-containing compounds, allicin and ajoene, for their effective anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and cardioprotective properties. As a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, linalool, geraniol, phellandrene, β-phellandrene, ajoene, alliin, S-allyl-mercapto cysteine, and β-phellandrene, garlic has many therapeutic applications and may play a role in drug development against various human diseases. In the current review, garlic and its major bioactive components alongwith their biological function andmechanisms of action for their role in disease prevention and therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern dietary habits and stressed lifestyle have escalated the tendency to develop functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) through alteration in the gut-brain-microbiome axis. Clinical practices use symptomatic treatments, neglect root causes, and prolong distress in patients. The past decade has seen the evolution of various interventions to attenuate FGIDs. But clinical translation of such studies is very rare mostly due to lack of awareness. The aim of this review is to meticulously integrate different studies and bridge this knowledge gap. Literature between 2013 and 2023 was retrieved from PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science. The data was extracted based on the PRISMA guidelines and using the SYRCLE's risk of bias and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools, quality assessment was performed. The review has highlighted molecular insights into the coexistence of FGIDs, stress, and gut dysbiosis. Furthermore, novel interventions focusing on diet, probiotics, herbal formulations, and phytoconstituents were explored which mostly had a multitargeted approach for the management of the diseases. Scientific literature implied positive interactions between the interventions and the gut microbiome by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing stress-related hormones. Moreover, the interventions reduced intestinal inflammation and regulated the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins in different in vivo models. This systematic review delves deep into the preclinical interventions to manage coexisting FGIDs, stress, and gut dysbiosis. However, in most of the discussed studies, long-term risks and toxicity profile of the interventions are lacking. So, it is necessary to highlight them for improved clinical outcomes., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: A febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child that's caused by a fever. Disruptions in the balance of serum electrolytes significantly contribute to the onset of these issues. This study aimed to investigate serum electrolyte abnormalities in hospitalized children experiencing fever and seizures. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a census was conducted to examine all children hospitalized with fever and convulsions at Taleghani Hospital in Gorgan during the years 2013 and 2014. Demographic information, seizure type, recurrence, and test results of patients were gathered using a checklist developed from the data available in the patients' inpatient records and the hospital's information system. Spearman and Mann-Whitney correlation tests were performed using software for statistical analysis. Results: The study's results indicated that the average age of the patients was 22.6 ± 13.9 months, with 117 of them (54.7%) being boys. Fever and convulsions were classified as simple in 163 patients (76.2%), while 28 patients (13.1%) experienced recurrent convulsions. The findings revealed an inverse and significant relationship between age and serum levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; however, no such relationship was found between age and sodium serum levels. Additionally, there was no correlation between gender, type of fever and seizures, or the recurrence of seizures with serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Conclusion: It appears that measuring serum electrolytes in children with fever and convulsions should be conducted on a case-by-case basis, guided by a physician's assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities is increasing in children and adolescents. This study aimed to specify the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children and adolescents and to identify the predictive factors associated with NAFLD. Material and Methods: Obese children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were included in the study. The presence and degree of hepatosteatosis were evaluated using liver US. The groups with and without NAFLD were compared in terms of demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters. Results: One hundred fifty-five obese children and adolescents with a median age of 13.8 (4.93) years (43 males, 131 pubertal) were included in the study. We found that 57.4% of obese cases had NAFLD. In the group with NAFLD, serum ALT level, AST level, HOMA-IR, and triglyceride level were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.015, p=0.021, respectively), and serum HDL-C level was significantly lower (p=0.001) compared to the group without NAFLD. In the binomial logistic regression analysis, age (ß=0.213, OR=1.23, p=0.040) and serum ALT level (ß=0.047, OR=1.04, p=0.011) were determining factors for hepatosteatosis. The diagnostic accuracy of elevated serum ALT level in detecting NAFLD was found to be 65.8% with a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 57.3% (+LR 1.81 and -LR 0.40). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD determined with US in obese children and adolescents was 57.4%. Age and serum ALT level were found to be predictive factors for hepatosteatosis. Increased ALT alone shows insufficient performance in detecting NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine the distribution of enteric parasitic infections and related risk factors among rural communities of Guilan province, Northern Iran, and to compare the results with the situation in the past. Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still considered as a major public health concern, particularly in human communities with poor economy and sanitation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in rural areas of Masal and Shanderman district from February to December 2020. A total of 917 stool samples were collected and examined for presence of intestinal helminthes and protozoa using direct, formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques. Results: A total of 156 (17%) out of 917 examined individuals were infected with intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of protozoa, helminths and mixed infections were 11.8% (108/917), 4.5% (41/917) and 0.8% (7/917), respectively. Blastocystis was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa (9.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia (1.9%), Endolimax nana (1.1%), E. coli (0.8%) and Entamoeba hartmani (0.1%). The highest prevalence of intestinal helminths belonged to Trichostongylus spp. (3.5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%). Statistical analysis showed significant association between giardiasis and sex (P<0.03). On the other hand, prevalence of enteric helminths was influenced by close contact with livestock, keeping herbivorous animals at home, job, education, and consumption of uncooked vegetables (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate a decreasing trend in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Guilan province in comparison to the past few decades. Hookworm infections, which was very prevalent in the area, are now rare, while trichostrongylosis showed a high prevalence in rural residents of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]