Identification of Candidate miRNAs and Predication of Their Role in Keratoconus

Keratoconus (KTCN, OMIM 148300) is known as an eye degenerative disease leading to stromal thinning and conical shape of the cornea. These structural changes can be accompanied by loss of visual function in advanced cases. To date, in spite of recent advances in the investigation of molecular mechanisms which result in Keratoconus, there’s still a lack of information about the role of miRNAs in this disorder. Accordingly, this study aims to find miRNA’s aberrantly expression in KTCN suffering cases and to predict their role by investigating their possible interactions with significantly KTCN correlated genes. The data were comprised of 25 normal and 25 KTCN cases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis approach was used to construct a protein-coding gene co-expression network and investigate the significant modules. Gene with the higher module membership (MM) and gene significance (GS) in the selected modules were supposed to be more KTCN relevant genes.  Totally 2492 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 99 miRNAs were up-regulated and 213 PCGs and 31 miRNAs were down-regulated. Significant correlation with the KTCN was observed in three modules, including brown, green-yellow, and salmon from the total of 15 modules. Genes in significant modules have been enriched to gene expression regulation related biological processes such as negative regulation of protein secretion, intra-Golgi vesicle-mediated transport, regulation of mRNA 3’-end processing, and cytoskeleton related gene ontologies such as modulation of the mitochondrial cytoskeleton. Up-regulated miRNAs that interact with down-regulated mRNAs within significant modules include miR-1305, miR-544a, miR-1245a, miR-4635, miR-4266

Investigation of genes associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using expression profile analysis

Glaucoma is recognized as one of the most common causes of global blindness observed in various types such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This condition is characterized by progressive optic neuropathy, leading to damage of optic nerve fibers. Having no symptoms at the beginning, glaucoma results in decreased vision and eventually blindness over several years. Early treatment can prevent the progression of the disease. We performed a study to evaluate differential gene expression in normal control and POAG cases. A total of 179 DEGs were discovered with 60 up-regulated and 119 down-regulated genes. After the selection of DEGs, we constructed the protein-protein interaction network. The result of GO enrichment showed the DEGs involved in antioxidant activity, haptoglobin binding, and oxygen carrier activity. Then Four modules of the primary protein network were obtained using a STRING database, using the K-means method. Next, gene ontology analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment were performed for four modules. These genes include TYRP1, FMOD, OGN, PAX6, COL8A2, HLA-DPA1, and HLA-DMB. The results showed that the Selected module is highly related to glaucoma pathogenesis genes. Using integrated bioinformatical analysis, we have identified DEGs candidate genes and pathways involved in glaucoma, which could improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular events, and these candidate genes and pathways could be therapeutic targets for glaucoma

Low Anterior and Very Low Anterior Resection in Patients with Rectal Cancer with or without Diverting Colostomy: A Comparison

Introduction: In colorectal cancer surgery, diverting colostomy after low anterior resection (LAR) and very low anterior resection (VLAR) operations is an issue of great significance to the surgeons. This study set out to compare the results of operation in patients with rectal cancer, undergoing VLAR and a type of LAR of the rectum, with or without diverting colostomy. Materials and Methods: 100 patients with rectal cancer undergoing VLAR and LAR, with or without diverting colostomy at a tertiary care hospital (Imam-Hossein Medical Center) were prospectively assessed from March, 2011 to February, 2015. Demographic data, radiotherapy history, and surgery-related data such as duration as well as post-operative complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 100 patients, 50 underwent VLAR or LAR without diverting colostomy, and 50 underwent surgical resection with diversion. The age, male to female ratio, and history of radiation were not different in the two groups (P>0.05). The surgery was successful for 47 (94%) patients without diverting colostomy and for 48 patients (96%) with diverting colostomy. The age, gender, history of radiotherapy, and surgery duration did not affect the surgery success rate (P > 0.05), which is fairly significant. The two groups showed no significant difference in surgical outcomes and complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, the surgery success rate and complications were not significantly different in the group without diverting colostomy and the group with diverting colostomy. VLAR and LAR without diverting colostomy are recommended. &nbsp

General Health Subcomponents and Marital Satisfaction: Examining a Correlation during COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 is known as a general health threat. General health can play a significant role in marital adjustment and satisfaction and thus the strength of the family foundation. The current study aimed to determine the correlation between families’ general health subcomponents and marital satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khaf, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 90 married people using the convenience sampling. The study instruments involved a demographics form, a general health questionnaire, and a marital satisfaction questionnaire. Data analyses were performed in SPSS statistical software ver. 22, using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple regression, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests. The level of significance was set at p <.05. Results: Among the general health subcomponents, the highest mean score belonged to depression (12.80 ± 4.65) and the lowest to social dysfunction (12.04 ± 4.24). The general health score was 49.70 ± 17.35, and the marital satisfaction mean score was 123.13 ± 34.02. Marital satisfaction was negatively and significantly associated with general health (r = -.71) as well as the subcomponents of somatic symptoms (r = -.64), anxiety (r = -.71), social dysfunction (r = -.66), and depression (-.067) (p <.001). Conclusion: As COVID-19 depression and anxiety have the most significant impact on individuals’ general health and marital satisfaction, healthcare managers and policymakers are advised to consider solutions to these disorders in families. As such, they can contribute to spouses’ general health and marital satisfaction and thus strengthen the family foundation

Investigation of depression prevalence in slow coronary artery patients

Introduction: There is limited information about the association between Coronary Slow Flow (CSF) phenomenon and depression. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression in slow coronary artery patients in compression of patients with normal coronary artery and those with significant coronary stenosis under angiography at Shafa hospital of Kerman in 2018. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 180 people. All participants were divided into three groups (60 patients with CSF diagnosed by elective Coronary Angiography (CAG), 60 people with Coronary Normal Flow (CNF), and 60 patients with significant coronary artery diseases (CAD) who were referred to Shafa hospital of Kerman in 2018. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included two parts: demographic information and Beck Depression Scale. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 24 software. Results: The results showed that 55 % of the sample were male and the incidence of mild, moderate, and severe depression is significantly higher among patients with CSF in compromising with normal and coronary stenosis group (P <0.0001). Conclusion: Due to the significant association between depression and CSF, it is necessary for people with cardiovascular disease to be screened for psychiatric problems

Resilience and anxiety in nurses in a hospital in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

The lack of any definitive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 disease has created a lot of stress and anxiety in societies. This study aimed to evaluate the resilience and anxiety of COVID-19 in nurses of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft and their relationship with demographic variables from April to August 2020. The present study is descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional. To select the statistical sample, the census method was used so that 80 nurses working in different wards of the hospital were selected and included in the study. The resilience measurement tool is the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RIS). COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using a comprehensive national questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics Chi-square, Independent two-sample parametric t-test, and ANOVA through SPSS 20. The level of COVID-19 anxiety in nurses was moderate (19.3±11.64) and the rate of resilience was low (36.7±16.65). There is a statistically significant difference between resilience in nurses and age (p = 0.003). There was no statistically significant relationship between the rate of resilience in nurses and gender (p = 0.13), the unit of service (p = 0.87), marital status (p = 0.98), work experience (p = 0.06), and the level of education (p = 0.63). There was no statistically significant relationship between anxiety in nurses and age (p = 0.53), gender (p = 0.59), the unit of work (p = 0.48), marital status (p = 0.90), work experience (p = 0.40), and level of education (p = 0.60). The results of multivariate analysis showed that, work experience, and place of work have a statistically significant relationship with resilience and anxiety of COVID-19 in nurses, respectively (p <0.05).The level of COVID-19 anxiety in nurses is moderate and the rate of resilience is high. Given the current high-risk situation, it is important to identify nurses prone to psychological disorders to maintain and improve their mental health with appropriate strategies and techniques

Biological landscape and nanostructural view in development and reversal of oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer

The treatment of cancer patients has been mainly followed using chemotherapy and it is a gold standard in improving prognosis and survival rate of patients. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a third-platinum anti-cancer agent that reduces DNA synthesis in cancer cells to interfere with their growth and cell cycle progression. In spite of promising results of using OXA in cancer chemotherapy, the process of drug resistance has made some challenges. OXA is commonly applied in treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) as a malignancy of gastrointestinal tract and when CRC cells increase their proliferation and metastasis, they can obtain resistance to OXA chemotherapy. A number of molecular factors such as CHK2, SIRT1, c-Myc, LATS2 and FOXC1 have been considered as regulators of OXA response in CRC cells. The non-coding RNAs are able to function as master regulator of other molecular pathways in modulating OXA resistance. There is a close association between molecular mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, glycolysis and EMT with OXA resistance, so that apoptosis inhibition, pro-survival autophagy induction and stimulation of EMT and glycolysis can induce OXA resistance in CRC cells. A number of anti-tumor compounds including astragaloside IV, resveratrol and nobiletin are able to enhance OXA sensitivity in CRC cells. Nanoparticles for increasing potential of OXA in CRC suppression and reversing OXA resistance have been employed in cancer chemotherapy. These subjects are covered in this review article to shed light on molecular factors resulting in OXA resistance

Acute Myocarditis Following the Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine; A Case Report

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has led to the development and use of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In this study, we report a case with a history of multiple sclerosis that experienced acute Myocarditis following the third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Case presentation A 20-year-old man with a history of multiple sclerosis was admitted to the hospital to visit due to recent retrosternal chest pain four days after the third dose of SARS-COV-2 vaccine (AstraZeneca vaccine). Initial electrocardiogram showed ST-Segment elevation in the inferior limb and precordial leads. However, Echocardiography was normal without any wall motion abnormality. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) confirmed acute myocarditis. After treatment and monitoring, Echocardiography, cardiac troponin, CBC, ESR, and CRP were normal, without any symptoms two weeks later. ConclusionsConsequently, vaccine-associated myocardial damage should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who have recently been vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals with chest pain should be monitored regardless of their age and encouraged to perform relevant tests and at least an electrocardiogram.</jats:p