The Prevalence of Occult Celiac Disease among Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Study from the Western Region of Iran

Objective. The prevalence of Celiac Disease (CD) is high in Iran, and evaluation of CD is not part of the routine screening procedure for dyspeptic patients; therefore, cases of occult CD may be missed. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of occult CD among dyspeptic patients who presented at a gastroenterology clinic in the Western region of Iran. Methods. In this descriptive, cross-sectional prospective study, patients who had a history of at least 12 weeks of upper abdominal discomfort were eligible to participate in the study during a 14-month recruitment period. Patients with a clinical or paraclinical data in favor of organic causes were excluded from the study. Enrolled patients were screened for IgA antiendomysium antibody (EMA) and IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG). Those who screened positive for EMA/tTG received a confirmatory diagnostic biopsy for Marsh classification of CD. Results. From 225 potential participants with dyspepsia, 55 patients were excluded due to having explainable organic causes. The study sample included 170 patients with “functional dyspepsia.” Mean age of participants was 31 years and 55.8% were female. Twelve patients (7%) had positive tests (EMA/tTG), of which 10 were female (83.4%). According to Rome II criteria, all twelve patients with positive tests had “dysmotility type dyspepsia.” Based on Marsh classification, six patients were consistent with “Marsh I,” four with “Marsh II,” and two with the “Marsh III” classification. Conclusions. In this study, the prevalence of CD in dyspeptic patients was high. As a result, this study suggests that screening by serology tests (EMA/tTG) is justifiable for the detection of CD among functional dyspeptic patients in the tertiary centers in our country

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus Infection by Quantitative Chemiluminescent in Tabriz (North West of Iran), 2010-2011

Background: Hepatitis B is considered as one of the most common infectious diseases. The contamination of this virus has caused hygienic problems all over the world. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are most important consequences of this disease. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of infection in Tabriz North West of Iran.Materials and Methods: This study is carried out, on partial and short time basis between 2010 and 2011, on test results of 21421 examined individuals whom have visited clinics in Tabriz. HBsAg of the samples was analyzed with chemiluminescence apparatus and finally, SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical examination of the results.Results: Among 21421 examined individuals (5021 cases in 2010 and 16400 cases in 2011), 594 samples (2.77%) were reported positive and 20827 samples (97.23%) were reported negative.Conclusion: According to the results, gender was not a determining factor affecting the susceptibility of patients. Our country is endemic to this disease, so diagnostic and preventive methods are crucial, more over comprehensive national vaccination can help to noticeably reduce the infectious cases caused by the disease

Modern medical ethics and viewpoints in the field of stem cell

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.There are advanced improvements in medical knowledge and technology. Identification and isolating of the stem cells is one of the new findings in medical sciences. The stem cells have high potential in duplication and differentiation into specialized cells; they have high capability in tissue repairing. For that reason, they have been mattered by researchers. As the science and technology improves, ethical viewpoints surround it more. Discussion and contention on ethical problems of stem cells continues from argument about type of stem cells to their basic and clinical utilization. Thus, research and exploring about this science must be lined up ethical aspects. Since Islamic Republic of Iran is among the first countries using technology of the stem cells, and Iranian researches have focused on studying these cells, therefore, we have studied on main medical ethics of the stem cells Keywords: Medical ethics, Stem cells, Inducible stem cellsFor downloading the full-text of this article please click here

A Comparative Study of Making References to the Authority of the Semantic Independence of Certain Fragments of the Quranic Verses in the al-Mizan and Nemouneh Tafsirs

Received: 2020-01-13   |   Accepted: 2020-06-22  Reliance on the unwritten but applied rules in the tafsir books has long been a powerful tool in the hands of the Quran scholars to help them reach the original purpose behind the Divine verses. One of these tools is the authority of independent fragments. The present paper first gives an analysis of this rule, followed by citing relevant examples from the Quran tafsirs of al-Mizan and Nemouneh. The authors of both of these tafsirs believe in the independent meaningfulness. The authors of both of these tafsirs believe in the independent meaningfulness of certain Quranic fragments, irrespective of their contexts. An outstanding benefit of having an independent view of the Quranic verses is the age-free value of the Quran in that it belongs to, hence applicable to, the needs of all eras and time-periods. From this perspective, the Nemouneh Tafsir benefits much more from this rule, compared with al-Mizan which is a context-bound tafsir. Some of the benefits of the application of this rule in the Nemouneh Tafsir are expressions of the Islamic articles of faith and proving the most widely-used fiqh-oriented rules. The present research falls within the scope of basic-applied ones carried out with a view to comparative-descriptive content analysis.   © Ahmadi, L; Faker Meybodi, M; Tajari, A.A. (2021) A Comparative Study of Making References to the Authority of the Semantic Independence of Certain Fragments of the Quranic Verses in the al-Mizan and Nemouneh Tafsirs. Biannual Journal of Comparative Exegetical Researches, 6 (12) 309-330.  Doi: 10.22091/PTT.2020.5840.181

Evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction of workers exposed to styrene vapors in a plastic injection industry

زمینه و اهداف: استایرن از جمله مواد شیمیایی آلی فرار می‌باشد که مواجهه تنفسی با بخارات آن باعث ایجاد عوارض سلامتی مانند اختلالات تنفسی می‌شود. لذا هدف این مطالعه بررسی اختلال عملکرد ریوی کارگران یک صنعت تزریق پلاستیک با بخارات استایرن است. مواد و روش‌ها: مطالعه حاضر به‌صورت کوهورت-گذشته نگر، در یک صنعت تزریق پلاستیک انجام گرفت. پنجاه نفر از کارکنان خطوط تولید به‌ عنوان گروه مواجهه و 20 نفر از کارکنان اداری به‌ عنوان گروه مواجهه نیافته انتخاب شدند. ابتدا غلظت محیطی استایرن اندازه­گیری شد. سپس  پارامترهای ریوی کارکنان شامل حجم بازدمی اجباری در ثانیه اول (FEV1)، ظرفیت حیاتی اجباری و پرفشار (FVC)، کسر ظرفیت حیاتی خروجی در ثانیه اول بازدم (FEV1/FVC) و حداکثر جریان بازدمی (PEF) در دو نوبت "ابتدای نوبت‌کاری" و "بعد از خاتمه کار" بدست آمد.  علائم تنفسی این کارکنان با استفاده از پرسشنامه انجمن متخصصین قفسه صدری آمریکا (ATS)، بررسی شد. کلیه مفاد بیانیه هلسینکی در این مطالعه رعایت شد. یافته‌ها: نتایج به‌دست‌آمده اختلاف معناداری را در برخی از پارامترهای ظرفیت ریوی شاملFEV1 و FEV1/FVC در ابتدا و انتهای نوبت‌کاری نشان داد (05/0P <). علائم تنفسی شامل سرفه، سوزش بینی و گلو، گرفتگی صدا و خس‌خس سینه بین گروه مواجهه یافته نسبت به گروه مواجهه نیافته به‌صورت معناداری بیشتر بود (05/0P<). نتیجه‌گیری: نتایج نشان می‌دهد مواجهه با استایرن ارتباط معناداری با کاهش ظرفیت ریوی و بروز علائم تنفسی دارد.Background and Aims: As a volatile organic chemical, respiratory exposure to  styrene vapors causes health consequences including respiratory disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the pulmonary dysfunction of workers in a plastic injection industry polluted with styrene vapors.  Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective cohort in a plastic injection industry. Fifty production line employees were selected as the exposure group and 20 as the non-exposure control group. First, the environmental concentration of styrene was measured. Then the pulmonary parameters of the staff including the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), the forced and high-pressure vital capacity (FVC), the deduction of the critical output capacity in the first second of exhalation (FEV1 / FVC) and the maximum expiratory flow (PEF) at the “beginning of the shift” and "after completion" were obtained. Respiratory symptoms of these employees were assessed using a questionnaire of the American Chest Specialists Association (ATS). All the provisions of the Helsinki Declaration were observed in this study.  Results: The results showed significant differences in some pulmonary capacity parameters including FEV1 and FEV1 / FVC at the beginning and end of the work shift (p <0.05). Respiratory symptoms including cough, burning nose and throat, hoarseness and wheezing were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group (p <0.05).  Conclusion: The results showed that exposure to styrene is significantly associated with decreased pulmonary capacity and respiratory symptoms

The Effects of Propofol-Remifentanil Vs Midazolam-Remifentanil on Hemodynamic Stability during Stapedectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: One of the essential components during stapedectomy is a good cooperation between patient and surgeon. Remifentanil is commonly used short – acting opioid to assess the results during the procedure.Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of propofol- remifentanil and midazolam -remifentanil on hemodynamic parameters intra- Stapedectomy.Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded trial, 36 patients with otosclerosis were evaluated in two equal groups, which received propofol- remifentanil and midazolam- remifentanil each. We recorded cardio-respiratory parameters, side effects and intra-operative cooperation of the patients.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in blood pressure reduction between two groups. The severity of the bleeding and desirable cooperation of patients in midazolam- based regimen was better than propofol- based regimen (p- value= 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). The average operative time in patients who received propofol was about 15 minutes more than the other group (p- value=0.01).Conclusion: The midazolam - remifentanil is more appropriate sedative, because it provides hemodynamic stability and a better cooperation of patient intra - stapedectomy

The effect of banana leaf package on the shelf life of rainbow trout fillet in comparison with plastic bags

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of banana leaf extract on the quality and shelf life of rainbow trout compared to plastic bags at freezing temperature for 40 days. For evaluating this propose, the antioxidant activity of banana leaf extract was assessed. In addition, the shelf life of fish filets was determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pHof fish. The banana leaves extract showed the highest content of vitamin E (5.8 ± 0.61 mg /g) and carotenoids (12.8 ± 0.1 mg /g). The potential of Cu (II) reduction the extract was 1.76 ± 0.09. The magnitude of modification in TBA and pH of the packed fish with banana leaves were less than the control samples. The present study demonstrated that the use of banana leaf extract will retard lipid oxidation in fish. fillet during freezing storage that may due to its strong antioxidant properties

Prevalence of Cannabis Lifetime Use in Iranian High School and College Students: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analyses,and Meta-Regression

Cannabis is the most widely used substance in the world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis lifetime use (CLU) in high school and college students of Iran and also to determine factors related to changes in prevalence. A systematic review of literature on cannabis use in Iran was conducted according to MOOSE guideline. Domestic scientific databases, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, relevant reference lists, and relevant journals were searched up to April, 2014. Prevalences were calculated using the variance stabilizing double arcsine transformation and confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using the Wilson method. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and I-2 index and causes of heterogeneity were evaluated using meta-regression model. In electronic database search, 4,000 citations were retrieved, producing a total of 33 studies. CLU was reported with a random effects pooled prevalence of 4.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to 5.0). In subgroups of high school and college students, prevalences were 5.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to -7.0) and 2.0 (95 CI = 2.0 to -3.0), respectively. Meta-regression model indicated that prevalence is higher in college students (beta = 0.089, p < .001), male gender (beta = 0.017, p < .001), and is lower in studies with sampling versus census studies (beta = -0.096, p < .001). This study reported that prevalence of CLU in Iranian students are lower than industrialized countries. In addition, gender, level of education, and methods of sampling are highly associated with changes in the prevalence of CLU across provinces

National, sub-national, and risk-attributed burden of thyroid cancer in Iran from 1990 to 2019

An updated exploration of the burden of thyroid cancer across a country is always required for making correct decisions. The objective of this study is to present the thyroid cancer burden and attributed burden to the high Body Mass Index (BMI) in Iran at national and sub-national levels from 1990 to 2019. The data was obtained from the GBD 2019 study estimates. To explain the pattern of changes in incidence from 1990 to 2019, decomposition analysis was conducted. Besides, the attribution of high BMI in the thyroid cancer DALYs and deaths were obtained. The age-standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer was 1.57 (95% UI: 1.33–1.86) in 1990 and increased 131% (53–191) until 2019. The age-standardized prevalence rate of thyroid cancer was 30.19 (18.75–34.55) in 2019 which increased 164% (77–246) from 11.44 (9.38–13.85) in 1990. In 2019, the death rate, and Disability-adjusted life years of thyroid cancer was 0.49 (0.36–0.53), and 13.16 (8.93–14.62), respectively. These numbers also increased since 1990. The DALYs and deaths attributable to high BMI was 1.91 (0.95–3.11) and 0.07 (0.04–0.11), respectively. The thyroid cancer burden and high BMI attributed burden has increased from 1990 to 2019 in Iran. This study and similar studies’ results can be used for accurate resource allocation for efficient management and all potential risks’ modification for thyroid cancer with a cost-conscious view

Measuring progress from 1990 to 2017 and projecting attainment to 2030 of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background Efforts to establish the 2015 baseline and monitor early implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight both great potential for and threats to improving health by 2030. To fully deliver on the SDG aim of “leaving no one behind”, it is increasingly important to examine the health-related SDGs beyond national-level estimates. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we measured progress on 41 of 52 health-related SDG indicators and estimated the health-related SDG index for 195 countries and territories for the period 1990–2017, projected indicators to 2030, and analysed global attainment. Methods We measured progress on 41 health-related SDG indicators from 1990 to 2017, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2016 (new indicators were health worker density, sexual violence by non-intimate partners, population census status, and prevalence of physical and sexual violence [reported separately]). We also improved the measurement of several previously reported indicators. We constructed national-level estimates and, for a subset of health-related SDGs, examined indicator-level differences by sex and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile. We also did subnational assessments of performance for selected countries. To construct the health-related SDG index, we transformed the value for each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile and 100 as the 97·5th percentile of 1000 draws calculated from 1990 to 2030, and took the geometric mean of the scaled indicators by target. To generate projections through 2030, we used a forecasting framework that drew estimates from the broader GBD study and used weighted averages of indicator-specific and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2017 to inform future estimates. We assessed attainment of indicators with defined targets in two ways: first, using mean values projected for 2030, and then using the probability of attainment in 2030 calculated from 1000 draws. We also did a global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends. Using 2015 global averages of indicators with defined SDG targets, we calculated the global annualised rates of change required from 2015 to 2030 to meet these targets, and then identified in what percentiles the required global annualised rates of change fell in the distribution of country-level rates of change from 1990 to 2015. We took the mean of these global percentile values across indicators and applied the past rate of change at this mean global percentile to all health-related SDG indicators, irrespective of target definition, to estimate the equivalent 2030 global average value and percentage change from 2015 to 2030 for each indicator.Background Efforts to establish the 2015 baseline and monitor early implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight both great potential for and threats to improving health by 2030. To fully deliver on the SDG aim of “leaving no one behind”, it is increasingly important to examine the health-related SDGs beyond national-level estimates. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we measured progress on 41 of 52 health-related SDG indicators and estimated the health-related SDG index for 195 countries and territories for the period 1990–2017, projected indicators to 2030, and analysed global attainment. Methods We measured progress on 41 health-related SDG indicators from 1990 to 2017, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2016 (new indicators were health worker density, sexual violence by non-intimate partners, population census status, and prevalence of physical and sexual violence [reported separately]). We also improved the measurement of several previously reported indicators. We constructed national-level estimates and, for a subset of health-related SDGs, examined indicator-level differences by sex and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile. We also did subnational assessments of performance for selected countries. To construct the health-related SDG index, we transformed the value for each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile and 100 as the 97·5th percentile of 1000 draws calculated from 1990 to 2030, and took the geometric mean of the scaled indicators by target. To generate projections through 2030, we used a forecasting framework that drew estimates from the broader GBD study and used weighted averages of indicator-specific and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2017 to inform future estimates. We assessed attainment of indicators with defined targets in two ways: first, using mean values projected for 2030, and then using the probability of attainment in 2030 calculated from 1000 draws. We also did a global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends. Using 2015 global averages of indicators with defined SDG targets, we calculated the global annualised rates of change required from 2015 to 2030 to meet these targets, and then identified in what percentiles the required global annualised rates of change fell in the distribution of country-level rates of change from 1990 to 2015. We took the mean of these global percentile values across indicators and applied the past rate of change at this mean global percentile to all health-related SDG indicators, irrespective of target definition, to estimate the equivalent 2030 global average value and percentage change from 2015 to 2030 for each indicator