The prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in the genital tract of males in Iran

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually-transmitted infection. Despite HPV infection is associated with several malignant disorders including penile and anal cancers, little is known about the epidemiology of HPV infection in males, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV infection and its genotype distribution among Iranian males. Patients and Methods: Between March 2009 and April 2014, a total number of 483 males, referred to Iran University of Medical Sciences-affiliated sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics, were enrolled in this study. Following DNA extraction, HPV detection and genotyping were performed using INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra assay. To analyze the association of HPV infection and age, the logistic regression was employed. Results: No statistical association between HPV infection and age was observed (P = 0.469). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant correlation between HR HPV infection and age (P = 0.330). Conclusions: In this investigation, the prevalence of HPV infection was relatively substantial. Totally, 17 different HPV genotypes were detected and the most frequently detected genotypes were HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, HPV18 and HPV52, respectively. The data from this study is essential for planning future public health strategies including HPV vaccination programs. © 2015, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Effects of COVID-19 prevention procedures on other common infections: a systematic review

Introduction: Since the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began, necessary measures to prevent virus transmission and reduce mortality have been implemented, including mandatory public use of masks, regular hand-sanitizing and hand-washing, social distancing, avoidance of crowds, remote work, and cancellation of public events. During and after the introduction of COVID-19 lockout, we performed a systematic review of available published literature to investigate the incidence of seasonal influenza and other respiratory viral infections. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and the World Health Organization databases and websites were systematically searched for original studies concerning the impact of COVID-19 prevention means and measures on other common respiratory infectious diseases during the pandemic published by March 2021. Results: The findings showed that the adherence to health protocols to prevent COVID-19 could help to reduce the incidence of other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusion: The implemented prevention measures and protocols might have reduced the incidence of influenza and some other common respiratory infections. However, controversies exist on this matter and future large population-based studies might provide further information to address these controversies. © 2021, The Author(s)

Lower limb amputation rate in diabetic foot patients: a five year study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder with increasing prevalence. Diabetic foot is a costly and serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that if it does not controlled will cause severe morbidities in patients with diabetes mellitus. Based on the study of center of management and prevention of diseases about 230 milliard Rials were expended for direct costs of diabetes annually and instruction of patients about protection of foots in some countries, decrease rate of amputation between 44 to 85% and infact instruction of diabetic patients is the base of treatment and prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus."nMethods: In a cross sectional study with attention to one of important causes of refer of diabetic patients to hospitals diabetic ulcers of foots, we discuss about risk factors and ways of treatment and prevention of them. The study done on patients admitted in endocrinology unit of Imam Khomeini hospital. For analysis we used SPSS 11.5 program. Although the costs for patients are calculated."nResults: In this study from 245 patients that admitted because of diabetic foot (63.26% male and 36.73% female), 74 patients have done amputation. From these 74 patients (30.2%), 65.67% were male and 24.32% were female. Age average was 58.24+12.29 years And the mean duration of DM was 10.56+8.32 years and the past history of diabetic foot was present in 45.95% of them. Past history of smoking was present in 66.21% of patients."nConclusion: From 245 patients from 1996 to 2001 that admitted because of diabetic foot, 155 patients (63.26%) were male and 90 patients (36.73%) were female. From this numbers the most of them were in 60-70 years old and the least were 20-30 years old. Gender of most of them was male. For treatment of this complication a lot of costs were necessary and instruction of patients decrease this complications

Incidence of mongolian spots and its common sites at two university hospitals in Tehran, Iran

A total of 2,305 consecutive newborns at Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, and 1,706 at Lolagar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were examined for 2 years (2004-2006). Mongolian spots were found in 11.4 and 37.3 of newborns at Shariati and Lolagar hospitals, respectively. The most frequent site of involvement is the sacral, followed by the gluteal area. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Expression analysis and genotyping of DGKZ: a GWAS-derived risk gene for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a disabling and severe mental illness characterized by abnormal social behavior and disrupted emotions. Similar to other neuropsychological disorders, both genetics and environmental factors interplay so as to develop SCZ. It is acknowledged that genes such as DGKZ are involved in lipid signaling pathways that are the basis of neural activities, memory, and learning and are considered as candidate loci for SCZ. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression level and genotypes of DGKZ in patients with SCZ and controls. We used q-PCR to measure the relative expression of DGKZ in blood. To determine DGKZ�rs7951870 genotypes, tetra-ARMS PCR was used. Our results showed a significant difference in DGKZ mRNA ratio between SCZ patients and healthy controls (P = 2 � 10 �4 ). Also, we showed that rs7951870-TT genotype was strongly associated with increased DGKZ expression level (P = 0.038). In conclusion, our findings revealed dysregulation of DGKZ in SCZ patients and a significant correction between the gene expression and DGKZ variant rs7951870. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V

The rs1986112 Variant is Associated with Increased RAB8B Gene Expression in Schizophrenic Patients

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious mental disorder that interferes with a person's cognitive processes and leads to social disability. A wide range of factors may play important roles in increased risk of SCZ development. Genetic contributors are among the most influential actors involved in different molecular mechanisms leading to the development of the nervous system, thus they play pivotal roles in psychotic disorders and SCZ development. RAB8B is characterized for its key roles in several cellular and molecular mechanisms which are linked with different psychotic disorders, such as SCZ. Methods: In this study, we assessed the expression level of RAB8B gene in blood samples of schizophrenic patients and normal healthy controls by means of quantitative real time PCR. We also investigated the correlation between RAB8B-rs1986112 genotypes and RAB8B expression levels through SNP genotyping by means of the PCR-RFLP method. Results: Our results indicated a significant difference of RAB8B mRNA ratio between SCZ patients and healthy controls. Moreover, we showed significant up-regulation of RAB8B in patients with rs1986112 GG and AG genotype compared to AA genotype. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a role for RAB8B and its regulatory variation, rs1986112 in SCZ development. © 2019 Verlag Klinisches Labor GmbH. All rights reserved

Genetic screening in two Iranian families with early-onset Alzheimer's disease identified a novel PSEN1 mutation

A subset of early-onset Alzheimer's disease is inherited as an autosomal-dominant trait and is associated with mutations in the genes encoding β-amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, or presenilin 2. In this study, we identified 2 PSEN1 mutations (1 novel and 1 known) in 2 unrelated Iranian families with autosomal-dominant Alzheimer's disease. The disease progressed rapidly with a mean age at onset of 33 and 42 years and an age at death ranging from 43 to 48 years. © 2017 Elsevier Inc

Topical and cutaneous delivery using nanosystems

The goal of topical and cutaneous delivery is to deliver therapeutic and other substances to a desired target site in the skin at appropriate doses to achieve a safe and efficacious outcome. Normally, however, when the stratum corneum is intact and the skin barrier is uncompromised, this is limited to molecules that are relatively lipophilic, small and uncharged, thereby excluding many potentially useful therapeutic peptides, proteins, vaccines, gene fragments or drug-carrying particles. In this review we will describe how nanosystems are being increasingly exploited for topical and cutaneous delivery, particularly for these previously difficult substances. This is also being driven by the development of novel technologies, which include minimally invasive delivery systems and more precise fabrication techniques. While there is a vast array of nanosystems under development and many undergoing advanced clinical trials, relatively few have achieved full translation to clinical practice. This slow uptake may be due, in part, to the need for a rigorous demonstration of safety in these new nanotechnologies. Some of the safety aspects associated with nanosystems will be considered in this review