The association between intracellular electrolytes and obesity indices

Background: Obesity with a rapid grow in developed and developing countries has a close association with higher disposition to related diseases such as hypertension. Intracellular functions of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and iron have been an interested subject in obese patients since their dysregulations are linked to a higher risk of hypertension and other metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study, the circulating levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and iron were determined in the serum of obese patients compared to normal-weight people. Moreover, we examined the correlation of such electrolytes with the well-known indices of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol and other characterizations.Results: The mean levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and iron were significantly different (p < 0.05) in obese patients compared to normal-weight subjects. We observed a positive partial correlation between the levels of these electrolytes and obesity indices such as BMI, WC, hip, and cholesterol.Conclusion: Collectively, the present study suggests the positive correlation between obesity and the indices of metabolic disorders such as hypertension and renal failure according to the observed imbalances in the concentration of electrolytes. Moreover, efforts for diet modification may be helpful in the programs aimed at decreasing the burden of obesity and related disorders

Evaluation of the Housekeeping Genes; β‐Actin, Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate‐Dehydrogenase, and 18S rRNA for Normalization in Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of Gene Expression in Human Adipose Tissue

Background: Several studies suggested that beta-actin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and 18S rRNA are expressed constitutively and contribute to the fundamental reference actions essential for cell viability and maintenance. However, there are inconsistency in this regard. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of these three potential reference genes for Real‐Time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) application for normalization in two types of human adipose tissues.Materials and Methods: Subcutaneous and visceral fat tissues were derived from 19 healthy and 20 obese subjects and RT-qPCR was applied to determine the expression levels of beta-actin, GAPDH, and18S rRNA.Results: The gene expression level of beta-actin, GAPDH, and 18S rRNA was essentially the same in the subcutaneous and visceral fat tissues of all participants (P>0.05). Hence, all considered housekeeping genes displayed high expression stability and the analysis revealed that normalization to all of these three housekeeping genes gave a result that satisfactorily reflected the acceptable mRNA expression levels in adipose tissues.Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggest of beta-actin, GAPDH, and18S rRNA as reference genes applicable in human adipose tissue in the context of obesity

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Burnout among Librarians of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Musculoskeletal pain and burnout can influence the quality of services provided by librarians working in libraries; therefore, the present study has been designed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain as well as the existence of burnout among librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by taking a census of librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the standard Nordic questionnaire, and the pain intensity was measured based on the numeric pain rating scale. The standard Maslach and Jackson questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.78, was used to measure burnout. Results: According to the findings, the most common musculoskeletal pain experienced by the librarians was a pain in the spinal region, particularly in the low back, and after that, the pain in the upper limb was most frequent. In terms of burnout, librarians experienced low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and moderate levels of personal accomplishment. Conclusion: All librarians reported at least one musculoskeletal pain. Low back pain is frequent among librarians. These individuals suffer from burnout

Original Article Efficacy of Addition of Folic Acid to Sodium Valproate in Treatment of Acute Mania, a Double Blind Clinical Trial Study

Abstract Introduction: Treatment resistance is common in acute mania, so the role of augmented therapies, including nutritional factors and vitamins have always been considered. This study aimed to assess the effect of addition of folic acid to sodium valproate in treatment of acute mania. Methods: This double blind randomized clinical trial study was done in Mashhad Avicenna psychiatric hospital, in 2011 and was registered with IRCT201112188106N1 code in Iranian registry clinical trials site. Twenty nine manic patients, divided into two groups randomly. They received sodium-valproate+folic acid or sodium-valproate+placebo. The severity of mania, by Jung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and cognitional improvement, by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were determined at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks. Data analyzed by SPSS-16, к 2 and t-student tests. Result: The mean scores of YMRS at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks, in the folice acid group were 22±2.44, 8.26±4.86 and 3.13±1.64 respectively, and in placebo group were 21.14±1.95, 14.14±4.31 and 13±5.21 respectively. The mean scores of YMRS significantly decreased in the folic acid group compared to the placebo group after 3,6 weeks (p=0.005, p<0.001 respectively). The mean scores of MMSE showed no significant difference in same intervals (p=0.068, p=0.068). Conclusion: Our study showed that adjuvant treatment by folic acid in addition to standard treatment with sodium-valproate during manic phase in patients with BMD-I after 6 weeks of treatment was effective

Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel into oocyte-like cells

Introduction: Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnMSCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential, making them an intriguing tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for the treatment of reproductive and infertility issues. The specific process of germline cell-derived stem cell differentiation remains unknown, the aim is to study novel ways to achieve an effective differentiation method that produces adequate and functioning human gamete cells. Methods: We adjusted the optimum retinoic acid (RA) concentration for enhancement of germ cell-derived hEnSCs generation in 2D cell culture after 7 days in this study. Subsequently, we developed a suitable oocyte-like cell induction media including RA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and studied their effects on oocyte-like cell differentiation in 2D and 3D cell culture media utilizing cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. Results: Our results from microscopy analysis, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence tests revealed that 10 µM RA concentration was the optimal dose for inducing germ-like cells after 7 days. We examined the alginate hydrogel structural characteristics and integrity by rheology analysis and SEM microscope. We also demonstrated encapsulated cell viability and adhesion in the manufactured hydrogel. We propose that in 3D cell cultures in alginate hydrogel, an induction medium containing 10 µM RA and 50 ng/mL BMP4 can enhance hEnSC differentiation into oocyte-like cells. Conclusion: The production of oocyte-like cells using 3D alginate hydrogel may be viable in vitro approach for replacing gonad tissues and cells

Global, regional, and national cancer incidence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-Adjusted life-years for 29 cancer groups, 1990 to 2017 : A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study

Importance: Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now widely recognized as a threat to global development. The latest United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs reaffirmed this observation and also highlighted the slow progress in meeting the 2011 Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the third Sustainable Development Goal. Lack of situational analyses, priority setting, and budgeting have been identified as major obstacles in achieving these goals. All of these have in common that they require information on the local cancer epidemiology. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is uniquely poised to provide these crucial data. Objective: To describe cancer burden for 29 cancer groups in 195 countries from 1990 through 2017 to provide data needed for cancer control planning. Evidence Review: We used the GBD study estimation methods to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-Adjusted life-years (DALYs). Results are presented at the national level as well as by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and total fertility rate. We also analyzed the influence of the epidemiological vs the demographic transition on cancer incidence. Findings: In 2017, there were 24.5 million incident cancer cases worldwide (16.8 million without nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) and 9.6 million cancer deaths. The majority of cancer DALYs came from years of life lost (97%), and only 3% came from years lived with disability. The odds of developing cancer were the lowest in the low SDI quintile (1 in 7) and the highest in the high SDI quintile (1 in 2) for both sexes. In 2017, the most common incident cancers in men were NMSC (4.3 million incident cases); tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer (1.5 million incident cases); and prostate cancer (1.3 million incident cases). The most common causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for men were TBL cancer (1.3 million deaths and 28.4 million DALYs), liver cancer (572000 deaths and 15.2 million DALYs), and stomach cancer (542000 deaths and 12.2 million DALYs). For women in 2017, the most common incident cancers were NMSC (3.3 million incident cases), breast cancer (1.9 million incident cases), and colorectal cancer (819000 incident cases). The leading causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for women were breast cancer (601000 deaths and 17.4 million DALYs), TBL cancer (596000 deaths and 12.6 million DALYs), and colorectal cancer (414000 deaths and 8.3 million DALYs). Conclusions and Relevance: The national epidemiological profiles of cancer burden in the GBD study show large heterogeneities, which are a reflection of different exposures to risk factors, economic settings, lifestyles, and access to care and screening. The GBD study can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to develop and improve national and local cancer control in order to achieve the global targets and improve equity in cancer care. © 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

The Effects of Extracellular Matrices and Co-Culture Systems on Cultured Limbal Stem Cells

Objective: To study the effects of different matrices and co-culture systemson cultured limbal stem cells (LSCs).Materials and Methods: Limbal explants were co-cultured with limbalfibroblasts (LF) and/or mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) on filter insertscoated with amniotic membrane (AM), matrigel (MAT) and collagen type I(COL).Results: This study revealed that AM facilitated the cell migration andexpansion significantly in comparison with other matrices. However, thegene expression profile of stemness markers of LSCs showed no significantdifferences among the experimental groups. The data indicated that at least intwo-dimensional culture systems, the mentioned matrices have no significanteffect on switching the expression of genes involved in differentiation process.In addition, the results of the two co-culture systems in case of differentfeeders, including MEF and LF were similar in growth rate and also preservingstemness quality of cultured limbal cells.Conclusion: To exclude the pollution of transplantable cultivated cells withprobable mouse viruses, LF with human origin is recommended as feeder.Hence, limbal explants grown on AM in co-culture with LF will promise a quickand safe model for preparing undifferentiated epithelial sheets suitable fortransplantation

Med-Arb in International Commercial Contracts (with Focus on Iran’s Legal System)

Med-Arb is one of the hybrid and integrated dispute settlement mechanisms which embodies flexibility, non-judicial and negotiate-oriented benefits of "mediation" and finality advantage of "arbitration" simultaneously and in a single process. In this article, med-arb nature is identified through a comprehensive comparative legal study including major legal systems and procedural rules of leading dispute settlement institutions. Opportunities and challenges of adopting med-arb in terms of legal, economic and managerial perspectives is analyzed. Although this method provides parties with a huge flexibility, control over the process and great efficiency (in relation to other dispute settlement mechanisms), some serious challenges regarding enforcement of awards in international contracts exist. In light of International Commercial Arbitration Act of Iran and Civil Procedure Code (regarding domestic arbitration rules), in case that parties reach agreement in the first phase (mediation), it is not possible that mediator only serve as arbitrator so that be powered to change the mediation agreement into an arbitral award. However, if parties fail to reach agreement in the first phase and arbitration initiates accordingly, their settlement in this stage can be regarded as consent award and be subject to benefits of enforcement of international arbitration awards

Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score in patients with isolated meniscus injury; Validity and reliability

Background: The aim of this study is evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Persian version of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with isolated meniscus injury. Materials and Methods: One hundred people with isolated meniscal injury (29 females and 71 males with a mean age ± standard deviation [SD] = 32.37 ± 9.97 years) and fifty normal people with no knee problems (34 females and 16 males with a mean age ± SD = 28.42 ± 8.84 years) participated in this study. In patients, the duration of meniscus injury ranged from 1 month to 4 years. For evaluation of discriminate validity, we compared scores of KOOS questionnaire between patients and healthy people, and for concurrent validity, in addition to filling KOOS questionnaire, patients completed Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire, test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient) ICC), and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha was calculated. Results: Mean scores of patients (49.51 ± 17.13) and healthy people (86.01 ± 13.44) were different significantly (P < 0.001). The correlation between total score of SF-36 and KOOS was significant (r = 0.77, P< 0.001). ICC was 0.80 (ranged from 0.64–0.75) and Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 (ranged from 0.72 to 0.94). Conclusion: The Iranian version of KOOS is a reliable and valid tool for patients with isolated meniscus injury, so the clinicians and investigators may use this questionnaire in clinical settings and their researches

THE SURVEY OF WILLINGNESS AND USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY PEOPLE WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Introduction: Regular physical activity is effective in the treatment of low back pain. However, adherence to these exercises is difficult. Nowadays, the health care industry is using various forms of ICT to provide services to patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey the willingness and use of information and communication technologies among people with low back pain. Material and Methods: This is an analytical study conducted in 2017. In this study, 200 samples low back pain were collected by use of convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a checklist. Results: Nighty-nine percent of the participants used mobile phones based on Android; in addition, 51% of people stated that they were familiar with the Internet. Also, people with the mean age and standard deviation of 37 ± 9 were willing to use ICT tools more compared with people with the mean age and standard deviation of 45±13; in addition, they had a high willingness to use ICT tools and low willingness to use traditional tools (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: In general, the results showed that a large number of people with low back pain were willing to use ICT tools to receive care services (like exercise therapy). The majority of people with low back pain used social networks and they had smart phones based on the Android whose services were used widely. So the technologies such as smartphones, laptops, social networks and internet services could be used for e-learning.</p