Osteocalcin improved Spermatogenesis in Azoospermic Mouse Model

Infertility is one of the major health concerns in the world whose globally incidence rate is on the rise. Several hormones are effective in this process, such as testosterone, estrogen and Osteocalcin (OCN). The Osteocalcin has Gprc6a receptors on leydig cells, which promotes the production of testosterone when mounted on these receptors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Osteocalcin on the improvement of spermatogenesis and expression of Gprc6a receptors on leydig cells in the azoospermic mouse model.Twenty-five mice (4 to 6 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham I Group that was initially injected by busulfan solvent (DMSO) at 5 weeks old and then by Osteocalcin solvent (PBS) after 5 weeks for one month, azoospermia Group that received busulfan (40 mg/kg/ip) at 5 weeks old. Sham II Group received busulfan 40mg/kg/ipandt hen after 5 weeks received PBS and experimental group, including azoospermic mice, was administered by Osteocalcin (3ng/g/d) for one month. After the last injection, the tests were dissected and then exposed to the tissue passage. To measure morphological changes, H & E staining was performed on a number of sections to measure the diameter of the seminiferous tubule, thickness of the germinal layer, count the spermatogonial cells, spermatocyte, round spermatid, long spermatid, Sertoli, leydigandmyoid cells. Image J software was used to conduct quantitative studies. Immunohistochemical method was employed to examine the expression of the specific receptor of Osteocalcin, Gprc6α, in the Leydig cell among the groups.The H & E staining showed a significant difference in the count the spermatogonial cells, spermatocytes, round spermatids, long spermatids, the thickness of the germ layer, the seminiferous tubule diameter between the studied groups (P<0.05).There was also no significant difference in the count of Sertoli, leydig, myoid cells and seminiferous tubule diameter between the groups (P<0.05). In the immune histochemistry, no significant difference was found in the count of GpRC6α-positive leydig cells between the groups (P< 0.05).According to the current results, the OCN plays an important role in spermatogenesis, which has a positive effect on the count of spermatocytes and spermatids, and can be further explored as an appropriate therapeutic strategy proposed for the infertility.

Utilization of Telemental Health Services from the Viewpoints of Psychology Students of Zahedan Universities

Introduction: Nowadays, telemental health service is one of the most popular and the most successful telemedicine applications. Because of its simplicity and widespread usage of this technology, telemedicine have the largest share of data and can improve coordination between physical and behavioral health services. The purpose of using telemental health services is to provide affordable health services to patient and to improve impacts of unfair distribution of mental health care professionals. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013. Data collection was performed using a researcher- made questionnaire that its validity and its reliability was confirmed by experts’ opinion and test- retest respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.v17 software and descriptive statistics. Results: The results showed that the students' awareness of concepts and applications of telemedicine in the health sector was moderate. In the sector of telemental health care effect, the most and least mean related to decrease in patients’ waiting time (3.5) and be a proper substitute for mental health care instead of physical examination (2.6), respectively .The most mean (2.8) of awareness about telemental health technology related to students of Azad Islamic university and the least one (2.3) belong to students of medical university. All of the participants had a positive attitude toward using remote mental health services as an effective and efficient treatment and also they believed that, remote mental health services act as a reliable and proper substitute for providing mental health care in difficult situations. Conclusion: Despite the positive attitude toward using this technology, still questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure is controversial issue and to answer the question, "Can does this technology be replaced permanently with the face to face treatment?" More researches are needed

Effect of Self-Etching and Single-Bottle Bonding Systems On Shear Bond Strength of Fissure sealant to Primary and Permanent Enamel

Background and Aim: Application of self-etching bonding systems to primary and permanent teeth has increased due to the simplicity of work and fewer steps. This experimental study aimed to compare the effect of conventional acid etching and single-bottle and self-etching bonding systems on shear bond strength (SBS) of light-cured fissure sealant to primary and permanent enamel .   Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the smoothest unprepared proximal enamel surfaces of 30 primary molars (groups 2, 4 and 6) and 30 permanent premolar teeth (groups 1, 3 and 5) were divided into 6 groups of 10. Groups 1 and 2 (control) were acid-etched and received light-cured fissure sealant (Concise 3M-ESPE). Groups 3 and 4 (SB) were subjected to acid etching + Single Bondadhesive + fissure sealant. Groups 5 and 6 (PLP) received self-etching bonding system (Prompt L-Pop, 3M, ESPE) + fissure sealant. Specimens were then subjected to 500 thermal cycles with the dwell time of 30 seconds. Shear bond strength was determined using Universal Testing Machine (Zwick, Germany). Mode of fracture was determined under stereomicroscope and data were analyzed using ANOVA, (between-subjects effect) and LSD .   Results: SBS was not significantly different between the control and PLP or SB and PLP groups (P>0.05). However, the difference in SBS between the control and SB groups was statistically significant (P=0.022). The SBS in primary teeth was less than in permanent teeth in all groups (P<0.05 ).   Conclusion: Self-etching bonding system (PLP), similar to conventional acid etching technique, provides adequate bond between the light-cured fissure sealant and unprepared enamel. Application of Single Bond Adhesiveeffectively increased the fissure sealant bond strength

Identifying and validating requirements of telemental health services for Iranian veterans

Background: The ability of timely access to mental health care is very important for combat veterans that are facing many barriers such as living in rural and remote areas and the lack of integration. Telemental health services improve the veterans' health situation by providing mental health care from a distance. We aimed to identify the telemental health service requirements for Iranian veterans and validate them from the perspective of the statistical population. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. In the first phase, a review was conducted in relevant databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Ebsco, and Web of Science. In the second phase, veterans, mental health providers, and telemedicine experts were consulted to validating of the identified telemental health service requirements by a researcher-made questionnaire. Analysis of collecting data was done using SPSS software. Results: By full-text reviewing of 15 related articles, the identified elements were justified in 2 main categories and 24 subcategories including telemental health services (17 items) and telemental health requirements (7 items). According to the findings, the highest score was related to “save health-care costs” (4.47) and “reduce transportation-related problems” (4.47). Moreover, the “feasible alternative to face-to-face care” (2.22) obtained the lowest score from the perspective of the statistical population. Conclusion: Due to the importance of accessibility and patient-based mental health services, more studies are needed to investigate the point of views of patients and specialists to better understand the concerns and barriers to the implementation and use of telemental health services

Usability Evaluation of a Mobile-based Self-management Application from the Perspective of People Living with HIV

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are faced with a chronic condition that requires management and awareness of their situation. Mobile-based applications (apps) have the potential to support self-management and provide educational information for PLWH. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usability of a mobile-based self-management app from the perspective of PLWH. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional one that conducted to determine the usability of a mobile-based self-management app for PLWH. The statistical population was all PLWH in the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2018 (N = 65). We asked the end-users to use the mobile-based self-management app for 30 days. User feedback was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The collected data from the statistical population were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: According to the findings, most features of the mobile-based self-management app from the perspective of PLWH were in "very high" level. Moreover, we finalized the design process, which included the functional features and user interface screens of a mobile-based self-management app for PLWH to manage their chronic condition. The functional features which were finalized at the end of usability evolution included: HIV/AIDS INFO, Antiretroviral therapy, Medication adherence, and Reminders. Conclusion: Despite the widespread use of mobile-based apps, usability evaluation can help further develop these applications in the HIV-care. However, further study is needed to assess the impact of the mobile-based app on adherence to medication for PLWH and facilitate their communication with healthcare providers

Dapsone reduced cuprizone-induced demyelination via targeting Nrf2 and IKB in C57BL/6 mice

Objective(s): Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder wherein the myelin of nerve cells in the central nervous system is damaged. In the current study, we assessed the effect of Dapsone (DAP) on the improvement of behavioral dysfunction and preservation of myelin in the cuprizone (CPZ) induced demyelination model via targeting Nrf2 and IKB. Materials and Methods: MS was induced in C57BL/6 mice through diet supplementation of CPZ (0.2%) for 6 weeks, and DAP (12.5 mg/kg/day; IP) was administered for the last 2 weeks of treatment. Pole test and rotarod performance test, LFB and H&E staining, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of p-Nrf2 and p-IKB were performed. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrite were measured. Results: DAP treatment prevented body loss induced by CPZ (P<0.001). Pole test showed that CPZ increased latency time to fall (P<0.0001) but the latency to reach the floor in the DAP-CPZ group was significantly shorter (P<0.0001). Rotarod performance test showed the effect of CPZ in reducing fall time in the CPZ group (P<0.0014); however, DAP significantly increased fall time (P=0.0012). In LFB staining, DAP reduced demyelination induced by CPZ. CPZ significantly decreased p-Nrf2 and elevated p-IKB levels compared with the control group (P<0.0001), but in DAP-treated groups markedly modified these changes (P<0.0001). CPZ increased the brain nitrite levels and reduced SOD activity, but in DAP-treated considerably reversed CPZ-induced changes. Conclusion: These data support the suggestion that the beneficial properties of DAP on the CPZinduced demyelination are mediated by targeting Nrf2 and NF-kB pathways

Reinfection risk of novel coronavirus (CoVID-19): A systematic ‎review of current evidence

International audienceThere is recently a concern regarding the reinfection and reactivation of previously reCoVered coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19) patients

Microdeletion Study in Children with Selective Congenital Heart Disease; an Iranian Multicenter Study

Objective: Nocturnal enuresis is a common diagnosis in patients referred to pediatric and pediatric nephrology clinics. Nocturnal polyuria is an important patho-physiologic factor in enuresis. Hypercalciuria, with altering concentrating capacity of the kidneys, can affect children's response to desmopressin. Methods: This is a double blind clinical trial starting September 2007 to March 2008. One hundred and twenty four enuretic children, 76 (61.3%) males, 48 (38.7%) females, mean age 7.7 (±1.7), were evaluated by measuring random morning urinary calcium to creatinine ratio. Patients were divided into group 1 with a calcium to creatinine ratio equal to or more than 0.2 mg/mg, and group 2 with a ratio less than 0.2 (Hypercalciuric and non hypercalciuric respectively). All patients received 10 to 40 mcg of nasal desmopressin at bed time. The response was defined as reduction in wet nights, a "full response" (greater than 90 % reduction), "partial response" (50% to 90% reduction) and "no response" (less than 50% reduction). Chi-square method was used to compare the responses and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: Nineteen patients in group 1 (Hypercalciuric) and 105 patients in group 2 (Non hypercalciuric) were studied. Response to desmopressin was "full" in 47.4% in group 1 and 64.8% in group 2. 42.1% and 26.7% had "Partial response" in group1 and 2 respectively (P<0.04). Conclusion: Hypercalciuria can affect negatively the responsiveness to desmopressin therapy

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk behaviors in prisoners: A systematic review

Abstract Background and Aims Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the major health concerns globally. Generally, prisoners are at higher risks for STIs due to risk factors including; drug‐use, high‐risk sexual behaviors, densely populated prisons, and poor living conditions. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the existing data on STI prevalence, and its associated risk factors among prisoners. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the literature using the keywords in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar online databases. We selected all the relevant original studies in English through title/abstract and full‐text screening process.‎ Results Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected and reviewed 32 studies out of 96 identified papers. The most important STI‐associated risk factors among prisoners were drug use, low educational levels, and unsafe sex. The prevalence of STIs was heterogenous in selected studies and was reported as follows; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (0%−14.5%), hepatitis B viruses (HBV) (0.04%−27.23%), hepatitis C viruses (HCV) (0.17%−49.7%), Syphilis (0.2%−22.1%), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) (1.02%−6.7%), Gonorrhea (0.6%−7.8%), and herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2) 22.4%. Conclusion This systematic review indicates that the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, and HSV‐2) among prisoners appears to be higher than the general population, with drug abuse, low educational levels, and unsafe sex as major risk factors

COVID-19 in pediatrics: The current knowledge and practice

International audienceIntroduction: SARS-CoV-2 is the novel coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and could afflict individuals from all walks of life. Children are usually asymptomatic or represent non-specific mild to moderate symptoms; therefore, they often remain undiagnosed and could be potential reservoirs and silent carriers of the virus. Despite the global attention to COVID-19 and its importance in public health, some clinical and paraclinical aspects of this disease in children are still unclear. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of available literature to reflect on the current knowledge and practice of the disease among children. Methods: This study was a systematic review of current evidence conducted in October 2020. We performed a systematic search using the keywords in online databases. The investigation adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to ensure the reliability and validity of extracted literature and results. Results: We selected and reviewed 23 most related studies out of 1744 identified paper in an initial online search based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present review; of whom, 13 were original research studies, and 10 were a letter to the editors, commentaries, viewpoints, consensus statements, and perspectives. Although due to the origin of the current pandemic, China was the country with the most publications (14 articles), data from several countries have beenincluded in this review. Conclusion: COVID-19 can also affect children and cause systemic disease with several internal organ involvements. However, the prevalence, severity, and diversity of the symptoms in children are less than in adults. Cough and fever appear to be some of the most common symptoms, followed by other symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations. Comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19 in children, and those without underlying conditions are very unlikely to suffer from severe disease. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to the isolated situation caused by pandemics are common findings in children of early ages and should be seriously considered in current practice