The evaluation of diagnostic and predictive values of helicobacter pylori stool antigen test in Iranian patients with dyspepsia

Background and Objectives: Iran, as a developing country, is experiencing high burdens of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated non-communicable diseases. Hp stool antigen test (HpSA) is widely used as an inexpensive and feasible noninvasive method to diagnose Hp infection, instead of invasive approaches. The current study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic and predictive values of HpSA test for Hp infection in Iranian patients with dyspepsia. Methods: The current cross sectional study was performed on 100 patients with dyspepsia. Gastric mucosal specimens were taken, processed, and examined according to the standard protocols. Simultaneously, stool samples were obtained and sent to laboratory for further analyses. Hp stool antigen titers were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Stool antigen titers were not associated with gender (P-value=0.284), but correlated to age (r=0.213, P-value=0.034). Considering 0.385 as a cutoff point, the HpSA test had 80.4 sensitivity and 85.7 specificity. Conclusion: Based on cost-effectiveness of HpSA test, the current study findings corroborated the use of HpSA test to detect and follow-up patients with Hp infection, as an alternative method to detect Hp rather than invasive procedures. © 2017, IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY

The evaluation of diagnostic and predictive values of helicobacter pylori stool antigen test in Iranian patients with dyspepsia

Background and Objectives: Iran, as a developing country, is experiencing high burdens of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated non-communicable diseases. Hp stool antigen test (HpSA) is widely used as an inexpensive and feasible noninvasive method to diagnose Hp infection, instead of invasive approaches. The current study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic and predictive values of HpSA test for Hp infection in Iranian patients with dyspepsia. Methods: The current cross sectional study was performed on 100 patients with dyspepsia. Gastric mucosal specimens were taken, processed, and examined according to the standard protocols. Simultaneously, stool samples were obtained and sent to laboratory for further analyses. Hp stool antigen titers were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Stool antigen titers were not associated with gender (P-value=0.284), but correlated to age (r=0.213, P-value=0.034). Considering 0.385 as a cutoff point, the HpSA test had 80.4 sensitivity and 85.7 specificity. Conclusion: Based on cost-effectiveness of HpSA test, the current study findings corroborated the use of HpSA test to detect and follow-up patients with Hp infection, as an alternative method to detect Hp rather than invasive procedures. © 2017, IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY

Persian manual therapy method for chronic low-back pain with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial

Background: Manual therapy is a non-surgical approach for management of musculoskeletal symptoms. This study investigated safety and efficacy of a Persian manual therapy method (Fateh technique) for management of chronic low-back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy. Methods: In this controlled trial, 52 eligible patients with chronic LBP and lumbar radiculopathy were randomly assigned into two intervention groups; one received a 16-min soft tissue manipulation for four weekly sessions and did two daily home active exercises. The other group only did the two daily exercises for four weeks. Roland-Morris disability score, Visual Analogue Scale scores of LBP, radiculopathy and paresthesia, and finger-to-floor test result were assessed at the baseline, and in fourth and eighth weeks of trial. Results: Data of 48 participants was analyzed. Distributions of age, sex, and duration of symptoms in two groups were the same. Fateh technique respectively decreased pain, radiculopathy, paresthesia, and disability, by 4.28 95% confidence interval: 3.36�5.19, 3.85 2.67�5.03, 1.32 0.37�2.27, and 4.58 3.23�5.93 units, and increased body flexibility by 35.42 6.91�63.92 millimeters. Compared with home exercise, Fateh technique was associated with greater changes in all outcomes. No adverse event has occurred. Conclusions: Fateh technique is safe and effective for management of LBP and radiculopathy in patients without severe progressive symptoms. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (the PERSIAN Cohort Study): Rationale, Objectives, and Design

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 76% of deaths in Iran, and this number is on the rise, in parallel with global rates. Many risk factors associated with NCDs are preventable; however, it is first necessary to conduct observational studies to identify relevant risk factors and the most appropriate approach to controlling them. Iran is a multiethnic country; therefore, in 2014 the Ministry of Health and Medical Education launched a nationwide cohort study - Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) - in order to identify the most prevalent NCDs among Iran's ethnic groups and to investigate effective methods of prevention. The PERSIAN study consists of 4 population-based cohorts; the adult component (the PERSIAN Cohort Study), described in this article, is a prospective cohort study including 180,000 persons aged 35-70 years from 18 distinct areas of Iran. Upon joining the cohort, participants respond to interviewer-administered questionnaires. Blood, urine, hair, and nail samples are collected and stored. To ensure consistency, centrally purchased equipment is sent to all sites, and the same team trains all personnel. Routine visits and quality assurance/control measures are taken to ensure protocol adherence. Participants are followed for 15 years postenrollment. The PERSIAN study is currently in the enrollment phase; cohort profiles will soon emerge. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved