Laboratory Diagnosis of Congenital Factor V Deficiency, Routine, Specific Coagulation Tests with Molecular Methods

Erratum: The correct affiliation of corresponding author of this manuscript has been edited as follows:"Akbar Dorgalaleh: Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran."Factor V (FV) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder (RBD) that inherit in autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis of FV deficiency (FVD) is made by routine coagulation tests, FV activity and molecular analysis. In patients with FVD, routine coagulation tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and evenbleeding time (BT) are prolongedwhile thrombin time (TT) is normal. FV activity assay can use for confirmation of diagnosis as well as for differential diagnosis with acquired forms of disease. Mixing study can be used for screening of inhibitor against FV. In this situation, addition of normal plasma cannot correct prolonged PT and PTT while in congenital FVD prolongation is corrected. Molecular diagnosis of FVD is straightforward but due to large size of FV gene and genetic variability molecular diagnosis is restricted to research laboratory

Burden of Drug and Alcohol Use Disorders in Iran: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010

Background: Due to its specific socio-cultural and geographical situation, Iran has a major public health problem in terms of drug and alcohol use. The aim of this study is to report and critique the burden of drug and alcohol use disorders in Iran, and to compare these measurements with similar findings. Methods: This study used data for Iran for the years 1990, 2005, and 2010 derived from the Global Burden of Disease study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in 2010. The burden of drug and alcohol use disorders was evaluated in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost to premature mortality (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs). Results: All rates were reported per 100,000 individuals. Death rates attributed to drug and alcohol use disorders were 7.7 and 0.16 for men, and 0.62 and 0.02 for women, respectively. YLL rates regarding drug use disorders were 351.8 and 24.8 for men and women, while these figures were 5.8 and 1.0 for alcohol use disorders for men and women, respectively. YLD rates of drug use disorders were 452.6 for men and 202.1 for women, and 105.8 for men and 23.7 for women for alcohol use disorders. DALY rates attributed to drug use disorders were 804.5 for men and 227 for women, while these rates were 111.7 for men and 24.7 for women, related to alcohol use disorders. Conclusions: Similar to the cases in many other countries, the burden of both drug and alcohol use disorders is higher for men than women in Iran. Although prevention policies and programs for drug and alcohol use are required for both genders, the need for drug and alcohol use intervention seems more urgent for men in Iran

Mapping inequalities in exclusive breastfeeding in low- and middle-income countries, 2000–2018

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)—giving infants only breast-milk for the first 6 months of life—is a component of optimal breastfeeding practices effective in preventing child morbidity and mortality. EBF practices are known to vary by population and comparable subnational estimates of prevalence and progress across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are required for planning policy and interventions. Here we present a geospatial analysis of EBF prevalence estimates from 2000 to 2018 across 94 LMICs mapped to policy-relevant administrative units (for example, districts), quantify subnational inequalities and their changes over time, and estimate probabilities of meeting the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) of ≥70% EBF prevalence by 2030. While six LMICs are projected to meet the WHO GNT of ≥70% EBF prevalence at a national scale, only three are predicted to meet the target in all their district-level units by 2030

Global, regional, and national progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 for neonatal and child health: all-cause and cause-specific mortality findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 has targeted elimination of preventable child mortality, reduction of neonatal death to less than 12 per 1000 livebirths, and reduction of death of children younger than 5 years to less than 25 per 1000 livebirths, for each country by 2030. To understand current rates, recent trends, and potential trajectories of child mortality for the next decade, we present the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 findings for all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in children younger than 5 years of age, with multiple scenarios for child mortality in 2030 that include the consideration of potential effects of COVID-19, and a novel framework for quantifying optimal child survival. Methods We completed all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality analyses from 204 countries and territories for detailed age groups separately, with aggregated mortality probabilities per 1000 livebirths computed for neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and under-5 mortality rate (USMR). Scenarios for 2030 represent different potential trajectories, notably including potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of improvements preferentially targeting neonatal survival. Optimal child survival metrics were developed by age, sex, and cause of death across all GBD location-years. The first metric is a global optimum and is based on the lowest observed mortality, and the second is a survival potential frontier that is based on stochastic frontier analysis of observed mortality and Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Findings Global U5MR decreased from 71.2 deaths per 1000 livebirths (95% uncertainty interval WI] 68.3-74-0) in 2000 to 37.1 (33.2-41.7) in 2019 while global NMR correspondingly declined more slowly from 28.0 deaths per 1000 live births (26.8-29-5) in 2000 to 17.9 (16.3-19-8) in 2019. In 2019,136 (67%) of 204 countries had a USMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold and 133 (65%) had an NMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold, and the reference scenario suggests that by 2030,154 (75%) of all countries could meet the U5MR targets, and 139 (68%) could meet the NMR targets. Deaths of children younger than 5 years totalled 9.65 million (95% UI 9.05-10.30) in 2000 and 5.05 million (4.27-6.02) in 2019, with the neonatal fraction of these deaths increasing from 39% (3.76 million 95% UI 3.53-4.021) in 2000 to 48% (2.42 million; 2.06-2.86) in 2019. NMR and U5MR were generally higher in males than in females, although there was no statistically significant difference at the global level. Neonatal disorders remained the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years in 2019, followed by lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, congenital birth defects, and malaria. The global optimum analysis suggests NMR could be reduced to as low as 0.80 (95% UI 0.71-0.86) deaths per 1000 livebirths and U5MR to 1.44 (95% UI 1-27-1.58) deaths per 1000 livebirths, and in 2019, there were as many as 1.87 million (95% UI 1-35-2.58; 37% 95% UI 32-43]) of 5.05 million more deaths of children younger than 5 years than the survival potential frontier. Interpretation Global child mortality declined by almost half between 2000 and 2019, but progress remains slower in neonates and 65 (32%) of 204 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, are not on track to meet either SDG 3.2 target by 2030. Focused improvements in perinatal and newborn care, continued and expanded delivery of essential interventions such as vaccination and infection prevention, an enhanced focus on equity, continued focus on poverty reduction and education, and investment in strengthening health systems across the development spectrum have the potential to substantially improve USMR. Given the widespread effects of COVID-19, considerable effort will be required to maintain and accelerate progress. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Prevalence of Mandibular Retromolar Canal on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scan

Background and Aim: The retromolar canal is an anatomical structure in the mandible and a type of bifid inferior alveolar canal. The retromolar canal may provide accessory innervation to the mandibular molars or contain an aberrant buccal nerve; thus, this canal is of clinical significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of retromolar canal on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 151 inferior alveolar canals in 102 patients (102 unilateral and 49 bilateral) with third molar teeth requiring CBCT scans were evaluated. The scans were evaluated for presence of the retromolar canal and linear measurements (distance to second molar, height and width) were made. The data were analyzed paired t-test and chi square test. Results: The prevalence of retromolar canal was 7.3% (n=11). With regard to linear measurements, the mean distance from the retromolar canal to the second molar was 12.76± 4.3mm. The mean height of the canal was 6.66 ±2.18mm, and the mean width was 1.7± 0.6mm. The presence of retromolar canal was not statistically correlated with sex, side of the jaw or age (p=0.146). Conclusion: The prevalence of retromolar canal on CBCT scans was 7.3%

Effect of Triple Antibiotic Paste on Bond Strength of Composite to Dentin: An In Vitro Study

Background and Aim: Considering the increasing use of antibiotics in root canal therapy and the possible effects of intracanal medicaments on the bond strength of composite restorations, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) on shear bond strength of three types of composite resins to dentin. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro, experimental study, the enamel of 60 extracted premolars was ground parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth in order to produce flat dentin surfaces (5 mm2 minimum surface area). The samples were divided into six groups. In the control group, dentin surfaces were stored in saline solution and in the experimental groups dentin surfaces were exposed to TAP for 10 days. After washing and drying, Single Bond was applied for dentin bond to Z100 and Z350 composites. Adhesive resin was used for bond to P90 composite. Composites were applied on the dentin surfaces in six groups and cured in four directions. The shear bond strength was measured by Instron machine. The data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: The highest mean shear bond strength was found in Z350 composite group following the use of TAP (38.75 MPa) and the lowest mean strength was found in Z100 composite group following the use of TAP (14.64 MPa). The mean shear bond strength of P90 and Z100 composites (in contrast to Z350 composite) was higher in the saline compared to the TAP groups (p=0.1). The differences between saline and antibiotic groups were not significant (p=0.959) but the difference in this regard among the three types of composites was significant. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that use of TAP has no effect on the shear bond strength of composite to dentin but the type of composite significantly affects the shear bond strength

Association between the duration of progesterone supplementation treatment and premature neonates outcomes: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, progesterone is one of the main hormones to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, there are still conflicting results regarding using progesterone supplementation to prevent PTB and improve neonatal outcomes. The length of treatment with progesterone supplementation is also one of the challenges ahead, so the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the duration of progesterone supplementation treatment and neonatal outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women at risk of PTB and who have taken progesterone supplementation. They were asked about the length of treatment with progesterone supplements and finally, the neonatal outcomes of these women were measured. Results A total of 265 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study and the subjects were divided into two groups that received progesterone <12 weeks and received progesterone ≥12. In the group of women receiving progesterone with a treatment duration of ≥12 weeks, the rate of preterm labor, respiratory distress syndrome, low birth weight, and the need for hospitalization were significantly lower than in the group receiving progesterone with a treatment duration of ≥12 weeks. Conclusion Progesterone administration for longer than 12 weeks in women at risk of PTB can improve neonatal outcomes

The Potential of Exerkines in Women’s COVID-19: A New Idea for a Better and More Accurate Understanding of the Mechanisms behind Physical Exercise

The benefits of physical exercise are well-known, but there are still many questions regarding COVID-19. Chow et al.’s 2022 study, titled Exerkines and Disease, showed that a special focus on exerkines can help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of physical exercise and disease. Exerkines are a group of promising molecules that may underlie the beneficial effects of physical exercise in diseases. The idea of exerkines is to understand the effects of physical exercise on diseases better. Exerkines have a high potential for the treatment of diseases and, considering that, there is still no study of the importance of exerkines on the most dangerous disease in the world in recent years, COVID-19. This raises the fundamental question of whether exerkines have the potential to manage COVID-19. Most of the studies focused on the general changes in physical exercise in patients with COVID-19, both during the illness and after discharge from the hospital, and did not investigate the basic differences. A unique look at the management of COVID-19 by exerkines, especially in obese and overweight women who experience high severity of COVID-19 and whose recovery period is long after discharge from the hospital, can help to understand the basic mechanisms. In this review, we explore the potential of exerkines in COVID-19 by practicing physical exercise to provide compelling practice recommendations with new insights