Showing 663 results for MM
Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad, Shabnam Afraz,
Volume 83, Issue 1 (April 2025)
Abstract
Mohammad Darayesh,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract
Background: Acne is a common adolescent skin disorder presenting with papules, pustules, and cysts on the face, chest, and back, which may persist into adulthood with varying severity. Dexpanthanol (bepacto) is an effective treatment for acne, administered both topically and intramuscularly. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical bepacto ointment versus intramuscular bepacto injections for mild to moderate acne.
Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, split-face clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving weekly intramuscular bepacto ampoule injections and the other applying topical bepacto ointment twice daily. The treatment protocol consisted of an initial one-month phase followed by a two-month continuation phase. Following acne diagnosis, patients were classified into three severity categories (mild, moderate and severe) according to Lehman's criteria. Data collection instruments for this study included a demographic information questionnaire and the Acne-QOL (Acne Quality of Life) questionnaire.
Results: The Mann-Whitney U test results indicated no statistically significant differences in quality-of-life outcomes between the topical and intramuscular treatment groups (P>0.05). Subsequent Friedman test analysis revealed distinct treatment response patterns: among 18-24-year-old patients with mild baseline acne severity, both treatment groups maintained mild severity at 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with significant improvement achieved by week six. However, in moderate acne cases within the same age group, the topical treatment group showed progressive improvement - maintaining moderate severity at two weeks, progressing to mild by four weeks, and achieving complete resolution by week six. In contrast, the intramuscular group with moderate acne demonstrated persistent moderate severity at both 2-week and 4-week follow-ups, with only partial improvement to mild severity by week 6 and no complete resolution observed during the study period. These findings suggest that while both administration routes similarly affected quality of life measures, topical dexpanthanol demonstrated superior efficacy and faster response times, particularly in cases of moderate acne severity among young adult patients.
Conclusion: Intramuscular dexpanthanol may optimize treatment initiation timing and reduce costs in mild-to-moderate acne management.
Mohsen Ghoryani, Mohsen Ahmadi, Mahdi Atabaki, Jalil Tavakkol-Afshari , Mojgan Mohammadi,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent inflammation, progressive joint destruction, functional disability, and systemic complications. Key inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), play critical roles in disease progression and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently gained attention as a therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases because of their abilities in self-renewal, immune modulation, and tissue repair. Considering the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, this study investigated the effect of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (ABMSCs) on the gene expression of TNF-α and IL-17A in patients with refractory RA.
Methods: The study utilized archived RNA from the research team's previous clinical trial. In this study, 13 patients with refractory RA who underwent MSC transplantation (MSCT) at an intravenous dose of 1×10⁶ ABMSCs per kilogram of body weight were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months post-injection. Between November 2023 and March 2024, archived RNA samples were converted into cDNA at the Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Then, the expression levels of TNF and IL-17A were analyzed using SYBR Green-based real-time PCR.
Results: TNF-α gene expression declined significantly 1 month after MSCT (mean±SEM: 1.00±0.00 at baseline vs. 0.38±0.11 at 1 month, P=0.045). However, no significant differences were observed at 6 months (1.21±0.38) or 12 months (0.61±0.18) compared to baseline (P>0.05). IL-17A gene expression remained statistically unchanged across all time points (baseline: 1.00±0.00; 1 month: 0.87±0.31; 6 months: 1.19±0.42; 12 months: 1.79±0.92; P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ABMSCs may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating TNF-α in patients with refractory RA. However, the findings related to IL-17A do not support the hypothesis that ABMSC injection exerts anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of IL-17A gene expression in these patients.
Sepideh Mahdavi, Mohammad Hassan Emamian , Zahra Kordi, Mansooreh Fateh, Mostafa Enayatrad,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract
Background: Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the trend in the incidence of stomach cancer in Shahroud and Meyami districts over a thirteen-year period.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study that examines the incidence of stomach cancer using data from the population-based cancer registry system in Shahroud and Meyami Districts in Semnan province over a thirteen-year period from the beginning of April 2010 to the end of March 2022. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated using both the new and old-World Health Organization standard populations. Trend in cancer incidence were analyzed using Joinpoint regression.
Results: Between 2010 and 2022, a total of 474 new cases of stomach cancer were reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 69.3±12.8 years, with 70.3±12.7 years in men and 67.8±12.8 years in women. The age-standardized incidence rate based on the new WHO population was 15.1 per 100,000 people for the entire period, and 20.9 and 9.5 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. The annual percentage change indicated a (APC: -4.60 % (95% CI: -0.08 to -9.36)) decrease per year, which was statistically significant (P=0.047), particularly in men (APC= -4.42%, (95% CI: -8.39 to -0.63, P=0.024)), whereas the decline in women was not statistically significant (APC= -4.28%, (95% CI: -10.45 to 1.79, P=0.150)). The incidence of stomach cancer increases with age, with the highest number of cases observed in the 75-79 years age group. The incidence trend in the age group 70-74 years (AAPC: -8.98% (95% CI: -2.75, -14.72 was significantly (P=0.005) decreasing.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the age-standardized incidence rate of stomach cancer had a decreasing trend and that incidence increased with advancing age. Moreover, the incidence rate in men was approximately twice that in women. In men, the incidence trend showed a significant decline, whereas in women no significant change was observed.
Seyed Mohammad Hosseini , Saba Mohammadalizadeh , Sanaz Arvin,
Volume 83, Issue 2 (May 2025)
Abstract
Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm of the major salivary glands, characterized by a slow-growing tumor, wide local infiltration, perineural spread, a propensity to local recurrence and distant metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Although surgery and radiotherapy are considered standard treatments, the role of systemic therapy in advanced and metastatic stages remains unclear and rarely results in complete remission. Due to the rarity and limited number of reported cases, here, we report a complete response with systemic treatment in a case of metastatic ACC of the salivary gland.
Case Presentation: The patient is a 50-year-old woman with a history of ACC of the submandibular salivary gland at 20 years old. No recurrence of the disease was observed until, at 47 years old, when metastatic adenocarcinoma with salivary gland origin was diagnosed. From the age of 47 to 50 years, multiple cervical lymph node involvement, multiple masses in the parotid gland and thyroid tissue, as well as distant metastasis to the breast, ovary, and lungs were observed. The patient underwent cervical lymphadenectomy, total parotidectomy, and several courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After six cycles of the Bevacizumab + Adriamycin + Cisplatin regimen, radiologic evaluation confirmed a complete response to the treatment with the disappearance of pulmonary nodules and parotid lesions. The patient is currently under follow-up.
Conclusion: Our reported case shows the aggressive nature of recurrent metastatic ACC of the salivary gland and the positive effect and importance of systemic treatment in these patients. Because the metastasis can appear very slowly, early diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. These rare malignant lesions should be followed up for a long time after initial treatment due to slow growth, frequent recurrence and late and distant metastasis possibility. This case highlights the potential of systemic therapy to induce complete response even in extensively metastatic disease, suggesting that further clinical trials may be warranted.
Bibi Mona Razavi, Tayyebeh Zarei, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Ahmadi Rashti , Mehrdad Sayadinia,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract
Background: The use of mesh is considered one of the most effective methods and is considered the method of choice in hernia repair. However, the debate about the choice of mesh type still persists. Therefore, in the present study, the results of using ultra-light Prolene mesh with standard Prolene mesh in hernia repair surgery were compared.
Methods: The present study is a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial that was conducted at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas. Demographic information including age, sex, height, and weight were recorded in a checklist. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group used Prolene mesh in the first group and ultra-light Prolene mesh in the second group for repair. Hernia repair was performed by the surgeon using the Lebakhstein method.
Results: 119 patients were included in the study. 70 patients (57.4%) had direct hernia and 52 patients (42.6%) had indirect hernia. The mean age of the Prolene group was 43.8±7.49 and the ultra-light Prolene group was 44.32±8.91 years (P=.713). The mean BMI in the Prolene group was 29.94±3.43 and in the ultra-light Parwan group was 29.66±3.76 (P=.673). Wound infection was not observed in either group. Chronic pain was 14.5 in the Prolene group and 10.3 in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.490). Administrative retention was 6.3 in the Prolene group and 8.5 in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.738). The recurrence rate 3 months after surgery was 0 in the Prolene group and 1 case (1.7%) in the ultra-light Prolene group (P=.487). The recurrence rate 12 months after surgery was 2 cases (3.2%) in the Prolene group and 3 cases (5.2%) in the ultralight Prolene group (P=. 672). The time to complete recovery was 6.94±1.63 days in the Prolene group and 6.68±1.64 days in the ultralight Prolene group (P=. 368). There was no significant difference in pain intensity at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery between the two study groups.
Conclusion: Both Prolene and ultralight Prolene mesh have relatively similar efficacy in inguinal hernia repair. Although the advantages of ultralight Prolene mesh, such as pain intensity, chronic pain, and faster onset of motion, were slightly different in the ultralight Prolene group, the recurrence rate was slightly higher in the ultralight Prolene group.
Mahsa Hojjati, Mahshid Rashidi, Ali Asghar Khaleghi, Maryam Nasirian, Seyed Hassan Faghihi, Masoud Mohammadi,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract
Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the main causes of vaginitis and cervical inflammation worldwide. Almost half of sexually transmitted and curable diseases worldwide can be assessed through the examination of this disease, so the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis in Iranian women.
Methods: This study is a review of the SID, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, conducted up to September 2023. The extracted data were analyzed using CMA software (version 2). A search of articles in Science Direct, SID, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement criteria, including systematic search, screening of articles, and selection of appropriate studies. The words used for the search and final review in this systematic review were determined based on MESH Terms in the PubMed database. These keywords that were used and selected in this study were in English and Persian. The final information obtained from the studies was reviewed and analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA, Version 2) software, and finally the heterogeneity of the studies was examined with the I2 test.
Results: Based on the search for studies and their screening, 22 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. This study included a sample size of 49,990 Iranian women who were included in the study. In the heterogeneity analysis based on the studies obtained, the heterogeneity was 99.7. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, the random effects method was used for the final analysis. The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Iranian women was reported to be 9.3 (95% CI: 4.6-18) based on the 22 final studies and meta-analysis. The publication bias analysis indicated the absence of bias in the studies (p: 0.175).
Conclusion: Based on the prevalence report in the meta-analysis, a relatively high prevalence was reported in Iranian women, and this situation requires more awareness raising through health centers to families, as well as care and screening of women in these centers and also in obstetric centers.
Nooshin Shirzad, Fateme Ziamanesh, Seyedahmad Seyedalinaghi , Alireza Esteghamati , Mahboobeh Hemmatabadi ,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract
Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are diagnosed with a wide range of renal damage, usually presenting with albuminuria and decreased estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Some patients have only albuminuria and normal eGFR, while others have normoalbuminuria even in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease. This study investigated and followed the course of diabetic nephropathy in patients with T2DM.
Methods: 1107 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study. This historical cohort was conducted between the years 2017 and 2022. Patients with confirmed type 2 DM, referred to the diabetes clinic of Vali-Asr Hospital, affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Science. Complete medical history, blood pressure, and laboratory data were obtained in the first and follow-up visits. Follow-up was every 3 to 6 months for 30 months. Every year, 24-hour urinary albumin was measured, and eGFR was estimated based on the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
Results: Male sex, age, disease duration, weight, systolic blood pressure, 2 hours postprandial (2hpp) glucose, serum triglyceride, and uric acid significantly correlated with albuminuria. At the initiation of the study, the highest eGFR values occurred in microalbuminuric patients, followed by a sharp decrease. No significant correlation was found between eGFR and albuminuria in most patients, and more than half of them with eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/m2 still had normal albuminuria
Conclusion: This study showed that patients with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminuria had the highest eGFR values followed by macroalbuminuria, but patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria had an initial increase and then a decrease, and the macroalbuminuria group showed the sustained and greatest decrease during the follow-up period. Serial surveillance of both albuminuria and GFR is crucial in T2DM.
Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad,
Volume 83, Issue 3 (June 2025)
Abstract
Mandana Pouladzadeh, Fatemeh Khazaei, Saeid Bitaraf, Hossein Karimpourian, Mahsa Mombeyni, Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early detection can markedly improve patient survival, yet existing screening methods often lack sufficient accuracy and sensitivity. lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 has been implicated in the initiation and progression of tumors in several cancers, including breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 expression as a biomarker for early detection of breast cancer.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Shafa Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, between September 2024 and March 2025. Serum samples were obtained from 30 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer and 30 healthy women serving as controls. Total RNA was extracted from 500 µL of serum, and cDNA was synthesized using oligo (dT) primers. Real-Time PCR was performed in triplicate, with GAPDH as the internal control. Relative gene expression was calculated using the 2^-ΔΔCt method, and data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and ROC analysis.
Results: The patient and control groups were homogeneous for most demographic parameters, but showed significant differences in age (P=0.023) and ethnicity (P=0.004). Most patients were in stage I of the disease. The median expression of serum KCNQ1OT1 was significantly lower in patients (0.024, IQR 0.013-0.033) than in controls (0.039, IQR 0.027-0.051), indicating marked downregulation in the patient group (P=0.0003). The ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96, SE=0.07, P=0.0005). At an optimal cutoff value of >0.031, the sensitivity was 70%, the specificity was 95%, and the positive likelihood ratio (LR⁺) ≈ was approximately 14, demonstrating strong discriminative ability.
Conclusion: Serum KCNQ1OT1 exhibits promising diagnostic performance for identifying early-stage breast cancer and may serve as a reliable noninvasive biomarker. Larger multicenter studies incorporating molecular subtyping and tissue correlation are required to validate its clinical applicability and strengthen diagnostic accuracy.
Majid Karimifard, Ashkan Sabouri, Khaled Rahmani , Mohammad Azad Majedi, Behzad Ahsan ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract
Background: Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at higher risk for delirium. The present study aimed to compare the frequency of delirium in patients requiring anesthesia receiving the Presedex and fentanyl regimen with the midazolam and fentanyl regimen in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on all patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Kowsar Hospital in sanandaj from May 2018 to December 2024 as a census with a sample size of 40 people in each group. Delirium and restlessness were assessed based on RASS criteria and the GCS scale was used to assess the level of consciousness of the patients. The data were entered into SPSS 24 software and a significance level of less than 5% was considered.
Results: The average age of the patients in Perdex, fentanyl, midazolam, and fentanyl regimens was 41.52 and 34.05 years, respectively. 53(66.3%) patients were male and the rest were female. The GCS score in the Presdex and Fentanyl group was 14(35%) and the Midazolam and Fentanyl group was 4(10%) with a level of consciousness above 7. The RASS score (5 patients in the Presdex and fentanyl group (12.5%) and the midazolam and fentanyl group (36 patients in the midazolam and fentanyl group (90%) had an anxiety score of zero or higher) was 0. The frequency of delirium based on CAM-ICU criteria in the Presdex and fentanyl group was 27(67.5%) mild delirium and 13(32.5%) moderate delirium, but in the midazolam and fentanyl group, 6(15%) mild delirium, 24(60%) moderate delirium, and 10(25%) severe delirium were present, and this difference was significant in the results of level of consciousness and restlessness and incidence of delirium (P=0.000).
Conclusion: The results showed that the use of Presedex and fentanyl would be more effective in reducing the incidence of delirium, and the use of this drug could be effective.
Yaser Sharafi, Mohammad Talebpour, Khosro Najari,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Dumping syndrome is a common complication after bariatric surgery and can adversely affect patients’ quality of life, particularly in those with diabetes. Although gastric bypass has traditionally been associated with a higher risk of dumping syndrome, evidence comparing its frequency with sleeve gastrectomy remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the frequency of dumping syndrome following these two procedures in patients with morbid obesity.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2021 to July 2022 at Sina Hospital in Tehran. A total of 90 patients with morbid obesity who met the indications for bariatric surgery were not randomly assigned to two treatment groups: gastric bypass (n = 45) and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 45). Baseline assessments included medical history, physical examination, review of medical records, and necessary specialist consultations (including endocrinology and cardiology). All patients’ data were recorded in the Sina Bariatric Surgery Registry Database. Following surgery, patients received standard postoperative care and were evaluated for symptoms of dumping syndrome at one and three months postoperatively using the validated Sigstad questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age group, gender, excess weight, preoperative BMI, final BMI, and history of diabetes prior to surgery (P-value > 0.05). The final weight was significantly higher in the sleeve gastrectomy group (P-value = 0.033). There were no significant differences in the frequency of early and late dumping syndrome related to the consumption of sweets and other foods between the two groups at the first and third postoperative months (P-value > 0.05). Early dumping syndrome following the consumption of sweets and bread was significantly more frequent among diabetic patients (P-value = 0.037 and P-value = 0.045, respectively).
Conclusion: The prevalence of dumping syndrome was similar in both sleeve and bypass groups. Weight loss over time was significant (P < 0.001) and did not differ between groups (P = 0.211). The syndrome was significantly more common in diabetic patients, highlighting the importance of careful postoperative care and dietary guidance.
Fariba Shokri, Mohammad Mehdi Rejati , Mehdi Shokri,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Asthma attacks are one of the most common reasons for patient referral in adult and paediatric age groups, leading to hospitalization of these patients. In addition to the fact that only a small percentage of asthma attacks are due to bacterial infections, asthma treatment guidelines recommend against the routine use of antibiotics in patients hospitalized for asthma attacks. However, many patients treated for asthma attacks receive antibacterial drugs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the prescription of antibacterial drugs in patients with asthma attacks.
Methods: In this study, data related to Imam Khomeini (RA) and Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Teaching Hospitals in Ilam city were examined between April 2017 to March 2022. Cases hospitalized due to asthma attacks in the mentioned hospitals during that time period were included in the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: A total of 331 patients, including 273 adults (84.4%) and 58 children (17.6%), hospitalized for asthma attacks were included in the study. 84.42% of adults and 70.69% of children received antibacterial drugs. The use of antibacterial drugs in adults (p < 0.001) and children (p = 0.008) was significantly associated with an increase in the average length of hospitalization. Among adults, 12 patients required intubation, which was not significantly associated with the use of antibacterial drugs (p = 0.51). Among children, 1 patient required intubation, which was not statistically significant in terms of association with antibiotic use.
Conclusion: The prescription of antibacterial drugs in the treatment of patients hospitalized due to asthma attacks in teaching hospitals in Ilam city is more than similar domestic and international studies. Also, the prescription of antibacterial drugs in these patients not only has no therapeutic benefit, but is also associated with an increase in the duration of hospitalization. It is necessary to consider the necessary measures to modify the views of specialists on the prescription of antibacterial drugs based on the latest evidence-based guidelines.
Maryam Safari, Abbas Ghaisouri, Shokofeh Mohammadi,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Shortness of breath is a common disorder and means difficulty in breathing and shortness and shallow breathing that the patient feels unpleasant, difficulty and shallow breathing. The main purpose of this study was to analyze patients undergoing pulmonary angiography with a prognosis of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in the adult emergency department of Shahid Mostafa Hospital in Ilam in March2018-March2020 after receiving permission from the ethics committee. This study evaluated patients over 18 years of age who underwent CTPA with a pre-diagnosis of PE.
Results: The highest frequency was reported in CT findings of 31.9% normal, 27.6% PE. In our study based on CT results, 30.2% of patients suffered from PE. The highest frequency was reported in CT findings of 31.9% normal, 27.6% PE. In the present study, 65.5% of patients presented with shortness of breath, of which CT results showed 28.9% (PE), 38.2% (Non PE) and 98% (Normal). Other complaints of patients with shortness of breath were reported with CP (7.8%), lower edema (6%), respiratory distress (8.6%), CP and fever (5.2%) and hemotypy (1.7%).
Conclusion: Based on the above study, we conclude that the criterion for selecting patients for CT angiography to rule out PTE is the most important criterion for clinical examination and the Welsh Criteria score. As we can see, the results showed that patients with a Wales score above 8-12 had 80% PTE and patients with a Wales score of 3-6 had 23.5% PTE and the rest had a negative answer, so the Wells criteria were good criteria which unfortunately Due to some conditions, the diagnosis of a general practitioner or carelessness in examinations are not taken into account and causes a large percentage of patients with complaints of shortness of breath to undergo CT angiography while not having the necessary criteria based on Wells scores and clinical examination. CT angiography is either normal or another condition that does not require CT angiography and radiation.
Samaneh Arab, Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani , Najmeh Fattahi , Zakiye Ekhlasi, Samira Asgharzade,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Retinal photoreceptor degeneration is a major cause of blindness. Stem cell therapies offer promise, and the miR-183/96/182 cluster, particularly miR-182 and miR-183, plays a crucial role in photoreceptor development and survival. Targeting these miRNAs may enhance human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells) hBMSCs (differentiation into photoreceptor-like cells, improving their therapeutic potential.
Methods: This in vitro study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021 at the Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. hBMSCs were cultured in DMEM with fetal bovine serum and transfected with miR-182 and miR-183 mimics using Lipofectamine, with a scramble miRNA control. Transfection efficiency and miRNA overexpression were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours using real-time PCR. miRNA expression was normalised to Snord, while mRNA levels were normalised to GAPDH using the 2−ΔΔCt method. Photoreceptor-like differentiation was assessed by measuring the expression of retina-specific transcription factors and markers (OTX2, CRX, NRL, SLC1A1, PKCα, Recoverin, and RHO). Statistical analyses included the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Mann-Whitney U test for group comparisons. Data were reported as Mean ± SEM, with 95% confidence intervals, and significance set at α = 0.05.
Results: Transfection of miR-182 and miR-183 significantly increased miRNA levels at 24–48 hours (P < 0.001) compared to the scramble control. This led to a marked upregulation of retinal-related genes, including CRX, OTX2, PKCα, Recoverin, NRL, and RHO, indicating activation of the photoreceptor gene network. Time-resolved analysis revealed stronger effects at 24–48 hours, supporting a transient window for pro-differentiation. RHO and CRX exhibited the most significant increases, while OTX2 and PKCα showed parallel rises, suggesting coordinated activation of early and intermediate photoreceptor programs. Scramble controls did not show comparable changes.
Conclusion: Transient overexpression of miR-182 and miR-183 in hBMSCs activates a photoreceptor-like gene expression program, promoting differentiation toward photoreceptor-like cells. This finding supports the potential use of miR-182/183 in stem cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration. Further studies should confirm protein expression, functional outcomes, and in vivo efficacy.
Alireza Eskandarifar, Zahra Taherkhani, Soleiman Mohammadzadeh , Rama Naghshizadian, Khaled Rahmani,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Background: Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a common and distressing childhood disorder characterized by involuntary urination during sleep after the age when bladder control is normally achieved. It affects not only the child’s quality of life but also family dynamics and social relationships. Previous studies have suggested a possible link between PNE and psychological or behavioral problems, yet findings have been inconsistent across populations. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric disorders among children with primary nocturnal enuresis and healthy controls in Sanandaj, Iran.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Sanandaj from October 2024 to April 2025. The study population included children referred to the Medical, Educational, and Therapeutic Center of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 228 participants were enrolled, comprising 108 children diagnosed with primary nocturnal enuresis and 120 age- and sex-matched healthy controls selected through convenient sampling. Psychiatric assessments were performed using the parent version of the Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4) questionnaire, which evaluates a wide range of childhood behavioral and emotional disorders based on DSM-IV criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 18, and comparisons between groups were made using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Children with primary nocturnal enuresis had significantly higher frequencies of attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity disorder (HD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and tic disorder compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was slightly higher in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between the two groups.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that primary nocturnal enuresis may serve as an indicator of increased vulnerability to certain psychiatric disorders in childhood. Early recognition and psychological evaluation of children with enuresis are recommended to improve long-term outcomes and mental well-being.
Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad,,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (August 2025)
Abstract
Majid Vatankhah Tarbebar , Saeid Kashani, Milad Mohammadi , Zohreh Nik Eghbali, Mehrdad Malekshoar,
Volume 83, Issue 6 (September 2025)
Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for treating gallbladder diseases; however, it is associated with physiological challenges from pneumoperitoneum and specific patient positioning. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may mitigate these effects, but the optimal level remains uncertain. This study compared the impact of three PEEP levels on respiratory performance and hemodynamic stability during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran, from August 2023 to February 2024. A total of 75 adult patients aged 18-70 years with ASA class I-II scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were assigned to three groups (n=25 each): PEEP 0 cmH₂O (control), PEEP 5 cmH₂O, and PEEP 7 cmH₂O. Standardized general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation with tidal volumes of 6-8 mL/kg were applied. Hemodynamic variables (mean arterial pressure, heart rate) and respiratory parameters (SpO₂, EtCO₂) were recorded before intubation, during intubation, and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes post-intubation, as well as in the recovery room. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed 30 minutes after intubation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean age of patients was 41.89±11.39 years, and baseline demographic variables showed no significant differences among groups. Oxygen saturation remained above 94% across all time points without intergroup differences. EtCO₂ values differed significantly at 30 minutes (P=0.04) and 60 minutes (P=0.01), with the highest levels observed in the PEEP 7 group and the lowest in the PEEP 5 group. Although mean arterial pressure and heart rate did not show statistically significant variation among groups, the PEEP 7 group demonstrated the smallest postoperative decline in blood pressure.
Conclusion: A PEEP level of 5 cmH₂O offers the most favorable balance between maintaining oxygenation, supporting effective ventilation, and preserving hemodynamic stability during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This level can be recommended as a safe and optimal ventilation strategy.
Mohammad Sadegh Sanie Jahromi , Reza Ashrafzadeh, Ahmad Rastgarian, Navid Kalani , Mohammad Hasan Damshenas,
Volume 83, Issue 6 (September 2025)
Abstract
Background: In general anesthesia, anesthetic agents are administered by inhalation or intravenously, leading to loss of consciousness, immobility, analgesia, and amnesia. In spinal anesthesia, injection of a local anesthetic into the intrathecal space causes sensory and motor block. The aim of this study was to compare the volume of bleeding during cesarean section under general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional prospective study. The gauzes used were weighed before the operation and bloody gauzes were weighed after the operation. The difference between the weight of bloody and dry gauzes was recorded as the volume of bleeding. This volume was then added to the volume of blood in the suction chamber and the final bleeding volume was estimated.
Results: 70 patients who were candidates for cesarean section were included in the study. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 24.82±4.98 and their mean weight was 77.11±8.97. The mean hemoglobin in the spinal anesthesia group was 91.12±39. Volume of bleeding during cesarean section by spinal anesthesia was significantly less than general anesthesia (P=0.001). Also, the visual estimation of bleeding in spinal anesthesia was significantly lower than general anesthesia (P<0.001). In this study, there was no significant difference between heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure before and during surgery, and the first- and fifth-minute Apgar scores between the two groups of general and spinal anesthesia.
Conclusion: We found in this study that the volume of bleeding during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is less than general anesthesia. It is suggested that in future studies, other methods of estimating bleeding such as postoperative hemoglobin reduction, dilution method, atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry be used. Also, a comparison should be made between the three groups of general, spinal and epidural anesthesia, and the volume of bleeding in each should be checked and the best anesthesia method should be selected for cesarean section.
Banafsheh Mashak, Reza Taghvaei, Reza Payami , Mohammad Hossein Shakeri Goki , Fatemeh Javaheri, Roya Bolhassani,
Volume 83, Issue 6 (September 2025)
Abstract
