Serum vitamin D and PSA in elderly men in Amirkola.

Background: Vitamin D is a modifiable risk factor in cancer and prostate diseases. In this study, we investigate the relationship between vitamin D and serum PSA in elderly men of Amirkola City. Methods: The current cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on elderly men participating in the cohort study in Amirkola. Demographic information including age, sex, marital status and occupation were recorded and blood samples (5 cc of blood) were taken to measure PSA and vitamin D. A p -value less than 0.05 is statistically significant. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 837 elderly men with mean age of 69.99 ± 7.72 years were included in the study. In terms of marital status, 779 (93.1%) were married and 59 (6.9%) were single. In the study of employment status, 476 (56.9%) self-employed, 331 (439.5%) retired, 8 (1.0 %) housewives, 14 (1.7%) unemployed and 8 (1.0 %) They were in an unknown situation. The mean level of vitamin D was 31.94 ± 28.57 ng / mL and the mean level of PSA was 1.94 ± 3.28 ng / dL. No significant relationship was found between vitamin D level and serum PSA in Pearson Correlation test (P = 0.16). Among the other variables studied, only age was related to PSA levels and PSA level increased with age (P = 0.001). Conclusion: No significant relationship was found between PSA serum level and vitamin D level, but the existence of vitamin D deficiency in most of the elderly studied needs attention.

Phylogeography, Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto Inferred by Mitochondrial DNA Markers between Southeast of Iran and Pakistan.

Background: Current study was designed to provide a better insight into the circulating genotypes, genetic diversity, and population structure of Echinococcus spp. between southeast of Iran and Pakistan. Methods: From Jun 2020 to Dec 2020, 46 hydatid cysts were taken from human (n: 6), camel (n: 10), goat (n: 10), cattle (n: 10) and sheep (n: 10) in various cities of Sistan and Baluchestan Province of Iran, located at the neighborhood of Pakistan. DNA samples were extracted, amplified, and subjected to sequence analysis of cox1 and nad1 genes. Results: The phylogeny inferred by the Maximum Likelihood algorithm indicated that G1 genotype (n: 19), G3 genotype (n: 14) and G6 genotype (n: 13) assigned into their specific clades. The diversity indices showed a moderate (nad1: Hd: 0.485) to high haplotype diversity (cox1: Hd: 0.867) of E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3) and low nucleotide diversity. The negative value of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs test displayed deviation from neutrality indicating a recent population expansion. A parsimonious network of the haplotypes of cox1 displayed star-like features in the overall population containing IR9/PAK1/G1, IR2/PAK2/G3 and IR18/G6 as the most common haplotypes. A pairwise fixation index (Fst) indicated that E. granulosus s.s. populations are genetically moderate differentiated between southeast of Iran and Pakistan. The extension of haplotypes PAK18/G1 (sheep) and PAK26/G1 (cattle) toward Iranian haplogroup revealed that there is dawn of Echinococcus flow due to a transfer of alleles between mentioned populations through transport of livestock or their domestication. Conclusion: The current findings strengthen our knowledge concerning the evolutionary paradigms of E. granulosus in southeastern borders of Iran and is effective in controlling of hydatidosis.

Computational modelling of the therapeutic outputs of photodynamic therapy on spheroid-on-chip models.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical radio chemotherapeutic method that uses light, photosensitizing agents, and oxygen to produce cytotoxic compounds, which eliminate malignant cells. Recently, Microfluidic systems have been used to analyse photosensitizers (PSs) due to their potential to replicate in vivo environments. While prior studies have established a strong correlation between reacted singlet oxygen concentration and PDT-induced cellular death, the effects that the ambient fluid flow might have on the concentration of oxygen and PS have been disregarded in many, which limits the reliability of the results. Herein, we coupled the transport of oxygen and PS throughout the ambient medium and within the spheroidal multicellular aggregate to initially study the profiles of oxygen and PS concentration alongside PDT-induced cellular death throughout the spheroid before and after radiation. The attained results indicate that the PDT-induced cellular death initiates on the surface of the spheroids and subsequently spreads to the neighbouring regions, which is in great accordance with experimental results. Afterward, the effects that drug-light interval (DLI), fluence rate, PS composition, microchannel height, and inlet flow rate have on the therapeutic outcomes are studied. The findings show that adequate DLI is critical to ensure uniform distribution of PS throughout the medium, and a value of 5 h was found to be sufficient. The composition of PS is critical, as ALA-PpIX induces earlier cell death but accelerates oxygen consumption, especially in the outer layers, depriving the inner layers of oxygen necessary for PDT, which in turn disrupts and prolongs the exposure time compared to mTHPC and Photofrin. Despite the fluence rate directly influencing the singlet oxygen generation rate, increasing the fluence rate by 189 mW/cm2 would not significantly benefit us. Microwell height and inlet flow rate involve competing phenomena-increasing height or decreasing flow reduces oxygen supply and increases PS "washout" and its concentration.

Electrocardiogram Abnormality in Poisoned Patients with Tricyclic Antidepressant.

Background: A wide variety of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can manifest with antidepressant drugs, occurring at both therapeutic doses and toxic levels. Notably, ECG abnormalities like wide QRS and QT prolongation may be observed in poisoned patients with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), indicating severe conditions that necessitate the implementation of cardiac monitoring systems. This study aimed to investigate ECG Abnormality in poisoned patients with tricyclic antidepressants. Methods: This retrospective patient record study was conducted at Razi Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, from 2006 to 2009. Patient information was extracted from hospital medical records after the established protocol. The chi-square test was employed for initial analysis; subsequently, logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors associated with abnormal ECG findings. We analyzed the data using SPSS (Version 19; IBM) statistical software. P < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results: Among the 210 poisoned patients, comprising 88 men (41.9%) and 122 women (58.1%), the majority fell within the age range of 15 to 25 years. In our study, the most commonly ingested drugs by poisoned patients were amitriptyline in 134 patients (63.8%) and nortriptyline in 42 patients (20%). A significant portion of 137 patients (65.2%) exhibited poisoning symptoms within ˂ 6 hours, while 73 patients (34.8%) showed symptoms between 6 and 24 hours. Our findings indicated that the initial symptoms in poisoned patients included a decreased level of consciousness in 168 patients (80%), nausea and vomiting in 20 patients (9.5%), and various other symptoms. Notably, our results revealed ECG changes in 70 patients, with 32 patients (15.2%) showing a QRS widening (> 0.1sec), 5 patients (2.4%) displaying a tall R wave in aVR, 5 patients (2.4%) exhibiting right axis deviation, and other observed changes. Conclusion: QRS widening in poisoned patients with tricyclic antidepressants is more frequently observed in symptomatic patients, highlighting the importance of ECG screening in these patients.

Possible association between polyomaviruses and gastrointestinal complications: a narrative review.

Polyomaviruses are a group of small, double-stranded DNA viruses that are known to be associated with the development of certain human diseases, but there is evidence that these viruses might be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Several polyomaviruses have been identified, such as JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) and recently Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Although the direct effects of polyomaviruses on transformation of human cells and cancer development are not clearly recognized, their association with certain human diseases including GI cancers has been proposed through several molecular and epidemiological studies. For example, JCPyV and BKPyV have been linked to colorectal cancer, as there is growing evidence of finding viral genomes in cancerous tissues. Nevertheless, the major role of JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV in colorectal cancer progression is still under extensive investigation, and further surveys is required to establish a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding the role of these viruses in cancer development has significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It seems that proving a causal link between polyomaviruses and GI cancers might provide a novel path for targeted therapies or design and development of specific therapeutic vaccines. In addition, performing research on the possible link can provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, potentially leading to the identification of novel biomarkers. This review focuses on polyomaviruses, in particular a recently discovered polyomavirus, MCPyV, and their possible link with human gastrointestinal disorders.

Highly efficient strategy of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) decontamination from rHBsAg: synergistic effect of enhanced magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as an LPS affinity adsorbent (LAA) and surfactant as a dissociation factor.

The interaction of lipopolysaccharide with a recombinant protein is a serious bottleneck, particularly in the purification step of bioprocessing. Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg), the active ingredient of the hepatitis B vaccine, is probably contaminated by extrinsic LPS like other biopharmaceuticals. This research intends to eliminate LPS from its mixture with rHBsAg efficiently. Immobilized polymyxin B on magnetic nanoparticles (PMB-MNPs) was synthesized and implemented as an enhanced LPS affinity adsorbent (LAA). The 20-80 EU/dose binary samples with and without surfactant were applied to PMB-MNPs. Formerly, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were examined on the samples to qualitatively show the dissociation effect of the surfactant. Considering the high potential interaction of LPS with HBsAg, the dissociation effects of 0.5 and 1.5% Tween 20 on the binary samples were assessed using immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) as a quantification tool. The dissociation effect of Tween 20 substantially diminished the interaction, leading to a proportional increase of free LPS up to 66%. The synergetic effect of Tween 20 and privileged LAA was highly effective in eliminating more than 80% of LPS with a remarkable LPS clearance factor of 5.8 and a substantial protein recovery rate of 97%.

Association Between Serum Levels of Anti-heat Shock Protein 27 Antibody and Liver Cell Injury in Chronic Hepatitis B.

Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27), an anti-HBV factor, exists in the intracellular and extracellular spaces. As an inflammatory modulator, serum HSP27 (sHSP27) is associated with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and a higher likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis. SHSP27 results in natural antibody production (anti-HSP27-Ab) that is more stable and easily detectable compared to sHSP27. We aimed to investigate any potential association between anti-HSP27-Ab level and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression and inflammation indicated by liver cell injury and HBV replication. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 91 patients with CHB and 92 individuals without CHB. Following demographic data collection, anti-HSP27-Ab, serum lipids including total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, HDL-C, and aminotransferase levels were measured using enzymatic assays in participants' serum samples. HBV DNA was also measured by quantitative PCR in CHB patients. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed a significantly higher mean level of anti-HSP27-Ab in CHB than in healthy individuals (0.304 vs. 0.256AU/ml, P value = 0.015). These levels held significant differences in the CHB subgroups of male patients, at the age of 50 years and above, with non-smoking status, elevated aminotransferase levels, and hypotriglyceridemia (P value < 0.05). However, no difference was found between the antibody levels and HBV DNA copies (P value > 0.05). This study provides evidence that anti-HSP27 antibody levels can reflect the degree of liver necrosis indicated by aminotransferase levels. Regarding the higher incidence rate of HBV-associated complications in 50 to 60-year-old men, monitoring the antibody can be beneficial in managing this group of CHB patients, which deserves further investigation.

Green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles induce apoptosis and up-regulate HOTAIR and HOTTIP in pancreatic cancer cells.

Aim: Cu2O nanoparticles were synthesized using an extract from S. latifolium algae (SLCu2O NPs). Their effect on PANC-1 cells and the expression of two drug resistance-related lncRNAs were evaluated in comparison with Arsenic trioxide. Materials & methods: SLCu2O NPs were characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM microscopies. The effects of SLCu2O NPs on cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle, and apoptosis, and expression of two drug resistance-related lncRNAs were examined using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR, respectively. Results: SLCu2O NPs demonstrated anti-cancer properties against PANC-1 cells comparable to Arsenic trioxide, and the expression of lncRNAs increased upon treatment with them. Conclusion: SLCu2O NPs demonstrate anti-cancer properties against PANC-1 cells; however, using gene silencing strategies along with SLCu2O NPs is suggested.

[Box: see text].

Methane-rich saline ameliorates depressive-like behaviors during chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).

Depression, considered the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder, is multifactorial and complex. Oxidative stress and inflammation significantly contribute to its etiology. Conversely, methane, a novel therapeutic gas, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing tissue resilience against ischemic injuries and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of methane-rich saline (MRS) on depression using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Depressed rats received MRS treatment, and depression-like behaviors and cognitive function were assessed through sucrose preference, open field, forced swimming, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, we measured serum corticosterone levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA), and TNFα levels, and investigated histological changes in the hippocampus. Our findings revealed that MRS significantly ameliorated Depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, MRS administration regulated serum corticosterone levels and also MRS reduced hippocampal lipid peroxidation, TNFα, and hippocampus tissue damage. MRS likely exerts its effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and modulating the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These results demonstrate the protective effects of MRS on the hippocampus in CUMS animals.

MicroRNA-143 overexpression enhances the chemosensitivity of A172 glioblastoma cells to carmustine.

As an aggressive malignancy, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of brain tumor. The existing treatments have shown limited achievement in increasing the overall survival of patients. Therefore, identifying the key molecules involved in GBM will provide new potential therapeutic targets. Carmustine is an alkylating agent used as a supplementary therapeutic option for GBM. However, the extensive use of carmustine has been limited by uncertainty about its efficacy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Many aberrantly expressed miRNAs have been detected in various types of human cancer, including GBM. In this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of miR-143 in combination with carmustine on GBM cells. A172 cells were transfected with miR-143 mimics and then treated with carmustine. To assess the cell viability, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle progression, the MTT assay, Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay, and flow cytometry were used, respectively. Furthermore, qRT-PCR assay was applied to evaluate the expression level of genes related to apoptosis. The obtained results evidenced that miR-143 transfection could promote the sensitivity of A172 cells to carmustine and enhance carmustine-induced apoptosis via modulating the expression levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2. Also, our results revealed that combination therapy could effectively diminish cell cycle progression in A172 cells. In conclusion, these results confirmed that miR-143 could enhance carmustine-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and improve the chemosensitivity of A172 cells to this chemotherapeutic agent. Therefore, miR-143 combination therapy may be a promising GBM treatment approach.

Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Iran: A cross-sectional analysis from the PERSIAN cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general adult population in Iran. The association between GERD and various factors was also evaluated. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on 163,018 individuals aged over 35 who were enrolled in the PERSIAN cohort. GERD was defined as the occurrence of heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms at least several days a month. Survey design analysis for pooled data was performed and multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors for GERD. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD in our study was estimated at 21.86% (95% confidence interval:17.4%-36.4%). The mean age of the participants was 49.84 years±9.25 (35-70) and 44.75% of the participants were male. Symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation were reported in 18.65% (n: 29,170) and 6.06% (n: 9,717) of participants, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, several factors were found to be associated with a higher prevalence of GERD: female sex, age >50, current smoking, opium use, weekly consumption of fried foods, frequent consumption of hot tea, less than 6 hours of sleep per night, psychiatric disorders, usage of NSAIDs, and poor oral hygiene, were associated with a higher prevalence of GERD. Conversely, higher education levels and average physical activity were found to be less commonly associated with GERD. CONCLUSION: We found a relatively high prevalence of GERD (21.86%) in this population-based study in Iran. By identifying modifiable risk factors, this research offers opportunities for targeted interventions and lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of GERD.

Readiness for advance care planning and related factors in the general population: a cross sectional study in Iran.

CONTEXT: Advance Care Planning (ACP), as a process for expressing and recording patients' preferences about end-of-life care, has received increasing attention in recent years. However, implementing ACP has been challenging in Iran. OBJECTIVES: To assess the readiness for advance care planning and related factors in the general population of Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Iran in 2022. The data was collected using demographic information questionnaire and The RACP Scale. The purpose and methodology of the research was explained to all participants, and upon their agreement an informed consent was obtained. Participants were invited to fill out the questionnaires wherever is more convenient for them, either alone or if needed, with the help of the researcher to protect their privacy. Chi-square, fisher exact test and multiple logistic Regression model were used to assess the effective factors on the RACP. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26. RESULTS: A total of 641 people with an average age of 36.85 ± 12.05 years participated in this study. Of those, 377 (58.8%) had high RACP. The logistics model showed an association between the chance of readiness for receiving ACP with participants' education level, such that the chance of readiness in those with Master's or Ph.D. degrees was three times higher than those with a diploma (p = 0.00, OR:3.178(1.672, 6.043)). However, the chances of readiness in those with bachelor's degrees was not significantly different from those with a diploma (p = 0.936, OR: 0.984 (0.654, 1.479)). Moreover, the chance of readiness was 1.5 higher in participants over 40 years of age compared with participants under the age of 40 (P = 0.01, OR: 1.571(1.10, 2.23)). CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that there is a relatively RACP among people in Iranian society. The readiness of individuals for ACP increases by their age and education level. Therefore, by holding appropriate training intervention, we can increase the readiness of the public for ACP to improve their end-of-life outcome.

Efficacy of Melatonin Administration in Reducing Headaches in Children with Migraines without Sleep Disorders.

Objectives: Migraine is one of the common diseases of children, which can disrupt their quality of life. Some studies have shown the effect of melatonin in reducing migraine headaches. This study aims to investigate the effect of melatonin administration in reducing headaches in children with migraine without sleep disorders. Materials & Methods: In this clinical trial study, fifty-five children aged five to 15 years with migraines who had no sleep disorder were enrolled. The control group (twenty-seven patients) was treated with propranolol tablets, and the intervention group (thirty patients) was treated with propranolol tablets plus melatonin tablets for three months. Patients were visited before, one month, and three months after the start of treatment, and their data was collected and recorded. Results: The number of headache attacks decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group three months after the treatment (P=0.006). The number of patients with a good response to treatment in the intervention group was significantly more than the control group (p=0.023). Parents' satisfaction with the treatment in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P=0.026). There was no significant difference in the intensity of disability caused by headaches after treatment in the two groups. No significant drug side effects were seen in any of the two groups. Conclusion: Adding melatonin to the treatment of children with migraine without sleep disorders significantly reduces the frequency of headache attacks and increases satisfaction with the treatment.

Investigation of mild steel corrosion inhibition in acidic media by Viola extract based on bulk and nanometer size.

In the present work, the inhibition performance of Viola extract based on bulk and nano size as a green corrosion inhibitor on mild steel in 0.5 M phosphoric acid and 1M hydrochloric acid solutions is investigated using different techniques (potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Optical microscopy). The gained results demonstrated that various concentrations of Viola Extract (bulk and nano) inhibited the corrosion of the alloy in both of the acid solutions. The temperature impact on corrosion rate without/with this extract was examined. Certain thermodynamic parameters were determined based on the temperature impact on inhibition and corrosion processes. The adsorption mechanism of the extract on the alloy was explored using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A mixed mode of adsorption was observed, wherein the nano-sized extract in 1.0 M HCl predominantly underwent chemisorption, while the bulk-sized extract in 1.0 M HCl and both bulk and nano-sized extracts in 0.5 M H3PO4 were primarily subjected to physisorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Optical microscopy analyses were employed to scrutinize alloys' surface morphology.

The effects of swimming training at different temperatures along with cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes and thyroid hormones in diabetic rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of swimming (S) training in water at 5°C (S5C) and 35°C (S35C) along with cinnamon (Cin) supplementationon liver enzymes and thyroid hormones in streptozotocin (STZ(-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental trial, 48 diabetic rats (55 mg/kg STZ) were divided into (1) diabetic control (CD), (2) S5C, (3) S5C+Cin, (4) S35C, (5) S35C+Cin and (6) Cin groups.Eight rats were placed in the healthy control (HC) group to evaluate the effects of diabetes induction on the research variables. Swimming training was performed at 5±2°C and 35±2°C for eight weeks, 3 days a week.For Cin supplementation, 200 mg/kg/day of the aqueous extract of cinnamon was dissolved in the animals drinking water. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post- hoc test in Graphpad Prism software was used to analyze the findings. Results: S5C and S35C significantly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)(p≤0.05). TSH levels in the S35C group were higher than the S5C group (p≥0.05); ALT levels in the S5C group were lower than the S35C group (p≥0.05). Also, Cin decreased AST and ALT levels (p≥0.05), while S35C+Cin decreased T3, ALP and ALT and S5C+Cin decreased ALP (p≥0.05). Conclusion: It seems that training at different temperatures and consumption of cinnamon synergistically lead to improvement of liver enzymes and modulation of thyroid hormones. However, the effect of training in cold water and its impact on thyroid hormones is still unknown and needs further research.

Herpes simplex (HSV-1) encephalitis in an infant: a case report study.

Introduction and importance: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of acute sporadic encephalitis, a severe and often fatal disease in humans. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in untreated patients. Case presentation: An 11-month-old child was admitted to the hospital presenting with acute fever and seizures characterized by staring episodes and spastic movements affecting the left side of the body. Diagnostic workup revealed abnormal T2 flair hyperintense foci in bi-temporoparietal lobes and right thalamus, and bilateral otomastoiditis were detected. A positive result for HSV-1 was obtained through HSV type 1/2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, leading to a diagnosis of herpes encephalitis. Clinical discussion: While acyclovir has proven to be an effective therapeutic option, mortality and neurological sequelae continue to be reported in a notable fraction of patients. HSV encephalitis is mainly caused by two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1, more frequently observed in children and adults, and HSV-2, commonly seen in neonates and those with compromised immune systems. MRI scans often reveal that the brain lesions are localized to certain areas, although temporal involvement may not always be evident. The symptoms of herpetic encephalitis can greatly vary, making early diagnosis and treatment vital for improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for HSV-1 encephalitis and underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt initiation of antiviral therapy in suspected cases of HSV-1 encephalitis.

Prevalence of cognitive frailty and its associated factors in a population of Iranian older adults.

BACKGROUND: In recent years cognitive frailty has emerged as an important predictor of adverse health outcomes in older adults. Herein, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of cognitive frailty in a population of community-dwelling older adults in Iran. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the second cycle of the Amirkola Health and Aging Project (AHAP). Physical frailty and cognitive impairment were evaluated using the FRAIL questionnaire and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) respectively. Cognitive frailty was defined as co-existence of frailty and cognitive impairment without presence of dementia. Depression and disability were assessed using the Persian version of geriatric depression scale (GDS) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall 1775 individuals (47.1% female) with mean age of 69.7 ± 7.3 years were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of cognitive frailty was 12.0%. The prevalence of cognitive frailty among males and females was 4.3% and 20.7%, respectively. After adjusting for all possible confounders through binary logistic regression analysis, factors such as older age (OR 1.06, CI 1.03-1.09), female gender (OR 2.25, CI 1.42-3.57), illiteracy (OR 3.84, CI 2.03-8.29), more comorbidities (OR 1.21, CI 1.12-1.31), depression (OR 2.01, CI 1.40-2.86), and greater IADL disability (OR 1.68, CI 1.44-3.96), were independently and significantly associated with cognitive frailty. CONCLUSION: In this population of Iranian older adults, prevalence of cognitive frailty was consistent with its estimated mean global prevalence. Age, gender, illiteracy, comorbidities, depression and IADL disability were associated with cognitive frailty. Further research is required to develop screening tools and prevention strategies.

The association between dietary inflammatory index with some cardio-metabolic risk indices among the patients with type 2 diabetes from Hoveyzeh cohort study: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual's diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM. METHODS: Data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: Higher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications.

CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve: How, When, and Where to use this Novel Cardiac Imaging Tool.

Fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) is a novel imaging modality. It utilizes computational fluid dynamics analysis of coronary blood flow obtained from CCTA images to estimate the decrease in pressure across coronary stenosis during the maximum hyperemia. The FFRCT can serve as a valuable tool in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). This non-invasive option can be used as an alternative to the invasive fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) evaluation, which is presently considered the gold standard for evaluating the physiological significance of coronary stenoses. It can help in several clinical situations, including Assessment of Acute and stable chest pain, virtual planning for coronary stenting, and treatment decision-making. Although FFRCT has demonstrated potential clinical applications as a non-invasive imaging technique, it is also crucial to acknowledge its limitations in clinical practice. As a result, it is imperative to meticulously evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of FFRCT individually and contemplate its application in combination with other diagnostic examinations and clinical data.

Encapsulation of grape seed oil in oil-in-water emulsion using multilayer technology: Investigation of physical stability, physicochemical and oxidative properties of emulsions under the influence of the number of layers.

Many studies have shown that grape seed oil (GSO) is one of the vegetable fats that are plentiful in essential fatty acids and can be used as a fat substitute or to modify fat in food products to reduce saturated fatty acids. However, due to its low solubility and high sensitivity to oxidation, it is necessary to develop delivery systems that can distribute GSO in food more effectively. Recently, the preparation of emulsions using the layer-by-layer (LBL) method has many advantages in delivering lipid-soluble functional compounds. This research was used to check the formation of GSO oil-loaded primary, secondary and tertiary multilayer emulsions stabilized by mixture of anionic gelatin, cationic chitosan, and anionic basil seed gum (BSG) as the aqueous phase at pH 5, prepared using a layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition technique. Multilayer emulsions prepared by GSO and a mixture of gelatin, chitosan, and BSG as the aqueous phase at pH 5. Finally, the effect of the number of layers on the physicochemical properties (particle size, viscosity, turbidity, refractive index, and physical stability) and oxidative stability (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, and fatty acid profile) during the storage time (30 days) at two temperatures 25 °C & 4 °C was investigated. Also, the zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of mono-layer and multi-layer emulsions were investigated. The results revealed that by increasing the number of layers of multi-layer emulsion of GSO, the stability has improved. Thus, the tertiary emulsion has been more effective than the other two emulsions in maintaining the physicochemical characteristics and stability over time (P < 0.001). Morphological characterization and FTIR spectroscopy results confirmed that gelatin, chitosan, and BSG were successfully loaded into the LBL emulsions. This study can improve the original percept of multilayer emulsions and promulgate their potential applications for the entire encapsulation of essential fatty acids to enrich and prevent peroxide attack.