Reliability and Validity of the Persian Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale.

Background: The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale is a valid and specific questionnaire for evaluating nasal obstruction. The present study aimed to assess the validity of the Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2018 to April 2019. In the study group, eligible individuals referred to one clinic and Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran (a tertiary referral center) were asked to complete the questionnaire once on the first visit and once 3 months after the surgery. In the control group, healthy adults (above 18 years old) were selected among staff, students, residents, or relatives of the project executors. The NOSE questionnaire has 5 questions and a quality chart. The results were compared with the short form of the 12-item GHQ-12 questionnaire that had previously been translated and validated. SPSS 20 software was used to calculate Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient and to examine the convergent and discriminative validities. Results: The results obtained are consistent with the results of the primary research when developing the questionnaire and the results of studies conducted with different versions of the questionnaire in different languages and cultures. Analysis of research data showed that the Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire has acceptable internal consistency, repeatability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire has good validity and reliability.

Mechanisms governing vesicle traffic at the Golgi apparatus.

Vesicle transport at the Golgi apparatus is a well-described process, and the major protein components involved have been identified. This includes the coat proteins that function in cargo sorting and vesicle formation, and the proteins that mediate the downstream events of vesicle tethering and membrane fusion. However, despite this knowledge, there remain significant gaps in our mechanistic understanding of these processes which includes how they are coordinated in space and time. In this review we discuss recent advances that have provided new insights into the mechanisms of Golgi trafficking, focussing on vesicle formation and cargo sorting, and vesicle tethering and fusion. These studies point to a high degree of spatial organisation of trafficking components at the Golgi and indicate an inherent plasticity of trafficking. Going forward, further advancements in technology and more sophisticated functional assays are expected to yield greater understanding of the mechanisms that govern Golgi trafficking events.

Effects of Frequency-Controlled Ear Acupuncture on COVID-19- related Refractory Olfactory Dysfunction: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Olfactory dysfunction is a common COVID-19 symptom, posing treatment challenges. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of frequency-controlled ear acupuncture in treating COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Methods: A randomized, participant-blind clinical trial occurred at the Rasoul Akram Hospital (IRCT20210311050671N1). Forty patients were recruited, and 20 patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The primary outcome was the improvement in patients' quality of smell. The olfactory dysfunction was confirmed using the Smell Identification Test. The intervention group received two sessions of acupuncture treatment according to auricular frequency treatment, with a one-week interval, while the control group received an equal number of switched-off laser sessions. Both groups were instructed to use nasal betamethasone drops. The patients were asked to rank their ability to smell before and after each intervention on a 10-point visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes were related side effects. Results: Covariance analysis revealed a significant difference in adjusted scores between the groups (F [37, 1] = 37.463; p = 0.000, Eta2 = 0.503). The smell quality improved from 2.80 ± 1.76 to 5.22 ± 3.40 after treatment in the intervention group (p = 0.007), while the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.184). Three patients reported short and transient side effects, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness, in the first hours after the intervention. Conclusion: Frequency-controlled ear acupuncture is an effective option for treating COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. The study highlights the potential of alternative therapies in the treatment of this condition, and further research is warranted to investigate its long-term effects.

Role of Electrodiagnostic Modalities in Detection of Nasal Septal Deviation.

Nasal Septal Deviation (NSD) is a common sign in otorhinolaryngology that can lead to facial asymmetry. In this case-control observational study, we assessed the role of EMG and NCS in the diagnosis of NSD and its effect on neuromuscular function. Participants were divided into two groups based on paranasal sinus computed tomography scan (PNS CT) results: NSD cases (n = 21) and controls without NSD (n = 13). EMG and NCS were performed on both groups to assess nasal alar muscles at the root of the zygomatic nerve. Our findings showed a significant correlation between NSD and EMG/NCS tests (P-value = 000) and a significant association between septal deviation and nasal alar lateralization (P-value = 000). EMG/NCS can be useful in assessing NSD by providing a better understanding of related neuromuscular structures and neuromuscular function of the nasal alar dilator muscles and aid in the diagnosis of NSD. Nasal Septal Deviation, EMG (electromyography), NCS (nerve conduction studies), Neuromuscular function, Facial asymmetry, Otorhinolaryngology, Paranasal sinus, Computed tomography, Nasal alar muscles, Zygomatic nerve, Nasal Obstruction, Nasal alar lateralization, Diagnosis.

The optimal co-insurance rate for outpatient drug expenses of Iranian health insured based on the data mining method.

OBJECTIVE: A more equal allocation of healthcare funds for patients who must pay high costs of care ensures the welfare of society. This study aimed to estimate the optimal co-insurance for outpatient drug costs for health insurance. SETTING: The research population includes outpatient prescription claims made by the Health Insurance Organization that outpatient prescriptions in a timely manner in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were utilized to calculate the optimal co-insurance. The study population was representative of the research sample. DESIGN: At the secondary level of care, 11 features of outpatient claims were studied cross-sectionally and retrospectively using data mining. Optimal co-insurance was estimated using Westerhut and Folmer's utility model. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-three thousand five hundred fifty-two individuals were created from 21 776 350 outpatient claims of health insurance. Because of cost-sharing, insured individuals in a low-income subsidy plan and those with refractory diseases were excluded. RESULTS: Insureds were divided into three classes of low, middle, and high risk based on IQR and were separated to three clusters using the silhouette coefficient. For the first, second, and third clusters of the low-risk class, the optimal co-insurance estimates are 0.81, 0.76, and 0.84, respectively. It was equal to one for all middle-class clusters and 0.38, 0.45, and 0.42, respectively, for the high-risk class. The insurer's expenses were altered by $3,130,463, $3,451,194, and $ 1,069,859 profit for the first, second, and third clusters, respectively, when the optimal co-insurance strategy is used for the low-risk class. For middle risks, it was US$29,239,815, US$13,863,810, and US$ 14,573,432 while for high risks, US$4,722,099, US$ 6,339,317, and US$19,627,062, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can improve vulnerable populations' access to costly medications, reduce resource waste, and help insurers distribute funds more efficiently.

Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of yeasts isolated from onychomycosis: a cross-sectional study with insights into emerging species.

Candida onychomycosis is a common fungal infection affecting the nails, primarily caused by Candida (C.) species. Regarding the increasing trend of Candida onychomycosis and the antifungal resistant phenomenon in recent years, this study aims to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of Candida onychomycosis, the distribution of emerging species, and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of isolates. Onychomycosis caused by yeast species was confirmed through direct examination and culture of nail scraping among all individuals suspected to have onychomycosis and referred to a medical mycology laboratory between June 2019 and March 2022. Species of yeast isolates were identified using the multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods. The antifungal susceptibility of isolates to common antifungal agents and imidazole drugs was evaluated according to the M-27-A3 CLSI protocol. Among 101 yeast strains isolated from onychomycosis, Candida parapsilosis complex (50.49%) was the most common species, followed by C. albicans (20.79%) and C. tropicalis (10.89%). Rare species of yeasts such as C. guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were also identified by molecular methods. Results obtained from antifungal susceptibility testing showed significant differences in MIC values of isoconazole, fenticonazole, and sertaconazole among different species. Overall, a fluconazole-resistant rate of 3% was found among Candida species. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in MICs of fenticonazole and clotrimazole between the two most prevalent causative species, C. parapsilosis complex and C. albicans. Correct identification of the causative agents of onychomycosis and performing susceptibility testing could be helpful in choosing the most appropriate antifungal therapy.

Immunofluorescence Microscopy of the Mammalian Golgi Apparatus.

Immunofluorescence is a technique that uses antibodies and fluorophores to label structures inside cells. The cells are normally fixed and permeabilized, and then structures are labelled using primary antibodies directly conjugated to fluorophores, or, more commonly, first with an antibody against an antigen of interest followed by a secondary antibody conjugated to a fluorophore that binds to the primary antibody. Fluorescence can be visualized using widefield, confocal, or super-resolution microscopy. Here we focus on labelling of the Golgi apparatus and show that different fixation and permeabilization conditions can significantly affect labelling of Golgi proteins and describe how to optimize fluorescent detection of Golgi proteins.

Reconstruction of mandibular defects using synthetic octacalcium phosphate combined with bone matrix gelatin in rat model.

BACKGROUND: Regeneration of bone defects remains a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. The objective of this study was to assess the osteogenic potential of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and bone matrix gelatin (BMG) alone and in combination with together in artificially created mandibular bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups. Defects were created in the mandible of rats and filled with 10 mg of OCP, BMG, or a combination of both (1/4 ratio). Defects were left unfilled in the control group. To assess bone regeneration and determine the amount of the newly formed bone, specimens were harvested at 7, 14, 21, and 56 days postimplantation. The specimens were processed routinely and studied histologically and histomorphometrically using the light microscope and eyepiece graticule. The amount of newly formed bone was quantitatively measured using histomorphometric methods. Histomorphometric data were analyzed using SPSS software. Mean, standard deviation, mode, and medians were calculated. Tukey HSD test was used to compare the means in all groups. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant (i.e., 5% significant level). RESULTS: In the experimental groups, the new bone formation was initiated from the margin of defects during the 7-14 days after implantation. By the end of study, the amount of newly formed bone increased and relatively matured, and almost all of the implanted materials were absorbed. In the control group, slight amount of new bone had been formed at the defect margins (next to the host bone) on day 56. The histomorphometric analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the amount of newly formed bone between the experimental and the control groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Combination of OCP/BMG may serve as an optimal biomaterial for the treatment of mandibular bone defects.

Histomorphometric Analysis of Newly-formed Bone Using Octacalcium Phosphate and Bone Matrix Gelatin in Rat Tibial Defects.

BACKGROUND: Repair of bone defects is challenging for reconstructive and orthopedic surgeons. In this study, we aimed to histomorphometrically assess new bone formation in tibial bone defects filled with octacalcium phosphate (OCP), bone matrix gelatin (BMG), and a combination of both. METHODS: A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats aged 6-8 weeks weighing 120-150 g were randomly allocated into three experimental (OCP, BMG, and OCP/BMG) and one control group (n=24 in each group). The defects in experimental groups were filled with OCP (6 mg), BMG (6 mg), or a combination of OCP and BMG (6 mg, 2:1 ratio). No material was used to fill the defects in the control group and the defect was only covered with Surgicel. Samples were taken on days 7, 14, 21, and 56 after the surgery. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and assessed using light microscopy. RESULTS: In our experimental groups, bone formation was started from the margins of the defect towards the center with an increasing rate during the study period. Moreover, the formed bone was more mature. Bone formation in our control group was only limited to the margins of the defect. The newly formed bone mass was significantly higher in the experimental groups (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: OCP, BMG, and OCP/BMG compound enhanced osteoinduction in long bones.

Modeling the impact of climate change on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of buildings in Iran.

In this study, it has been attempted to quantify model climate change effects of the coming decades on energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions of a dominant building brigade under hot and humid climates on the southern coast of Iran, based on three stations of Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Chabahar. In this research, the Meteonorm and DesignBuilder software have been used for climate and thermal simulation of building. One of the results of this study is the increase in temperature and relative humidity for the coming decades for all three study stations. The findings of this study showed that the average annual temperature for the 2060s compared to the present decade, will increase by 2.82 °C for Bandar Abbas, by 2.79 °C for Bushehr and for Chabahar it will reach 2.14 °C. This increase in temperature has led to an increase in discomfort warmer days and a decrease in discomfort cold days. But given the climatic type of the area, a decrease in the heating energy demand for the coming decades will not have a significant effect on the pattern of energy consumption inside buildings. Because for two stations of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, more than 95% of the energy demand for the 2060s is for cooling energy demand, which is about 80% of energy for Bushehr. In total, due to the increased demand for cooling energy in the coming decades, this will further increase carbon dioxide emissions, which is higher in Chabahar than in other study stations.

Identification and pharmacological inactivation of the MYCN gene network as a therapeutic strategy for neuroblastic tumor cells.

The MYC family of transcription factors consists of three well characterized members, c-MYC, L-MYC, and MYCN, deregulated in the majority of human cancers. In neuronal tumors such as neuroblastoma, MYCN is frequently activated by gene amplification, and reducing its expression by RNA interference has been shown to promote growth arrest and apoptosis of tumor cells. From a clinical perspective, RNA interference is not yet a viable option, and small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors are difficult to develop. We therefore planned to identify, at the global level, the genes interacting functionally with MYCN required to promote fitness of tumor cells facing oncogenic stress. To find genes whose inactivation is synthetically lethal to MYCN, we implemented a genome-wide approach in which we carried out a drop-out shRNA screen using a whole genome library that was delivered into isogenic neuroblastoma cell lines expressing or not expressing MYCN. After the screen, we selected for in-depth analysis four shRNAs targeting AHCY, BLM, PKMYT1, and CKS1B. These genes were chosen because they are directly regulated by MYC proteins, associated with poor prognosis of neuroblastoma patients, and inhibited by small molecule compounds. Mechanistically, we found that BLM and PKMYT1 are required to limit oncogenic stress and promote stabilization of the MYCN protein. Cocktails of small molecule inhibitors of CKS1B, AHCY, BLM, and PKMYT1 profoundly affected the growth of all neuroblastoma cell lines but selectively caused death of MYCN-amplified cells. Our findings suggest that drugging the MYCN network is a promising avenue for the treatment of high risk, neuroblastic cancers.