Testicular mass with macrocalcification and osseous metaplasia: A case report.

Testicular calcification is caused by calcium deposits of the testis in men with controversial and unknown etiology. Calcifications with a size >3 mm are considered as macrocalcifications. Calcifications are the result of high local calcium concentrations in many tissues. Ultrasonography is the gold standard imaging tool for testis investigation. We report a 28-year-old man who presented with left testicular pain and an inguinal hernia from 1 year ago. The ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic calcified region size of 12 × 18 mm. The tumor markers were negative. After radical orchiectomy, the histopathology showed testicular calcification with benign osseous metaplasia. Calcification within a testis is found incidentally using ultrasonography since it may be misdiagnosed as a small benign or malignant mass.

Upper- vs. Whole-Body Cooling During Exercise with Thermal Protective Clothing in the Heat.

INTRODUCTION: Firefighters operating in hot environments face challenges from protective garments that restrict heat dissipation, resulting in increased core temperature, thermal discomfort, and performance decline. Cooling vests represent a viable solution. The study aim was to compare effectiveness of the same amount of cooling power to the upper body (UB) or whole body (WB) in alleviating thermoregulatory and physiological stress, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing ratings of thermal discomfort and exertion, during 60 min of exercise in a hot environment (40°C, 40% relative humidity) while wearing firefighter turnout gear.METHODS: Eight healthy individuals (27.5 ± 3 y) participated in three conditions with either no cooling (Control) or active cooling with a liquid perfused shirt (UB cooling), or with a liquid perfused shirt and pants (WB cooling). In each trial, subjects performed three sets of 15 min of stepping (20 steps ⋅ min-1) and 5 min of rest.RESULTS: Both cooling strategies were beneficial compared to having no cooling at all. Subjects could only complete two exercise bouts during Control, but they completed all three bouts with active cooling. WB cooling provided an advantage over UB cooling for core and skin temperature, and thermal comfort and sensation. The advantage in minimizing the increase in core temperature was only evident during the third exercise bout.DISCUSSION: Active cooling is advantageous under these conditions. WB cooling provided some benefits vs UB cooling during heavy intensity exercise; however, it is uncertain whether these benefits would be observed during light-to-moderate exercise, which more likely reflects an actual firefighting scenario.Mansouri F, Talebian Nia M, Villar R, Cornish SM, Giesbrecht GG. Upper- vs. whole-body cooling during exercise with thermal protective clothing in the heat. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):659-666.

The effects of nonsoy legumes consumption on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Adiponectin in overweight/obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Nonsoy legumes offer many health benefits, including improved arterial function, reduced cholesterol levels, and better management of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to clarify the inconclusive findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by comprehensively evaluating the effects of nonsoy legumes consumption on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Adiponectin. The search encompassed databases up to January 2024, including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL to retrieve all RCTs examining the effects of nonsoy legumes on inflammatory biomarkers or Adiponectin. The effect sizes quantified as mean differences (MD) and standard deviations (SD) of outcomes, and an overall effect estimate was derived using a random-effects model. RCTs examining serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and Adiponectin were included in the final meta-analysis. Results revealed that consumption of nonsoy legumes increased Adiponectin serum levels (P=.0017) and reduced IL-1ß serum levels (P<.0001). However, it may not significantly affect CRP (P=.2951), IL-6 (P=.2286), and TNF-α (P=.6661) levels. Subgroup analyses showed that nonsoy legumes consumption significantly decreased TNF-α serum levels in studies involving healthy participants. Additionally, sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method suggested a potential significant reduction in serum levels of IL-6. This study indicates that consuming nonsoy legumes can increase levels of Adiponectin and decrease serum levels of IL-1ß in overweight or obese adults.

Association between pro-vegetarian dietary pattern and the risk of protein-energy wasting and sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by structural abnormalities in nephrons, loss of functional nephrons, and impaired renal excretory function. A pro-vegetarian dietary pattern (PDP) is a gradual and progressive approach to vegetarianism. The current study aimed to assess the association between PDP and the odds of protein-energy wasting (PEW) and sarcopenia in patients with CKD. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on kidney disease patients (n = 109) referred to two clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The diagnosis of sarcopenia and PEW was made according to the guidelines of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) and the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria, respectively. The participants' dietary intake was evaluated using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). For PDP index calculation, plant and animal food sources were categorized into 12 subgroups. The association between sarcopenia and PEW with PDP was evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The PDP was significantly associated with a lower risk of PEW in the second tertile compared to the first in the crude model (odds ratio (OR) = 0.225; confidence interval (CI): 0.055-0.915; p-value = 0.037). After adjusting for potential confounders, lower significant odds of PEW were observed in the second and last tertiles of PDP compared to the first (T2: OR = 0.194; CI: 0.039-0.962; p-value = 0.045, and T3: OR = 0.168; CI: 0.030-0.950; p-value = 0.044). In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between PDP and the odds of sarcopenia (p-value ˃ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings indicated that greater adherence to PDP was negatively associated with the odds of PEW. Additionally, the results showed no association between PDP and the odds of sarcopenia. Further studies are needed to support these findings.

Dietary inflammatory index could increase the risk of sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Using a system that incorporates a variety of food items rather than focusing on individual components can aid in assessing the inflammatory effects of a diet on disease outcomes such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we decided to investigate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of protein-energy wasting (PEW) and sarcopenia in patients with CKD. In this cross-sectional study, 109 patients with CKD were selected from two clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The intake of individuals' diets was recorded using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Additionally, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) guidelines were utilized to evaluate muscles' strength, mass, and function. Also, four International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria (body mass index, intake of protein, albumin, and urine creatinine) were used  to diagnose PEW. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between DII and sarcopenia as well as PEW. The results showed that the intake of saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, niacin, beta-carotene, and vitamin C was significantly different between lower and higher DII groups. In the univariate model, higher odds of sarcopenia was observed by each unit increase in DII (odds ratio (OR) = 1.379, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.042-1.824) and age (OR = 1.073, 95% CI: 1.017-1.132). Additionally, in the multivariate model, the association between DII and age with odds of sarcopenia remained significant (DII: OR = 1.379, 95% CI: 1.030-1.846 and age: OR = 1.063, 95% CI: 1.007-1.121). The current study suggests the possible role of pro-inflammatory foods in worsening muscle health, specifically sarcopenia, in CKD patients. Future longitudinal studies may reveal the causative nature of these correlations.

Immunoregulatory Effects of the Active Form of Vitamin D (Calcitriol), Individually and in Combination with Curcumin, on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. Immune cell subsets, notably T helper (Th) 17 and Th1, exert important roles in MS pathogenesis. Whereas, Treg cells modulate the disease process. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, and curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, play immunomodulatory effects relevant to autoimmune disorders, including MS. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of calcitriol and Curcumin on Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals with MS. METHODS: PBMCs from twenty MS patients were isolated, cultured, and exposed to 0.004 µg/mL of calcitriol and 10 µg/mL of curcumin. The cells underwent treatment with singular or combined doses of these components to assess potential cumulative or synergistic immunomodulatory effects. Following treatment, the expression levels of genes and the cellular population of Treg, Th1 and Th17 were evaluated using Real-time PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Treatment with curcumin and calcitriol led to a significant reduction in the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors related to Th1 and Th17 cells, including IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-17, and RORC. Furthermore, the frequency of these cells decreased following treatment. Additionally, curcumin and calcitriol treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of the FOXP3 gene expression and an increase in the frequency of Treg cells. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that curcumin and calcitriol can effectively modulate the inflammatory processes intrinsic to MS by mitigating the expression of inflammatory cytokines by Th1 and Th17 cells while concurrently enhancing the regulatory role of Treg cells. Moreover, the combined treatment of curcumin and calcitriol did not yield superior outcomes compared to single-dosing strategies.

Applying Parse's Human Becoming Theory for Caring of an Elderly with Spontaneous Pneumothorax Following the COVID-19: A Case Study.

Introduction: The elderly are one of the main groups at risk of contracting COVID-19. Using Parse's human becoming in practice can lead to important changes in a person's health. This study aimed to apply this theory in caring of an elderly patient with spontaneous pneumothorax following COVID-19. Methods: This research was a case study which was conducted in 2023 in Guilan (Iran). This study was conducted based on the three principles of Parse's theory (meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence) using Purposive sampling. Nursing interventions were performed based on the PRISM model (presence, respect, information, services, and movement). The data analysis was done based on the qualitative analysis-synthesis process of Parse's research methodology (2011). Results: Findings based on the first principle of Parse's theory showed that the meaning of COVID-19 changed from "lethal" to "curable disease". In the second principle, the paradoxes of "disbelief/shock-active participation for recovery", "despair-hope", and "ignorance- searching for knowledge" were identified. According to the third principle, the patient and her daughter had learned how to take the path of transcendence and deal with disease conflicts and create the necessary change in dealing with paradoxes. Conclusion: The results showed that Parse's theory could be used to improve health status and deal with paradoxes in elderly patients suffering from spontaneous pneumothorax. It is suggested that this theory will be used in future studies in the care of other patients.

Nursing students' metaphors of first clinical experiences of encountering patients with mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric wards are one of the most stressful medical centers. Apprenticeship in mental health can cause feelings of stress and anxiety among nursing students. Investigating nursing students' beliefs about mental illnesses is very important to improve nursing education. The present study aimed to identify nursing students' metaphors for their first clinical experiences of encountering patients with mental disorders. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted on 18 undergraduate nursing students studying in two nursing colleges at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, in the north of Iran, in 2022. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Critical Metaphor Analysis by the MAXQDA 2007 software. RESULTS: The analysis of nursing students' metaphors led to the emergence of 36 metaphors and 5 categories. These categories were "experience of dealing with a mental patient is similar to fear mixed with excitement", " patient is similar to an errant human", " psychiatric hospital is similar to a prison", "nurse is similar to a prison guard", and "clinical instructor is similar to a supporter, sympathetic and knowledgeable friend". CONCLUSIONS: The results showed their negative attitude towards the psychiatric hospital and health care providers. It is suggested that the findings of this study be taken into consideration in the planning of clinical education of nursing students.

Alterations in CD4+ T Cell Cytokines Profile in Female Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Following Vitamin D Supplementation: A Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of thyroid cells through immune processes involving T helper (Th)1 cytokines. This clinical trial investigates the impact of vitamin D supplementation on serum cytokine levels and gene expression in CD4+ T cells from HT patients, aiming to understand its effects on Th-1, Th-2, Th-17, and regulatory T (Treg) cell-associated factors. METHODS: Female patients were randomly assigned in a double-blind design to either a vitamin D-supplemented group, which received cholecalciferol (1, 25(OH)2D3) at a dose of 50,000 IU, or the placebo group, which received a weekly placebo for a duration of three months. Serum cytokine levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while genes' expression levels were measured using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and levels exhibited a significant increase following vitamin D supplementation, in comparison to the placebo group. Additionally, the vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant elevation of serum calcium (Ca) levels compared to baseline. In the vitamin D group, there was a significant decrease in both serum levels and expression of the interleukin (IL)-17 gene when compared to baseline, although no statistical difference was observed between the placebo and vitamin D groups. The gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß) was significantly increased in the vitamin D group compared to baseline, with no significant difference between the two study groups. Vitamin D treatment had no effect on serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFNϒ) and IL-4. While the gene expression of IL-4 in the vitamin D group did not exhibit a statistically significant increase, the level of GATA3 transcription factor increased significantly when compared to the placebo group. The expression of IFNϒ and transcription factors, T-bet, RORc, and forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) in genes did not show significant changes following vitamin D supplementation. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may hold potential benefits for autoimmune diseases, such as HT. However, further longitudinal clinical trials are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific effects of vitamin D on HT.

Relationship between long non-coding RNAs and Hippo signaling pathway in gastrointestinal cancers; molecular mechanisms and clinical significance.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant biological role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and migration. In various malignancies, lncRNAs interplay with some main cancer-associated signaling pathways, including the Hippo signaling pathway to regulate the various cellular processes. It has been revealed that the cross-talking between lncRNAs and Hippo signaling pathway involves in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers development and progression. Considering the clinical significance of these lncRNAs, they have also been introduced as potential biomarkers in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies in GI cancers. Herein, we review the mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation of Hippo signaling pathway and focus on the corresponding molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of these non-coding RNAs in GI cancers.

The role of ultra-processed food consumption in protein-energy wasting and sarcopenia development in patients with chronic kidney diseases.

BACKGROUND: The effect of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been studied in some studies. The present study aimed to investigate the association between UPF consumption and the risk of protein-energy wasting (PEW) and sarcopenia in patients with CKD in the Iranian population. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study included 110 patients with CKD referred to two clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) guideline were considered for the diagnosis of PEW and sarcopenia, respectively. The valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess participants' dietary intake. The logistic regression was used to examine the association of UPFs with PEW and sarcopenia. RESULTS: We observed no significant association between sarcopenia and PEW with UPFs in the crude model. After adjusting for confounders, we observed a significantly higher odds of sarcopenia in the upper versus lower median of UPF intake (odds ratio (OR) = 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-12.62, P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a positive relationship between UPF intake and sarcopenia among CKD patients. Therefore, reducing the intake of UPFs may decrease the odds of sarcopenia in patients suffering from CKD.

The c.1243T>C mutation in the PROC gene is linked with inherited protein C deficiency and severe purpura fulminans.

Purpura fulminans is a severe coagulation disorder that often leads to death in neonates. Mutations in the protein C (PROC) gene can cause protein C deficiency, leading to this disorder. This study aimed to investigate a family with a history of coagulopathies, particularly those related to protein C deficiency. The primary objective was to identify any genetic mutations in the PROC gene responsible for the coagulopathies. The study focused on a male neonate with purpura fulminans who ultimately died at 2 months of age. The patient had low protein C activity levels (6%). The entire PROC gene of the patient and his family was analyzed using next-generation sequencing to identify any genetic mutations. Segregation analysis was conducted to determine if the mutation followed an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. In silico analysis was also conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the identified mutation. Analysis revealed a novel homozygous c.1243T>G variant PROC gene. The mutation resulted in a Phe415Val substitution. The mutation was found in at least three generations of the family. Carrier family members had lower protein C activity levels than wild-type homozygotes. Additionally, the mutation may account for the observed reduction in protein C enzyme activity.

Immunoregulatory Effect of Calcitriol on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) Mice.

Previous studies noted an imbalance in T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a multiple sclerosis animal model. calcitriol, vitamin D's active form, was found to ameliorate EAE symptoms by favoring Tregss over Th17 cells, suggesting immunomodulatory effects. This study aimed to assess calcitriol's impact on EAE manifestations and cytokine profile in mice. In this study, we recruited twenty-eight C57BL/6 mice and divided them into 4 groups: healthy controls, EAE, EAE with calcitriol treatment, and healthy mice with calcitriol treatment. CD4+ T cells were isolated from splenocytes using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to quantify the genes associated with Th9 cells (i.e., SPI1 encoding PU.1 and IL9 encoding interleukin [IL]-9). Moreover, the levels of IL-17 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) were evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the supernatant of CD4+ T cell culture stimulated by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies for 72 hours. In the supernatant of CD4+ T cell cultures, the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) were significantly increased, while the levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) were decreased in the EAE Group compared to the healthy control group. Calcitriol treatment reversed these changes and attenuated EAE symptoms, as confirmed in hematoxylin and eosin, and luxol fast blue stains. Notably, calcitriol increased IL9 gene expression in both EAE and healthy mice.  This study provides further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of calcitriol and its role in attenuating EAE.

The association between empirical dietary inflammatory pattern and colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in Iran. Inflammation plays an essential role in developing CRC. A dietary pattern called the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) has recently been designed based on the inflammatory potential of the diet. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of EDIP on the risk of CRC. METHODS: The current case-control study was conducted on 142 controls and 71 CRC cases in three general hospitals and Hospital Cancer Organization in Tehran, Iran. We calculated EDIP by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between EDIP and CRC were evaluated by logistic regression. The level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results revealed that people who were in the highest tertile of the EDIP had higher odds of CRC (in the adjusted model: odds ratio (OR) = 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-10.14; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the potential role of dietary-induced inflammation in developing CRC. In the current study, an increase in the intake of red meat, processed meats, and refined grains was observed in the higher EDIP tertiles compared to the lower tertiles. Consequently, to decrease the risk of CRC, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of these foods.

Diet diversity and food quality score in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls in relation to oxidative stress biomarkers: a descriptive-analytical study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns that include high-quality and varied food groups have the potential to modulate oxidative status. This research was conducted to determine dietary diversity score (DDS) and food quality score (FQS) in football players and their matched non-athletes, also their associations with oxidative indicators assessed by the urinary levels of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). METHODS: Participants consisted of 45 male football players and 45 male non-athletes in two age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched groups from Shiraz City, Iran. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and urine samples were analyzed to determine oxidative biomarkers. Dietary data derived from a reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items was completed to determine DDS and FQS. For data analysis, an appropriate generalized estimating equation model was set up. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that FQS (ß = 5.46; P < 0.001) and DDS (ß = 1.30; P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the footballers in comparison to the non-athletes. Moreover, FQS was negatively associated with 8-OHdG (ß=-0.35; P = 0.008) and F2a-IP (ß=-4.30; P = 0.01) levels in all participants. In addition, DDS was inversely related to 8-OHdG (ß=-1.25; P = 0.01) and F2a-IP (ß=-11.67; P = 0.04) levels in all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Food quality scores and dietary diversity of footballers' diets were found to be higher in comparison to the non-athletes. Furthermore, a higher FQS and DDS were associated with lower levels of oxidative biomarkers in all participants.

Dietary quality index and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Diet quality is a significant determinant in the etiology of breast cancer (BrCa), but further studies are required to explore this relationship. Therefore, we tried to assess if diet quality, assessed using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), was related to BrCa among the Iranian population. METHODS: In the present case-control research, 134 women with a recent diagnosis of BrCa and 267 without BrCa were selected as case and control groups. Individual food intake data from a food frequency questionnaire was used to compute DQI-I. Also, the multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between DQI-I and BrCa odds . RESULTS: We found a significant association between the last tertile of DQI-I and BrCa odds in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio (OR) = 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.56). The subgroup analysis based on menopausal status also showed a significant decrease in BrCa odds in pre-and post-menopausal women (pre-menopausal: OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10-0.70 - post-menopausal status: OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that a higher DQI-I score was related to a lower chance of BrCa. According to our research, a healthy diet pattern is crucial for BrCa prevention.

Vitamins A and D Enhance the Expression of Ror-γ-Targeting miRNAs in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Autoreactive T cells, particularly those characterized by a Th17 phenotype, exert significant influence on the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study aimed to elucidate the impact of individual and combined administration of vitamin A and D on neuroinflammation, and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in T helper (Th)17 development, utilizing a murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice, and 3 days prior to immunization, intraperitoneal injections of vitamins A and D or their combination were administered. Th17 cell percentages were determined in splenocytes utilizing intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression of Ror γ-t, miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p, was measured in both splenocytes and spinal cord tissues using RT-PCR. Treatment with vitamin A and D resulted in a reduction in both disease severity in EAE mice. Treated mice showed a decreased frequency of Th17 cells and lower expression levels of IL17 and Ror γ-t in splenocytes and spinal cord. The spinal cord tissues and splenocytes of mice treated with vitamins A, D, and combined A+D showed a significant upregulation of miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p compared to the EAE group. Statistical analysis indicated a strong negative correlation between miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p levels in splenocytes and Ror-t expression. Our findings indicate that the administration of vitamins A and D exerts a suppressive effect on neuroinflammation in EAE that is associated with a reduction in the differentiation of T cells into the Th17 phenotype and is mediated by the upregulation of miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p, which target the Ror γ-t.

Effect of curcumin on the expression of NOD2 receptor and pro-inflammatory cytokines in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies has shown that nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) is expressed in Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients which is stimulated by muramyl dipeptide (MDP) present in the joint environment and induces inflammation via the NF-κB pathway. Also, other studies have shown that curcumin inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and Inflammation and on the other hand increases the apoptosis of RA FLSs. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory micronutrient, on the expression of NOD2 and inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Synovial membranes were collected from ten patients diagnosed with RA and ten individuals with traumatic injuries scheduled for knee surgery. The FLSs were isolated and treated with 40 µM curcumin alone or in combination with 20.3 µM MDP for 24 h. mRNA was extracted, and real-time PCR was performed to quantitatively measure gene expression levels of NOD2, p65, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. RESULTS: The study findings indicate that administering MDP alone can significantly increase the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß in the trauma group and TNF-α in the RA group. Conversely, administering curcumin alone or in combination whit MDP can significantly reduce mRNA expression levels of P65 and IL-6 in FLSs of both groups. Moreover, in FLSs of RA patients, a single curcumin treatment leads to a significant reduction in NOD2 gene expression. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary in vitro evidence of the potential benefits of curcumin as a nutritional supplement for RA patients. Despite the limitations of the study being an investigation of the FLSs of RA patients, the results demonstrate that curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect on NOD2 and NF-κB genes. These findings suggest that curcumin could be a promising approach to relieve symptoms of RA.

Mobile Health Applications in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of the Reviews.

Background: Mobile health (m-Health) is a combination of electronic communications and medical information technology that has helped patients and health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to aggregate and highlight findings from existing review studies about applications of m-health to prevent COVID-19. Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework after searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from March 2020 to February 2022. Keywords for the search included the English words "Mobile health";" mobile apps"; "corona disease"; "COVID-19"; and "review." Screening of articles was done in 4 stages. Results: Out of 37,569 papers found in the search, after the screening and review process, 22 articles were finally selected. From the analysis of the studies, 2 main categories emerged with the titles of "primary preventive applications" and "secondary preventive applications." Conclusion: M-health is used in both primary and secondary prevention. The m-health tools can be effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and improving the treatment process of this disease by providing various pieces of training related to COVID-19 as well as installing various programs to monitor the condition of patients. Also, m-Health can provide services through the exchange of treatment data between health care providers or between patients and health care providers, as well as provide appropriate training for the remote care needs of patients with COVID-19.