Studying the Prevalence of PTSD in Veterans, Combatants and Freed Soldiers of Iran-Iraq War: A Systematic and Meta-analysis Review.

War as an unpleasant and stressful phenomenon could be the cause of psychiatric disorders. This study aims to collect and compare conducted research to estimate the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in combatants, veterans, and freed soldiers of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. This study is a case review study in which articles were found using keywords, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), veterans, combatants, captive, soldiers and war in domestic and foreign databases, personal archives, libraries of Iran and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences and the National Library. The cumulative incidence of PTSD was determined to be 27.8% in veterans, combatants, and freed soldiers. The prevalence of PTSD as seen in civilian and some military studies is less than the values determined in this study. Reasons for this discrepancy may be due to longer durations of exposure and greater numbers of in-the-field missions, multiple traumas, and higher rates of combat exposure, as well as differences in sampling and measurement strategies (e.g. the use of questionnaires instead of clinical interviews).

The prevalence of depression among iran-iraq war veterans, combatants and former prisoners of war: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

By exposing individuals to trauma, wars can cause a host of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to collect and compare the studies conducted to estimate the prevalence of depression among veterans, former prisoners of war (POWs) and military personnel in the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). In this systematic review, a search was conducted using relevant keywords in major national and international databases, personal archives and national academic libraries. We screened 135 records using their abstracts and selected a total of 56 studies for full-text review. Eventually, 19 studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of depression among Iranian veterans and POWs was 22.4% (95% confidence interval = 15.0-32.0). Although the results indicated disparities in the prevalence of depression among veterans and POWs, the aggregate estimated prevalence was much higher than what has been reported for military personnel. Effective policies and strategies are required for prevention and treatment of depression and related psychiatric complications among veterans and former POWs.

Living or deceased-donor kidney transplant: the role of psycho-socioeconomic factors and outcomes associated with each type of transplant.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant improves patients' survival and quality of life. Worldwide, concern about the equality of access to the renal transplant wait-list is increasing. In Iran, patients have the choice to be placed on either the living or deceased-donor transplant wait-list. METHODS: This was a prospective study performed on 416 kidney transplant recipients (n = 217 (52.2%) from living donors and n = 199 (47.8%) from deceased donors). Subjects were recruited from four referral kidney transplant centers across Tehran, Iran, during 2016-2017. The primary outcome was to identify the psycho-socioeconomic factors influencing the selection of type of donor (living versus deceased). Secondary objective was to compare the outcomes associated with each type of transplant. The impact of psycho-socioeconomic variables on selecting type of donor was evaluated by using multiple logistic regression and the effect of surgical and non-surgical variables on the early post-transplant creatinine trend was assessed by univariate repeated measure ANOVA. RESULTS: Based on standardized coefficients, the main predictors for selecting living donor were academic educational level (adjusted OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.176-9.005, p = 0.023), psychological status based on general health questionnaire (GHQ) (adjusted OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.105-5.489, p = 0.028), and lower monthly income (adjusted OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.242-3.916, p = 0.007). The waiting time was substantially shorter in patients who received kidneys from living donors (p < 0.001). The early post-transplant creatinine trend was more desirable in recipients of living donors (ß = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.16-1.44, p-value = 0.014), patients with an ICU stay of fewer than five days (ß = - 0.583, 95% CI: - 0.643- -0.522, p-value = < 0.001), and those with less dialysis duration time (ß = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.004-0.028, p-value = 0.012). Post-operative surgical outcomes were not different across the two groups of recipients (p = 0.08), however, medical complications occurred considerably less in the living-donor group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Kidney transplant from living donors was associated with shorter transplant wait-list period and better early outcome, however, inequality of access to living donors was observed. Patients with higher socioeconomic status and higher level of education and those suffering from anxiety and sleep disorders were significantly more likely to select living donors.

Low rate of COVID-19 pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients-A battle between infection and immune response?

BACKGROUND: With COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about kidney transplant recipients are rising. However, the incidence, clinical course, outcome, and predictive factors of disease severity are obscured. METHODS: We describe clinical and laboratory manifestations, radiologic findings, clinical course, and finally outcome of kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: Of 2493 kidney transplant recipients under follow-up in our clinic, 19 cases (4 cases diagnosed based on radiologic findings) were admitted. The mean age of patients was 47.6 ± 12.4 years, and the mean time from transplantation was 115.6 ± 70.3 months. Lymphopenia and eosinopenia were 84.2% and 78.9%, respectively. Nine patients did not survive the hospital course. History of acute rejection during the past 12 months, diabetes, higher N/L ratio, lower platelet count, elevated N/L x CRP, higher levels of LDH, positive D-dimer, higher troponin, and prolonged PT were associated with mortality. Among patients with positive COVID-19 test, history of acute rejection, low platelet count, and positive D-dimer were associated with poor outcome. Treatment with cyclosporine was associated with better clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Low rate of admission in transplant recipients specially in the very first years of transplantation might be due to protective effects of immunosuppressive agents against cytokine storm or modification of immunity function. We suggest evaluation of T-cell number, function, and cytokine profile as a guide to manage COVID-19 mainly in patients with higher risk of mortality.

Long-Term Effects of Chemical Warfare on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Chronic Medical Conditions in Veterans.

We investigated the association between exposure to chemical warfare and chronic mental/physical conditions. This was a secondary analysis of data from a case-control study on Iranian male veterans. Participants with neuropsychiatric disorders other than depressive/anxiety disorders, anatomical defects, or malignancies were excluded. Compared to non-exposed veterans, exposed veterans demonstrated significantly higher odds of PTSD [OR (95% CI) = 5.23 (1.98-13.85)], hypertension [OR (95% CI) = 5.57 (1.68-18.48)], coronary heart disease [OR (95% CI) = 6.8 (1.62-28.49)], and diabetes [OR (95% CI) = 3.88 (1.35-11.16)], and marginally higher odds of moderate to severe depressive symptoms [OR (95% CI) = 2.21 (0.93-5.28)]. This study provides preliminary evidence on association of exposure to chemical warfare with long-term mental disorders as well as chronic medical conditions.

The cytotoxicity effects of a novel Cu complex on MCF-7 human breast cancerous cells.

A variety of biological activities, such as anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties was reported for 1,10-phenanthroline and its copper complexes. In this study, the anti-proliferative activity of a novel  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex was investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells using MTT assay. Since chemotherapy is lake of ability to distinguish between normal cells from cancerous cells, therefore we also investigated the effect of  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex on normal L929 cells. The results showed that following 24 and 48 h exposure of cells with  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex, the IC50 values for MCF-7 were significantly lower than that recorded for L929 and normal cells were less sensitive than cancerous cells to the complex. Additionally, the  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex displayed a time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic response, with MCF-7 and L929 cells. Also flow cytometry findings suggest that  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex is capable of decreasing cancer cell viability through apoptosis and did not efficiently activate the necrosis process.

Primary nocturnal enuresis is associated with lower intelligence quotient scores in boys from poorer socioeconomic status families.

OBJECTIVES: To explore intelligence quotient in boys with primary nocturnal enuresis compared with normal boys considering their socioeconomic status. METHODS: A total of 152 school-aged boys (including 55 boys with primary nocturnal enuresis and 97 matched normal controls) were assessed. Boys with a history of any neurological or urological disease were excluded. Two different districts of Tehran: Khani-Abad (a poor district) and Pirouzi (a middle class district) districts were enrolled according to socioeconomic status data reported by the World Health Organization. Intelligence tests were carried out using a validated Iranian translation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised. Total, as well as performance intelligence quotient and verbal intelligence quotient scores and verbal-performance discrepancy (the difference between verbal and performance intelligence quotient scores for each individual) were compared using a t-test between boys with primary nocturnal enuresis in each district and their matched controls. RESULTS: Considering each district separately, the total intelligence quotient score was lower in primary nocturnal enuresis cases than controls only in the lower income district (90.7 ± 23.3 vs 104.8 ± 14.7, P = 0.002). Similarly, boys with primary nocturnal enuresis ranked lower in verbal intelligence quotient (P = 0.002) and performance intelligence quotient (P = 0.004) compared with their matched normal controls only in lower income district, whereas in the higher income district, boys with primary nocturnal enuresis ranked similar in total intelligence quotient to their matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Boys with primary nocturnal enuresis had a lower intelligence quotient compared with the control participants only in low-income district. It seems important to adjust the results of the intelligence quotient assessment in these children according to their socioeconomic status.

Increased blood pressures in veterans with post traumatic stress disorder.

Objective Veterans of war affected by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to compare brachial and central blood pressures between veterans with PTSD and controls. Method In this case-control study on veterans of Iran-Iraq war, 50 veterans with PTSD and 50 veterans as controls were selected from an outpatient clinic and matched for age ±3 years. Exclusion criteria were malignancies, severe anatomical defects such as amputated extremities, history of PTSD before serving in war, comorbid psychiatric disorders other than anxiety or depressive disorders. Detailed history was taken concerning medical and social aspects. Beck Depression Inventory was used for depressive symptoms. Brachial blood pressures were measured using both auscultatory and oscillometric devices. Measures of central hemodynamics were estimated accordingly. Data on lipid profile were collected either through medical records or newly required lab tests. Results Brachial systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures as well as estimated central systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly higher in the PTSD group. Beck Depression Inventory scores, frequency of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were significantly higher in the PTSD group. PTSD status was an independent predictor of both brachial and central systolic and diastolic pressures. Conclusions We demonstrated increased measures of blood pressure in veterans with PTSD independent of depression and other risk factors. Further research is warranted to confirm our results.

Development of liposomes loaded with anti-leishmanial drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by different species of Leishmania parasites and its available treatments have not yet provided a strong consistent result. The weak response of current chemotherapeutics is due to their deficient effects on stealth parasites inside macrophages, rapid clearance from the site of action and systemic side effects in high doses. Liposomal formulation of anti-leishmanial drugs could overcome these problems. In this study, different liposomal formulations of three famous anti-leishmanial drugs: Glucantime®, miltefosine and paromomycin were prepared by a modified freeze-drying double emulsion method. Liposome size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated, and their imaging was carried out by means of atomic force microscopy. Three formulations were evaluated in vivo by subcutaneous injection into skin lesions caused by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. Encapsulation efficiency of prepared liposomes was up to 90%; however, they inherited a bimodal size distribution that caused their encapsulation efficiency to decrease to 50% during filtering sterilization. Besides, the effect of surface charge was significant on preparation procedure, size and encapsulation efficiency. All three formulations reduced amastigote counts and lesion size but only miltefosine-loaded formulations had significant therapeutic effects compared with control group (p < 0.05).

Assessment of the circulatory concentrations of cathepsin D, cathepsin K, and alpha-1 antitrypsin in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that cysteine protease enzymes, such as cathepsin D, cathepsin A, cathepsin K, and alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) are involved in the chronic degenerative joint process. This study aimed to determine the potential involvement of cathepsin K, cathepsin D, and AAT in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This study was performed on 31 patients with knee OA and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (both with Fars ethnicity from Iran). American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were used to diagnose OA patients. The clinical status of the patients was scored by Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), and pain intensity was measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The serum level of AAT was measured using high-resolution cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Additionally, serum levels of cathepsin D and cathepsin K were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The findings showed that the serum level of cathepsin K was significantly increased in OA patients compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.01), while there was no significant difference between serum level of cathepsin D in study groups (P = 0.2). In addition, the serum concentration of AAT was significantly decreased in OA patients compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between WOMAC score and age (r = 0.644, P = 0.0001) and VAS (r = 0.866, P < 0.0001) in OA patients. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased level of AAT in OA patients and a rise in serum level of cathepsin K are involved in the pathogenesis of OA via stimulation of bone resorption and cartilage degradation.

Better isolation, proliferation and differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells using human serum.

Mesenchymal stem cells have many applications in medicine. Attention to the proliferation and differentiation of stem cell differentiation is an important issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of optimal isolation, proliferation, and differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) using human serum. Human serum (HS) was obtained from the venous blood of eight healthy individuals. The rate of proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs and expression of surface markers was assessed by flow cytometry. Bone differentiation was assessed using Alizarin Red staining. Data were analyzed using statistical software. Over time, HS showed more proliferation than fetal bovine serum (FBS) -enriched cells (p <0.05). Differentiation of ADSCs cells ls in HS-enriched medium is faster and more pronounced than differentiation in the control group. The expression of surface markers in the medium containing HS was the same as the medium containing FBS where the expression levels of CD105 and CD95 were found to be positive and the expression of CD34 and CD45 was negative. Due to the better proliferation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells in the medium containing HS than FBS, it is suggested that human serum be used in future clinical studies. Also, HS is healthier, safer, more accessible, and more affordable than FBS.

What are the Effective Factors in Spontaneous Resolution Rate of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to predict the rate of spontaneous resolution and identify influencing factors among pediatric patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The primary objective was to construct a nomogram to facilitate clinical decision-making in the treatment of primary VUR by assessing the rate of spontaneous resolution and its determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted up to September 2023, encompassing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the reference lists of relevant studies. Inclusion criteria comprised 33 studies with a total of 8540 pediatric patients. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form. The analysis included the assessment of various outcomes, such as the rate of spontaneous resolution, and identification of influential factors, including gender, age, laterality, and VUR grade. RESULTS: The pooled spontaneous resolution rate among pediatric patients with primary VUR was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.47, Tau2 = 0.26), demonstrating high heterogeneity (Q = 429.9, df = 32, P < 0.001, I2 = 93%). Egger's regression test indicated no publication bias (p = 0.67). VUR grade emerged as the most significant determinant of spontaneous resolution, with varying rates for different grades: grade 1 (0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.86), grade 2 (0.67, 95% CI: 0.60-0.74), grade 3 (0.49, 95% CI: 0.42-0.56), and grade 4 (0.23, 95% CI: 0.18-0.30; Tau2 = 0.28, I2 = 0.49). While differences in gender and laterality were observed, statistical significance was not evident. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the spontaneous resolution rate of primary vesicoureteral reflux in pediatric patients. The constructed nomogram, based on VUR grading, serves as a useful tool for clinicians in decision-making. Despite observed variations in gender and laterality, only VUR grading demonstrated statistical significance in influencing spontaneous resolution. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors within larger populations to enhance our understanding of primary VUR resolution dynamics.

Comparison of alpha 1- antitrypsin activity and phenotype in type 1 diabetic patients to healthy individuals.

Background and Aims: Alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) is an inhibitor of serine protease, which has shown anti-inflammatory reactions in a variety of diseases. It has been thought that that AAT plays a role in prolonging islet allograft survival, preventing the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and hindering ß-cell apoptosis of pancreas. In the current examination, the AAT activity in T1DM and healthy individuals was measured using enzymatic assay. Methods: The present study was conducted on 42 patients with T1DM who referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran, and 42 healthy control individuals who were matched for age, sex and smoking habits. The serum trypsin inhibitory capacity (TIC) was assessed. Plasma samples were analyzed for phenotype, AAT concentration, blood glucose and lipid levels were measured. Results: The activity of plasma AAT and the serum TIC level of patients with T1DM (2.35 ± 0.34 µmol/min/ml) was significantly lower than healthy participants (3.36 ± 0.36 µmol/min/ml). The frequency of phenotype MM in healthy individual was 100%; and in T1DM patients, the prevalence of phenotype MM, MS and MZ was 61.9%, 23.8% and 14.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: It was concluded that that the lack of AAT may be related to the increased risk of T1DM developing.

The investigation of the frequency of the alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotype in patients with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) has different phenotypes. Evidence suggests that the abundance of each of these phenotypes may be associated with a disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of AAT phenotypes in patients with liver cirrhosis as well as in healthy individuals. METHODS: In this study, 42 patients with liver cirrhosis were selected. The results of the previous research done by the researcher on healthy individuals were used to construct the control group. After obtaining informed consent, 5 mL of fasting venous blood sample was taken, and phenotypes were analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests at a significant level of 0.05. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that all 42 healthy subjects had an MM allele (100%). However, among 42 patients, 35 (83.3%) had an MM allele, 5 (11.9%) had an MS allele, and 2 (4.8%) had MZ allele. The difference between the two groups was significant (p=0.02). There was no difference between men and women in the allele type (p=0.557). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that MS and MZ alleles were observed only in patients with liver cirrhosis, and none of these alleles were found in healthy subjects. Therefore, MS and MZ alleles can be further investigated as risk factors for liver cirrhosis.

Effect of Short-time Exposure of Local Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields on Sleepiness in Male Rats.

Introduction: Lack of high-quality sleep causes severe side effects like anxiety and changes in plasma concentration of oxalate. The current study investigated the impact of local extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on inducing sleep (sleepiness) and anxiety in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided into four groups (n=10 for each group). The ELF-MF exposure (0, 10, and 18 Hz) was applied with an intensity of 200µT for three days (10 min/d). The sham-treated animal did not receive ELF-MF. Serum levels of oxalic acid (OA) and sleepiness were measured before and after the last exposure to ELF-MF or sham. Anxiety, sleepiness, and OA were measured using the elevated plus maze, open-field test (OFT), and ELISA test. Results: A comparison of oxalate levels before and after exposure to ELF-MF revealed that ELF-MF (10 Hz) decreased the serum level of oxalate (P<0.05). Comparing open/closed arm entry (in an elevated plus maze) between before and after exposure to ELFMF revealed significant differences. Also, frequency, velocity, and distance moved were decreased in the open-field test. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that ELF-MF with short-time exposure may modulate the metabolism of OA and may modulate anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats. Highlights: Oxalate acid concentration may reduce after short time ELF-MF exposure.Locomotor activity in male rats may decrease after the ELF-MF exposure.Short time ELF-MF exposure may induce sleepiness in male rats that may be used to treat sleep disorders. Plain Language Summary: It is necessary for a person to have good sleep to feel happy during the day. The usual way to treat the patient's sleep disorders is drug therapy, but there are some non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and proper diet. In this study we decided to evaluate the effect of ELF-MFs on sleep induction (sleepiness) in male rats by assessing behavioral tests and measuring oxalate acid density. The results showed that the activity of rats and oxalate acid concentration reduced after ELF-MF exposure. This was consistent with results of the plus maze test and the reduction of velocity, frequency and in the open-field test can be attributed to sleepiness. The results of this research showed that ELF-MF with short time exposure may modulate the anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats. This effect may be used to treat sleep disorders and requires further human studies.

Immunological evaluation of patients with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia: CD4+ and CD16+ cells may predict severity and prognosis.

PURPOSE: Available but insufficient evidence shows that changes may occur in the immune system following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study aimed at evaluating immunological changes in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia compared with the control group. METHOD: The present study was performed on 95 patients with COVID-19 (32 severe and 63 moderate cases) and 22 healthy controls. Relationship between immune cells, disease severity and lung involvement was assessed. Binary logistic regression and ROC curve tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in CD20+ cell counts of the patients. To differentiate patients from healthy individuals, the cutoff point for the CD4+ cell count was 688 /µL, sensitivity 0.96, and specificity 0.84. An increase in CD4+ cells reduces the odds of severe disease (odds ratio = 0.82, P = 0.047) and death (odds ratio = 0.74, P = 0.029). CD4+ cells play a pivotal role in the severity of lung involvement (P = 0.03). In addition to CD4+ cells, Fc gamma receptor III (FcγRIII) (CD16) also played a significant prognosis (odds ratio = 0.55, P = 0.047). In severe cases, C-reactive protein, Blood urea nitrogen, and Creatine phosphokinase levels, as well as neutrophil counts, were significantly higher than those of moderate ones whereas lymphocyte count in severe cases was lower than that of moderate ones. CONCLUSION: The number of total T-cells and B-cells in patients with COVID-19 was lower than that of controls; however, their NK cells increased. FcγRIII and CD4+ cells are of great importance due to their association with COVID-19 prognosis.

Association of the T-786C, G894T and 4a/4b polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in Iranian subjects.

OBJECTIVE: • To investigate the association of the T-786C, G894T and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) in intron 4 (a/b) polymorphisms of the eNOS gene in Iranian subjects with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: • A total of 322 consecutive patients with vasculogenic ED were recruited. Patients with concomitant risk factors for ED were excluded. • Patients with ED were identified based on history-taking, detailed physical examination, serum biochemistry, sex hormone measurements, application of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography after intracavernosal injection of 20 µg prostaglandin E(1) . The control group comprised 318 age-matched healthy male volunteers. • Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the T-786C, G894T and VNTR intron 4 polymorphisms of the eNOS gene were determined. RESULTS: • After multivariate regression analysis, significant differences were seen in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the two T-786C and G894T polymorphisms when patients with ED and normal controls were compared. • In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of increased ED was strongly associated with the -786C allele [adjusted OR = 3.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.28-4.25; P= 0.001] and the 894T allele (adjusted OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 2.53-4.87; P= 0.001). • The data showed a higher prevalence of the T-786C CC genotype (adjusted OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.88-3.65; P= 0.006), and the G894T GT (adjusted OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.24-2.83; P= 0.037) and G894T TT genotypes (adjusted OR = 3.42, 95% CI 2.42-4.26; P= 0.001) in patients with ED than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: • The findings of the present study suggest that the eNOS T-786C and G894T polymorphisms are strong predictors of the predisposition to ED in addition to traditional risk factors, signifying a genetic influence for this multifactorial disease. • Further studies in different ethnic populations are needed to better elucidate the role of eNOS gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of ED.

Spatio-temporal analysis of colorectal cancer using a geographic information system in the Iranian military community during the period 2007-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers among Iranian people. The study of spatio-temporal distribution of disease has an important role in the design of disease prevention programmes. The purpose of the current study was to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of CRC in the Iranian military community as a sample of the Iranian population. METHODS: In the current ecological study, all registered cancer cases in the Iranian military community during the period 2007-2016 were considered. To identify hotspots, Getis-Ord Gi statistics were used. All analyses were performed using ArcGIS 10.5 and Excel 2010. RESULTS: The highest incidences of CRC in 2007-2008, 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 were recorded in Kermanshah province. The highest incidences of CRC in 2013-2014 were seen in Kermanshah, Ghilan, Tehran and North Khorasan. In 2007-2008 and 2009-2010, hotspots were detected in West Azarbayjan. In 2011-2012, hotspots were detected in Zanjan and Qazvin. In 2013-2014, a hotspot was detected in Qazvin. Finally, West Azerbaijan was the hotspot for CRC in 2015-2016. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CRC in men was higher than in women. Also it appeared that North and North West Iran were risk areas for this disease, and so these areas should be considered in the design of disease prevention programme for this cancer type. Additionally, the determination of individual risk factors in the aforementioned geographical areas can play an important role in the prevention of this type of cancer.

The effect of hydroalcoholic Berberis integerrima fruits extract on the lipid profile, antioxidant parameters and liver and kidney function tests in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the hepatic disorders which is characterized by increasing fat deposits in the liver. This disorder may lead to elevation the activity of liver enzymes and is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type II diabetes. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of Berberis integerrima extract on NAFLD patients compare to placebo. METHODS: The present clinical trial was performed on 42 NAFLD patients who were randomly divided into two groups. The case group received a capsule (750 mg) containing hydro-alcoholic extract of Berberis integerrima extract every 12 h for 2 months, while the control (placebo) group received a capsule containing cellulose. Baseline characteristics, biochemical factors, antioxidant parameter, functional liver and renal test were evaluated before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Comparison rate of different parameters in case group before and after treatment demonstrated that BMI, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes and renal parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased while HDL-C, glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly elevated. The comparison of the mean parameters difference in two groups indicated that cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes and renal factors were significantly decreased, however HDL-C, glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in case group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The study findings revealed that the Berberis integerrima extract could reduce biochemical factors of blood, except HDL-C and increases total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase enzyme. Therefore, hydro-alcoholic extract of Berberis integerrima may be used as a great supplementary medicine in treating NAFLD.

Incidence, Gleason Score and Ethnicity Pattern of Prostate Cancer in the Multi-ethnicity Country of Iran During 2008-2010.

PURPOSE: To investigate the geographical incidence, and grade of prostate cancer in Iran during 2008-2010 and evaluate its relationship with ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was extracted from the nationwide Iranian cancer registry system during 2008-2010. Pathologies and grade was extracted from scanned reports of patients' pathologies by a urologist. RESULTS: The average 3-year age standardized incidence rate of prostate cancer during the study period was 11.52 per 100000 males. The age standardized incidence rates for Persian, Arab, Turkish and Turkmen, Lor, Kurd and Baluch ethnicities were 13.5, 9.3, 7.9, 7.9, 7.2 and 2.1 per 100000, respectively. Poisson regression analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in incidence of prostate cancer in Baluch ethnicity (P=0.028) and a near significant difference for incidence of prostate cancer in Turk-Turkmen and Kurd ethnicity (P=0.067 and P=0.082) in comparison with Persian ethnicity. The median Gleason score distribution of prostate cancer was not concordant to the age standardized incidence rates. 97% of all pathologies were adenocarcinoma of the prostate followed by malignant carcinoma (1.9%), and transitional cell carcinoma (1.1%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of Prostate cancer was different between Baluch and Fars ethnicities in Iran. The lowest ASR of PCa was observed in Baluch ethnicity, however the possibility of underreporting due to less access in Baluch ethnicity cannot be ruled out. The Gleason distribution pattern was not concordant to the incidence distribution of Prostate cancer.