Executive Functions and Public Health: A Narrative Review.

Executive functions (EFs) skills are necessary for regulating the thoughts, emotions, and actions which are associated with many aspects of daily functioning. Executive dysfunction (EDFs) is present in a wide range of mental disorders. New study indicates that EFs may predict health behavior and make it easier to engage in a variety of healthy activities. In this narrative review, EFs and public health are briefly discussed. In general, 133 articles met the inclusion criteria (published 2018-2023) which were reviewed. EFs affect the mental and physical health. Besides individual problems, people with mental problems have heavy costs to society. Mental health cannot be considered separately from general health. Consequently, preventive and therapeutic approaches to mental health should be considered not only at the level of the whole society, but also at the global level.

Epidemiology, etiology, genetic variants in non- syndromic hearing loss in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss is one of the most common heterogeneous complicated disorders worldwide. We previously analyzed the results of published data on non-syndromic hearing loss in the Iranian population systematically. A broad range of genes is a challenge for molecular screening and clinical diagnosis in our populations on the ground of distinct genetics. The aim of this study was to analyze the role and frequency of the variants accountable for non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) in the Iranian population. These were identified with different methods including whole exome sequencing (WES), next-generation sequencing (NGS), targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing (TGE + MPS), autozygosity mapping, STR markers, linkage analysis, and direct sequencing. This is the comprehensively study focusing on classifying 13 common NSHL genes according to their frequencies. Previous studies have not studied different regions and the Iranian population, and this is the definitive study on the topic. METHODS: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct databases, and Google Scholar. After a systematic review of the evidence 95 studies were considered then 31 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. In total, 6995 families, 358 variants, and 117 novel variants were included. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata SE version 11 software. The inverse variance method enjoyed combining data. Heterogeneity of the preliminary results was assessed using Q (Cochrane test), and I square index. Random effects or fixed models were applied to combine the results, relying on the degree of heterogeneity. Point and pooled prevalence of variants acting on different regions were illustrated by forest plots. RESULTS: The total prevalence of at least one variant of GJB2 and SLC26A genes was estimated at 26% and 5%, respectively. Variant c.35delG accounted for 18% of the GJB2 variants while 1% of these variants were novel ones. The next most common variants in the GJB2 gene were c.109G>A at 3.5% and c.-23+1G>A at 2.3%. Moreover, the prevalence of GJB2 gene variants varied on average 0.002% from one region to another in Iran (p=0.849). Our meta-analysis also showed that the frequency of at least one variant of MYO15A varied between 1.2% and 12.5%. Corresponding prevalences for the other variants were as follows: ILDR1 (3.5%-3.7%), CDH23 (2%-10%), PJVK (1.4%-33%), TECTA (1.3%-6.7%), MYO6 (2%-4.8%), TMC1 (1.8%-2%), MYO7A (0.7%-5%), MARVELD2 (0.7-5%), OTOF (0.7%-4%), LRTOMT (0.7%-2.5%). Finally, we did not find any relationship between geographic area and the presence of these variants. CONCLUSION: GJB2 gene variants were the most common cause of NSHL in Iran. Understanding the prevalence of NSHL gene frequency in Iran may be the foundation for future studies in an Iranian population which may lead to future NSHL therapy.

Hypothetical Strategies of Gene and Environmental Influence on Life Expectancy: A Brief Review.

Almost all diseases have a genetic basis. However, several disorders stem from a combination of genes and environmental conditions. In the present study, databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar were searched and reviewed and those relevant studies that investigated the association between environmental and genetic factors with the incidence of diseases were extracted and used. At the final step, it is concluded that in many cases, disorders have a multifactorial etiology. Having a gene related to a specific disorder is not the only reason for contracting the disease. Both genes and environmental factors play a role in human disease etiology. Everything outside of DNA, may affect health and even in many people with a positive family history of a specific disorder, environmental factors can facilitate or prevent the occurrence of the disease. Therefore, living a healthy lifestyle is important in reducing exposure to diseases, and long-life expectancy.

CRISPR/Cas9 RET Gene Knockout in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell-lines: Optimization and Validation.

Background: Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a very aggressive type of thyroid carcinoma. Mutation in RET proto-oncogene is demonstrated in MTC development. We aimed to knock-out of RET-oncogene using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method in MTC cell-lines. Methods: This research was conducted in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran during 2019-2020. Four different sgRNAs were designed to target exons one, two, and four of RET-oncogene in TT and MZ-CRC-1 cell-lines using bioinformatics tools, then the CRISPR/Cas9 constructs was made. About 72-hours after cell transfection, T7EI method and DNA sequencing were used to confirm the knock-out of RET-oncogene. Expression of RET, Calcitonin genes and RET protein were evaluated by Real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results: The results of T7E1, and DNA sequencing of transfected cells confirmed RET gene knock-out by CRISPR/Cas9. There was a significant decrease in RET gene expression and RET protein in transfected TT and MZ cells compared to controls. The rate of cell apoptosis in transfected cells was significantly increased. Calcitonin gene expression was also significantly reduced in transfected cells. p-RET, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-MEK, p-ERK protein levels were significantly reduced in TT and MZ transfected cells. Conclusion: For the first time, knock-out of RET gene was performed and confirmed using CRISPR/Cas9. Inhibition of this gene leads to inhibition of the tyrosine kinase RET signal transduction pathway. Therefore, it can be one of the most effective and specific therapeutic goals in the field of Personalized Medicine in the treatment of diseases caused by over activity of RET molecular pathway.

SARS-COV-2 Notable Mutations and Variants: A Review Article.

SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) the virus that caused an epidemic of sever acute respiratory syndrome is what the world has been dealing with since Dec 2019. As the pandemic continues different variants that emerge during mutations have become the latest concern, with notable examples detected in South Africa, Brazil, and UK. Variants are complicated and each one is a collection of several mutations, all of which have the potential to change the virus in unexpected ways. Studying variants is imperative as they can lead the epidemic to the increase of population immunity. In the present study, we reviewed key mutations and concerning variants according to the WHO tracking Sars-Cov-2 program. Databases were searched through Feb to Mar 2022. Overall, 477 studies were extracted from databases, among them 165 studies included mutations, 239 included COVID-19 variants and 43 included both mutations and variants. At the final step of data screening 24 studies associated to mutations, 31 studies with the highlighted information on COVID-19 variants and 31 studies related to both mutations and variants were extracted for this review article. In conclusion, analyses of the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 indicate that structural proteins are key molecules in the assembly of virus while NSPs can have different biochemical properties and possibly cellular functions.

Using Non-Invasive Methods to Choose Gender; Sex Selection with Diet and Determination of Ovulation Time in Iran.

Background: Families, especially fathers, are continuously interested in selecting the child's sex in most societies. This study was conducted to Use non-invasive methods to choose gender in order that sex selection with diet and determination of ovulation time in Iran. Methods: This study was a clinical experimental trial of convenient samples conducted as a retrospective study. Overall, 285 women were referred to Dr. Farhud's Genetic Clinic in 2013 and 2014 in Tehran, Iran. For two years (from June 2013 to Jun 2015), samples were followed-up. Participants used diet, the timing of ovulation, and considering lifestyle to have the sex selection. Results: Overall, 88 women became pregnant in the first group among 179 participants in 2013, and talking to the participants showed that 82.95% achieved the wanted gender. Fifty-two women became pregnant among 106 participants in 2014 in the second group and 86.79%, achieved the wanted sex. Conclusion: Diet and ovulation timing could be very efficient, and it is recommended that families Use safe procedures such as natural, and non-invasive methods to achieve the wanted sex for gender balance.

A Retrospective Study of Serum Calcium Status in Tehran, Iran (105,128 Samples, from 2009-2018).

Background: Calcium is a necessary mineral for life to keep the body and bones healthy. Various factors including hormones, diet, age, and gender affect serum calcium status. The aim of this sturdy was to assess the serum calcium level (SCL) of Tehran population, which has about 10 million multi-Ethnic populations and represents from the whole country. Methods: In this retrospective study, the measured SCL of 105,128 individuals referred to different laboratories of Tehran, Iran were evaluated and its relationship with the age, gender, seasons, and different years during 2009-2018, were analyzed. Results: After excluding outliers, 91,257samples remained, which 61162 (58.64%) and 30,095 (41.36%) were female and male, respectively. The mean SCL was 9.36 (9.35, 9.37) mg/dl (95%CI). The highest and lowest SCLs were 3.1 and 18.2mg/dl, respectively. From the total study population, 74127 (81.23%) had normal SCLs, 14110 (15.46%) had hypocalcemia, and 3020 (3.31%) had hypercalcemia. SCLs were normal in 83.6% of men and 79.66% of women. Women had a significantly higher frequency of hypocalcemia compared to men (17.2% vs. 12.83%, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Normal and abnormal SCLs were significantly different in age groups and in both genders. It means that gender and age affect SCLs. Every year of increasing age, reduces the chance of hypercalcemia by 40%, significantly. Age seems to affect hypercalcemia more than hypocalcemia. Age in men increases the risk of hypocalcemia, and reduces the risk of hypocalcemia in women. Therefore, it is recommended to encourage dietary calcium intake among premenopausal women and older men.

Relationship between General Health and Musculoskeletal Discomfort along with Psychosomatic Complaints in Nurses.

Background: Workplace problems can lead to psychosomatic complaints. We aimed to assess the relationship between general health and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders along with psychosomatic complaints. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. This research was conducted about the nurses who worked at the hospitals located in the northwest of Tehran, Iran (Valiasr, Farhikhtegan, and Khatam), and participated in this study from Aug 2019 to Feb 2020. The data were collected by the demographic and clinical information questionnaire. Goldberg's general health questionnaire and psychosomatic complaint scale were completed by nurses. Results: In total, 158 nurses participated in this study. There was a significant relationship between the score of the general health questionnaire (GHQ) and psychosomatic complaints in three categories (low, moderate, and high) (P≤0.0001). There was a significant relationship between the mean score of GHQ and musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulder, forearm, hand and wrist, upper/lower back, knee, and ankle (P≤0.0001). Conclusion: Continuity of psychosomatic complaints may be a risk factor for mental health in nurses and may affect the quality of care. Hence, health policymakers and hospital managers should consider it in service training for nurses.

The History of Corona Virus: From Neanderthals to the Present Time: A Brief Review.

Contrary to popular belief, 2019 was not the first time humans were infected by the Coronavirus. Coronavirus is one of the oldest viruses on the earth. This article discusses the history of this virus from Neanderthal time so far. We have collected a variety of articles related to coronaviruses and the extent of their interaction with humans from the first time probably appeared on earth, given that this virus is one of the ancient viruses. By examining and following the footsteps of coronaviruses in different works of literature, we found that the first homo that was infected with the coronavirus was Neanderthal. Moreover, we realized that in addition to risk factors such as age and background diseases, genetic evolution also plays an essential role in the protection of the body against coronavirus. On the other hand, this virus has evolved throughout history gradually, the same as humans. The presence of disease in humans, in any period of history, causes changes in human quality of life. Therefore, paying attention to the background of ancient diseases reveals principal information about the complexity of pathogens.

Novel phenotype and genotype spectrum of WDR62 in two patients with associated primary autosomal recessive microcephaly.

BACKGROUND: Microcephaly is a prominent feature of patients with primary autosomal recessive microcephaly 2 (MCPH2) caused by mutations in the WD Repeat Domain 62 (WDR62; OMIM: 613,583). AIM: The study aimed to identify the underlying genetic factor(s) causing microcephaly in two patients in a consanguineous Iranian family. METHODS: Two male patients (11 and 27 years old) were noticed due to microcephaly, neurodevelopmental delay, and occasional seizures. The younger patient (the proband) was subjected to paired-end whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing to detect any underlying genetic factor. RESULTS: Upon examination, both patients showed microcephaly as a prominent manifestation; they were under-weighted as well. The patients had a moderate gross motor impairment, severe cognitive disability and speech delay, increased deep tendon reflexes, flexible joint contractures, sensorineural hearing loss, and vertical nystagmus as a new ocular finding. The proband had more severe neurodevelopmental delay symptoms. The brain magnetic resonance imaging series revealed severe structural and cortical brain abnormalities in addition to hemiatrophy. Using Whole-exome Sequencing, a novel homozygous missense variant-NM_001083961.2; c.1598A > G: p.(His533Arg)-was identified in the WDR62. Subsequently, in silico analyses determined the possible impacts of the novel variant on the structure and function of WDR62 protein. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we identified a novel homozygous missense variant in the WDR62 in two patients with MCPH2. Vertical nystagmus and sensorineural hearing loss were detected as novel neurological findings. The present study expands the phenotype and genotype spectrum of MCPH2.

In-Vitro Fertilization Impact on the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Review Article.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing prevalence of infertility, the number of referrals to infertility treatment centers has also increased. Nowadays, assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. Considering the possible consequences of this method among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and kids conceived by IVF, extensive research has been conducted in this regard. METHODS: Overall, 100 articles were entered into the study, and relevant articles were searched and extracted from PubMed, Springer, and Google Scholar databases. In IVF procedure, medications such as Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins are used to stimulate and mature follicles and thus increase ovulation. RESULTS: There are conflicting opinions on this issue. Some findings report a slight increase in cancer risk for hormone-sensitive cancers including breast cancer. The long-term use of IVF medications can increase estrogen hormones and cause excessive expression of genes, resulting in an increased risk of breast cancer, which is one of the most frequent cancers among women. CONCLUSION: There are some risks to be aware of, which followed the hypothesis that long IVF treatment process may lead to breast cancer among IVF candidates. Furthermore, the risk of breast cancer may be increased in those women with a positive family history and related inherited genes. Therefore, women candidates for IVF should be informed of the probable implications of the reproductive therapy techniques.

Genetic Investigation of 261 Cases of Turner Syndrome Patients Referred to the Genetic Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome (TS), also known as 45,X, is a genetic disorder caused by the partial or complete lack of an X chromosome. TS can cause a variety of medical and developmental conditions. We aimed to investigate TS mosaicism and variants pattern and research the presence of a correlation between the different variant's factors and TS occurrence. METHODS: From 1984-2018, 100,234 patients referred to the Farhud Genetic Clinic, Tehran, Iran, for karyotyping were studied. TS was determined by the chromosomal assay, and the patients' karyotype was obtained from amniotic fluid and blood samples. Different variants of the TS diagnosed patients were investigated, including maternal and paternal age at pregnancy, parental consanguinity, and the presence/absence of a family history of the disease. RESULTS: Overall, 261/100,234 (0.26%) were diagnosed with TS. These, 150 cases were identified to have the classical 45,X karyotype and 111 cases were identified to have either TS mosaicism or other less common variations of TS karyotyping. Higher parental age at pregnancy and TS data suggested that the occurrence of TS is significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Data suggest parental age at pregnancy is an important factor for TS occurrence. Hence, prenatal screening in these groups of parents recommended. This study also implicates early medical diagnostic testing before the onset of puberty or as soon as symptoms arise is essential for early treatment.