Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranian adults toward Persian Medicine: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Previous researches conducted in both developed and developing countries have demonstrated a rising trend in the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine. The World Health Organization has underscored the importance of studying the prevalence and determinants of such alternative practices. This study delves into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Iranian adults towards Persian medicine, a distinct form of complementary and alternative medicine, through a national survey for the first time. METHODS: A total of 2882 Iranian adults (aged ≥ 15 years) were randomly chosen from all regions. Data were gathered through structured door-to-door interviews using a survey questionnaire, wherein cases were selected randomly based on postal codes, and interviewers completed the forms at the participants' residences. RESULTS: Approximately 46% of the subjects exhibited familiarity with Persian Medicine. The study revealed that the primary sources of knowledge about Persian Medicine were family, relatives, and friends, with only 2.9% indicating medical staff as their source of information. Furthermore, the study indicated that 21% of participants expressed a strong interest in using Persian Medicine, while 30.3% did not. When comparing Persian medicine to modern medicine, respondents indicated that Persian medicine is more cost-effective and has fewer side effects, yet modern medicine is more widely used globally; although, the majority responded "I don't know" to other questions. The results also demonstrated that approximately 37% of the participants had a history of Persian Medicine utilization in their lifetime. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Iranian adults have low reliable knowledge (from medical staff, Persian medicine books and other publications) and limited familiarity with Persian medicine, with about one third of the participants expressing disinterest (attitude) and over half of them having not utilized this form of medicine (practice).

Introducing critical proteins related to liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Aim: The current study aimed to introduce the key proteins involved in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is a well-known treatment for liver diseases that threaten patients with mortality. LT is a complex operation, and several risks, including liver I/R injury, affect its success. Improving LT requires detection of its molecular mechanism. Experiments have revealed that high throughput methods such as proteomics in combination with bioinformatics are useful tools for analyzing the molecular mechanism of disease. Methods: The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in liver I/R injury were extracted from the literature. The queried DEPs plus the first 100 neighbors were included in a network through STRING database using Cytoscape software. Degree, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and stress were considered to determine the central nodes. The queried DEPs were assessed by action map analysis using the CluePedia application of Cytoscape software. The key proteins were identified by comparing network analysis and action map evaluation results. Results: Six proteins, namely ALB, INS, GAPDH, CAT, IL6, and TNF, among the added first neighbors were determined as the central first neighbors. MPO, CRP, MMP9, and HMOX1 were selected as central DEPs among the queried proteins. Action map analysis confirmed the PPI findings. The final evaluation revealed that MMP9 in combination with CRP and HMOX1 plays a critical role in liver I/R injury. Conclusion: The significant role of MMP9 in liver I/R injury was detected in this study. Two central proteins (CRP and HMOX1) were shown to have a regulatory effect on MMP9; CRP activated MMP9, while HMXO1 downregulated it.

Efficacy and safety of "Jollab Monzej" as a traditional persian compound medicine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Jollab monzej (JMZ), a Traditional Persian compound medicine, on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue (MSRF). Methods: We did a double-blind randomized controlled phase3 clinical trial on the JMZ syrup in fifty-six relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients aged 18-55 years with moderate to severe fatigue using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 6. We randomly assigned (1;1) participants to the JMZ syrup or placebo syrup groups treated for one month. Participants, investigators, and assessors were unaware of the assignments. The primary outcome was changes in the fatigue score on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), at baseline and one month after treatment using the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The secondary outcomes were changes in the score of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Outcomes were measured at baseline, one month after treatment, and 2-week follow-up. Safety was detected in all participants. Results: We randomly assigned 56 participants to the JMZ group (n=28) and placebo group (n=28). Fatigue scores significantly changed in both groups; however, the JMZ group had a greater reduction in FSS score in the ITT analysis. The adjusted mean difference was 8.80 (Confidence interval (CI) 95%, 2.90-14.70, P = 0.00). The mean difference of VAS, BDI, and global PSQI scores were statistically significant (P=0.01, P₌0.00, P₌0.01; respectively). Regarding safety, mild adverse events (AEs) were reported. Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the administration of JMZ syrup alleviated MSRF and also could improve depression and sleep disorders.

Prognosis of COVID-19 patients using lab tests: A data mining approach.

Background: The rapid prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic worldwide and affected the lives of millions. The potential fatality of the disease has led to global public health concerns. Apart from clinical practice, artificial intelligence (AI) has provided a new model for the early diagnosis and prediction of disease based on machine learning (ML) algorithms. In this study, we aimed to make a prediction model for the prognosis of COVID-19 patients using data mining techniques. Methods: In this study, a data set was obtained from the intelligent management system repository of 19 hospitals at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran. All patients admitted had shown positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. They were hospitalized between February 19 and May 12 in 2020, which were investigated in this study. The extracted data set has 8621 data instances. The data include demographic information and results of 16 laboratory tests. In the first stage, preprocessing was performed on the data. Then, among 15 laboratory tests, four of them were selected. The models were created based on seven data mining algorithms, and finally, the performances of the models were compared with each other. Results: Based on our results, the Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosted Trees models were known as the most efficient methods, with the highest accuracy percentage of 86.45% and 84.80%, respectively. In contrast, the Decision Tree exhibited the least accuracy (75.43%) among the seven models. Conclusion: Data mining methods have the potential to be used for predicting outcomes of COVID-19 patients with the use of lab tests and demographic features. After validating these methods, they could be implemented in clinical decision support systems for better management and providing care to severe COVID-19 patients.

Mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients during surges of SARS-CoV-2 alpha (B.1.1.7) and delta (B.1.617.2) variants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the death proportion and death risk of COVID-19 hospitalized patients over time and in different surges of COVID-19. This multi-center observational study was conducted from March 21, 2021 to October 3, 2021 which included the alpha and delta SARS-CoV-2 surges occurred in April and August in Tehran, respectively. The risk of COVID-19 death was compared in different months of admission. A total of 270,624 patients with COVID-19, of whom 6.9% died, were admitted to hospitals in Tehran province. Compared to patients admitted in March, a higher risk of COVID-19 death was observed among patients admitted to the hospital in July (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.17, 1.40), August (HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.28, 1.52), September (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.25, 1.50) and October (HR 4.63; 95% CI 2.77, 7.74). The ICU death proportion was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5, 38.1) in alpha surge and increased significantly to 39.8 (95% CI 38.6, 41.1) in delta surge. The risk of COVID-19 death was significantly higher in delta surge compared to alpha surge (HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.17, 1.27). Delta surge was associated with a higher risk of death compared to alpha surge. High number of hospitalizations, a shortage of hospital beds, ICU spaces and medical supplies, poor nutritional status of hospitalized patients, and lack of the intensivist physicians or specialized nurses in the ICU were factors that contributed to the high mortality rate in the delta surge in Iran.

Major and minor criteria for gastric dystemperaments in Persian Medicine: Sari gastric dystemperament criteria-I (SGDC-I).

Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools.

Efficacy of the barley-based remedy, a Persian medicine formula, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalized patients: An open-labeled randomized controlled trial.

Background: With the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the growing attention of people around the world to the use of traditional and complementary medicines to control of the disease, evaluating the effectiveness of these treatments has received special attention. Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of a barley-based (Hordeum vulgare) remedy combined with conventional medicine in comparison to the conventional therapy in confirmed COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Seventy COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into barley-based remedy plus conventional medicine (barley-based remedy group) and conventional therapy (control group). Both groups were treated for 5 days. The outcomes were oxygen saturation, main symptoms (fever, respiratory rate, cough, and fatigue), and laboratory data (lymphocytic count, and CRP); they were measured for 6 days. Results: In comparison to the control group, the oxygen saturation level in the barley-based remedy group significantly increased, from the second day of the intervention (P < 0.05). The herbal remedy significantly improved fatigue from the third day (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the severity and frequency of cough between the groups were not significantly different. The herbal remedy had no significant effect on the CRP and the lymphocytic count of every time points of measurement. The average of respiratory rate and temperature of patients were in the normal range in both groups during the intervention. Conclusion: Barley-based remedy could significantly enhance the blood oxygen saturation and reduce fatigue. However, it needs to be confirmed by large sample size trials.

Investigation into Chronic Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Effect on Gene Expression Profile of Human HUVECs Cells.

Introduction: Understanding the molecular mechanism of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) effects on the human body is the subject of many research studies. Several aspects of cell function such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis are affected by LDIR. Detection of the main biological process that is targeted by LIDR via network analysis is the main aim of this study. Methods: GSE66720 consisting of gene expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (a suitable cell line to be investigated), including irradiated and control cells, was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined and analyzed via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to find the central individuals. The main cell function which was related to the central nodes was introduced. Results: Among 64 queried DEGs, 48 genes were recognized by the STRING database. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), Melanoma growth-stimulatory activity/growth-regulated protein α (CXCL1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were introduced as hub nodes. Conclusion: Findings indicate that inflammation is the main initial target of LDIR at the cellular level which is associated with alteration in the other essential functions of the irradiated cells.

Hypofractionated Radiation Versus Conventional Fractionated Radiation: A Network Analysis.

Introduction: Conventional fractionation (CF) and hypofractionation (HF) are two radiotherapy methods against cancer, which are applied in medicine. Understanding the efficacy and molecular mechanism of the two methods implies more investigations. In the present study, proteomic findings about the mentioned methods relative to the controls were analyzed via network analysis. Methods: The significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of prostate cancer (PCa) cell line DU145 in response to CF and HF radiation therapy versus controls were extracted from the literature. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via the STRING database via Cytoscape software. The networks were analyzed by "NetworkAnalyzer" to determine hub DEPs. Results: 126 and 63 significant DEPs were identified for treated DU145 with CF and HF radiation respectively. The PPI networks were constructed by the queried DEPs plus 100 first neighbors. ALB, CD44, THBS1, EPCAM, F2, KRT19, and MCAM were highlighted as common hubs. VTM, OCLN, HSPB1, FLNA, AHSG, and SERPINC1 appeared as the discriminator hub between the studied cells. Conclusion: 70% of the hubs were common between CF and HF conditions, and they induced radio-resistance activity in the survived cells. Six central proteins which discriminate the function of the two groups of the irradiated cells were introduced. On the basis of these findings, it seems that DU145-CF cells, relative to the DU145-UF cells, are more radio-resistant.

Evaluation of cellular response to Clostridium difficile toxin-A: a network analysis.

Aim: The current study aimed to determine crucial genes targeted by toxin-A through network analysis. Background: Clostridium difficile (C difficile) produces toxin-A and toxin-B and is known as a risk factor for hospital infection, especially after broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. Bioinformatics findings have led to the introduction of a set of genes and biological terms that are targeted by toxin-B in colon epithelia. Methods: The significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of human intestinal Caco-2 cells treated by toxin-A versus control were retrieved from gene expression omnibus (GEO). The queried DEGs were analyzed using by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis through STRING database and Cytoscape software v.3.7.2. Results: Among 157 significant DEGs, JUN, VEGFA, CDKN1A, ATF3, SNAI1, DUSP1, HSPB1, MCL1, KLF4, FOSL1, HSPA1A, and SQSTM1 were determined as hubs and JUN, DUSP1, DUSP5, EZR, MAP1LC3B, and SQSTM1 were highlighted as bottlenecks. Conclusion: JUN, DUSP1, and SQSTM1 are possible drug targets to prevent and treat C difficile infection.

The impact of HIV on the risk of COVID-19 death among hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and risk of death among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We aimed to investigate this association using a multicenter study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted using the registry database of Coronavirus Control Operations Headquarter from March 21, 2021 to January 18, 2020 in the province of Tehran, Iran. The interest outcome was COVID-19 death among hospitalized patients living with and without HIV. The Cox regression models with robust standard error were used to estimate the association between HIV infection and risk of COVID-19 death. The subgroup and interaction analysis were also performed in this study. RESULTS: 326052 patients with COVID-19 were included in the study, of whom 127 (0.04%) were living with HIV. COVID-19 patients with HIV were more likely to be female, older, and to have symptoms such as fever, muscular pain, dyspnea and cough. The death proportion due to COVID-19 was 18 (14.17%) and 21595 (6.63%) among HIV and non-HIV patients, respectively. Patients living with HIV had lower mean survival time compared to those without HIV (26.49 vs. 15.31 days, P-value = 0.047). Crude risk of COVID-19 death was higher among HIV patients than in non-HIV group (hazard ratio[HR]: 1.60, 1.08-2.37). Compared to those without HIV, higher risk of COVID-19 death was observed among patients with HIV after adjusting for sex (1.60, 1.08-2.36), comorbidities (1.49, 1.01-2.19), cancer (1.59, 1.08-2.33), and PO2 (1.68, 1.12-2.50). However, the risk of COVID-19 death was similar in patients with and without HIV after adjusting for age (1.46, 0.98-2.16) and ward (1.30, 0.89-1.89). CONCLUSION: We found no strong evidence of association between HIV infection and higher risk of COVID-19 death among hospitalized patients. To determine the true impact of HIV on the risk of COVID-19 death, factors such as age, comorbidities, hospital ward, viral load, CD4 count, and antiretroviral treatment should be considered.

Network Analysis of Effect of Light-Dark Time Ratio on the Gene Expression Profile of Mouse Skin.

Introduction: Circadian rhythms refer to daily cyclic events such as activity and rest in biology. A protein-based core related to the mechanism of circadian is identified. In the present study, the gene expression profiles of mouse skin in different conditions of light-dark times were investigated via protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to explore the main affected genes. Methods: GSE174155 was derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and was analyzed via GEO2R to find the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene expression profiles of Cry-null (genotype: cryptochrome-1(-/-): crytochrome-2 (-/-)) mouse skin versus the wild-type samples in the various circadian times (CTs) were assessed. The queried DEGs plus 50 first neighbors were included in a PPI network via the STRING database by Cytoscape software. The networks were analyzed and the central nodes were evaluated. Results: Three groups of mice based on CTs were identified. 15, 15, and 14 central nodes were determined as central nodes for the analyze networks. There was not a common central node for the analyzed networks. Conclusion: It was pointed out that the light/dark time ratio had a gross effect on the gene expression profile of the skin in the mice. Results imply more investigations to suggest a standard protocol related to CT, considering human lifestyle and exploring suitable protective methods for the jobs which are fixed in the abnormal CT sets.

Introducing BDNF and SNAI1 as the Crucial Targeted Genes by UV Radiation.

Introduction: Due to widespread penetration of UV radiation in human life, the biological effect of UV radiation is studied through many investigations in the field of medicine. There are many assessments about UV radiation which are concerned with protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. In the present study, a network analysis associated with the complementary evaluation of UV radiation on human primary melanocytes is presented. Methods: The gene expression profiles of the irradiated human primary melanocytes and the control cells were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and were evaluated via PPI network analysis and action map assessment. Results: 69 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were included in the main component of the PPI network. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), SNAI1, and SOCS1 were highlighted as the top dysregulated and hub genes. Results indicate that BDNF and SNAI1 participate in the regulatory unit including the total hubs and top dysregulated genes. Conclusion: Considerable down-regulation of BDNF and up-regulation of SNAI1 as the two critical targeted genes by UV radiation are accompanied by gross alteration in cell functions.

Assessment of colon cancer molecular mechanism: a system biology approach.

AIM: The current study aimed to assess and compare colon cancer dysregulated genes from the GEO and STRING databases. BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is known as the third most common kind of cancer and the second most important reason for global cancer-related mortality rates. There have been many studies on the molecular mechanism of colon cancer. METHODS: From the STRING database, 100 differentially expressed proteins related to colon cancers were retrieved and analyzed by network analysis. The central nodes of the network were assessed by gene ontology. The findings were compared with a GSE from GEO. RESULTS: Based on data from the STRING database, TP53, EGFR, HRAS, MYC, AKT1, GAPDH, KRAS, ERBB2, PTEN, and VEGFA were identified as central genes. The central nodes were not included in the significant DEGs of the analyzed GSE. CONCLUSION: A combination of different database sources in system biology investigations provides useful information about the studied diseases.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Effects on Rat Blood Hemostasis Via Significant Alteration in Fibrinogen and Plasminogen Expression Level.

Introduction: There are many documents about the significant role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in different processes such as regenerator medicine and bone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the role of LLLT in blood hemostasis in rats via bioinformatic investigation. Methods: The differentially expressed plasma proteins of treated rats via LLLT from the literature and the added 50 first neighbors were investigated via network analysis to find the critical dysregulated proteins and biological processes by using Cytoscape software, the STRING database, and ClueGO. Results: A scale-free network including 55 nodes was constructed from queried and added first neighbor proteins. Fibrinogen gamma, fibrinogen alpha, and plasminogen were highlighted as the central genes of the analyzed network. Fibrinolysis was determined as the main group of biological processes that were affected by LLLT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that LLLT affects blood hemostasis which is an important point in approving the therapeutic application of LLLT and also in preventing its possible complication.

The Principal Role of Several Members of HLA and IRF Genes in Prevention of Oral Mucositis After Chemoradiotherapy.

Introduction: One of the chemoradiotherapy (CRT) side effects is oral mucositis (OM). Since photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a public method for the repair process, in the present study the mechanism of PBMT in the prevention of OM is investigated via the bioinformatics approach. Methods: Six validated and significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the prevention of OM in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who had experienced CRT were extracted from the literature. After adding 50 neighbors from STRING, the network was constructed and analyzed. The results of the action map and network analysis were compared and discussed. Results: HLA gene family were identified as central nodes of the analyzed network. Based on action map finding, activation is prominent action and IRF9 was the potent activator. The role of the IRF gene family was highlighted by action map analysis. Conclusion: Regulation of the immune system by HLA and IRF genes family is a crucial factor in the prevention of OM in the studied patients.

Baseline Characteristics and Associated Factors of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients; an Analysis of 16000 Cases in Tehran, Iran.

Introduction. INTRODUCTION: Given the importance of evidence-based decision-making, this study aimed to evaluate epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as associate factors of mortality among admitted COVID-19 cases. METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted on confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases who were hospitalized in 19 public hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran, between February 19 and May 12, 2020. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the infected cases were compared between the deceased and survivors after discharge. Case fatality rates (CFRs) were calculated across all study variables. Single and multiple logistic regressions were used to explore the risk factors associated with COIVD-19 mortality. RESULTS: Out of the 16035 cases that referred to the hospitals affiliated to SBMU, 16016 patients (99.93% of Confirmed and 99.83% of suspected cases) were hospitalized. 1612 patients died with median hospitalization days of 5 (interquartile range (IQR): 2-9) and 3 (1-7) for confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases, respectively. The highest death rate was observed among ages>65 (63.4% of confirmed cases, 62.3% of suspected cases) and intensive care unit (ICU)/critical care unit (CCU) patients (62.7% of confirmed cases, 52.2% of suspected cases). Total case fatality rate (CFR) was 10.05% (13.52% and 6.37% among confirmed and suspected cases, respectively). The highest total CFR was observed in patients with age>65 years (25.32%), underlying comorbidities (25.55%), and ICU/CCU patients (41.7%). The highest CFR was reported for patients who had diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (38.46%) as underlying non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and patients with cancer (35.79%). CONCLUSION: This study showed a high CFR among suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases, and highlighted the main associated risk factors including age, sex, underlying NCDs, and ICU/CCU admission affecting survival of COVID-19 patients.

Monoclonal Antibody Against ROR1 Induces Apoptosis in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND: Receptor tyrosine kinase-like Orphan Receptor 1 (ROR1) is one of the promising cell surface antigens for targeting cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate ROR1 cell surface expression in bladder cancer cells using a murine anti-ROR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) called 5F1-B10 as well as investigate its potential in apoptosis induction. METHODS: Expression of ROR1 in two human bladder cell lines, 5637 and EJ138, as well as a non-cancerous human cell line, Human Fetal Foreskin Fibroblast (HFFF), was examined by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining of cancer and normal bladder tissues was also performed. RESULTS: The flow cytometry results showed that 5F1-B10 mAb could recognize ROR1 molecules in 86.1% and 45.6% of 5637 and EJ138 cells, respectively. The expression level of ROR1 was 5.49% in HFFF cells. The immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry staining results also confirmed the presence of ROR1 on the surface of both bladder cancer cells and tissues, respectively. The obtained data from apoptosis assay demonstrated that 5F1-B10 mAb could induce apoptosis in both 5637 and EJ138 cell lines. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our finding indicates the role of ROR1 in bladder cancer cell survival and suggests this receptor might be a promising target for developing novel therapeutic agents against bladder carcinoma.

Efficacy of Momiai in Tibia Fracture Repair: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Momiai ( shilajit, mummy, mumie, or mineral pitch) has been used traditionally in different medical systems for the treatment of a variety of ailments since hundreds of years ago. It is a natural substance found in different rocky parts of the world, formed by plants, mineral, and animal remains gradually. There is also worthwhile evidence supporting its oral use for bone repair in Persian medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of momiai in tibia fracture healing. Design: This study is a randomized double-blinded controlled trial. Settings/Location: Three different hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Subjects: Patients with age range of 18-60 years admitted due to new tibia fracture were enrolled after meeting the inclusion criteria. Interventions: The patients were divided into two groups randomly and received two 500 mg capsules of momiai or placebo for 28 days. Outcome measures: The process of bone healing was assessed by frequent X-ray radiographies and adverse effects were recorded. Results: Totally, 160 patients participated in the study either in two equal intervention or placebo groups. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of demographic and descriptive data. At the end of the study, the mean time of tibial bone union was 129 days in the experimental group, while it was 153 days in the placebo group (p < 0.049). There was no significant difference in the reported adverse effects between the two groups (p = 0.839). Conclusions: The current study showed that oral consumption of momiai after tibial shaft fracture surgery could be a promising option to reduce the healing time.

The efficacy of topical sesame oil in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blinded active-controlled non-inferiority clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Sesame oil is an herbal product that has been used to treat the joints pain in several traditional medicines. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of topical sesame oil versus diclofenac gel in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: One hundred and four patients were randomly enrolled in two arms of the trial. Patients were treated by topical sesame oil or diclofenac (three times a day) for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were knee pain via visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, knee joint's flexion angle, 8-meter walk test and number of used analgesics. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 and then 4 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: At the follow-up visits, sesame oil was not inferior to diclofenac regarding scores of WOMAC pain, 8-meter walk test, and knee flexion angle. Although, its non-inferiority was not proved regarding scores of VAS, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC total at the 4th week. Moreover, sesame oil was not inferior to diclofenac regarding consumed analgesics. CONCLUSION: It seems that the topical sesame oil was non-inferior to diclofenac gel on the reduction of the knee OA pain and improvement of some indicators of its function.