Matched related donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results in a long-term follow-up of a pediatric acquired severe aplastic anemia subset: A stem cell source perspective.

HSCT has substantially improved pediatric acquired SAA patients' outcomes. Retrospectively, we attempted to assess the outcome of MRD HSCT in 65 pediatric patients referred to a single center from 1992 to 2012. We were particularly interested to find out whether source of SC (PB, n = 40 and BM, n = 25) significantly impacts EFS and GVHD incidence. With a median follow-up of 45 months, total EFS was 87.7%; EFS for PB and BM groups was 87.5% and 88%, respectively. Acute GVHD (grades 3-4) occurred in 13 patients (PB, n = 10 [25%] and BM, n = 3 [12%]), acute GVHD (grades 2-4) occurred in 24 (PB, n = 16 [40%] and BM, n = 8 [32%]). Extensive chronic GVHD occurred in five patients (PB, n = 3 [7.5%] and BM, n = 2 [8%]). Cox regression revealed that elapsed time of <10 months between diagnosis and HSCT is associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 95% CI = 1.204, 1.010-1.434, p = 0.038). SC source did not significantly affect EFS, incidence of acute GVHD (grades 3-4), or extensive chronic GVHD (p = 0.938, 0.121, and 0.487, respectively). Based on our findings, pediatric acquired SAA patients are benefitted most if MRD-HSCT is carried out early in disease process and SC source does not affect outcome of MRD-HSCT in these patients.

The encapsulation of flavourzyme in nanoliposome by heating method.

The main objective of this study was to use heating method (HM) to prepare liposome without employing any chemical solvent or detergent. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was applied for the screening of significant process variables including the lecithin proportion, the cholesterol/lecithin ratio, the pH of solution for liposome preparation, the enzyme/lecithin ratio, the stirring time, the process temperature, the speed of stirrer, the ratio of stirrer to the tank diameter, the application of homogenization, the method of adding enzyme and centrifugation conditions on the encapsulation efficiency (EE %) of liposome and the activity of liposomal Flavourzyme (LAPU(-1)) (P < 0.05). Then, the response surface methodology based on the central composite design (CCD) was applied for the evaluation of the impacts of the significant mentioned variables on the EE (%) and the activity of the liposomal Flavourzyme. The results indicated that the lecithin proportion and the stirring time were the major influential variables for both responses. The most suitable formulation of the Flavourzyme-loaded liposome is 4.5 % lecithin, 45 °C temperature, 5 % Flavourzyme/lecithin ratio, 30 min stirring time and medium pH of 6. Under suitable operating conditions, the EE of liposome and the activity of the liposomal Flavourzyme were achieved as 26.5 % and 9.96 LAPU ml(-1), respectively. AFM technique and size distribution clearly showed the diameter of 189 nm for the spherical shape of the Flavourzyme- loaded nanoliposome.

The effect of teach-back versus pictorial image educational methods on knowledge of renal dietary restrictions in elderly hemodialysis patients with low baseline health literacy.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to renal dietary restrictions is an important method for minimizing complications in dialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of teach-back versus pictorial image educational methods on knowledge of renal dietary restrictions among elderly hemodialysis patients in Iran. Selected markers of diet and kidney function were also measured. METHODS: Sixty-nine elderly hemodialysis patients with a low level of health literacy were randomly divided into three groups: pictorial image education, teach-back education, and usual care (controls). The intervention groups received diet education comprising four 20-30 min sessions. Subsequently, nutrition knowledge was assessed in each of the three groups by questionnaire before and 2 months after the intervention. Blood laboratory indices were obtained from the patients' medical records and compared before and 2 months after the educational intervention. FINDINGS: There were significant differences in the mean nutritional knowledge scores between the two intervention groups and the controls (p < 0.001). Nutrition knowledge scores were higher after educational sessions incorporating images compared to those using a teach-back strategy. DISCUSSION: Nutrition educational strategies utilizing either pictorial images or teach-back techniques increased knowledge relating to renal nutrition.

Improved Neurotization in High Peripheral Nerve Injury: Side to Side H-shaped Nerve Graft at the Most Distal Part of an Injured Extremity in a Rabbit Model.

Background: We aimed to investigate the effects of nerve repair by setting a side-to-side (H-shaped) nerve graft on the most distal part of the damaged nerve to the adjacent intact nerve to accelerate its regeneration in the end organ. Methods: This pure experimental study was done on the lower extremities of two groups of rabbits in Animal Laboratory Department, 15 Khordad Hospital Tehran, Iran. In both groups, the sciatic nerve at the proximal part of the extremity below the superficial femoral branch was first cut and then repaired. In the investigation group, side-to-side H-shaped nerve grafts were applied between the sciatic and superficial femoral nerves (i.e., two branches) at the most distal to the cut site of the sciatic nerve below the superficial femoral branch at the lower extremity. The sciatic nerve was conventionally repaired in the control group. Results: None of the rabbits' feet in the control group respond to pain stimulation (were without senses) and had ulcers. They had numb legs and went lame. All had muscular atrophy and lacked nerve growth (regeneration) according to pathology. In the investigation group, 86.7% of the rabbits responded to pain stimulation and only 13.3% of them had ulcers. In addition, in pathology report, 13.3% had suffered muscular atrophy and lacked nerve regeneration. Therefore, nerve regeneration was successful in 86.7% of rabbits who underwent H-shaped nerve grafts. Conclusion: Side-to-side H-shaped nerve graft at the most distal part of an injured nerve may cause successful recovery of high (proximal) nerve injury.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +405 C/G polymorphism is associated with essential hypertension in a population from Tehran of Iran.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has long been recognized as a hypotensive mediator. Little is known regarding the contribution of polymorphisms in VEGF gene to essential hypertension (EH), however. We aimed to investigate the association between +405 VEGF C/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and occurrence of EH in a sample of patients with diabetes. A study population of 474 subjects with diabetes of which 45.6% (216) had EH was enrolled in this study. Interviews and physical examinations were performed in a clinical setting. Subjects were matched in baseline anthropometric and biochemical characteristics except for total cholesterol. Genotyping of +405 VEGF C/G (rs2010963) SNP was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The allelic distribution of the sample did not violate Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Subjects with EH had a higher frequency of G allele (P = 0.005). Additionally, those with EH had a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype (P = 0.015). In multivariate logistic regression models controlling for possible confounders, having GG against CC genotype was associated with an odds ratio of 2.51 (95% CI: 1.44-4.38; P = 0.001). Moreover, presence of each G allele was linked to a 1.58-fold increase in risk of having EH (95% CI: 1.200-2.086; P = 0.001). In conclusion, +405 VEGF C/G SNP is associated with EH in patients with diabetes, suggesting presence of G allele and GG or CG genotype confer susceptibility towards EH.

Manufacturing of nanoliposomal extract from Sargassum boveanum algae and investigating its release behavior and antioxidant activity.

In this paper, the fabrication of algal extract-loaded nanoliposomes was optimized based on the central composite response surface design. Different concentrations of phenolic compounds (500, 1,000, and 1,500 ppm) of algal extract and lecithin (0.5, 1.25, and 2% w/w) were applied for preparation of nanoliposomes at process temperatures of 30, 50, and 70°C. Dependent variables were zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, size, and particle size distribution. The particle size of the loaded nanoliposomes ranged from 86.6 to 118.7 nm and zeta potential from -37.3 to -50.7 mV. The optimal conditions were as follows: 0.5% lecithin, 30°C process temperature, and 1,313 ppm of the phenolic compounds extracted from algae. Under these conditions, the experimental entrapment efficiency of the phenolic compounds was 45.5 ± 1.2%. FTIR analysis has verified the encapsulation of algal extract in nanoliposomes. Algal extract phenolic compounds also increased phase transition temperature (Tc) of nanoliposomes (1.6°C to 6.3°C). Moreover, the thermo-oxidative protection of nanoliposomes for the algal extract has been proved by examining the DSC thermograms. It has been demonstrated that the formulated nanoliposomes have a good stability during storage conditions, and they are able to control the release of phenolic compounds at different pH values. During the encapsulation process, the antioxidant activity of the algal extract has been maintained to an acceptable level. Consequently, algal extract-loaded nanoliposomes can be used as a natural antioxidant in lipid-based foods.

Cinnarizine as an alternative recommendation for migraine prophylaxis: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the available prophylactic and acute drugs for migraine management, this disabling disorder remains undertreated especially among pediatrics. In this review, the authors aim at assessing the preventive role cinnarizine plays in treating migraine based on previously published studies. AREAS COVERED: Randomized clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized open-label trials, and retrospective studies concerning cinnarizine in migraine prevention in children and adults were reviewed. Especial attention was given to the response rate, migraine characteristics, and tolerability. EXPERT OPINION: The majority of reviewed trials demonstrated that cinnarizine is comparable to the conventional drugs used in migraine prophylaxis. However, most of the reviewed studies were limited by a non-controlled open-label design. Due to poor planning and possibility of high placebo responses, particularly in children and adolescents, the interpretation of open-label studies' results should be done cautiously. The evidence shows that cinnarizine's effectiveness was more promising in pediatric migraineurs and adults with migraine-associated vertigo such as vestibular migraine. Therefore, while the efficacy of cinnarizine cannot be dismissed, before reaching a definite conclusion on its effectiveness, it is necessary to do further high-quality RCTs among both children and adults.

Headache in Behcet's disease: types and characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease involves several systems in the body. Neurological involvement is identified by different symptoms. Headache is one of the common complaints of patients with Behcet's disease. It might be a part of neurological involvement or may arise independently in the course of disease. Studies with small sample size have resulted in various findings in this field. Since the prevalence of Behcet's disease is relatively high in Iran, this study was carried out to compare the features of headache between an acceptable number of patients with this rare disease and a control group. METHODS: The current case-control study was performed to compare the features of headache between 312 patients with definite Behcet's disease who referred to a Behcet's clinic and healthy individuals. Patients with Behcet's disease were randomly selected. Controls were matched for age and sex. They were personally examined and interviewed meticulously using a questionnaire that met the standards of the International Headache Society classification for different types of headache. RESULTS: The incidence of headache in the case and control groups was 28.3 % (n = 120) and 18.6 % (n = 59), respectively (p < 0.05; OR 2.73). Tension-type headache was observed in 12.2 % (n = 38) of cases which was significantly higher than control group (n = 6.3 %) (p = 0.011; OR 2.05). The most frequent type of headache in the case group was tension-type headache (12.2 %). In the control group, however, migraine without aura was the most common type (9.1 %). A correlation between ophthalmological involvement and headache was observed in 11 patients in the case group. In addition, a significantly higher systolic blood pressure was found in the case group compared to the controls (125.1 vs. 121.7 mmHg; p = 0.007). There was no major correlation between prednisolone consumption in patients with Behcet's disease and the type and frequency of headache. CONCLUSIONS: Headache, especially tension-type headache, is more common in patients with Behcet's disease. This might be the result of specific types of uveitis-related and non-structural headaches seen in Behcet's disease.

Headache in relapse and remission phases of multiple sclerosis: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Headaches are one of the most frequent reasons for pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) individuals. Characterization of headaches and delineating possible relationships with MS-related determinants can ultimately circumvent headaches. METHODS: In a prospective case-control study, 65 Iranian relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 65 healthy controls were recruited during patients' admission for attack-period treatment and asked about characteristics and co-symptoms of headaches they experienced in the preceding week and usage of disease modifying drugs (DMDs) and types of MS attacks were also inquired. The same questions were asked from the same patients 3 months later in a follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients and 57 controls were included in the final analyses. In total, 26 (45.6%) patients in relapse, 18 (27.7%) controls, and 22 (38.6%) patients in remission reported headaches and only significant difference existed between relapse patients and controls (P = 0.036). In headache prevalence was higher in patients in relapse phase having MS < 3 years compared to relapse patients with more than 3 years of MS (68 vs. 28.1%; P = 0.004). Other variables of interest did not differ among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The RRMS patients in relapse phase suffer from headaches more than healthy people do.