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We evaluated associations between diet quality and migraine outcomes. The current work represented a cross-sectional study on 262 patients with migraine (20–50 y). Diet quality was assessed using the standard healthy eating index 2015 (HEI-2015) and alternative healthy eating index 2010 (AHEI-2010). A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Migraine outcomes included clinical factors (severity, duration, frequency, and disability related to migraine) and serum nitric oxide (NO). Associations between diet quality indices and migraine outcomes were evaluated using linear regressions, and β and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. HEI-2015 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (β = −4.75, 95% CI: −6.73, −2.76) in patients with the highest HEI scores (third tertile) vs. those with the lowest scores (first tertile) after adjusting for relevant confounders. AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (β = −3.67, 95% CI: −5.65, −1.69) and migraine-related disability (β = −2.74, 95% CI: −4.79, −0.68) in adjusted models. Also, AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine severity in patients in the second vs. first tertile (β = −0.56; 95% CI: −1.08, −0.05). We detected no associations between diet quality and NO levels (All P > 0.14). Improved diet quality may be associated with favorable migraine outcomes (lower headache frequency, severity, and migraine-related disability). Future studies are required to confirm and delineate the causal mechanisms of our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, low molecular weight polyethyleneimine (LMW PEI; 1.8 kDa branched PEI) was conjugated to phathalated dextrin. The aim of this chemical modification was to decorate PEI molecules with a hydrophilic layer to improve its biophysical properties while the phthalic moiety may improve the hydrophilic‐hydrophobic balance of the final structure. The polymers were prepared at various conjugation degrees ranging from 6.5% to 16.5% and characterized in terms of biophysical characteristics as well as their gene transfer ability and cell‐induced toxicity. The results showed that dextrin‐phthalated‐PEI (DPHPEI) polymer was able to form nanoparticles with the size range of around 118–170 nm, with the zeta potential of 6.2–9.5 mV. DPHPEI polymers could increase the level of desired protein expression in the cells by up to three folds compared with unmodified LMW PEI while the cell viability of the modified polymers was around 80%. The result of this study shows a promising approach to improve the transfection efficiency of LMW PEI while maintaining its low toxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic, as the most important health challenge in the world today, has made numerous irretrievable damages to the social, economic, and health dimensions of societies, especially in developing countries. An essential measure that can be taken to prevent and control the disease is to identify risk factors related to its prognosis and mortality rate. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating COVID-19 survival and mortality risk factors and their relationship with the demographic characteristics of the subjects diagnosed with the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The samples consist of 1395 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to medical centers affiliated with Fasa University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were selected by census sampling. Data were collected using demographic information forms, paraclinical and radiological tests, and clinical examinations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 via descriptive tests, paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc tests. RESULTS: According to the data, the participants' average age was 57.72 ± 4.63 years, and most of them (56.41%) were male. The mortality rate among the participants was estimated to be 13.19%. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between the survival status of patients with COVID-19 and underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular and renal diseases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying high-risk groups is an important measure that health professionals should consider in controlling epidemics. The findings of this study showed that the presence of underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiac and renal conditions, which are associated with immune system defects, are among the most important factors related to the COVID-19 mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constipation and obstructive bowel disorders are the most common symptoms of prolapse and posterior defects. Prolapse and obstructive defecation disorders are treated using various surgical techniques to repair posterior defects. This study aimed to evaluate the manometry results of patients before and after reconstructive surgery of the posterior compartment. This retrospective cohort study included 40 women with defecation disorders referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, an academic center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected through medical records and a checklist developed by the researcher before and after surgery. All analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26), with significance at p<0.05. Forty women with a mean age of 49.47±9.66 years participated in this study. The manometry results showed significant differences in patients before and after surgery in parameters such as maximum resting pressure, push test, constipation, straining during defecation, finger support necessity, sensation of incomplete defecation, dyspareunia, and husband's sexual satisfaction (p<0.001). In addition, all patients had a grade 2 or higher posterior compartment prolapse, which improved in all cases after surgery (p<0.0001). Patients' symptoms significantly improved during the 12-month follow-up after DeLancey level 3 to 1 surgery. This type of surgery proved to be an effective surgical intervention without significant complications in the short-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, antibiotic residues as a global concern pose a threat not only to public health, but also to the food industry all around the world. There have been many studies on contamination sources of bee products, which the most important of them is evaluation of honey contamination extent with various antibiotics used in colonies. Antibiotic residues have a relatively long half life and may have direct toxic effects on consumers. Considering the adverse effects of this residues, we decided to measure the residual erythromycin in different samples of honey consumes in Qazvin, Iran. The present study is a cross-sectional study which conducted in different regions of Qazvin, Iran, in 2019. 80 samples of honey were collected from different regions in Qazvin. Using semi-quantitative ELISA, honey samples were evaluated for the presence of residual erythromycin. Based on the results obtained by ELISA, residual erythromycin was detected only in 8 samples (10.66%), of which, 5 samples (6.66%) and 3 samples (4%) had between 10-120 ng g-1 erythromycin and higher than 120 ng g-1 erythromycin (higher than detection limit of kit), respectively. According to the results, more than 96 percent of our honey samples lacked any erythromycin or had erythromycin concentration lower than allowable limit. The present study demonstrated that most of the honey samples collected from different regions of Qazvin lacked erythromycin residues, but due to the importance of drug residues on community health, annual screening of produced honey for the presence of drug residues by competent authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The death of a parent is a traumatic experience, and for many female students, it can be especially challenging when the father is no longer around. although most studies focus on the emotional impact of such an event, few have examined how it affects academic performance. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the lived experience of female students' academic strengths after the death of their father. For this study, 13 female students in their mid-teens who had experienced the death of their fathers were recruited by convenience sampling. Each participant was interviewed using a semi-structured interview, and content analysis was conducted using Colizzi's steps to derive themes and categories. The study revealed 4 themes, including (1) school-related support, (2) personal strengths, (3) specialist support, and (4) interpersonal and social strengths. The death of the father can have a significant impact on the academic performance of female students. Despite these challenges, this study indicated that female students may show resilience and educational strengths after the death of their father. Moreover, this study indicated the need for more support from society as well as schools for female students who have experienced the death of their father. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected human beings worldwide. After recovery from the disease, the pulmonary function and physiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients are not well documented. The current study aims to assess post-COVID-19 lung function, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality within three months after recovery from the disease. Materials and Methods: Ninety-seven patients (21 outpatients and 76 inpatients) with COVID-19 were followed three months after recovery. They were divided into two groups according to the severity of the disease. The spirometric parameters included FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. A 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) was recorded. Besides, sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and mood status in two dimensions of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were compared between the groups. Results: More than 70% of the studied population presented at least one of the COVID-19 infection-related symptoms within three months after recovery. spirometric measurements revealed non-significant differences between the patients with severe versus non-severe COVID-19 in terms of FVC (P=0.805), FEV1 (P=0.948), FEV1/FVC (P=0.616), and 6MWT (P=0.409). Based on PSQI, sleep quality was significantly associated with the severity of disease (P=0.031), but HADS assessments were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients have corona symptoms and abnormal pulmonary function tests three months after recovery. Besides, sleep quality was considerably affected by the severity of the disease and was directly associated with the post-COVID-19 mood of the patients. It seems necessary to consider and control the long-term consequences of this infection regardless of the disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglyceride [TG]). Databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019 to identify RCTs documenting the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on blood lipid profiles in adults. Effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects models (DerSimonian-Laird method). Twelve eligible RCTs were included. Consumption of pistachio nuts decreased TC (WMD: −7.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, −12.62 to −2.34), LDL-C (WMD: −3.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, −5.49 to −2.16) and TG (WMD: −11.19 mg/dL; 95% CI, −14.21 to −8.17) levels. However, HDL-cholesterol levels (WMD: 2.45 mg/dL; 95% CI, −2.44 to 7.33) did not change following pistachio consumption. Consuming pistachio nuts may improve lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C, TG) in adults and may be protective against cardiometabolic diseases. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to predict the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients in the central region of Iran by employing the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), with adjustments made for age in the predictive model. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, encompassing all probable, suspicious, and confirmed COVID-19 cases from the onset of the pandemic (55307 individuals), 3415 cases resulting in death were designated as the study group, while the survivors constituted the control group. Results: The Charlson Comorbidity Index revealed that over 11 percent of all patients had at least one underlying medical condition. Logistic regression analysis indicated a significantly elevated likelihood of mortality among patients with comorbidities. Specifically, individuals with a CCI score of 6 or higher were more than twice as likely to succumb to the virus compared to those without underlying diseases. Those with a score of 6 or more exhibited the highest odds ratio (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.5). Conclusion: The study findings underscore the heightened vulnerability of individuals to COVID-19 mortality, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing health conditions. The coexistence of age and comorbidities substantially increased the risk of death due to COVID-19 in this population. Consequently, targeted interventions and focused care strategies may be crucial for this high-risk demographic in pandemic management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium implants are one of the most durable and conventional orthopedic and dental implants. The aim of this research was to improve the bio-compatibility of these implants by implementing nano-dimension coating of titanium oxide nanotubes (TNT). For this purpose, the effect of dimension and atomic structure of titanium oxide nanotubes on the surface properties and biological performance were examined. TNTs were synthesized by anodizing method on the surface of titanium sheets. Dimension of TNT was controlled by anodizing process parameters. Heat treatment affected the atomic structure of TNTs. Contact angle measurement as one of the important surface properties was conducted on different dimensions and structures of TNTs, to study human blood's physical interaction with the implant surface. In addition, the quality and quantity of bone material sediment on the surface were examined by SBF test and SEM analysis. Finally, cell culture provided informative data on bone cells' response to these nanotubular coatings by analyzing MTT results and SEM photography of cells. As a result, the optimum dimension and atomic structure of TNTs were defined and the required process parameters were introduced to obtain this state. This setup may be used as an optimum state of TNT as a nano-dimension coating on titanium implant with orthopedic functions to enhance the cell adhesion and acquire the highest proliferation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of pistachio consumption on the glucoregulatory status in individuals with a high risk of CVD, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) were conducted. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until June 2019. Human trials that reported data for fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were included. Data were pooled using the random effect models and expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % CI. Eight RCTs were included in the analyses. Pistachio consumption, exchanged isocalorically for other foods, decreased FBS (WMD: −5·32 mg/dl, 95 % CI (−7·80, −2·64), P < 0·001) and insulin (WMD: −1·86 µIU/ml, 95 % CI (−3·13, −0·59), P < 0·01) concentrations in individuals with a high risk of CVD. However, no changes were observed in the levels of HOMA-IR between the groups (WMD: −0·66, 95 % CI (−1·89, 0·58), P = 0·30). Pistachio consumption may improve glucoregulatory status in individuals at risk for CVD, as evidenced by reduced FBS and insulin concentrations. However, due to the limited availability of studies with diabetic cases and relatively small sample sizes of available studies, well-designed trials with adequate sample sizes aimed at diabetic populations are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We evaluated associations between food insecurity (FI) and the quality and quantity of sleep in adults (≥18 years).Design: The current study represented a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Setting: Databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception until June 06, 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, and effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Subjects: Data from ten eligible observational studies, including 83,764 participants, were included.Results: FI was associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality (OR=1.45; 95% CI:1.24-1.70, I2 =95, P<0.001, n=7). Besides, subgroup analysis showed increased risk of poor sleep quality corresponding to the severity of FI across mild (OR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.16-1.48, I2 =0%, P<0.001, n=5), moderate (OR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.32-1.68, I2 =0%, P<0.001, n=5), and severe (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.63-2.20, I2 =0%, P<0.001, n=5) levels. Similarly, subgroup analysis by sleep problems showed that FI was associated with an increased the risk of trouble falling asleep (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.83, I2 =91%, P=0.002, n=3) and trouble staying asleep (OR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.37-2.67, I2 =89%, P<0.001, n=3). Moreover, FI was associated with the odds of shorter (OR=1.14; 95% CI:1.07-1.21, I2 =0%, P<0.001, n=4) and longer sleep duration (OR=1.14; 95% CI:1.03-1.26, I2 =0%, P=0.010, n=4).Conclusions: Collective evidence supports that FI is associated with poor sleep quality and quantity in adults. Preventative and management strategies that address FI may provide health benefits beyond improving nutritional status per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co‐delivery of small chemotherapeutic molecules and nucleic acid materials via targeted carriers has attracted great attention for treatment of resistant tumors and reducing adverse effects. In this study, a targeted carrier for co‐delivery was prepared based on low‐molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW PEI). Paclitaxel (PTX) was covalently conjugated onto PEI via a succinate linker. The PEI conjugate was decorated with L‐DOPA in order to target large neutral amino acid transporter‐1 (LAT‐1) that is over‐expressed on various cancer cells. This PEI conjugate was complexed with human ABCB1 shRNA plasmid to down‐regulate the expression of P‐glycoprotein, as one of the major efflux pumps inducing resistance against chemotherapeutics. The formation of PEI conjugate enhanced the solubility of PTX and resulted in the condensation and protection of plasmid DNA in nanosized polyplexes. The results of targeted delivery into the cells demonstrated that PEI conjugate transferred the payloads to the cells over‐expressing LAT‐1 transporter, while the biological effects on the cells lacking the transporter was negligible. Also, shRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of P‐gp led to the increase of toxic effects on the cells over‐expressing P‐gp. This study suggests a promising approach for co‐delivery of small molecules and nucleic acid materials in a targeted manner for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome developing drug resistance in cancer treatment, combination therapy could be an attractive strategy. It has been shown that doxorubicin anti-cancer properties are improved by P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as verapamil. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) can simultaneously deliver verapamil and doxorubicin and provide an effective anti-cancer drug delivery system. The present study aimed to develop an efficient high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of doxorubicin and verapamil encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (NPs). Quantification of doxorubicin and verapamil was performed by the HPLC method. The method was developed by evaluating combination of different solvents ratios as mobile phase and modification of the mobile phase rate. A series of doxorubicin and verapamil solutions at concentrations of "6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml" and "0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 µg/ml" were prepared, respectively. The method was validated by calculating selectivity, linearity, accuracy, intra- and inter-day precision. The validated method was used to characterize prepared doxorubicin-verapamil PLGA NPs by determination of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency% and in vitro release. Results indicated that analysis method was selective with notable separation efficiency and acceptable limit of detection and limit of quantification which shows the sensitivity of the method. The linear standard curve with suitable accuracy and precision confirms the validation of method for simultaneous analysis of doxorubicin and verapamil in NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]