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Background: Umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (UCB–HSCs) have important roles in the treatment of illnesses based on their self-renewal and potency characteristics. Knowing the gene profiles and signaling pathways involved in each step of the cell cycle could improve the therapeutic approaches of HSCs. The aim of this study was to predict the gene profiles and signaling pathways involved in the G0, G1, and differentiation stages of HSCs. Methods: Interventional (n = 8) and non-interventional (n = 3) datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and were crossed and analyzed to determine the high- and low-express genes related to each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages of HSCs. Then, the scores of STRING were annotated to the gene data. The gene networks were constructed using Cytoscape software, and enriched with the KEGG and GO databases. Results: The high- and low-express genes were determined due to inter and intra intersections of the interventional and non-interventional data. The non-interventional data were applied to construct the gene networks (n = 6) with the nodes improved using the interventional data. Several important signaling pathways were suggested in each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages. Conclusion: The data revealed that the different signaling pathways are activated in each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages so that their genes may be targeted to improve the HSC therapy.

Abstract The ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) might occur because of coronary artery stenosis. The gene biomarkers apply to the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic decisions in Myocardial Infarction. The aim of this study was to introduce, enrich and estimate timely the blood gene profiles based on the high-throughput data for the molecular distinction of STEMI and NSTEMI. The text mining data (50 genes) annotated with DisGeNET data (144 genes) were merged with the GEO gene expression data (5 datasets) using R software. Then, the STEMI and NSTEMI networks were primarily created using the STRING server, and improved using the Cytoscape software. The high-score genes were enriched using the KEGG signaling pathways and Gene Ontology (GO). Furthermore, the genes were categorized to determine the NSTEMI and STEMI gene profiles. The time cut-off points were identified statistically by monitoring the gene profiles up to 30 days after Myocardial Infarction (MI). The gene heatmaps were clearly created for the STEMI (high-fold genes 69, low-fold genes 45) and NSTEMI (high-fold genes 68, low-fold genes 36). The STEMI and NSTEMI networks suggested the high-score gene profiles. Furthermore, the gene enrichment suggested the different biological conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. The time cut-off points for the NSTEMI (4 genes) and STEMI (13 genes) gene profiles were established up to three days after Myocardial Infarction. The study showed the different pathophysiologic conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. Furthermore, the high-score gene profiles are suggested to measure up to 3 days after MI to distinguish the STEMI and NSTEMI.

Abstract Background Metformin (Met) and dexamethasone (Dexa) are known to reduce blood sugar levels and anti‐inflammatory effects, respectively. Based on the acceleration of atherosclerosis process in diabetes, the β‐arrestin 2 (BARR2) gene and protein expression levels were evaluated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) treated with Met and Dexa in high glucose conditions in this study. Methods and Materials Human VSMCs were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F‐12 (DMEM‐F12) medium and, were treated with different values of Met (1 mM, 5 mM and 7 mM) and Dexa (10−7 M, 10−6 M and 10−5 M) in 24‐ and 48‐h periods. The BARR2 gene and protein expression levels were identified with RT‐qPCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. The signalling axes were predicted from gene network made using Cytoscape software and, were annotated with Gene Ontology. Results The BARR2 gene and protein expression levels reduced in VSMCs treated with Dexa and Met after 24‐ and 48‐h periods. These results were more changed after 48 h. Furthermore, many BARR2‐related signalling axes were found from the network genes. Conclusion Met and Dexa suppressed the BARR2 protein and gene expression levels in the VSMCs. Moreover, the gene network suggested some the cellular signalling axes related to BARR2 that may be affected by Met and Dexa.

Abstract Background Migraine headaches affect all ages, from childhood to old age. Migraine attacks cause significant changes in the living conditions of the sick person, including a decrease in personal, social, and occupational performance. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of migraine in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Method In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the studies associated with the prevalence of migraine using the keywords: migraine, prevalence, and Iran its equivalents in international databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science direct, and Iranian internal information databases, including SID and MagIran, was searched without limit until November 2022. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2) was used to analyze the data. Due to the high number of studies reviewed in this systematic review, the Begg and Mazumdar test was used at a significance level of 0.1, and the corresponding Funnel plot was used to check publication bias. Also, the I2 test was used to check the heterogeneity in this study. Results 22 records were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of migraine in the general population of Iran was 15.1% (confidence interval 95%: 10.7–20.9), and in this population, the prevalence of migraine was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of migraine based on The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) 2 criteria was reportedly 16.4% (95% CI: 10.8–24.1), and with ICHD3 criteria, this value was reported as 17.1% (95% CI: 7.7–33.6). Based on a survey of 4571 children, the prevalence of migraine was reported to be 5.2% (95% CI: 1.3–18.7). Also, the prevalence of migraine in adolescents was calculated based on eight studies (n = 8820). Accordingly, 11.2% (95% CI: 5.8–20.4) of adolescents have migraines. Meanwhile, the prevalence of migraine in boys was 8.2% (95% CI: 4.8–13.7), and in girls was 8% (95% CI: 6.2–12.7). Conclusion As a result, the prevalence of migraine in Iran, based on population-based studies, was reported as 15.1%. The result showed a higher prevalence of migraine in the general population than in children and adolescents. It was also found that the prevalence of migraine in women is higher than in men.

Plain Language summary Anencephaly is a fatal congenital anomaly characterized by the absence of brain hemispheres and cranial arch. Cochran’s seven-step instructions were used as the guideline. Having determined the research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we studied MagIran, SID, Science Direct, WoS, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, the search strategy in each database included using all possible keyword combinations with the help of “AND” and “OR” operators with no time limit to 2021. Out of 1141 initial articles found, and after excluding repetitive ones in various databases and those irrelevant to inclusion criteria, 360 studies with a sample size of 207,639,132 people were considered for the meta-analysis. Overall estimate of the prevalence, incidence and attenuation of anencephaly worldwide were 5.1 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 per ten thousand births), 8.3 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 5.5–9.9 per ten thousand births), 5.5 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 1.8–15 per ten thousand births) respectively the highest of which according to the subgroup analysis, belonged to the Australian continent with 8.6 per ten thousand births (95% confidence interval 7.7–9.5 per ten thousand births). The overall prevalence of anencephaly in the world is significant, indicating the urgent need for preventive and treating measures.

Abstract Background Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness and disability in the voluntary muscles. There have been several preliminary studies on the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in different parts of the world and the effectiveness of common drugs in its treatment, but there has been no comprehensive study of the efficacy of common drugs in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis globally and the effectiveness of common drugs in its treatment using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Research studies were extracted from IranDoc, MagIran, IranMedex, SID, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences (WoS), ProQuest, Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Google Scholar based on Cochran's seven-step guidelines using existing keywords extracted in MeSH browser. The I2 test was used to calculate the heterogeneity of studies, and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation tests were used to assess publication bias. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2). Results In the search for descriptive studies based on the research question, 7374 articles were found. After deleting articles unrelated to the research question, finally, 63 articles with a sample size of 1,206,961,907 people were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of MG worldwide was estimated to be 12.4 people (95% CI 10.6–14.5) per 100,000 population. For analytical studies on the effectiveness of common myasthenia gravis drugs, 4672 articles were found initially, and after removing articles unrelated to the research question, finally, 20 articles with a sample size of 643 people in the drug group and 619 people in the placebo group were included in the study. As a result of the combination of studies, the difference between the mean QMGS score index after taking Mycophenolate and Immunoglobulin or plasma exchange drugs in the group of patients showed a significant decrease of 1.4 ± 0.77 and 0.62 ± 0.28, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion The results of systematic review of drug evaluation in patients with myasthenia gravis showed that Mycophenolate and Immunoglobulin or plasma exchange drugs have positive effects in the treatment of MG. It also represents the positive effect of immunoglobulin or plasma exchange on reducing SFEMG index and QMGS index and the positive effect of Mycophenolate in reducing MG-ADL index, SFEMG and Anti-AChR antibodies index. In addition, based on a meta-analysis of the random-effect model, the overall prevalence of MG in the world is 12.4 people per 100,000 population, which indicates the urgent need for attention to this disease for prevention and treatment.

Abstract Background The association between the polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been evaluated in several studies. However, the findings were inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effect of VDR gene polymorphisms on the risk of T1DM. Methods All relevant studies reporting the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to T1DM published up to May 2020 were identified by comprehensive systematic database search in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Strength of association were assessed by calculating of pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. To find the potential sources of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results A total of 39 case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results of overall population rejected any significant association between VDR gene polymorphisms and T1DM risk. However, the pooled results of subgroup analysis revealed significant negative and positive associations between FokI and BsmI polymorphisms and T1DM in Africans and Americans, respectively. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggested a significant association between VDR gene polymorphism and T1DM susceptibility in ethnic-specific analysis.

Interpretation is the method of law. It has sub methods. Any of these sub methods have basis and use technique that coordinate with its basis. One of the sub methods at law is the systematic method of interpretation. The major base of this method is to interpret a part of text in correspondence with the other parts so that the text’s coherence is preserved. One of these techniques that is used in this method is Inference to the best explanation. It includes three phases: to observe the facts and cases, to propose the theories and guesses to explain those cases and facts, to choose the best explanation through the rival theories. The best theory is that can explain more cases and be less complicated and have more consistency with the legal system. Inference to the best explanation is used in law very much though its name is less known. This inquiry tries to explain this way of argument logically and analyze its position at law and clarify its application by several instances.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric disorder and among the leading causes of disability worldwide that has a significant genetic component with high heritability. The prognosis for BD patients remains poor because of the lack of reliable biomarkers and also pathogenesis and diagnostic methods remain limited. The purpose of this study was the elucidation potential candidate hub miRNAs related to BD. We searched the gene and miRNA expression patterns of BD from five expression arrays (GSE74358, GSE69486, GSE12654, GSE46416 for gene expression, and GSE152267 for miRNA expression) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to recognize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between normal and BD samples. Using limma package, 87 DEGs were identified and Enrichment analysis for identified genes was performed. Due to more validation of DEGs, their expression was evaluated by 8 independent expression arrays including GSE12649, GSE23848, GSE39653, GSE46449, GSE5388, GSE5389, GSE53987, and GSE62191. By merging DEMs and DEGs, miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. After elucidation of hub miRNAs, the ability of detected miRNAs to discriminate BD from healthy controls was assessed by area under the curve (AUC) using the ROC curve analysis. Furthermore, RT-qPCR on 50 BD samples and 50 healthy controls was performed to validate the in silico results. Our results showed that hsa-miR-19b-3p and hsa-miR-23b-3P could be potential biomarkers of BD.

This case report follows a 66-year-old female who originally presented with malignant melanoma in the left knee and recurrence in the left inguinal region. This prompted a whole body FDG PET/CT scan which showed incidental focal hypermetabolism in the uterus. The diagnosis of endometrial cancer was confirmed at biopsy, and the patient was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy. Melanoma patients are at increased risk of second primary malignancy, and endometrial cancer is a common second primary often diagnosed in cancer survivors. Incidental endometrial focal hypermetabolism should be investigated further for a synchronous malignancy, especially in a post-menopausal woman.

Abstract MRI is routinely used for rectal cancer staging to evaluate tumor extent and to inform decision-making regarding surgical planning and the need for neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy. Extramural venous invasion (EMVI), which is intravenous tumor extension beyond the rectal wall on histopathology, is a predictor for worse prognosis. T2-weighted images (T2WI) demonstrate EMVI as a nodular-, bead-, or worm-shaped structure of intermediate T2 signal with irregular margins that arises from the primary tumor. Correlative diffusion-weighted images demonstrate intermediate to high signal corresponding to EMVI, and contrast enhanced T1-weighted images demonstrate tumor signal intensity in or around vessels. Diffusion-weighted and post contrast images may increase diagnostic performance but decrease inter-observer agreement. CT may also demonstrate obvious EMVI and is potentially useful in patients with a contraindication for MRI. This article aims to review the spectrum of imaging findings of EMVI of rectal cancer on MRI and CT, to summarize the diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer agreement of imaging modalities for its presence, to review other rectal neoplasms that may cause EMVI, and to discuss the clinical significance and role of MRI-detected EMVI in staging and restaging clinical scenarios.

In this work, separation performance of supported carbon membranes produced from Novolac Phenolic resin as the main precursor and carbon nanotubes as nanofiller were investigated for separation of CO2 from N2 and CH4. Supports were produced by carbonization of Novolac Phenolic resin-activated carbon mixture, and selective layer was coated by dip coating of prepared supports into solutions with different concentrations of Novolac Phenolic resin/carbon nanotubes. The composite membranes were pre-oxidized and carbonized under vacuum condition up to 160 °C and 700 °C, respectively. Carbon membranes were characterized using FE-SEM, BET, and gas permeation test. Results revealed that the best proportion of Novolac Phenolic resin/ activated carbon was 40/60 wt% to make a defect-free and applicable support, most pores of which had sizes less than 10 nm. Membranes were tested at different pressures, and the results showed that CO2 permeability increased with pressure. The carbon membrane made with 40 wt% Novolak phenolic resin and 1 wt% carbon nanotubes showed the best separation performance with CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivity of 19.5 and 18.3 in 10 bar, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are different pathophysiological mechanisms for obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) as suggested by the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic hypotheses. The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus) and fluvoxamine in the treatment of mild to moderate obsessive- compulsive disorder. Method: In this study, 50 males and females, aged 18 to 60 years, with mild to moderate OCD, participated. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either saffron (30 mg/day, 15 mg twice a day) or fluvoxamine (100 mg/day) for 10 weeks. Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Adverse Event Checklist, we assessed the patients at baseline, and at the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth week. Finally, the data were analyzed using general linear repeated measures. Results: In this study, 46 patients completed the trial. General linear repeated measures demonstrated no significant effect for time-treatment interaction on the Y-BOCS total scores [F (2.42, 106.87) = 0.70, P = 0.52], obsession Y-BOCS subscale scores [F (2.47, 108.87) = 0.77, p = 0.49], and compulsion Y-BOCS subscale scores [F (2.18, 96.06) = 0.25, P = 0.79]. Frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that saffron is as effective as fluvoxamine in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate OCD.

Chronic urticaria (CU) also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria results in a lowered quality of life (QoL). Disease specific questionnaires are necessary to assess QoL in CU patients. Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) is the only available and validated disease specific questionnaire in the assessment of QoL in CU patients originally developed in Italian language. The aim of the current study was to develop the Persian version of the CU-Q2oL with an acceptable reliability and validity. Using the standard methods provided by guidelines, CU-Q2oL was translated into Persian. A total number of 110 patients with confirmed diagnosis of CU were asked to fill the questionnaire. Determination of scales was performed in addition to checking the data for internal consistency and known group validity. Urticaria activity score 7 (UAS-7) was used to assess the severity of the CU in the population study. The 6 dimensional scale of Persian CU-Q2oL was determined using the Exploratory Factor Analysis. About 68% of the variance was explained by these 6 factor structure higher than 59.9% of the original Italian version. All 6 factors showed acceptable internal consistency as measured by Cronbach α coefficient. There was a significant correlation between UAS-7 and total CU-Q2oL score. UAS7 and the presence of angioedema were predictors of CU-Q2oL score. The Persian version of CU-Q2oL was shown to be a valid and reliable tool to be used in the future clinical studies. Cultural considerations must be kept in mind in adoption of CU-Q2oL to other languages.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and selective IgA deficiency (SIGAD) are the most common primary antibody deficiencies. These two diseases may have coincidence in one family and SIGAD can progress to CVID which suggest common underlying genetic defects between SIGAD and CVID. This study was designed to find the prevalence of multiple cases in families of Iranian patients with CVID or SIGAD. Serum samples were collected from all available first-degree relatives of 37 patients (23 patients with CVID and 14 with SIGAD) to check the levels of immunoglobulin and their subclasses and detect antibody deficiencies. First degree family members of 37 patients (106 individuals) were enrolled in this study. Thirty two percent of patients had multiple cases in their families. The frequency of primary antibody deficiency in the first relatives of the patients was estimated to be one per 9 family members. Most of the patients found among family members were siblings of the primary patients. Analysis in SIGAD family members showed that IgG and IgA levels in families with multiple cases were significantly lower than family members without multiple cases (p values of 0.048 and 0.021, respectively). Rate of families with multiple cases in Iran is more than the previous studies in other countries. This rate was not affected by the consanguinity of parents (p=0.081) or immunoglobulin level of the patients. Because of higher risk for the prevalence of these disorders in those with a positive family history of immunodeficiency, family screening programs in the patients with CVID and SIGAD can be suggested to be prioritized..

Coincidence of autoimmune diseases such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with immunodeficiencies has been reported previously in patients who suffered from primary antibody deficiency (PAD). But there is no original study on immunological profiles of ITP patients to find out their probable immune deficiency. In this case-control study, ITP patients’ humoral immunity was investigated for diagnosis of PAD in comparison with normal population. To evaluate the humoral immune system against polysaccharide antigens, patients’ serum immunoglobulin levels were measured and a 23-valent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) was administrated to evaluate the antibody response to vaccination. In this study, 14 out of 36 patients (39%) were diagnosed with antibody mediated immune deficiency including 2 patients (5.5%) with immunoglobulin class deficiency and 4 (11%) with IgG subclass deficiency. The remaining patients suffered from specific antibody deficiency. The most frequent deficiency in ITP patients was specific antibody deficiency. Therefore, immunological survey on ITP patients may be important especially for those who have undergone splenectomy.

Recurrent and chronic infections in children are one of the most common reasons for physicians' visits that make a diagnostic challenge to pediatricians. Although the majority of referred children with recurrent infections are normal, underlying causes of recurrent infection such as atopy, anatomical and functional defects, and primary or secondary immunodeficiency must be considered in evaluation of children with this complaint. Although primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) were originally felt to be rare, it has became clear that they are much more common than routinely appreciated. Early and accurate detection of PIDs in children is essential to institute early lifesaving care and optimized treatments. Therefore in the approach to children with recurrent infections, careful medical history taking and physical examination with more attention to warning PIDs signs and symptoms are essential to distinguish those children with underlying PIDs from those who are normal or having other underlying disorders. If indicated, appropriate laboratory studies including simple screening and advanced tests must be performed.