Protective effect of co-enzyme Q10 on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in adult male rats treated with Sunset Yellow FCF

Objective:To determine the protective effect of co-enzyme Q10(CoQ10)on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats treated with SunsetYellow FCF.Methods:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of the control,CoQ10(10 mg/kg/day),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg),high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg),low dose of Sunset Yellow(2.5 mg/kg)plus CoQ10,and high dose of Sunset Yellow(70 mg/kg)plus CoQ10.The drugs were administered via daily oral gavages for 6 weeks.At the end of the experiment,sperm analysis,stereological and histological assessments of the testis were carried out.Results:The normal morphology(by 41.1%)and progressive spermatozoa(by 74.8%),testicle volume(by 33.4%),lumen volume(by 38.3%),interstitial tissue volume(by 44.7%),seminiferous tubule volume(by 40.7%),and number of spermatogonia(by 53.9%)and Leydig cells(by 70.7%)reduced in the rats that received high doses of Sunset Yellow in comparison to the control group.Nonetheless,all these alterations were recovered by CoQ10 treatment in the CoQ10 plus high dose of Sunset Yellow group.Furthermore,low doses of Sunset Yellow did not affect different parameters of the testis and sperm.Conclusions:CoQ10 could,to some extent,prevent structural changes of the testis induced by the high dose of SunsetYellow.

Efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19:A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: According to the high prevalence of COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of men's sexual health, we decided to investigate the efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.Methods: In this study, 70 outpatients who were recovered from COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome with negative polymerase chain reaction test and a complaint of erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups: 35 patients who received tadalafil 5 mg daily and 35 who received placebo. For each patient, basic assessment of sexual function was performed using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Then, treatment was started from 2 months after complete recovery of COVID-19 with negative polymerase chain reaction test for 3 months. At the end of the treatments, the patients were re-evaluated for sexual function using the complete version of IIEF questionnaire. Finally, the results before and after treatment in the intervention group were compared with those of the control group.Results: Treatment with both tadalafil and placebo improved the patients' sexual function criteria compared to the baseline. However, this improvement was significantly higher in the intervention group with tadalafil than the control group with placebo (p<0.05).Conclusion: Daily administration of tadalafil 5 mg seems to be effective and safe for improvement of erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.

A 10-year review and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash city, south of Iran: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Objective:To determine the temporal trend and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash City,Iran.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 630 cases of people with animal bites between 2011 and 2021 in Gerash City.The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test.Results:The mean age of victims was(30.9±17.5)years.80.54%Of victims were male,39.70%were self-employed,and 64.60%were adults(≥18 years).Most cases of bites occurred in 2019(91 cases),2020(74 cases)and 2021(87 cases),and most of the bites were related to the upper limbs(62.70%).Most of the wounds were superficial(78%),most of the biting animals were domestic animals(91.74%),and most of the victims had Iranian nationality(97.62%).Conclusions:Given the increasing trend of animal bites in Gerash City,health authorities should carry out basic measures such as education and awareness among the public,especially at-risk groups such as adult males.Additionally,since most cases of bites are due to dogs,it seems necessary to plan for vaccination of dogs,especially those with owners.

Spatial analysis of animal bites in Iran(2015-2020):A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the distribution pattern of animal bites in Mirjaveh,Iran from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The data on animal bites were collected from the Department of Infectious Diseases,the provincial health center.Monthly climatic data on precipitation and temperature during the study period were also collected.The correlation between incidence and temperature,precipitation rate,land type,and altitude was also analyzed.Results:The results showed that men were more affected by animal bites than women(76.4%,P<0.001),and the highest incidence rate occurred in the age group of 5-19 years.The incidence rate of animal bites was found to be correlated with temperature and altitude.An increase in temperature was associated with a rise in the incidence rate of animal bites.The number of animal bites increased until 2019,possibly due to an increase in the number of dogs in the area.Conclusions:Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the incidence of animal bites,particularly among children,housewives,and students.Improving access to appropriate treatments,increasing public awareness of the hazards of animal bites,and increasing the number of vaccinated dogs in the area are essential strategies to be considered.

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society orthopedic surgeons in the United States:An analysis of geographical distribution,academic,leadership,and demographic characteristics

BACKGROUND The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society(LLRS)is a premier orthopedic specialty organization that promotes limb reconstruction for all ages.LLRS membership characteristics,however,are poorly reported.This study delineates orthopedic surgeon LLRS members’demographic traits,academic achievement,leadership attainment,and geographical distribution across the United States.AIM To inform aspiring orthopedic professionals,as well as to promote growth and diversity in both the LLRS organization and overarching field.METHODS This cross-sectional study examined United States LLRS members’academic,leadership,demographic,and geographical attributes.After reviewing the 2023 LLRS member directory,Google search results were matched to the listings and appended to the compiled data.Sex and ethnicity were evaluated visually utilizing retrieved images.The Hirsch index(H-index)of academic activity,residency and fellowship training,other graduate degrees,leadership positions,practice type(academic or non-academic),and spoken languages were categorized.LLRS members per state and capita determined geographic distribution.The Mann Whitney U test was applied to compare H-index between males and females,as well as to assess member differences pertaining to affiliation with academic vs non-academic practice facilities.RESULTS The study included 101 orthopedic surgeons,78(77.23%)Caucasian and 23(22.77%)non-Caucasian,79(78.22%)male and 22(21.78%)female.Surgeons with DO degrees comprised only 3.96%(4)of the cohort,while the vast majority held MDs[96.04%(97)].Mean H-index was 10.55,with male surgeons having a significantly higher score(P=0.002).Most orthopedic surgeons(88.12%,)practiced in academic centers.Of those professionals who occupied leadership positions,14%were women,while 86%were men.Additionally,19(37.25%)United States regions and the District of Columbia lacked an LLRS-member orthopedic surgeon.Total per capita rate across the United States was 0.30 LLRS orthopedic surgeons per 1 million people.CONCLUSION Over 21%of LLRS members are women,surpassing prior benchmarks noted in orthopedic faculty reporting.LLRS members’high research productivity scores imply field dedication that can refine expertise in the limb lengthening and reconstruction space.Gender disparities in leadership remain,however,necessitating greater equity efforts.A low rate of LLRS representation per capita must be addressed geographically as well,to affect improvements in regional care access.This study can serve to support aspiring orthopedic professionals,inform diversity,leadership,and field advancement strategies,and maintain the continued goal of enhanced patient care worldwide.

Necessary prerequisites for evidence-based practice:results of investigating nurses'informatics competency and information literacy skills

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nursing informatics(NI)competency and information literacy skills for evidencebased practice(EBP)among intensive care nurses.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 nurses working in intensive care units(ICUs).The study data were collected through demographic information,Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool(NICAT),and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires.The intensive care nurses received competent and low-moderate levels for the total scores of NI competency and information literacy skills,respectively.They received a moderate score for the use of different information resources but a low score for information searching skills,different search features,and knowledge about search operators,and only 31.5%of the nurses selected the most appropriate statement.NI competency and related subscales had a significant direct bidirectional correlation with information literacy skills for EBP and its subscales(P<0.05).Nurses require a high level of NI competency and information literacy for EBP to obtain up-to-date information and provide better care and decision-making.Health planners and policymakers should develop interventions to enhance NI competency and information literacy skills among nurses and motivate them to use EBP in clinical settings.

Risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Shiraz,southern Iran

AIM: To determine the prevalence and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a healthy general population in relation to demographic,lifestyle and health-seeking behaviors in Shiraz,southern Iran. METHODS: A total of 1978 subjects aged > 35 years who referred to Gastroenterohepatology Research Center and who completed a questionnaire consisting of 27 questions for GERD in relation to demographic,lifestyle and health-seeking behaviors were included in this study for a period of five months. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD was 15.4%,which was higher in females (17.3%),in rural areas (19.8%),and in illiterate subjects (21.5%) and those with a mean age of 50.25 years. The prevalence was significantly lower in subjects having fried food (14.8%),and fruit and vegetables (14.6%). More symptoms were noticed in subjects consuming pickles (22.1%),taking aspirin (21%) and in subjects with psychological distresses (27.2%) and headaches (22%). The correlation was statistically significant between GERD and halitosis (18.3%),dyspepsia (30.6%),anxiety (19.5%),nightmares (23.9%) and restlessness (18.5%). Their health seeking behavior showed that there was a significant restriction of diet (20%),consumption of herbal medicine (19%),using over-the-counter drugs (29.9%) and consulting with physicians (24.8%). Presence of GERD symptoms was also significantly related to a previous family history of the disease (22.3%).CONCLUSION: GERD is more common in females,rural and illiterate subjects and correlated with consumption of pickles,occurrence of headache,psychological distress,dyspepsia,halitosis,anxiety,nightmare and restlessness,and a family history of GERD and aspirin intake,but the correlation was negative with consumption of fat and fiber intake.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients in Shiraz, Southern Iran

AIM: To improve our understanding of Iranian regional variation in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) antibiotic resistance rates to find the best antibiotic therapy for eradication of H. pylori infections.METHODS: A total of 266 patients undergoing endoscopy in Shiraz, Southern Iran, were included in this study. H. pylori strains were isolated from antral biopsies by culture and confirmed by the rapid urease-test and gram staining. Antibiotic susceptibility of H. pylori isolates was determined by E-test.RESULTS: A total of 121 H. pylori strains were isolated, 50 from male and 71 from female patients. Data showed that 44% (n = 53), 20% (n = 24), 5% (n = 6), and 3% (n = 4) of all strains were resistant to the antibiotics metronidazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and tetracycline, respectively. When the antibiotics were considered together we found 11 sensitivity patterns for the strains. Resistance to metronidazole was significantly higher in female than in male patients (P < 0.05). In about 71% of the metronidazole-resistant isolates, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) exceeded 256 μg/mL.CONCLUSION: We found a moderate rate of primary resistance to metronidazole. However, a high MIC (> 256 mg/L) which was found in 71% of the isolates is considerable. In the case of amoxicillin, an increased resistance rate of 20% is worrying. Resistance to clarithromycin and tetracycline is also emerging among the H. pylori strains in our region.

Epidemiology of animal bite injuries in North of Fars province in Iran

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological situation of animal bites in Rostam city of Fars province.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study.Cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020 were analyzed using the census method.The tool for collecting information was the portal of the Ministry of Health and the registration offices of people who were referred to the rabies center.Results:A total of 628 cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020.The mean age of the injured was(31.3±20.2)years.Of the total injured cases,414(65.9%)were male,and 491(78.2%)lived in villages.Most of the cases were bitten by dogs(n=420,66.8%)and the upper limb was involved in 280(55.2%)cases.In addition,an increasing trend was observed in the incidence of animal bites from 2015 to 2020.Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites in Rostam City is high,and most of the cases occur in rural areas.Considering the injuries caused by animal bites,the risk of rabies transmission,and the high costs of vaccination and serum therapy,it is necessary to hold control,educational,and vaccination programs.

Incidence rate of animal bites in southern Iran during 2015-2019 using Cochrane-Armitage trend test

Objective:To investigate the trend of animal bites in southern Iran from 2015 to 2019.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study of patients with animal bites who were referred to the Center for Disease Control in the three cities of Larestan,Evaz,and Khonj in Fars province,southern Iran from 2015 to 2019.The trend of animal bites incidence was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.Results:In total,from 2015 to 2019,1944 cases of animal bites were reported.A total of 79.8%of the cases were men.The overall average incidence of animal bites was 142.93 per 100000 people.The incidence of animal bites was significantly increased(Ptrend<0.001).The highest incidence was in November(79.04 per 100000 people)followed by January(76.1 per 100000 people)and February(69.48 per 100000 people);also,the lowest incidence was in August(47.42 per 100000 people)and July(50.0 per 100000 people).Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites has significantly increased.Given the importance of rabies,control and management of animal bites should be emphasized and considered.

Prediction of the impact of air pollution on rates of hospitalization for asthma in Shiraz based on air pollution indices in 2007-2012

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effects of air pollutants on emergency admissions for asthma, and to forecast the disease burden in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: The average daily concentrations of fine particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) were calculated from data reported by two air quality monitoring stations in Shiraz from the beginning of 2007 to mid-2012. Results: The numbers of patients admitted with asthma attack during this period were collected from four main university-affiliated hospitals. Admissions correlated strongly with the levels of PM10, SO2, CO and O3 during warm seasons (P<0.001), and with NO2 level during cold seasons (P<0.001). We forecast increasing trends in air pollutants and patient admissions in the year 2015. Conclusion: Our findings are further evidence of the effects of air pollutants on asthma exacerbations.

A simple multiplex PCR for assessing prevalence of extended-spectrumβ-lactamases producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Intensive Care Units of a referral hospital in Shiraz,Iran

Objective:To identify three common genes(bla_(TEM),bla_(SHV)and bla_(CTX-M)responsible for ESBL production in Klebsiella pneumnniae(K.pneumnniae)isolated from Intensive Care Units of Namazi Hospital,Shiraz,Iran.Methods:A total of 60 non-repetitive nosocomial isolates from 60patients were selected during 2009-2010.The phenotypic identification of ESBL production was confirmed by Double Disk Synergy Test(DDST)according to CLSI guidelines.The ESBL's genotype was then analyzed by multiplex PCR of bla_(TEM),bla_(SHV)and bla_(CTX-M)genes and DNA sequencing.Results:The primary susceptibility tests of K.pneumoniae showed that among 10 examined antibiotics,the most resistant and susceptible antibiotics identified in this study were ampicillin and imipenem,respectively.The phenotypic determination of ESBL by DDST showed that 60%(n=36)of isolates produced ESBL.Multiplex PCR of genes among K.pneuunoniae isolates showed that 39%(n=18)of them have TEM,39%in=18)of then have both CTX-M and TEM and 13%(n=8)of them have TEM,SHV,CTX-M.Conclusions:Our findings reveal the high prevalence(60%)of ESBL prcxducing K.pneumnniae from ICL patients along with a new pattern of bla_(TEM)distribution differ from other countries.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of Enterobius vermicularis among kindergarteners in Shiraz and Khorramabad cities, Iran

Objective: To study the prevalence and genotype of Enterobius(E.)vermicularis from adhesive tape samples in the cities of Shiraz and Khorramabad, Iran. Methods: A total of 1 000 adhesive tape samples from kindergartens in Shiraz(500 samples) and Khorramabad(500 samples) were collected and tested using a microscope to find E. vermicularis egg/s. A questionnaire was filled out for each sample. In order to characterize the genotype of E. vermicularis, the PCR-sequencing method of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1(cox1) gene was used. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive scotch tape samples of E. vermicularis. The cox1 gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The sequence data were aligned using the BioEdit software and compared with the published sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method. Results: The parasitological method showed that 15 out of the 500 samples from Shiraz(3.00%) and 12 out of the 500 samples from Khorramabad(2.40%) were infected with E. vermicularis eggs. BLAST analysis indicated that the sequenced isolates belonged to E. vermicularis genotype B while three different haplotypes were also identified. Conclusions: This is the first study on genotyping E. vermicularis in the cities of Shiraz and Khorramabad. Considering the public health importance of the disease, further studies are necessary to characterize the genotype of E. vermicularis in human populations from other regions of Iran.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Immunocompromised Patients: A Multicenter, University Hospital Experience in Shiraz

Objective: It is to determine the causes of invasive fungal sinusitis in patients of Shiraz University hospitals, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 18 months (from 21 March 2009 till 22 September 2010) in three Shiraz University Hospitals. Thirty-six patients with sings of invasive fungal sinusitis were enrolled, and tissue samples were investigated for histopathology, culture and antifungal susceptibility test. The laboratory results with host factor and sinus computed tomography scan were evaluated for classification of patients as proven, probable and possible invasive fungal sinusitis. Results: Thirty-five patients have involved with at least one risk factor (immune compromised disease, diabetes mellitus, or use of immune suppressed drugs). Radiological findings of parasinus invasion or necrosis were present in 20 patients. By histopathology, 21 patients were considered as proven, from these, 17 samples had positive growth. The culture aetiology agents were 4 Candida, 8 Aspergillus, and 5 Mucor. All positive culture samples were matched with histopathology findings. Significant associations were considered for radiologic finding and histopathology and culture (p 0.05). From 8 patients with mucormycosis histopathology, 6 suffered from diabetes mellitus. None of the antifungal agents were effective on these three types of infections. Conclusion: DM is the most common predisposing factor for IFS followed by ALL and AML. The most common aetiology of IFS was found to be Aspergillus fumigant followed by Mucormycosis and Candida. None of antifungal agents could successfully cover all the species.

Quercetin modulates ovarian autophagy-related molecules and stereological parameters in a rat model of PCOS

Objective:To examine the effect of quercetin on stereological parameters and autophagy-related genes in ovaries of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)rats.Methods:Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:the control group,the ethanol group,the quercetin group(15 mg/kg/day),the PCOS group,as well as the PCOS+quercetin group.After the induction of PCOS,quercetin was administered orally for 30 days.Histological,stereological and real-time PCR analyses were carried out to evaluate the effect of quercetin on PCOS rats.Results:Stereological analysis revealed that quercetin significantly increased the number of ovarian follicles and the volume of corpus luteum and induced a significant decrease in atretic follicles in comparison to the PCOS group.In addition,quercetin markedly increased mTOR gene expression while decreasing Beclin-1 and LC3 gene expression.Conclusions:Quercetin strongly modulates the expression of ovarian autophagy-related genes and stereological parameters in PCOS rats.Therefore,it can be considered as an ameliorative component for ovarian follicular impairments.

The feasible application ofmicrofluidic tissue/organ-on-a-chip as an impersonator of oral tissues and organs:a direction for future research

Currently,cell culture models play a key role in determining cell behavior under various conditions.However,the accurate simulation of cellular behavior that imitates the body’s conditions remains a challenge.Therefore,to overcome this obstacle,three-dimensional cell culture models have been developed.Microfluidic tissues/organs-on-chips(TOOCs)are new devices that have provided the opportunity to culture cells in a medium that is almost similar to the physiological conditions of the body.TOOCs can be designed in simple or complex models,which are mostly fabricated by soft lithography.These novel structures have been developed to mimic the conditions of various tissues and organs;however,microfluidic models for oral and dental tissues have not yet been widely used.The application of TOOCs for oral tissues/organs can provide the opportunity to study cell interactions with biomaterials used in dentistry.Furthermore,TOOCs can provide the opportunity to study the cellular interactions and developmental stages of oral tissues/organs more accurately.This review of the current advances in the field of TOOC development for oral tissues provides a comprehensive understanding of this burgeoning concept,shows the progress and applications of these novel models in the imitation of oral tissues/organs thus far,and reveals the limitations that TOOCs confront.Moreover,it suggests further perspectives for future applications.

Investigation of litigation in trauma orthopaedic surgery

BACKGROUND It has been said that the number of orthopaedic claims has increased in the last few years. Investigation through the most prevalent cause would help to prevent further cases.AIM To review the cases of medical complaints in orthopedic patients who had been involved in a traumatic accident.METHODS A retrospective multi-center review of trauma orthopaedic-related malpractice lawsuits from 2010 to 2021 was conducted utilizing the regional medicolegal database. Defendant and plaintiff characteristics along with fracture location, allegations, and litigation outcomes were investigated.RESULTS A total of 228 claims referred to trauma-related conditions with a mean age of 31.29 ± 12.56 were enrolled. The most common injuries were at hand, thigh, elbow, and forearm, respectively.Likewise, the most common alleged complication was related to malunion or nonunion. In 47% of the cases, the main problem that led to the complaint was the inappropriate or insufficient explanation to the patient, and in 53%, there was a problem in the surgery. Eventually, 76% of the complaints resulted in a defense verdict, and 24% resulted in a plaintiff verdict.CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of hand injuries and surgery in non-educational hospitals received the most complaints. The majority of litigation outcomes were caused by a physician’s failure to fully explain and educate the traumatic orthopedic patients and technological errors.

Application of artificial intelligence in trauma orthopedics: Limitation and prospects

The varieties and capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning in orthopedic surgery are extensively expanding.One promising method is neural networks,emphasizing big data and computer-based learning systems to develop a statistical fracture-detecting model.It derives patterns and rules from outstanding amounts of data to analyze the probabilities of different outcomes using new sets of similar data.The sensitivity and specificity of machine learning in detecting fractures vary from previous studies.AI may be most promising in the diagnosis of less-obvious fractures that are more commonly missed.Future studies are necessary to develop more accurate and effective detection models that can be used clinically.

Health benefits of pendant from the viewpoint of Persian medicine

Background:Reviewing historical evidence in the various schools of traditional medicine shows that numerous methods have been used to maintain human good health and treatment of diseases.Persian medicine(PM)scholars have been employed different methods to prescribe medications,which can be classified into two main groups:internal uses,including oral,parenteral,and anal,and also external uses such as topical,transdermal,and applying pendants.In this study,we aim to introduce some of the therapeutic pendants.Methods:We reviewed the most famous PM textbooks and current evidence in relevant databases such as PubMed,Science Direct,Scopus,Google scholar and SID related to the topic.Results:In this study,about 100 traditional therapeutic substances were found and finally,thirty-two of them were represented.They were often stones,and some of them were other materials such as metals,gums,and herbs.According to the PM,the utilization of pendants,in addition to cosmetic purposes,has been considered to maintain the health and treatment of some diseases.Therapeutic pendants can be considered as a kind of external medication use in which therapeutic materials are hung on the body surface.The external use of pendants could have curative effects with their close contact to the body surface.Conclusion:Pendant therapy may probably be considered as a non-invasive and easy-to-use treatment with unnoticeable side effects that can be utilized along with other therapies.

Deciphering resistancemechanisms and novel strategies to overcome drug resistance in ovarian cancer:a comprehensive review

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal gynecological cancers,primarily due to the lack of specific symptoms leading to an advanced-stage diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapy.Drug resistance(DR)poses the most significant challenge in treating patients with existing drugs.The Food and Drug Administration(FDA)has recently approved three new therapeutic drugs,including two poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors(olaparib and niraparib)and one vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)inhibitor(bevacizumab)for maintenance therapy.However,resistance to these new drugs has emerged.Therefore,understanding the mechanisms of DR and exploring new approaches to overcome them is crucial for effective management.In this review,we summarize the major molecular mechanisms of DR and discuss novel strategies to combat DR.