An ultrasonographic investigation of deep neck flexor muscles cross-sectional area in forward and normal head posture

Background

As one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders and postural deviations, forward head posture (FHP), is considered to lead to muscle imbalance.

Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose

The evidence has suggested that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effect; however, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of resveratrol supplementation on the levels of inflammatory markers through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Administration of Selenium Nanoparticles Reverses Streptozotocin-Induced Neurotoxicity in the male rats

Metabolic Brain Disease - Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with deposition of amyloid-beta and the increased oxidative stress. High free radical...     

Characteristics,sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM10-bound heavy metals in a populated middle eastern city

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the characteristics, sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM₁₀-bound heavy metals (HMs) on citizenship living in different regions of Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran were investigated during 2016–2017. A total of 84 samples were analyzed from different regions: (S1) industrial, (S2) high traffic, and (S3) residential. Blood samples were collected from people who came to the east health center of Ahvaz. High volume air samplers, equipped with quartz fiber filters (8?×?10) were utilized for sampling in this study. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was also used for HMs. Risk assessment and hazard index of these pollutants were estimated, using USEPA’s exposure parameters. Based on the results, the highest and the lowest concentration of HM were observed in industrial and residential areas. Blood’s HMs concentration for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were 2.932, 4.199, 8.425, and 71.2?μg/dL, respectively. In conclusion, increasing exposure concentration of HMs would have a significant potential for increased cancer and risk of diseases. The results of this study show that increasing exposure concentration to HM in the studied scenarios have a significant potential for generating different health endpoints, although exposing to HMs led to generating diseases in individuals particularly in polluted and populated districts; so, environmental measures should be considered by urban air authorities to mitigate the concentration of these pollutants in ambient air.     

Oriented nanofibrous silk as a natural scaffold for ocular epithelial regeneration

The aim of this study was to develop nanofibrous silk substrates for limbal stem cell expansion that can serve as a potential alternative substrate to replace human amniotic membrane. The human limbal stem cell was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of substrates (random and oriented nanofibrous mats, and human amniotic membrane) based on their phenotypic profile, viability, proliferation, and attachment ability. Biocompatibility results indicated that all substrates were highly biocompatible, as limbal stem cells could favorably attach and proliferate on the nanofibrous surfaces. Microscopic figures showed that the human limbal stem cells were firmly anchored to the substrates and were able to retain a normal corneal stem cell phenotype. Microscopic analyses illustrated that cells infiltrated the nanofibers and successfully formed a three-dimensional corneal epithelium, which was viable for 15 days. Immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR results revealed no change in the expression profile of limbal stem cells grown on nanofibrous substrates when compared to those grown on human amniotic membrane. In addition, electrospun nanofibrous silk substrates especially oriented mat provides not only a milieu supporting limbal stem cells expansion, but also serve as a useful alternative carrier for ocular surface tissue engineering and could be used as an alternative substrate to amniotic membrane.     

Boceprevir and telaprevir‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C: virological efficacy and impact on kidney function and model for end‐stage liver disease score

Triple therapy using telaprevir or boceprevir [hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐NS3/NS4A protease inhibitors (PI)] in association with PEG‐IFN/ribavirin has recently become the new standard of care (SOC) for treatment of HCV genotype 1 patients. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of triple therapy in routine clinical practice. A total of 186 consecutive HCV patients initiating triple therapy were enrolled in a single centre study. Clinical, biological and virological data were collected at baseline and during follow‐up as well as tolerance and side effect details. Among 186 HCV patients initiating triple therapy, 69% received telaprevir and 31% boceprevir. Sixty‐one per cent of patients had cirrhosis. The overall extended rapid virological response (eRVR) rate and sustained virological response (SVR) rate were 57.0% and 59.7%, respectively. IL28B CC phenotype was associated with increased probability of achieving eRVR and SVR, whereas previous non‐response was associated with low eRVR and SVR rates. The SVR rate increased from 30.8% in previously non‐responders to 59.1% in partial non‐responders and 75% in relapsers. SVR rate in naive patients was 62.5%. Glomerular filtration rate assessed by MDRD after 12 weeks of therapy was significantly reduced for both PI (P < 0.001). The model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was significantly increased at W12 for telaprevir (P = 0.008) and at W24 for boceprevir (P = 0.027). PI‐based triple therapy leads to high rates of virological response even in previously non‐responder patients. Renal function after triple therapy is impaired as well as MELD score in all patients. Cautious clinical monitoring should focus not only on haematological and dermatological side effects but also on renal function.     

The associations between noise annoyance and psychological distress with blood pressure in children and adolescents: The CASPIAN‐V Study

Although blood pressure (BP) tracks from childhood to adulthood, and the prevalence of pediatric primary hypertension is increasing, related determinants are not well understood. The role of noise pollution and psychological distress in increasing BP is well documented in adults, but it remains elusive in children. This study aims to investigate the association of noise annoyance and psychological distress with BP in a pediatric population. This national cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2015 on a sample of 14400 Iranian students, aged 7‐18 years. Information regarding noise annoyance and psychological distress were assessed using questionnaires, and BP values were measured. Levels of noise annoyance and psychological distress were classified based on tertiles to no/low, moderate, and high. Data of 14274 students were completed. The mean age of participants was 12.28 (0.05), with 51% boys and 71.4% urban inhabitant. Diastolic BP and mean arterial BP (MAP) had positive correlations with noise annoyance (regression coefficient: 0.028, 95 % CI: 0.005 ‐ 0.05 and 0.025, 95 % CI: 0.002 – 0.04, respectively). Participants with higher psychological distress were 15 % more likely to experience abnormally high BP compared to those with normal psychological status or mild distresses (OR: 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.003 – 1.34). Here, we found significant positive relationships between the level of noise annoyance and values of diastolic BP and MAP. Moreover, high psychological distress showed to increase the chance of abnormally high BP. The clinical impact of these findings should be assessed in further longitudinal studies.     

Association between MIF gene variation and Meniere's disease

Several pieces of evidence support the involvement of immune system in Menière's disease (MD). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a key role in immune‐mediated reactions. Several studies have shown an association between MIF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the association between MIF‐173 G/C polymorphism and MD in an Iranian population. In this case–control association study, MD cases (N = 72) were recruited and were comprised of definitive MD (N = 58) and probable MD (N = 14) subjects. Normal healthy subjects (N = 100) were also included. Genotyping for MIF‐173 G/C polymorphism was carried out using PCR‐RFLP technique. There was a significant increase in genotype GG in patients with MD compared with the control group. (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.02, OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.02–4.3). This was more significant when definitive MD was stratified and compared with the controls (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.009, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.19–6.18). This study's result indicates the potential role of MIF in MD of which further evaluation is required. Also, the more significant association between MIF gene polymorphism and definitive MD designates the involvement of specific pathogenic mechanisms which may be considered as a marker for diagnosis.